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Completing application form SET(DV)

This page gives general guidance on completing application form SET(DV) to apply for permanent residence in the United Kingdom (we call this 'indefinite leave to remain'). You can download the form from the right side of this page.

You should use form SET(DV) if:

  • you have been living in the United Kingdom with temporary permission to stay as the husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried/same-sex partner of a permanent resident; and
  • the relationship has broken down because you have suffered domestic violence.

You should also read the detailed (SET(DV) guidance notes, which you can download from the right side of this page) before completing the form. You will need to pay a fee when you make your application. This is unless you qualify for exemption from the fee if you are destitute at the time of making your application. Part 4 of the SET(DV) guidance notes provides more detailed information about destitution. We will not refund your fee if we refuse your application or you withdraw it.

Normally, in order to qualify for permanent residence as the husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried or same-sex partner of a permanent resident, you must have lived here legally for two years in this category and still be in that relationship and intending to live together. However, you may be able to apply for permanent residence on form SET(DV) if you:

  • were admitted to the United Kingdom for a period not exceeding 27 months or given an extension of stay for a period of two years as the spouse or civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner of a person present and settled here; and
  • the relationship with that person was continuing at the beginning of the relevant period of leave or extension of stay as the spouse or civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner of a person present and settled here; and
  • you can produce evidence that the relationship broke down permanently before the end of that period as a result of domestic violence.

You should submit your application as soon as is practicably possible after the marriage has broken down as a result of domestic violence. You should not wait until your current permission to stay expires. It is in your best interest to apply as early as possible so that we can deal with contemporary evidence.

You must be in the United Kingdom to apply. For information on obtaining initial permission to come to the United Kingdom in this category, see Can I live in the United Kingdom? To extend your temporary permission to stay in this category, see Extending your stay.

You can use one form for a joint application by you and any children aged under 18, if they are applying as your dependants. Children over 18 must apply separately.

Section 3 of the application form is where you must provide evidence that you are a victim of domestic violence. You must answer the questions and provide the relevant evidence. The documents must relate to violence committed against you by your partner and/or by his/her family. Where available, evidence should come from the sources detailed in section 3 of the form. However, you may also provide evidence from other sources.

Section 8 and 9 of the application form gives details of the documents you need to send to support your application. You should send the original documents, not a copy. In exceptional circumstances, we may accept a photocopy that is certified as an accurate copy by the body or authority that issued the original or by a notary. You must include a letter explaining the reasons for providing a certified copy rather than the original document.

You must post your application to the address given on the form. For this type of application you cannot apply in person at our public enquiry offices.

We cannot tell in advance how long it will take to decide your application so you should not make non-urgent travel plans until we have returned your passport to you. However, our current target times for deciding applications show how quickly we aim to make a decision.

Ensure you apply using the current version of the form. You must fill in the form in block capitals using a black pen. Please enter all dates as dd-mm-yyyy, for example 29-04-2000.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is my immigration status while my application is being decided?

    If you make an application before your authorised stay ends, your existing immigration status will continue until your application is decided, even if the decision is not made until after the end of your permitted stay. If your existing visa or other permission to stay here allows you to work, you can continue to do so until your case is decided.

Application forms

Application for permanent residence in the United Kingdom as a victim of domestic violence

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Terms explained

  • Civil partnership

    A legal relationship that can be registered by two people of the same sex and that gives the couple legal recognition for their relationship. In a range of legal matters, civil partners are treated the same as opposite-sex partners who are married.

  • Dependant

    Someone who depends on you financially, such as a husband, wife, partner, or child.

  • Indefinite leave to remain

    Indefinite leave to remain (often known as ILR) is permission to stay permanently (settle) in the United Kingdom, free from immigration control.

  • Limited leave to remain

    Permission to stay in the United Kingdom temporarily, for the length of time stated on your visa.

  • Notary

    A notary is also known as a notary public. A notary is a public official who is legally authorised to witness the signing of documents and perform other formal duties.

All glossary terms

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