Spouse Visa Curtailment After Divorce

If your relationship breaks down while you are on a UK Spouse or Civil Partner Visa, your legal status may be affected. Your visa is tied to your relationship with your UK-based partner, so separation or divorce often triggers visa curtailment unless you qualify for another immigration route.

When a relationship ends, the Home Office may curtail your Spouse Visa, meaning your permission to stay in the UK could be reduced to 60 days. You must inform the Home Office promptly to avoid overstaying and potential immigration penalties.

You must notify the Home Office by email or letter when your relationship ends. Include personal details, Home Office reference number, children’s details (if any), and a consent or public statement form regarding information sharing with your ex-partner.

You can email or post your notification:

Email: RelationshipBreakdown@homeoffice.gov.uk
Post: UK Visas and Immigration, MARRIAGE BREAKDOWN, Status Review Unit, 7th Floor, The Capital, New Hall Place, Liverpool, L3 9PP

Once the Home Office is informed, you usually have 60 days to either apply for another visa or prepare to leave the UK. Some routes may allow you to stay, especially if children, work, or long-term residence apply.

Several immigration routes may allow you to remain in the UK even after a relationship ends. These include work visas, family visas as a parent, private life applications, EU Settlement Scheme (if eligible), or ILR if you already meet residency requirements.

Overstaying beyond the 60-day period without legal status can lead to deportation, immigration fraud charges, and bans on re-entering the UK. Always act quickly to secure another visa or leave the UK lawfully.

Lexen Law advises individuals facing Spouse Visa curtailment due to separation or divorce. We handle Home Office notifications, assess visa alternatives, and prepare strong applications to secure lawful UK residence.