Can I get ILR if my UK spouse has died?

Yes. If you were in the UK on a spouse or partner visa and your partner dies during the visa period, you may be eligible for ILR under the bereavement provisions of Appendix FM. You do not need to have completed the full 5-year route.

Do I need to meet the financial requirement for bereaved partner ILR?

No. The financial requirement does not apply to bereaved partner ILR applications. The Home Office considers the circumstances sympathetically.

How soon after bereavement can I apply?

You can apply as soon as you are ready. There is no minimum waiting period after bereavement. However, you must apply while you still have valid leave to remain in the UK.

ILR for Bereaved Partners: Settlement After Bereavement

If your UK spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner dies while you are in the UK on a family visa, you may be eligible for ILR under the bereavement provisions of Appendix FM. The financial requirement is waived. You do not need to have completed the 5-year route. The application is made on form SET(M) and the Home Office considers these cases sympathetically.

Who Is Eligible

The bereavement provisions under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules apply if:

You were in the UK with leave as the partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner) of a British citizen or person with settled status.
Your partner has died.
You had valid leave at the time of your partner's death.

This applies regardless of how long you have been on the spouse visa route. Even if you arrived only months before the bereavement, you may still qualify. See our bereavement and spouse visa guide.

Requirements

No financial requirement: The income and savings threshold is waived.
No English language test: The English requirement may be waived.
Life in the UK test: May be waived in compassionate circumstances.
Good character: The good character requirement still applies.

How to Apply

Apply online using the SET(M) form on GOV.UK. You will need:

Your partner's death certificate.
Evidence of your relationship (marriage certificate, cohabitation evidence).
Your passport and current BRP or eVisa.
Evidence that your partner was a British citizen or had settled status.

The application fee applies. If you are unable to pay, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver based on destitution or exceptional circumstances. For cost details, see our ILR cost guide.

Support Available

If you have been bereaved:

Contact your GP for grief counselling referrals.
The charity Cruse Bereavement Support offers free help: 0808 808 1677.
Seek immigration advice promptly to protect your status. See our DIY vs solicitor guide.
If you have children, see our children on spouse visa guide.

After ILR

After receiving ILR through the bereavement route, you have the same rights as any other ILR holder. You can work, claim benefits, and access all public services. You can also apply for British citizenship once you meet the requirements.

See our benefits after ILR guide for a full overview of what changes.