Bereaved partner settlement

Plain-English overview

What is the Bereaved partner settlement?

A settlement route for certain partners after the death of the British or settled person on whom their permission was based.

UK immigration applications are decided under the rules and guidance in force when the decision is made. The exact application process can depend on where you apply, your current status and the evidence required for your circumstances.

Who this route is generally designed for

Being within the intended audience does not by itself mean a person meets every requirement. Definitions, exceptions and suitability rules may also affect an application.

Important points to understand

• Eligibility depends on the deceased partner’s status and the applicant’s permission.
• The relationship must have been genuine and continuing at the time of death.
• The route does not normally require completion of the usual partner qualifying period.
• Individual facts and suitability issues can require regulated advice.

Application fees, healthcare charge and processing

We do not hard-code a fee or decision time here because those figures can change and may depend on the application location, permission length and dependant applications.

What to check before relying on this route

1. 1
   Confirm the route is open

   Read the current official overview and eligibility pages.

2. 2
   Check where you can apply

   Inside-UK switching rules and overseas applications can differ.

3. 3
   Identify every required condition

   Do not rely on one headline requirement or an old fee table.

4. 4
   Use regulated advice if your facts are complex

   Previous refusals, overstaying, criminal issues or unusual evidence may need individual advice.