What is the UK Bereaved Partner Route?
If you came to the UK as the partner of someone who was British or settled here, and your partner passed away while your visa was still valid, you may be able to apply for settlement straight away under the bereaved partner route.
This is a compassionate part of the immigration rules. It allows you to stay in the UK permanently without having to meet the usual financial threshold or English language requirements that apply to normal partner visas. If your application is successful, you receive indefinite leave to remain (ILR) immediately.
The route recognises that you were building a genuine life together in the UK when tragedy struck. It helps you avoid having to leave the country or start a new visa application at such a painful time.
For many people in Leicester and across the UK who have lost their partner, this route provides a way to remain in the place you shared and continue your life here with some security.
If you have lost your partner and want to apply to settle in the UK, contact Bushra Ali Solicitors in Leicester for a clear, honest assessment of your situation. We handle these applications with great sensitivity and empathy.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply under the bereaved partner route if:
- You entered the UK or were granted leave to remain as the partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner) of a British citizen or someone with settled status
- Your relationship was genuine and subsisting at the time your partner passed away
- Your partner died while your leave was still valid (before it expired)
This route is available whether you were on the initial partner visa or an extension.
Comparison Table: Bereaved Partner vs Standard Partner Route
| Aspect | Bereaved Partner Route | Standard Partner Route |
| Partner status | Partner has passed away | Partner is alive |
| Immediate ILR | Yes | No (after 5 years) |
| Financial requirement | Not required | Required |
| English language | Not required | Required |
| Main evidence needed | Genuine relationship + death during leave | Ongoing relationship + financials |
Eligibility & Key Requirements in Detail
The Home Office looks at three main things.
- You had leave as a partner You must have entered or been granted leave as the spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of a settled or British person.
- Relationship was genuine and subsisting You need to show the relationship was real, ongoing, and that both of you intended to live together permanently in the UK right up until your partner passed away. This is the area where many applications are refused if the evidence is not strong enough.
- Partner died during validity of your leave The death must have happened before your current visa expired.
You do not need to meet the usual financial threshold or English language requirements. You only need to show suitable accommodation and that you can maintain yourself without public funds.
Application Process Step by Step
- Confirm you meet the requirements
- Gather evidence of the relationship and the death
- Complete the online SET (M) form on gov.uk
- Pay the application fee
- Book and attend a biometrics appointment
- Submit supporting documents
- Await the decision
Typical timeline overview
| Stage | Estimated Time |
| Preparation & documents | 4–8 weeks |
| Home Office decision | 8 weeks standard |
| Priority option | 5 working days |
Need expert help with your application? Contact Bushra Ali Solicitors for full support.
Required Documents Checklist
Relationship evidence (this is the most important part)
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
- Joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, bank statements showing you lived together
- Photos, messages, travel records
- Letters from friends or family confirming your relationship
Death evidence
- Official death certificate
- Any supporting documents (coroner’s report if available)
Accommodation and maintenance
- Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
- Payslips, bank statements, or other income proof
Other
- Your passport and current visa or BRP
- Proof of your partner’s settled status
All non-English documents need certified translations.
Fees, Costs & Processing Times
Current fees (2026 – always check gov.uk)
| Item | Amount | Notes |
| SET (M) application fee | £3,029 | Standard fee |
| Priority service | £500 | Faster decision |
Processing usually takes 8 weeks. Priority can bring it down to 5 working days for an extra fee.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
- Weak relationship evidence. Solution: Provide a wide variety of documents showing you lived together as a couple with the intention to remain together permanently
- Not proving cohabitation. Solution: Include joint bills, tenancy agreements, and letters from others
- Missing or unclear death certificate. Solution: Include the official death certificate and any supporting papers
- Applying after your leave has expired. Solution: Submit while your current visa is still valid
Many refusals happen because the evidence does not clearly show the relationship was genuine and subsisting right up until the death. If you would like Bushra Ali Solicitors to review your documents and eligibility before submission, reach out today.
After Approval: Rights & Next Steps
If approved, you receive indefinite leave to remain immediately. You can:
- Live, work, and study in the UK without any restrictions
- Access public funds and benefits (if eligible)
- Apply for British citizenship after 12 months
Your status is secure and you do not need to renew it.
FAQs
What happens if my partner dies during my partner visa?
You can apply for settlement straight away under the bereaved partner route.
Do I still need to meet the financial requirement?
No, the bereaved partner route does not require the usual £29,000 threshold.
Do I need to prove English language?
No, this route does not require English or the Life in the UK test.
What evidence shows the relationship was genuine?
Joint bills, tenancy agreements, photos, messages, and letters from friends or family.
Can I apply if my leave has already expired?
It is best to apply before it expires, but late applications can sometimes be accepted with good reason.
What is the fee?
£3,029 for the SET (M) form.
How long does it take?
Usually 8 weeks.
Can Bushra Ali Solicitors help if I have already started the application?
Yes, we often assist clients who need stronger evidence or help addressing potential weaknesses.
What if my application is refused?
You can re-apply with better evidence or, in some cases, request an administrative review.
Is this route only for spouses?
No, it covers civil partners and unmarried partners too.
Do I need to prove we intended to live together permanently?
Yes, the evidence should show the relationship was genuine with that intention.
Can I include children in the application?
Yes, dependent children can apply at the same time.
How We Can Help
Are you looking for help to apply to settle in the UK under the bereaved partner route? If yes, we are the team to support you!
If you entered the UK or were granted Leave to Remain as the partner of someone settled and during the validity of your leave, your partner passed away, you may qualify for settlement.
Broadly speaking, we would need to evidence:
- You entered the UK with or had Leave to Remain as the partner of someone settled
- During the time your Leave to Remain that your relationship was genuine and subsisting and you cohabited together during the validity of your leave
- Your partner passed away during the validity of your Leave to Remain
Unfortunately, applications continue to be refused where evidence is lacking or where certain requirements have not been met. Evidence can be lacking to demonstrate the relationship was genuine and subsisting with an intention of both parties to remain together, before your partner passed away.
We are specialists in such applications which we deal with, with great sensitivity and empathy, as these are often traumatic circumstances, having lost a partner, and often at such times, immigration is the last worry you want on your mind.
Our Service
We offer a comprehensive end-to-end service, removing all the stress from the process for you, and minimising the risk of your application being refused.
Call us to discuss your matter and learn more about how we can help you.
Contact Bushra Ali Solicitors. Let us help make your settlement application clear, smooth and successful.