VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE If your relationship with a British citizen or a person settled in the United Kingdom has broken down as a result of domestic violence, you may be able to apply for permission to live permanently in the United Kingdom. To be given permission to live here permanently as a victim of domestic violence, you must prove that: - you have been given permission to enter or remian in the UK as a spouse, civil partner or unmarried/same sex partner of a British citizen or a person settled here (even if that permission is no longer valid);
- your relationship was existing and genuine (not a 'marriage of convenience', for example) when you were last given permission to enter or remain; and
- you were the victim of domestic violence, and this is what caused the relationship to break down before the end of your permission to enter or remain.
The issues around Domestic Violence are quite complex. For example, the Home Office has the ever changing list of agencies (women aid etc) whose references they will only recognize in support of your claim and so on. It is advisable that you seek legal advice before lodging your Settlement claim on the basis of Domestic Violence.
What we can do for you As British lawyers, we will do our best and even go that extra mile for you. We can help you with the necessary paperwork that will be needed to ensure that your application meets the Immigration requirements.
Please expect us to do the following for you, when you instruct us to represent you or a member of your family: Full and professional assessment of your case Advice on whether you should consider a different immigration programme or category Strong and weak points of your application Advice on correct list of documents Advice on evidence required Instructing your sponsor, relative, employer or college (if required) Final check of your documents before submission to the Home Office/British Diplomatic Post Creating a professionally looking paginated immigration bundle Drafting representations and cover letters to the Home Office/British Diplomatic Post Working with interpreters (if required) Submission your application to the Home Office/British Diplomatic Post Correspondence with the Home Office/British Diplomatic Post Keeping you updated by post, E-mail or phone on the progress of your application If something goes wrong : requesting a review or reconsideration Any further in-country/out-of-country immigration assistance
The above list is not exhaustive as we treat every client's case individually. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a professional immigration advice. |
