From 8 October 2026, those with permission to stay in the UK as a dependent child are eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain if the relationship with their parent, or with their parent's partner, has broken down permanently because of domestic abuse. Until now, people in such circumstances were unable to apply under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse and would instead have needed to qualify under an alternative immigration route or leave the UK.

Who the expansion covers

Amended Appendix VDA 4.1 includes eligible people aged 18 or over who have, or were last granted, permission as a child in specified immigration categories, as well as qualifying partners. The revised appendix also confirms that a main applicant's dependent children, including those aged 18 or over, can apply under VDA 5.1, either at the same time as their parent or afterwards. The rules expressly provide for applicants overseas because they have been abandoned overseas, where they were physically present in the UK before the abandonment.

General information only

These cases can be evidence-heavy, with the Home Office needing to be satisfied about immigration status, the relevant family relationship, domestic abuse, permanent relationship breakdown, previous UK presence and the circumstances of abandonment. This article is general information only and is not personal immigration advice. Immigration rules change, so anyone affected should check the official GOV.UK Statement of Changes HC 584 page and take advice from a regulated immigration adviser before acting.