From 8 October 2026, an important change to the UK’s Victim of Domestic Abuse route will allow certain adult dependent children to apply for settlement where domestic abuse has permanently broken down their family relationship. The change forms part of the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 584, published on 3 September 2026 and amends Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (Appendix VDA).
What is changing under Appendix VDA?
Appendix VDA provides a route to settlement for eligible people whose relevant relationship has permanently broken down because of domestic abuse.
From 8 October 2026, the route will extend to certain people aged 18 or over who hold, or last held, permission as a child under specified immigration categories.
To qualify under the new provisions, the applicant’s relationship with their parent or their parent’s partner must have permanently broken down because of domestic abuse.
Previously, an adult child in these circumstances could not rely on Appendix VDA in their own right and would generally have needed to qualify under another immigration route.
Which adult children may qualify?
The change does not mean that every adult who has previously held permission as a dependent child will automatically qualify.
From 8 October 2026, Appendix VDA will cover certain adults who hold, or last held, permission as a child under specified immigration categories. These include certain family, EU Settlement Scheme, refugee and HM Armed Forces provisions. The applicant’s relationship with their parent or their parent’s partner must also have broken down permanently because of domestic abuse.
Eligibility will therefore depend on the applicant’s immigration history and individual circumstances.
Application fee and processing time
The current fee for an application for settlement under the Victim of Domestic Abuse route is £3,226 per person.
However, an applicant may not have to pay the fee where they can demonstrate that they do not have enough money to support themselves. The Home Office will consider the applicant’s financial circumstances and supporting evidence.
According to Gov.uk, applicants will usually receive a decision within six months of providing their fingerprints and photograph, although individual cases may take longer.
What should applicants consider?
The new rules provide an important settlement option for certain adult dependent children affected by domestic abuse. However, eligibility will depend on the applicant’s individual circumstances.
It is particularly important to check the applicant’s current or previous immigration permission, whether it falls within one of the categories covered by Appendix VDA, and whether the other requirements of the route are met.
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For advice on the Victim of Domestic Abuse route or Indefinite Leave to Remain, call Morgan Smith Immigration on 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
