Domestic abuse settlement route expands to adult dependent children
04 Sep 2026
If you are a dependent child aged 18 or over whose relationship with your visa sponsor has broken down because of domestic abuse, a rule change published on 3 September 2026 gives you a clearer route to apply for settlement in your own right. The government's explanatory memorandum for Statement of Changes HC 584 says the change "would extend Appendix VDA to adult child dependants whose relationship with their visa sponsor has broken down due to domestic abuse, which will equalise their treatment under the Immigration Rules."
Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (Appendix VDA) already lets partners settle if their relationship broke down due to abuse. The updated rule text confirms this now covers adult children too: "The main applicant's dependent children, including those aged 18 or over, can also apply on this route under VDA 5.1. They can apply at the same time or after their parent." That means an adult dependent child does not have to wait for or rely solely on a parent's application, they can apply under VDA 5.1 either alongside their parent or afterwards.
This change takes effect on 8 October 2026. If this applies to you or someone in your family, it is worth speaking to a domestic abuse support service or an immigration adviser now so your evidence is ready before you apply under Appendix VDA.
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