Hello just trying to find out a little bit of information for my wifes friend...she is here in England on a 2 year spouse visa..she has been here now for 9 months...her husband recently beat her up and the police were called and he was arrested...he doesnt allow her to leave the house or have any friends..she says she wants a divorce...if she gets a divorce will she be made to leave the country straight away or when her 2 year visa is up..or can she get another sponsor....i said i would try to find out some information for her....she is in a pretty bad way....Thanks for any advice

If she has a record/proof of the domestic abuse she will be able to stay in UK & gain ILR. Suggest she speaks with an immigration & divorce lawyer. Best of luck to her.

Actually, just a thought but you cvould try calling the Home office & discussing her case with them direct. There are specific laws about this kind of situation & they may be able to advise her of a solicitor & or charities that deal wtih this kind of thing.

Was the assault an isolated incident? Was the husband charged?

If this lady is at risk she must at all costs get away from the guy. Locally our police force has a Domestic Violence Unit who take such cases very seriously and offer victims a lot of support including finding refuge accommodation and access to legal advice.

Family Law and Immigration Law are separate disciplines and it is important to find a solicitor who practises both. But for free advice on the immigration aspect, she can try the Immigration Advisory Service:

http://www.iasuk.org/C2B/document_tree/Vie...p?CategoryID=10

Phoning the Home Office for advice is not a rewarding experience.

As stated above, if there is a clear documented record of domestic violence, the Immigration Rules provide for Leave to Remain to be granted.

If she has a record/proof of the domestic abuse she will be able to stay in UK & gain ILR. Suggest she speaks with an immigration & divorce lawyer. Best of luck to her.

Actually, just a thought but you cvould try calling the Home office & discussing her case with them direct. There are specific laws about this kind of situation & they may be able to advise her of a solicitor & or charities that deal wtih this kind of thing.

She has proof of the abuse has he was arrested charged and locked up overnight...she is staying with us now becauce this only happened 2 nights ago so it is ongoing

Was the assault an isolated incident? Was the husband charged?

If this lady is at risk she must at all costs get away from the guy. Locally our police force has a Domestic Violence Unit who take such cases very seriously and offer victims a lot of support including finding refuge accommodation and access to legal advice.

Family Law and Immigration Law are separate disciplines and it is important to find a solicitor who practises both. But for free advice on the immigration aspect, she can try the Immigration Advisory Service:

http://www.iasuk.org/C2B/document_tree/Vie...p?CategoryID=10

Phoning the Home Office for advice is not a rewarding experience.

As stated above, if there is a clear documented record of domestic violence, the Immigration Rules provide for Leave to Remain to be granted.

She is safe with us now and he has been locked up...but she thinks she will have to go home soon...i have reasured her that is not the case..but she is worried

Thanks to everbody for the advice.....keep em coming..

Have a look at the UK border agency website:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/asylum/h...mesticviolence/

When you click on onestop service center you will get some adresses where you get get more information about your friends immigration status.

She should apply using From SET(DV).

See Completing application form SET(DV).

As she is applying as the victim of domestic violence, she does not need to take the LitUK test, or equivelent. Although she will need to do so at some future date should she wish to apply for British citizenship.

Good luck to her, and I hope the police throw the book at her husband!

One should also consider using a Thai Consulate in United Kingdom as she is a national, they will provide help and support.