Divorce or Marriage? How It Affects Your UK Immigration Status

Marriage and divorce are not only personal milestones but also legal turning points that can shape a migrant’s future in the UK. Many people secure their right to live in the UK through their relationship with a British citizen or a settled partner in the UK. But what happens if the marriage ends—or never takes place in the first place?

This article explores how marriage and divorce affect UK immigration status, the legal requirements to marry in the UK, the validity of marriages (UK and overseas), what happens if you divorce before or after Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and the alternatives available if a marriage fails.

The UK government has announced a series of substantial reforms to the UK Skilled Worker visa route, effective from 22 July 2025. These changes are designed to tighten eligibility, raise salary thresholds, and reduce net migration, while better aligning the visa system with the country’s labour market priorities.

Below is an overview of the key changes to the UK Skilled Worker system:

The immigration white paper, published on 12 May 2025 by the Home Office, presented by The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, outlines radical reforms to Britain’s immigration system. The objective is to restore control over borders, reduce net migration levels, and focus on admitting individuals who contribute significantly to economic growth. The 82-page document, titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System,” introduces various measures across several key areas:

In a significant and noteworthy change, the Home Office has updated its caseworker guidance on assessing the good character requirement in nationality applications. This update, which was not announced elsewhere, states that for applications made after 10 February 2025, any person who has previously entered the UK illegally will generally be refused citizenship. This new rule applies regardless of the time that has passed since the illegal entry took place.