What happens at the end of an IVA?

What happens when I complete my IVA?

When you make your final payment, your IVA will end. Any debts left over and included in your IVA will be written off. This means you will not have to pay them back.

Your Insolvency Practitioner, also called an IP, will check that everything has been paid. They will close your IVA and tell the people you owed money to. They will also issue your completion certificate.

If we need anything from you, we will contact you.

What is a completion certificate?

A completion certificate is a letter that shows your IVA has finished. It confirms you no longer have to follow the rules of your IVA.

Keep this letter safe. You may need it in the future.

Your IP will usually send it within 12 weeks of your final payment.

Your IP will also tell the Insolvency Service that your IVA is complete. By law, your details must stay on the public Insolvency Register for three months after your IVA ends. After three months, your details will be removed.

What if I haven’t received my IVA completion certificate?

If your completion certificate takes longer than expected, contact your IP. Make sure you reply to any messages they send you.

Until you are told your IVA has finished, it is still active. If you receive a large sum of money, such as a gift or a win, you may need to pay this into your IVA. Tell your IP as soon as possible.

If you are unsure about anything, your IP can help.

Will my IVA stay on my credit file after completion?

Yes. An IVA stays on your credit file for six years from the date it starts, even if you finish it early.

After six years, it should be removed. Your credit score may start to improve once your IVA has ended, but this can take time.

Getting help and advice after completing your IVA

If you have any questions after completing your IVA, we’re here to help.

Whether you’d like clarity on your completion certificate, your credit file or your next steps, our team can talk it through with you.

Get debt help online or call us on 0800 316 1833 for a confidential chat.

Table of contents

FAQs

What if I become seriously ill?

Please contact us as soon as possible. We know these conversations can feel difficult – but you’re not alone, and our dedicated Vulnerability Team is here to support you with care and practical guidance.

Your Insolvency Practitioner (IP) may speak to your creditors and request early completion of your IVA on compassionate grounds.

What happens if I come into money during my IVA?

If you receive a financial windfall – such as inheritance, compensation or lottery winnings – you’ll usually need to pay all of it into your IVA.

Because your creditors have agreed to write off part of your debt at the end of your IVA, any extra funds must be considered.

If the amount’s large, you may be able to offer an early Full and Final settlement.

If friends or family want to help with a lump sum, creditors may accept it as a settlement offer. It doesn’t have to cover everything you owe, but it must be fair and reasonable.

Can I settle my IVA early?

Yes – you can ask to offer a lump sum as a Full and Final settlement.

Your creditors will vote on the offer at a Variation Meeting.
Even if accepted, your IVA stays on your credit file for six years from the original start date.
It remains on the Insolvency Register for three months after completion or termination.

Early settlement can give flexibility, but you’ll still need to rebuild your credit after it completes.

Can I add debts to my IVA?

Because an IVA is a legally binding agreement, adding new debts can be difficult.

Forgotten debts: If a debt was missed at the start, it may still be possible to add it. Sometimes a second Creditors’ Meeting is required if the debt is significant.
New debts: If you’ve taken on new borrowing since your IVA began, contact us immediately. We’ll explain your options and what this means for your arrangement.

Can an IVA affect citizenship?

Your IVA will appear on the Insolvency Register, which may be visible during a citizenship assessment. It doesn’t automatically prevent approval – and in many cases, it reflects that you’re actively managing your debts responsibly.

FAQs

What if I become seriously ill?

Your Insolvency Practitioner (IP) may speak to your creditors and request early completion of your IVA on compassionate grounds.

What happens if I come into money during my IVA?

If you receive a financial windfall – such as inheritance, compensation or lottery winnings – you’ll usually need to pay all of it into your IVA.

Because your creditors have agreed to write off part of your debt at the end of your IVA, any extra funds must be considered.

If the amount’s large, you may be able to offer an early Full and Final settlement.

If friends or family want to help with a lump sum, creditors may accept it as a settlement offer. It doesn’t have to cover everything you owe, but it must be fair and reasonable.

Can I settle my IVA early?

Yes – you can ask to offer a lump sum as a Full and Final settlement.

Your creditors will vote on the offer at a Variation Meeting.
Even if accepted, your IVA stays on your credit file for six years from the original start date.
It remains on the Insolvency Register for three months after completion or termination.

Early settlement can give flexibility, but you’ll still need to rebuild your credit after it completes.

Can I add debts to my IVA?

Because an IVA is a legally binding agreement, adding new debts can be difficult.

Forgotten debts: If a debt was missed at the start, it may still be possible to add it. Sometimes a second Creditors’ Meeting is required if the debt is significant.
New debts: If you’ve taken on new borrowing since your IVA began, contact us immediately. We’ll explain your options and what this means for your arrangement.

Can an IVA affect citizenship?

What happens at the end of an IVA?

What happens when I complete my IVA?

What is a completion certificate?

What if I haven’t received my IVA completion certificate?

Will my IVA stay on my credit file after completion?

Getting help and advice after completing your IVA

FAQs

FAQs

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