Congratulations! Getting Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK is a big
step. It means you have the permanent right to live here. This is your chance to
build a lasting life in the UK.
- Does your ILR ever just disappear?
- Well, not exactly expire like a regular visa. Your ILR status itself doesn't have an end date. It’s a long-term permission to call the UK home.
- But there’s something important to keep in mind. If you decide to live outside the UK for a long time, things can get a bit tricky. You might need permission to come back to your UK home.
- Usually, if you haven't been away for too long, you just show your ILR proof (like your stamp or BRP card) when you arrive back in the UK.
- So, how long is “too long”?
- There are time limits. These depend on how you got your permanent status.
- Most people with ILR can be outside the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man for up to two continuous years.
- If you have settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme, you have a bit more time. You can be away for up to five continuous years.
- For Swiss citizens or their family members with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, the limit is four continuous years.
- What happens if you have been away for longer than these times?
- Don't worry too much!
- There is a special visa you might need. It's called a UK Returning Resident Visa.
- A Returning Resident Visa is for people who used to have ILR (or another type of settled status) before they left the UK.
- If you have been gone for longer than the allowed time, this visa could be your way back to your permanent life in the UK.
- Think of a Returning Resident Visa as a bridge to get your ILR back. If your application is successful, it's like your ILR never actually went away because of your time abroad.
- Are there any situations where you might not need a Returning Resident Visa?
- Yes, there are a few exceptions.
- For example, if you or your partner are serving in the British armed forces.
- Or, if you work for certain UK government departments or the British Council.
- Applying for a Returning Resident Visa isn't automatic.
- You will need to show a few important things to the authorities:
- Firstly, you need to prove that you have strong ties to the UK, such as family members who still live in the UK.
- Secondly, you need to explain your current situation—what have you been doing while you were away from the UK?
- Thirdly, you need to tell them why you have been living outside the UK.
- It's important to show that you really plan to come back to the UK to live here permanently.
- If it looks like your main life is now somewhere else (with family, property, or work interests abroad), your application might be refused.
- Showing that you are planning to start a job, look for work, or buy a home in the UK can really help your case.
- How can you show these strong ties?
- You can provide evidence of:
- Family in the UK.
- Property you own in the UK.
- Any business connections you still have in the UK.
- The Home Office will also consider how long you originally lived in the UK and how long you have been away.
- If you do need to apply, here are the general steps:
- Fill in the online application form.
- Pay the application fee, which is currently £637.
- Send in the required documents. These might include:
- Your current and any old passports.
- A passport-sized photo.
- Proof of why you were away from the UK (like work contracts, study documents, or medical letters).
- Evidence that you plan to live permanently in the UK again.
- Proof of your strong ties to the UK while you were overseas.
- You will need to give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre in the country you are in.
- If your application for a Returning Resident Visa is approved, you can travel back to the UK.
- You will be allowed entry at the border. These visas are usually valid for up to 90 days. Once you are back in the UK, you will get a new BRP card. This card will show that you have the permanent right to live in the UK.
- Understanding these rules about your ILR and the Returning Resident Visa helps you plan your life with more confidence.
- If you are ever unsure, remember that qualified UK immigration experts are there to help guide you.
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