ILR immigrants in the UK frequently worry about losing their established status if they travel extensively. However, they are not aware that if they match the requirements, they can apply for a UK Returning Resident visa.
If you previously had indefinite leave to remain, you may reenter the UK by applying for a UK Returning Resident visa, but only if you are qualified and satisfy all requirements.
As a "returning resident," if you had previously lived in the UK, you might be qualified to do so indefinitely.
You must possess:
- When you most recently left the UK, you had indefinite leave to stay.
- Have not received financial assistance from the Home Office to leave the UK
How to apply for a visa to enter the United Kingdom
An online application is required for a returning resident visa.
By storing it, you can begin your application and continue it later.
At a visa application centre, your fingerprints and photo—collectively referred to as "biometric information"—must be taken.
Click here to read more on the UK Returning Resident visa
You should:
- Had been given permission to stay in the UK indefinitely when you last came as a returning resident.
- To receive a returning resident visa entrance clearance, you must meet the requirements for admission as a returning resident.
If you came back after a break of fewer than two years.
- If you were gone for less than two years, you still have your indefinite leave to remain.
- Present the stamp, vignette, or biometric residency permit that originally granted you permission to emigrate when you arrive in the UK.
- Take both your old passport and your new passport on your trip if it is in an older passport.
- Have not received financial assistance from the Home Office to leave the UK.
Click here to know more about what is a UK Returning Resident visa by our experts
Conditions of entry for returning residents
To receive a returning resident visa entrance clearance, you must meet the requirements for admission as a returning resident.
- If you were gone for less than two years and came back, you are still eligible for your indefinite permission to remain.
- Present the stamp, vignette, or biometric residency permit that originally granted you permission to emigrate when you arrive in the UK.
- Take both your old passport and your new passport on your trip if it is in an older passport.
- You forfeit your indefinite right to remain if you haven't been to the UK in more than two years (Returning Resident visa).
By requesting a Returning Resident visa, you can be qualified to re-enter the UK and receive an unrestricted right to stay.
Click here to know more about the application and requirements of the UK Returning Resident visa
Eligibility for a residency visa to return to the UK
- Your close ties to the UK, such as the fact that you or your family have spent the majority of your time here, your current situation, and the explanations for your time spent abroad, must be supported by the necessary documentation.
- Families, or "dependants," continue to reside in the UK.
- If your partner and children are qualified, they must each submit a separate Returning Resident visa application.
The processing time for returning British citizens
The visa application centre should get in touch with you regarding your application for a returning resident visa three weeks after your scheduled appointment.
Check with your visa application centre to see if any services are offered or if you might acquire your visa sooner based on the country you're in.
The cost of a returning resident UK visa
The UK Returning Resident Visa application fee is £531.
Validity of the returning residence visa
The return resident visa for the UK is good from the time of departure until the expiration of the passport.
Returning a request for a resident visa?
If your request for a returning resident visa to the UK was denied or you wish to reapply, we can help. You can navigate the following parameters with the aid of our experts at The SmartMove2UK:
- deciding that you are a Returning Resident after carefully assessing your circumstance;
- a thorough analysis of your unique situation, including advice on the viability and suitability of your application for entry clearance as a returning resident;
- advise you of the supporting documents necessary for your returning resident's UK visa application;
- examining the necessary supporting documents and speaking with you about it
Contact our UK immigration lawyers for your UK Returning Resident visa today!