If you are a non-UK citizen and are not currently in the UK, but have previously been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK, you may be eligible to return to the UK for settlement on the basis of a returning resident visa.
Returning Resident Visa Eligibility
You must:
- plan to return to live in the UK permanently
- have been settled in the UK before you last left
- not have been given public funds to help you leave the UK
If you have been away for more than 2 years
You must provide enough evidence to show:
- your strong ties to the UK
- your current circumstances and why you have lived outside the UK
You will not lose your indefinite leave to remain after 2 years outside the UK if your spouse or partner is a member of the UK armed forces and you have joined them on an overseas posting.
You also will not lose it if your spouse or partner is a British citizen or settled in the UK and one of the following:
- a permanent member of the Diplomatic Service
- a UK-based British Council employee who works outside the UK
- a Department for International Development (DFID) employee
- a Home Office employee
Family Members (‘dependants’)
Your dependants (partners and children under 18) need to apply separately for a Returning Resident visa if they are eligible.
How to apply for the Returning Resident Visa
Applications for the Returning Resident visa are made online to UKVI. Fast-track services are available at cost at some local Embassies. You will need to confirm availability at the Embassy where you intend to make your application.
As part of your application, documentary evidence will be required to support the information you have provided. This includes:
- a current passport or other valid travel identification
- previous passports
- a passport-sized colour photograph
You should also expect to be asked to prove you have retained ‘strong ties’ to the UK by providing documents such as:
- Marriage certificate or other confirmation of your marital status
- Details of family members living in the UK
- Evidence of properties owned in the UK
- Letters of enrolment or attendance at an educational institution
- Letters of employment detailing your salary and role within your company
- Proof of your business interests;
- Utility bills or council tax statements;
- A written statement from a medical professional if your absence was due to medical reasons.
Since this list is not exhaustive, you can submit various documents to maximise your chances to get your Return Visa. In the case the evidence of your commitment to settle in the UK are not sufficient, the Home Office may summon you for an interview.
If you are in doubt about your supporting documentation, one of our immigration advisers will be happy to help.
You will also need to pay the relevant application fee and attend a visa application centre to provide your biometric information i.e. fingerprints and photograph.
Your dependants (partner and children under 18) need to apply separately for a Returning Resident visa if they’re eligible.
How long is the Resident Return Visa processing time?
The length of time to process your Returning Resident Visa will depend on where you are making your application, the complexity of your case and the quality of your application. Check at the time of making your application for a better estimation.
You will need to have secured the Returning Resident Visa before you travel.
How much does a Returning Resident visa cost?
You will have to pay the Returning Resident Visa fee when you make your application. The fee is subject to change, and you should check at the time of applying.
What if you are ineligible for a Returning Resident Visa?
If you do not meet the requirements to re-enter the UK on the basis of a Returning Resident visa, there may be alternative options to consider. For example, if you had lived in the UK for a period of at least ten continuous years prior to leaving the country, you may be eligible to enter under another immigration route and once in the country, make a Long Residence application. We can advise on your circumstances.
Need Assistance for Returning Resident Visa?
Adivis are specialist UK immigration advisers, supporting individuals with Home Office applications. If you have a question about the Returning Resident visa or about your ILR and UK immigration status, contact us.
