If you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you may stay and work in the UK for an unrestricted time period. However, this does not mean that this status cannot be lost, and in some cases, you may have to apply to restore or renew your ILR.
Why you may lose ILR
Leaving the country for a continuous period of 2 years or more may lead to the loss or revocation of your ILR status. If this is the case, you may have to apply for a Returning Resident Visa to resume or reinstate ILR again.
There are exceptions to the 2-year rule. For example – you may still retain Indefinite Leave to Remain if you hold Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, if you have been away for over 2 years but under 5 years. For more information, please check out our pages on absences from the UK.
How to renew your Indefinite Leave to Remain
You may apply for a Returning Resident Visa if you meet the eligibility criteria, which are:
- You previously had ILR before you left the UK
- You have not received any financial help from the Home Office
Additionally, you may have to show why you had to leave the UK and the circumstances around your departure, as well as what ties you to the UK (such as family or having resided in the country for an extended period of time).
Supporting documents may include those showing that
- you have maintained strong ties to the UK while you were absent
- UK connections or assets you are returning to
- any exceptional reasons why you were absent for the extended period
All applications are made online on the Home Office Website.
Paying the ILR renewal fee
When applying to renew your ILR through a Returning Resident Visa, you will be asked to pay a fee of £531.
Each dependant (partner or children) will need to apply separately if they are eligible. If this applies to your family, you will need to pay the fee for each application.
Need help?
Our team has an impressive track record of success with Indefinite Leave to Remain cases. If you require any assistance with your application or need to apply to renew your ILR status, please book a consultation.
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