Reclaim Your Status.
Indefinite Leave to Remain is not always "Indefinite." If your settlement has lapsed due to absence, we build the legal argument to restore it.
The "2-Year" Trap.
Many residents believe 'Indefinite' means forever. It does not.
Under the Immigration Rules, if you are absent from the UK for more than 2 consecutive years, your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) automatically lapses. You technically lose your right to enter.
The Solution: You cannot simply fly back and use the e-gates (this risks refusal at the border). You must apply for a Returning Resident Visa before you travel to restore your status.
Proving "Unbroken" Connections.
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Emotional & Family Ties
Do you have close family (parents, partner, children) here? We don't just list their names; we document the frequency of contact, visits, and dependency to prove the bond remained strong.
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Property & Assets
Did you keep your UK home? Leaving a property dormant (or rented out) is strong evidence of an intention to return. We audit mortgage statements, deeds, and maintenance records.
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The "Reason for Absence"
Why did you stay away? 'I forgot' is not a valid reason. We frame your absence around acceptable categories: Study, Overseas Employment, Medical Needs, or Caring for a Sick Relative.
The "Permanent Home" Test.
Restoring your visa is not enough; you must prove you are coming back for good.
The Caseworker must be convinced that you are not just 'visiting' your old home, but permanently relocating back to the UK.
Our Strategy: We assist you in drafting a 'Resettlement Plan'—showing job offers, school enrollments for children, and property searches—to prove your intent is genuine and immediate.
Returning Resident FAQs
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Generally, no. If you hold ILR and return within 2 years, your status is preserved. However, you must still have the intention to reside here. If you are just 'visiting' to reset the clock, you risk questioning at the border.
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Yes. If successful, the Returning Resident visa grants you Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE). This is legally equivalent to ILR. You do not need to start the 5-year route to settlement again.
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This is complex. If your family also had ILR and lost it, they apply as Returning Residents. If they never had ILR (e.g., they were born abroad while you were away), they must apply for a Spouse or Child visa, which starts a new 5-year clock for them.
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If you settled in the UK before 1973 and have lived here continuously since, you may be eligible for the Windrush Scheme, which has more lenient rules on absences. We check your eligibility for this route first as it is free and carries stronger protections.
Do You Meet the Requirements?
The rules are rigid, but your strategy doesn't have to be. Use our free assessment to see if you qualify.