Indefinite leave to remain can lapse if you spend too long outside the UK. If you have been away for an extended period, you may need a visa to return.
Information checked against the sources listed below on 10 October 2026. Rules, fees and thresholds change; this is general information, not advice on your case, and does not assess whether you qualify.
What the official guidance says.
- GOV.UK says the Returning Resident visa is for former UK settlers with indefinite leave to remain who have been abroad for over 2 continuous years. The period is 5 years for EU Settlement Scheme holders and 4 years for Swiss citizens and their family members.
- Shorter absences keep your status. Dependants apply separately.
- You must show strong UK ties, such as family who have lived here most of their lives, and explain your current circumstances and reasons for living abroad.
- Members of the British armed forces, certain government departments and British Council staff, and their partners, may not need this visa.
- Apply online, then attend a visa application centre in your country for fingerprints and a photo.
What usually decides the outcome.
- Exactly how long you have been outside the UK, and what status you held when you left.
- Evidence of ties to the UK and the reasons for your absence.
- Whether you can prove past status if documents were lost, for example through your eVisa.
How we can help.
Depending on what you need, support can range from a first conversation to full representation. Ask for the scope of any work, and an explanation of our fees and separate government charges, in writing before you instruct the firm.
- Initial consultation and eligibility assessment. A conversation about your circumstances, the routes that may apply and the risks.
- Written advice and immigration planning. A considered view on your options and a plan that looks ahead to extensions, settlement or citizenship.
- Document and application checking. A review of an application or evidence you have prepared, before you submit it.
- Full application preparation and representation. Preparing and submitting the application, and dealing with the Home Office on your behalf.
- Responses to Home Office requests. Help answering requests for further information, interviews or evidence.
- Refusal analysis and next steps. Understanding why an application failed and whether to seek review, appeal, judicial review or make a fresh application.
Before you contact us
- Write a short summary of your circumstances and what you want to achieve.
- Note any decision dates, expiry dates or deadlines.
- Do not send passport numbers or sensitive documents in the first enquiry. We will explain how to share them securely.