Returning Residents This leaflet explains what the Immigration Rules say about people who return to live in the United Kingdom. Who is a returning resident? Do you need to apply to return to the United Kingdom as a resident? If you have been away for more than two years, you may still qualify to return to the United Kingdom to live if, for example, you have strong family ties here or have lived here most of your life. If you have been away for more than two years, you must apply for entry clearance at the nearest British High Commission of Diplomatic Post. If you are travelling on a new passport which does not contain a stamp confirming that you permanently live in the United Kingdom, you should also take your old passport with you, or other evidence that shows you previously lived in the United Kingdom. It is no longer possible, therefore, for you to have indefinite leave to remain or enter transferred from an old to new passport at a port of entry to the UK. If you can prove your entitlement to settled status in the UK, you will receive an open date stamp in your new passport and then you will need to apply to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate for a 'No Time Limit' vignette to confirm your status. What is entry clearance? You can get guidance, advice and information about visas from CARA (Charity No. 1135610) on +44 (0) 844 478 0015 - Mob: +44 (0) 795 695 2645 - Fax: +44 (0) 872 115 8436 - Email: info@cara-online.org. CARA offers free legal advice and representation. For any further information on immigration issues, please read also:
Updated May 7th 2010 |
