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Pathway

UK Returning Resident Visa

United Kingdom Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

If you had permission to live permanently in the UK but lost it after a long absence, a Returning Resident visa may let you regain it. Ordinary indefinite leave usually ends after two continuous years abroad. EU Settlement Scheme settled status has longer limits. You must show strong UK ties and explain your absence.

Previous status
Previously held indefinite leave to remain or EU Settlement Scheme settled status
UK ties
Evidence of UK connections, earlier residence, and the length and reasons for the absence
Return plans
Intend to settle in the UK and have received no public funds toward the earlier departure

Summary

This is a restoration route for former UK settled residents. GOV.UK says people away for less than the relevant lapse period may still hold ILR, while people away longer may be able to re-enter and regain ILR through a Returning Resident visa.

Check whether settlement actually lapsed
  1. Status and travel dates Identify the settlement type, departure, and return history.
  2. Valid or lapsed status Use the appropriate lapse rule for that status.
  3. Correct return procedure Update digital evidence if valid, or document ties and apply if lapsed.

Do not assume every settlement type uses the ordinary two-year absence rule.

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Eligibility

A Returning Resident applicant must previously have been settled, not have received public funds toward departure, and intend to return for settlement. The decision considers family, property, business and other UK ties; length of original UK residence; length and reasons for absence; and compassionate circumstances. There is no fixed points score.

Ordinary ILR normally remains valid after an absence under two years, so use the linked eVisa or obtain digital evidence rather than apply unnecessarily. EUSS settled status generally lapses only after five continuous years abroad, or four for Swiss citizens and qualifying family members. Certain accompanying armed-forces, government and British Council service is protected by separate rules.

What This Route Allows

Approval restores indefinite permission on return, so the person may work and study without sponsorship and is settled again. There is no renewal. Each dependent must independently retain ILR or qualify for entry; one person's Returning Resident grant does not cover the family.

The application fee is £726 under the fee schedule effective 8 April 2026.

What This Route Is Not

It is not a visitor visa or a fresh five-year settlement route, and a former ILR stamp or expired BRP does not prove that leave survived a long absence. A person abroad for under two years should not pay for this visa merely because the physical BRP expired; BRPs have been replaced by digital status.

Next Steps

  1. Confirm the type of settlement, last UK departure and every return visit.
  2. Check the UKVI account and link a current passport if ILR has not lapsed.
  3. If it lapsed, document UK family, home, tax, pension, work and community ties plus reasons for the absence.
  4. Apply before traveling and give each family member a separate status analysis.

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Other routes in United Kingdom.

Sources