How to Renew an Indefinite Leave to Remain?
13.02.2025
Obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a significant step towards establishing long-term residence in the United Kingdom. However, many people are unaware that, under certain conditions, ILR status can be lost or may need to be renewed. While ILR grants the right to live and work in the UK permanently, certain circumstances can affect its ILR validity. Below, we address common queries and explain the ILR renewal process, including when and how you might need an ILR replacement and practical steps to renew UK residence permit status.
Does an Indefinite Leave to Remain Expire?
“How long is Indefinite Leave to Remain valid for?” – is one of the most frequent questions concerning the immigration rule. Technically, ILR is granted without a specific end date, which is different from a temporary visa. However, certain circumstances can cause you to lose your status.
The most common reason for that is a person’s absence from the UK for 2 years. For citizens who have received status under the EU Settlement Scheme, this period equals 5 years. Program participants from Switzerland lose their residency if they have been away from the country for more than 4 years.
Additionally, the validity printed on your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) can create confusion because the card itself has an expiry date, even though your core immigration status does not automatically end on that date.
How to Renew an Indefinite Leave to Remain?
To renew a UK residence permit, you must request a Returning Resident Visa. It enables you to settle in the UK after an absence of more than two years and restore your ILR. The person who wants to do this must confirm that:
- he had ILR before the last leave;
- the British Home Office did not provide him with financial support for leaving The United Kingdom;
- the immigrant desires to remain in the UK indefinitely.
If you want the application approved, you must demonstrate your connections to the UK. Also, the immigrant should name valid reasons for a long absence from the country. These may include:
- caring for relatives;
- business;
- medical treatment;
- receiving an education.
The period of absence in the UK is essential in inspecting your ability to get a RRV. The longer a person stays abroad, the more difficult it is to confirm his strong ties with the United Kingdom. The length of stay in Britain is also essential. An extended period can be used as proof of strong ties with the country.
Can Indefinite Leave to Remain Status be Revoked?
The Indefinite leave to remain expiry date is undefined. But among the main reasons why the ILR status may be revoked are violations of the rules, such as:
- The resident intentionally misled Home Office officials and provided false information about himself. If it is discovered that an individual has obtained the ILR fraudulently, the Home Office can revoke his status and initiate removal proceedings.
- The ILR was given to the refugee, but this status was lost.
- The immigrant should be deported, but that procedure is currently impossible. For example, if deportation breaches human rights worldwide,
- The person works illegally.
- The immigrant commits a criminal offence. ILR status may also be revoked if an individual is deemed to be a threat to national security or a danger to the public. This could include individuals who have been involved in terrorist activities or organised crime or who pose a serious risk to the safety and security of the country.
In such cases, the Home Office may revoke an ILR validity to protect the UK’s and its citizens’ interests.
Recently, the ILR holders had to renew the validity of a biometric card confirming immigration status every 10 years. However, from December 31, 2024, these documents will be abolished in the UK. Now you can check the status online.
How Much Does it Cost to Renew Indefinite Leave to Remain?
The ILR renewal fee is closely tied to the fee for the Returning Resident Visa if you need to return to the UK after an absence exceeding two years. According to the Home Office guidance, the current cost of a Returning Resident Visa is £637.
How Can Sterling Law Help?
For reliable assistance with your ILR status or any other UK immigration matter, contact Sterling Law. Our dedicated team will guide you through each step of the process, helping you preserve the right to live and work in the United Kingdom.
