While Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) does not expire at the end of a given period in the way that a visa does, you may need to replace your Biometric Residence Card with an eVisa or re-apply for ILR if you lose it because you have been away. We explain Indefinite Leave to Remain renewal and look at what to do if you have been absent from the UK for two years or more.
At Halliday Reeves, we specialise in visas and immigration. Our Indefinite Leave to Remain solicitors have many years of experience in dealing with all aspects of ILR and ILR renewal. We provide expert advice and representation and we can ensure that any application you make is as strong as possible and has the right paperwork in support.
We are recognised as experts by the Law Society, who awarded us their Immigration and Asylum accreditation at the most senior level. We have held a Legal Aid contract for the past thirty years and we received an exceptionally high rating of ‘Competence Plus’ in our most recent Independent Peer Review Report.
We know how important ILR is to you and if you ask us to represent you, we will provide an outstanding service, paying great attention to detail and giving your application the best possible chance of success. We have an excellent track record in assisting clients with Indefinite Leave to Remain, including in complex cases.
If you would like advice and assistance in dealing with Indefinite Leave to Remain renewal issues, we would be happy to hear from you. Please call us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
Successful ILR application
“The service was outstanding! I highly recommend Halliday Reeves.”
How Do I Renew Indefinite Leave To Remain?
Ordinarily, Indefinite Leave to Remain does not expire. However, you do need a valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and this may expire.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department of the Home Office will contact you to set you up with access to a new eVisa. This is an online record of your immigration status and will be replacing BRPs.
If your BRP has expired and you do not yet have access to your eVisa, you can prove your immigration status in a different way.
To provide evidence of your right to be in the UK to a potential employer or landlord, you can ask UKVI to provide you with a share code. This will allow the employer or landlord to go online and check your immigration status.
Alternatively, you can show them your immigration documents. It is up to you which option you use, and the employer or landlord cannot object or ask you to prove your status in a different way.
If you need to show the NHS that you have the right to be in the UK, you can ask them to verify this with UKVI.
If you will need a new BRP to re-enter the UK, you can apply for a replacement BRP visa.
How Much Is The Renew Indefinite Leave To Remain Card Fee?
A replacement BRP visa that will allow you to re-enter the UK on a single occasion costs £154.
If you have had your ILR revoked, you will need to re-apply.
When Does Indefinite Leave To Remain Lapse?
If you have ILR, but you stay outside of the UK for more than two years, your ILR will automatically lapse.
You may be able to re-enter the UK if you apply for a returning resident visa.
We can advise you on eligibility and put together the evidence needed to show that you have strong ties to the UK, which could include paperwork relating to your employment and property in the UK. We will also explain why you lived outside of the UK for as long as you did.
The fee for a returning resident visa is £637. You will also have to provide your biometric information, ie. fingerprints and photograph, at a visa application centre.
Indefinite Leave To Remain Renewal Solicitors
If you are concerned about your ILR status and you need advice on any aspect of ILR renewal or you wish to apply for a returning resident visa, contact us today and we will be happy to help.
We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert Indefinite Leave to Remain application lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
Success-Indefinite Leave to remain as a Partner
“From the first telephone conversation you were very helpful and honest I found the whole process stress free very pleased with the outcome which was far more than I had hoped for. I would recommend your services to friends and family if they ever have immigration problems in the future. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.”