Securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for the UK is a huge relief for most people, why? Well because now you are free of immigration restrictions, you can take up employment freely and it’s indefinite…. WRONG.

What most people do not realise is that you can lose your ILR status in the UK if you leave the UK and do not return for two consecutive years. After gaining ILR you will find lots of new opportunities open up to, sometimes you might think to take a break and go travelling or return home to your loved ones and do some business.

After being out of the UK for two years you will need to apply for a returning resident visa to show your ties to the UK and reasons as to why you left in the first place. Should this application not be accepted by UKVI then you will have to apply for a subsequent visa and the whole process and five-year clock starts again.

So, how do you avoid losing your ILR status, it’s simple, try to make sure you travel to the UK before your two years are up, there is no limit on the time you must spend in the UK, even if you come in for a day or two that will suffice.

After working so hard in qualifying for ILR, don’t let it be taken away from you.

If you feel you may have lost your ILR or have any questions in obtaining ILR contact Anjum on 020 8863 5811 or email Anjum@vira.co.uk