Spent more than two years outside the UK and lost your settled status? The Returning Resident visa is how you get your indefinite leave to remain back. This 2026 guide explains when ILR lapses, what you must prove, the cost, and what happens when you’re approved.
When does ILR lapse?
Your ILR lapses if you’re absent from the UK for more than 2 consecutive years. Time spent in Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands doesn’t count as absence. If you’ve been away less than 2 years, you still hold your ILR and don’t need this visa.
What you must prove
The Home Office looks at your ties to the UK and your genuine intention to return to live permanently. Relevant factors include:
- family, property or business connections in the UK;
- how long you previously lived here;
- your reasons for the time abroad.
Cost and how to apply
You apply online from outside the UK, with documents showing your ties (e.g. UK income, or property you’ve rented or owned). The fee is £726, and a decision usually takes about 3 weeks.
If you’re approved
You’ll get Indefinite Leave to Enter — a 90-day visa to travel to the UK. On arrival your settled status is reinstated as if it never expired, and you can then access your status as an eVisa.
Exemptions
You keep your ILR even after 2 years away if you’re a member of the British armed forces posted overseas (or the partner who joined them), or in certain government roles — no Returning Resident visa needed.
Frequently asked questions
When does ILR lapse?
If you’re absent from the UK for more than 2 consecutive years; time in Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands doesn’t count.
What is the Returning Resident visa?
A route to regain your indefinite leave to remain if you lost it by being away from the UK for more than 2 years.
What do I need to show?
Strong ties to the UK — family, property or business — and a genuine intention to return to live permanently.
How much does it cost?
£726, with a decision usually in about 3 weeks.
What happens if I’m approved?
You get Indefinite Leave to Enter (a 90-day visa); on arrival your ILR is reinstated as if it never expired.
Are there any exemptions?
Yes — armed forces members and their partners posted overseas, and some government roles, keep their ILR.
