UK Returning Visa Application

If you had Indefinite Leave to Return (ILR) status in the UK and were away from the country for more than 2 years, you will need to apply for a UK Returning Resident Visa to be able to re-enter legally. This UK Visa allows you to retain your permanent residency status despite being away for an extended period.

Continue reading for more information on the eligibility requirements and application process for a UK Returning Resident Visa.

Eligibility Requirements For a UK Returning Resident Visa

You are eligible for a UK Returning Resident Visa, as long as you meet the following requirements:

• You stayed outside the UK for over 24 months.
• You intend on returning to the United Kingdom to live there permanently.
• You lived in the UK under settled or permanent residency status.
• You did not leverage any public funds for aid in leaving the UK.
• You can demonstrate that you still have strong ties to the United Kingdom.
• You can provide information about your current situation and your reasons for leaving the country.

If you lived outside the UK for less than 2 years, you do not have to apply for a Returning Resident Visa and can remain a permanent resident without having to apply for entry clearance.

If you were away for less than 2 years but you also misplaced your passport (or it was stolen), you can acquire a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Visa to replace it. This is a permit that serves as a form of identification and is proof of your right to reside permanently in the country. However, as formal confirmation that you can travel to the UK, you will still have to obtain a Returning Resident Visa afterward.

Required Documents for a UK Returning Visa

Before you can start the Returning Resident Visa application, you will need to gather and prepare the following documentation:

• Completed and signed UK Returning Resident Visa online application form
• A valid passport (as well as any previous passports if applicable)
• A passport-sized photograph (in color)
• Evidence of your ties to the UK (i.e: proof of income, documents proving that you own property there, and more)

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

How to Apply for a UK Returning Resident Visa from Thailand

Once you have all your documents ready, you can begin the process of getting a UK Returning Resident Visa from Thailand by first completing an online application form. After filling out the form, uploading your documents, and paying the visa fee, your application will be forwarded to the UK VFS in Thailand. This is the government-contract visa application center in Bangkok where you will have your biometrics taken.

After collecting your biometrics, the Center will forward your application to UKVI (UK Visa and Immigration) for further processing. Upon completion, the UKVI will decide whether to approve your application. If approved, you will be able to collect your passport at the UK VFS in Bangkok or at your address by using a courier service.

Meet Our UK Visa Team

What Siam Legal Can Do For You

To ensure you or your Thai partner can acquire your visa swiftly and with minimal complications, consult with one of Siam Legal’s immigration specialists to guide you through your UK Returning Resident Visa application.

As a full-service law firm in operation for over 20 years, our professional attorneys have the skills and expertise to guide you smoothly through your application, help you collect the right documents, and review your application packet thoroughly to minimize the risk of delays or rejection caused by errors. With us by your side, you can return to the UK quickly and seamlessly.

Our UK Returning Resident Visa services consist of:

• Full review of your current situation, ties to the UK, and eligibility requirements for the visa.
• Consultation sessions to answer any questions and concerns about the Returning Resident Visa.
• Careful guidance through the online application form, informing you on how to complete each step correctly before submission.
• Meticulous preparation and assessment of required documents for the application, to ensure there are no missing items or errors.
• Arranging to follow up with immigration authorities for correspondence and updates on your application.
• Unlimited phone support with our UK Visa specialists so you’re never without help or guidance.

Contact Siam Legal today to get your UK Returning Visa and be granted the opportunity to return to the UK as a permanent resident with as few issues as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the timeline for getting a UK Returning Visa in Thailand?

You should get a decision within 3 weeks of attending your appointment at the visa application center, where 1 week is 5 working days if you are applying for a returning resident visa.

How can I prove that I have strong ties to the UK?

There are many different reasons for still maintaining ties to the country and the documents you provide serve as hard evidence of this fact. The UK immigration officers will consider the following as concrete examples of your connection to the United Kingdom:

• You have family members and relatives currently domiciled in the UK.
• You have rented out or owned property in the country.
• You have a business established in the UK.
• You have a UK bank account open with savings.
• You currently hold investments in the country.

Depending on the reason for wanting to return, you simply have to provide the relevant documentation, such as a business contract if you established a company there.

What can I do if my visa is refused by immigration?

If you have received a refusal letter from the UK immigration authorities, then reach out to Siam Legal’s foreign visa team for support. We will review the reason for the refusal and assist you in reapplying.

Who can apply for a Returning Resident Visa from Thailand?

Anyone who has previously held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or permanent residency status in the UK is permitted to apply for a UK Returning Resident Visa, provided that all other eligibility requirements are satisfied. As an applicant, you also need to show that you have not been absent from the United Kingdom for an extended period.

If you have any family members who are adult dependents or children, they can also qualify for a Returning Resident Visa to return to the UK alongside you. However, they will need to submit a separate application to acquire the visa.

What is the cost of using Siam Legal’s Foreign Visa service?

If you are seeking help from Siam Legal’s foreign visa team in going through your UK Returning Resident Visa application, you will need to pay 21,935 baht (or the international equivalent) plus value-added tax (VAT). This fee is just for our assistance with the application and does not include payment for your visa or the Visa Application Centre.

How long can I remain outside the UK without losing my Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status?

While receiving ILR status gives you permanent residency in the UK, you can lose this status if you remain outside the country for too long. You can lose your status if:

• You have been absent for more than 2 consecutive years from the United Kingdom.
• If you are settled under the EU Settlement Scheme, a Swiss citizen, or a family member of a Swiss national, your ILR status will be revoked if away from the UK for 4 consecutive years.
• If you are settled under the EU Settlement Scheme but are not a Swiss citizen or family member of one, you will lose your ILR status if you are away from the UK for 5 consecutive years.

If you want to return to live in the UK permanently after losing this status, you will need to apply for a UK Returning Resident Visa.

Will the VFS in Bangkok be reviewing my application?

At the early stages of your application, all required documentation and forms will be submitted to the UK Visa Application Centre. The Centre will be assessing your application and checking your biometrics. However, UKVI will be the organization responsible for approving your application.