An Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows you to reside and work in the UK without limitations. With an ILR, you can enjoy benefits similar to those of a UK citizen. An ILR can expire if the visa holder has remained absent from the country for more than 2 years. The 2-year ILR rule is applicable irrespective of the expiry date of the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). You can, however, renew your ILR by re-applying for a UK visa. The Biometric Residence Permit contains details of the visa holder, including biographic information, biometric details, immigration status, and other entitlements. A new BRP will be issued once the visa renewal process is completed.
*To learn more about the UK ILR fees, also read…
What is the total cost for ILR UK?
What to do if my Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) expires?
Once the existing biometric residence permit expires, you must reapply for a UK visa. Upon successfully renewing the visa, you will be issued a new BRP. The requirements for a new BRP depend on the type of UK visa you hold (e.g., UK Innovator visa, UK Skilled worker visa, Tier-2 visa, etc.). It may take up to 8 weeks to process the new Biometric residence permit card.
An Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will most likely expire if the visa holder has exceeded the minimum absence period from the UK. Individuals who have remained absent from the UK for over 2 years will have their ILR expired. In such cases, a Returning Residents Visa (RRV) can be applied for. Upon successful processing of the application, the ILR status can be renewed.
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What if my BRP is expired, lost, or stolen?
You can report the stolen or lost BRP if it was valid for 3 months or more at the time of the incident. You can request a new replacement of the BRP card within 3 months of losing it. A fine of £1,000 will be imposed if the replacement request is not filed within the first 3 months. To replace your BRP, you must pay a fee of £56 and submit other required documents.
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