Helping Former Residents Return to the UK Permanently
Returning Resident Visa Solicitors – Rejoin Life in the UK
Comprehensive Legal Support from London’s Leading Solicitors
If you were previously settled in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) but have been living outside the country for an extended period, you may be able to return and resume your life through a Returning Resident visa. At Right Law Solicitors, we offer strategic, reliable support to help former ILR holders successfully re-enter the UK and reclaim their permanent residence status.
With offices in London and years of immigration experience, our team understands the sensitivity and challenges of these applications. Whether you left the UK due to family obligations, work, illness, or unforeseen life events, we’ll work tirelessly to present your case with compassion and legal strength.
What Is a Returning Resident Visa?
A Returning Resident visa allows former ILR holders who have been outside the UK for more than 2 consecutive years to apply to return to the UK as a settled person.
If successful, you will be granted ILR again, restoring your permanent residence status and allowing you to live, work, and study in the UK without immigration restrictions.
Eligibility Criteria
- You previously held ILR (or ILE) in the UK
- You have been absent from the UK for more than 2 years
- You intend to settle in the UK permanently
- You can demonstrate strong ties to the UK (family, property, or employment)
- Your time abroad was due to serious or compelling reasons (e.g. caring for family, illness, military deployment)
Note: If you have been outside the UK for less than 2 years, you can return using your original ILR without needing this visa — provided it hasn’t been cancelled.
Key Factors Considered by the Home Office
- Length of absence from the UK
- Reasons for leaving and remaining abroad
- Strength of your personal and professional ties to the UK
- Your immigration history and compliance
- Evidence of intention to return permanently
Our solicitors will help you build a compelling case and present strong documentation to demonstrate that your return is justified and aligns with UK immigration policy.
Common Challenges We Help With
- No remaining property or job in the UK
- Limited recent contact with UK relatives
- Time abroad due to illness, COVID-19 or eldercare
- Incomplete travel or immigration records
We prepare detailed legal representations to explain your unique situation and maximise your chances of a successful outcome.
How We Help at Right Law Solicitors
Eligibility Review
We assess your history and ties to confirm if you meet Home Office criteria.
Evidence Gathering
We identify documents to prove your ties and reasons for time abroad.
Application Preparation
We draft strong legal representations and complete your online application.
Appeals & Resubmissions
If refused, we advise on reapplication or challenging the decision.
Our Pricing
We offer transparent, fixed-fee packages for Returning Resident applications.
| Service | Fixed Fee (Excl. VAT) |
| Returning Resident Visa (Standard Application) | £1,200 |
| Complex Returning Resident Application | £1,400 – £1,600 |
| Review of Documents Only | £450 |
| Refused Application Re-submission or Appeal | £850+ |
Initial Consultation Fee: £100 (deductible if you proceed)
Why Choose Right Law Solicitors?
- Specialists in ILR & Settlement Law – We’ve helped many clients return successfully after years abroad
- Clear Guidance & Legal Strategy – We help you build a case that aligns with Home Office expectations
- Fixed Fees – No hidden costs or confusion
- Full Document Preparation – Letters, evidence packs, and forms handled in-house
- Global Support – We work with clients worldwide looking to return
Start Your Journey Back to the UK
Don’t let time or distance prevent your return to the country you once called home.
- Average decision: 3–6 weeks
- Application via Visa Application Centre abroad
- Visa validity typically 30–90 days for travel
Call us 020 3372 5360
info@rightlawsolicitors.co.uk
Key Stages and Time Scale
- Initial Case Review & Eligibility Check → 1–2 working days
- Document Checklist & Evidence Gathering → 3–5 working days
- Application Drafting and Submission → via gov.uk platform
- Biometrics & Document Upload → via Visa Application Centre
- Home Office Decision → Average 3–6 weeks
- Entry to UK & BRP Collection → Visa valid 30–90 days for travel
Let’s Bring You Back Home
You once called the UK home. Let us help you return — legally, confidently, and with expert support.
- Tailored legal strategy to fit your circumstances
- Strong documentation and evidence preparation
- Support through application, biometrics, and post-decision