Returning Resident visa eligibility for Indian applicants, 2026

Conditions, in the order officers check them

Meet every line, with evidence; a single missing condition is a refusal, not a request for more documents.

1. 1You held indefinite leave to remain or settled status when you last left the UK, and it has lapsed through absence of more than 2 continuous years (5 years for EU Settlement Scheme holders)
2. 2You intend to return to the UK to live permanently, not for a visit
3. 3You have strong ties to the UK, such as family who are British or settled, property you own or rent, a UK job or pension, or children in UK schools
4. 4You have a good reason for the absence, such as caring for a sick parent, a child's education or a work posting, with evidence
5. 5The longer the absence, the stronger the ties must be: absences over 5 years are rarely accepted without compelling reasons
6. 6You did not leave under a deportation or removal order and have no Part 9 suitability issues
7. 7You are not exempt: partners of British armed forces members or of certain government and British Council staff posted abroad do not lose their settlement