I Have An Indefinite Leave To Enter In My Current Passport, Which Is Expiring, What Should I Do?

Those who have historically been granted Indefinite Leave to Enter the UK, which is evidenced via a vignette placed in their passport, will inevitably face a scenario where the passport containing their ILE vignette is due to expire.

In such circumstances, or well before the passport expiry, it is possible to make an application to have the ILE evidenced through a Biometric Residence Permit, rather than a vignette in a passport. This process is known as a ‘Transfer of Conditions’.

When preparing to make such an application, it is important to make sure that your ILE status has not lapsed. ILE will automatically lapse if the holder has been continuously outside the UK for a two-year period.

Once you have checked and confirmed that your ILE continues to be valid, you will need to make an online application and then schedule and attend a biometrics appointment.

Complications can arise with such applications, for example, if your personal details have changed –you have married and changed your name, or you may face logistical issues, for example, if your  expired passport that contained your ILE vignette has been retained by the authorities when you applied to renew your passport.

In such scenarios a transfer of conditions can become more complex, and specific advice should be sought in relation to what evidence may need to be provided, based upon the specific circumstances of the application.

Gherson has a wealth of experience in relation to complex UK immigration matters, If you require assistance, or have questions regarding any other UK Visa category, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication, it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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