I have ILR can I work abroad and visit occassionaly?

Dear All,

I am hoping for some advise:

I just got my ILR but have been offered a job abroad. I am not bothered about the British Citizenship (yet) my worry is not to lose my ILR. I understand the “not to stay away for more than 2 years” bit, my concern was If I go work abroad can I come after 6 months for a visit for 2 weeks then go back? The letter I received from UKBA with my biometric card says I cannot stay out for a long period and visit on short intervals. Could you clarify this for me please? I was hoping, work for a year or two see how things pick up here (No Jobs!!) but come every 4 or 6 months and this would reset my "2 years stay out of the UK" condition. Please advise. My wife will be here but will come visit every 3 – 4 months but I’d like to come here as well.

Mubin

mubinalhaddad wrote:I was hoping, work for a year or two see how things pick up here (No Jobs!!) but come every 4 or 6 months and this would reset my "2 years stay out of the UK" condition.

No, it won't. The phrase UKBA typically uses is "if the person resides outside of the UK for more than 2 years". Residing is refering to your primary residence, which in your case would be outside the United Kingdom. Occasional short visits in the UK will not set the clock back, but with up to two years there is no major problem to begin with.