I lived in in UK for several years and I have an ILR stamp in an expired passport. I have travelled a number of times to Europe and USA with this without any significant problems except that sometimes staff had difficulty recognising the stamp causing brief delays in passport checks on the way back. So I decided to apply for a Biometric Residence Permit to replace the stamp.
Although it states that the process might take up to 6 months as I did not at that time have definite travel plans I did not select the expedited option. I didn't really think about how it would affect travel since you don't have to send your passport anymore. I guess I also assumed that 6 months was the worst case scenario since they often have long estimates for visa processing times for other visas for which I have applied but I have often received it much sooner. Posts online seem to suggest that it actually does take a long time. To get to the point I wish to visit my elderly grandfather in India soon and when I contacted UKVI the response I got was the generic advice I should not travel until my application has been decided. I don't know if it is applicable to my situation since I already have ILR and I am only seeking to get a replacement BRP. Obviously I don't want to take a risk.
Has anyone in the same situation as me travelled abroad and been able to return to the UK? (i.e. you have made a BRP application but have your passport or expired passport with ILR)
I am wondering also if I should perhaps cancel my application, travel and then reapply when I get back. However I am concerned about whether cancelling would affect my existing ILR and therefore my ability both to return to the UK and to reapply.
Would appreciate any information. Thanks.
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