FLR(M) - How much time out of the UK is permitted?

[Spark]

Hi,

My girlfriend was granted FLR(M) as an unmarried partner last year but we then moved to Canada earlier this year to test the waters and see how we like it. Whilst it is nice here we don't think it is where we would really want to settle for several reasons and are considering a move either back to the UK or Japan next year.

My girlfriend's FLR(M) is still valid for another 1 year+ right now but we are unsure if the visa is invalidated if she remains outside the UK for a set period of time or if the bearer is permitted to freely come and go as they please during the visa duration. Even if we do not move back to the UK next year, we will still need to go back there for a short visit at some point and would like to avoid any trouble at the border if at all possible.

Many Thanks,

Spark

[vinny]

Time spent outside the UK

[Spark]

Awesome, thanks Vinny, much appreciated.

Going from that, the situation is nowhere nearly as drastic as we thought then so that should make things much easier for us.

[Spark]

Actually, as well whilst I have this thread open, her current passport expires prior to her visa expiry and we were going to have it renewed by the consulate in Toronto later this year.

If we needed to re-enter the UK after the expiry date of her current passport, would we need to have the visa switched to the new passport first? It is a bio card and there isn't actually any printed UK visa in her passport now which is still valid but I think it does have her current passport number printed on it.

If there is a requirement to do this and with a fee attached then could she potentially enter the UK on visitor waiver using her new passport? This would be on the condition that we didn't intend to stay for any longer than a couple of weeks and she would have an onward ticket as we wouldn't be moving back there, just going over to visit family and sort out some things.

[vinny]

Carry both old and new passports. Note that visitors may not apply for settlement.

[Spark]

Carry both old and new passports. Note that visitors may not apply for settlement.

That's great, thanks Vinny.

She wouldn't be applying for settlement if travelling as a tourist, we would just be there for long enough to see some family and friends and sort out some of our belongings which are still there but thanks the information you've provided it looks like we won't have to worry too much for a while now.

Thanks again, really appreciated.

[vinny]

If she's admitted as a visitor, then her status as a FLR(M) holder would be voided.

[Spark]

If she's admitted as a visitor, then her status as an FLR(M) holder would be voided.

That is very good to know, we'd actually never even thought of that, thanks.