Settlement Visa - Leaving the Country?

[dannynoonan]

Hi

I am on a settlement visa with a british citizen wife. I am within the two year interim period.

Whilst the purpose of a settlement visa is obviously to settle in the UK (and we have both done this) I have been offered a job back in my home country as has my partner. However taking the job would mean that we would both leave the UK. My settlement visa would then expire which I understand and accept. However, if I do take the job and leave the country and during which time my settlement visa expires, will I be forever preveneted from applying for a further settlement visa with my wife if we wish to return to the UK?

Basically is it a 'use it or lose it' polic which applies to settlement visas?

[UKBAbble]

No you can apply again in the future.

[vinny]

Take the KOL test before you depart, to qualify for an ILE endorsement after 4 years living together outside the UK.

[immigrationuk2009]

Take the KOL test before you depart, to qualify for an ILE endorsement after 4 years living together outside the UK.

Hi

Indeed very good advice.

You would not be banned for spouse visa.

UK_Banned_Member

[dannynoonan]

Thank you very much one and all for your helpful replies. I had been fearful that if I left within the two year period and during which time my visa expired that I would be prevented from applying for one again.

Does the ILE only apply to married couples for four years? We have been defacto for 6 years now but only recently married.

[Casa]

Strangely, you can't mix years as married and unmarried in order to meet 4 years. 4 years on umarried partner or 4 years married.
All of the 4 years have to be spent living together outside of the UK.
If you do leave for a few years and are away for more than 4, under present regulations (which may change with the new Citizens Bill) you could aply for ILE on your return. So a good idea to take the KOL test before your leave.