New relaxed 180 days per 12 months, new visa fees, and more!

[rainyhope]

Hi all,

I have a few queries and I was hoping I could get some help here, so here goes!

1. I read theamended ilr rules and it seems too good to be true and would like to confirm...so as a Tier 1 G, I can stay out of the country for upto 180 days EVERY 12 consecutive minths till ilr application? As in, 900 days?? Assuming these rules are for everyone, regardless of when we got our first entry clearance?

2. Can that 180 days out of country be consecutive or does the old 'not more than 90 days' consecutive still hold?

3. I am currently on maternity, and planning on spending 4 months (if I can, based on answers to above questions!) out of UK. My employer cannot provide a letter for that absence from country, but they can provide a letter saying I was on maternity from x to y. What kind of support will I need to provide for any personal travel in this period?

4. I have to apply for a dependant visa for my baby, but since the fees for dependants from within country are now more than double compared to dependant applications made from outside country, I would like to apply for my baby's dependant visa from home country even though she was born here. Does that seem like an ok decision or am I missing something here? Guidance needed please!

Thanks in advance for all your help!

[Amber]

Providing the absences are <180 days per 12 month period (continuous or not), you shouldn't need to provide evidence.

As your child is born in the UK you could, if possible, postpone your trip until you are granted ILR (not sure when you're eligible) and instead of getting the child leave, just register him/her as British by virtue of section 1(3) BNA as soon as you're granted ILR.

[rainyhope]

Thank you Amber!

The first bit is now clear, but for the second bit, I am still a long way away from ILR, and do need to travel, thus will have to get a dependent visa for the wee one am afraid! My concern is, is it ok to travel with her passport without visa, and apply for it from home country even though she was born here? Saves me tons of money, and time, as I can travel sooner! Do you think it's ok for me to do this without causing any issues later on? Would appreciate your thoughts thanks!

[rainyhope]

Hi Amber,

Hoping for your help?

Thanks!

[Amber]

I would regularise stay before leaving as you do not know what unexpected delays you may encounter.