UK Ancestry: One quick question.

[Sumac]

Does anyone know the answer to this, or been in a similar situation?

I obtained an Ancestry Visa in mid 2014, and spent 13 months working in the UK. I returned to NZ for family reasons late 2015, and now I've been away from the UK for nearly 2 years. I'm looking to go back again, and wondered does this visa "time out" if I stay away from the UK for too long, or will it's original Sept 2019 expiry date still be valid? Can I just turn up at LHR or do I need to reapply (and pay all those new charges that weren't there last time)?

[CR001]

My understanding is that you can return as long as you have a valid visa and as ancestry is a 5 year validity, you should be fine. Don't try return shortly before your visa expires though.

You will also have to apply for an extension as you are unlikely to qualify for ILR with such a long absence.

[Sumac]

Thanks CR