NTL Application & ILR Paper Vignette

Hi all,

I have had spouse ILR since 2009 and have always used the ILR vignette in my previous passport to travel in and out of the UK. As the HO has now advised ILRs with paper vignette to do a NTL application to get a BRP in order to get an evisa, I have some questions regarding the absences and proof of residency.

For about 10 years of my 15 since receiving ILR, I have had many long absences from the UK but never more than 2 years at any one time. I have always ensured I enter the UK again within the 2 year limit but have only spent a short time during those times. The absences were due to my husband’s job in the US. I have proof of my entering the UK with stamps and bank records showing activity. I also have my records from the HO (via SARU Record Requests) that show my entry and exists from 2016 onwards. I do have some residency documents from about 2009 to 2011 and 2016 to 2021, but only stamps and bank records for 2011 to 2015. I have been full time in the UK since 2022 onwards with little absences as I intend to do a naturalisation application in April 2025.

Does anyone know if I have broken any immigration rules with my absences? The NTL application is asking for any absences of more than 6 months. Why is this asked if we are allowed 2 years? Has anyone had their NTL rejected in a similar scenario to mine?

Would it be advisable to wait on the NTL and not travel in 2025 until I have completed my naturalisation application? Has anyone had the HO ask for residency documents going back to the start of ILR for a naturalisation application? If I’m going to have to show this proof of residency anyway for naturalisation, I suppose its better to get it over with with the NTL and be able to travel…

Many thanks for any help in advance.

If you have not been away from the UK for more than 24 months then ILR status is maintained. The UKVI asks for long absences from the UK but that does not change the fact that ILR status is maintained unless your absence period is longer than 24 months. You should also be able to enter the UK using an old paper vignette. As all BRP will be phased out by the end of the year, it will be eventually possible to file a direct application for eVisa without getting a BRP at all.

The evidence asked often will span the last 10 years it is not very specific. Again, failure to provide detailed evidence of residence will not lead to refusal or loss of ILR.

For naturalisation, you do NOT need a BRP. Only your ILR status matters.
However, you must have had less than 450 days outside the UK in the last 5 years and also less than 90 days of absence in the final year.

Thanks zimba for your response. : )

If your husband is a UK citizen, then Section 6(2) may apply for Naturalisation. This has the 3 years residence requirements. Possible to skip NTL.

Hi,
I have a similar situation. Did you make the application and if so, what documents did you submit?