Old ILR stamp vignette - is it mandatory to have NTL before 31 Dec 2024

[saketc]

Hi,

I have an ILR vignette on my old passport. I have had this for several years. No BRP.

Now there is a rule about phasing out the BRP and moving towards evisa by 31st Dec 2024.
For me, I have to apply for an NTL. This is understood.
Now i had already made plans to travel to India in Dec 2024 and return in Jan 2025.

I believe applying for a NTL now and getting it through wont be possible before I travel.

Would this be a problem at the immigration ? Would immigration refuse entry to people having this old style ILR stamp on the passport ?

Should I apply later ?

Any guidance or experience would help me decide, thanks

[secret.simon]

Also see this thread.

At the moment, having an ILR vignette should be fine, as it most likely has no expiry date.

But always keep in mind that laws can change. The validity of those vignettes can be ended by a ministerial Statutory Instrument. So you should start preparing to move to the newer systems as they launch.

[saketc]

Thanks.
I see that many of us have this issue.
If I apply for the NTL now in October, I belive it takes 3-6 months for a result.
But I had already made plans to travel during Christmas and return in Jan 2025.
Would I be stopped during entry ? Since there is a deadline for 31st Dec 2024.

Rgds
Saket

[contorted_svy]

You could very well be denied entry at the UK border without the NTL digital status, or it could be fine - it is very much a grey area. Best to apply and hope it comes through, so you don't have to worry.

[saketc]

Thanks for your advise

[saketc]

Hi,

Is it possible to apply for a British citizenship now, on the basis of the old ILR stamp, without first applying for an NTL/BRP/evisa process ?

[alterhase58]

If you have an old (expired) passport with an ILR stamp or a letter saying you have ILR (or similar wording) you can use those for a naturalisation application. It is not compulsory to have a BRP for that purpose. Note though that a naturalisation application does not confer any residency rights PRIOR to the application so you will still need a BRP to prove your status to carriers overseas and at the UK border.

[saketc]

Hi,

Thanks for coming back.
Basically, I am looking at an option of not applying for NTL, applying for naturalisation instead on the basis of the old ILR. According to you this is possible.
Now if I travel abroad while the naturalisation is in process, I should still be able to re-enter UK on the basis of the old ILR stamp. Are you saying this (returning in Jan 2025) step could be a problem, because I dont have a BRP ?

[alterhase58]

Hi,

Thanks for coming back.
Basically, I am looking at an option of not applying for NTL, applying for naturalisation instead on the basis of the old ILR. According to you this is possible.
Now if I travel abroad while the naturalisation is in process, I should still be able to re-enter UK on the basis of the old ILR stamp. Are you saying this (returning in Jan 2025) step could be a problem, because I dont have a BRP ?

What I said about naturalisation applies to naturalisation only!

In terms of travel I very much doubt that a carrier at an overseas airport will accept a stamp in an old passport as a "visa". A BRP (or soon an eVisa) is readily accepted at boarding.
If you do get on a flight you will then have to explain at the UK Border but I believe that's not a problem for entry. Getting to the UK is the issue.

[contorted_svy]

Hi,

Thanks for coming back.
Basically, I am looking at an option of not applying for NTL, applying for naturalisation instead on the basis of the old ILR. According to you this is possible.
Now if I travel abroad while the naturalisation is in process, I should still be able to re-enter UK on the basis of the old ILR stamp. Are you saying this (returning in Jan 2025) step could be a problem, because I dont have a BRP ?

Then I suggest applying for naturalisation and waiting until you have your British passport before travelling. You can use your old ILR stamp for that, but as we advised it is not definite that it will be accepted for travelling.

[saketc]

Thanks again.

I have come across this 'super priority service'
Is this avilable for an NTL application for converting old ILR stamp ?

[alterhase58]

NTL/BRP are not immigration applications, you are just converting from old to new document, no accelerated services.
In case you are wondering, same applies to naturalisation (not immigration).

[saketc]

Thanks.
I have just come across some solicitors claiming there is a priority service for NTL as well. For example:

Solicitor weblinks removed by moderator. Please do not post third party solicitor or agent weblinks on the forum! It is not permitted.

I wonder what and how they are doing this.
Will check with them and update here.

[saketc]

I have used an NTL application link, to create and submit an application, based on my wet-stamp ILR.
I have also booked an appointment.
All this was free and I got a priority appointment next week.
Can I post the link to the GOV UK site ?

[alterhase58]

Official web links pointing to relevant information are fine.

[saketc]

VIDEO: https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... your-evisa

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immi ... atus-evisa
(section If you have another physical document)

If you have another physical document
If you have indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain (also known as settlement or settled status) and you currently prove your rights through a different type of physical document, such as a wet-ink stamp in your passport or a vignette sticker, then you should make a free ‘no time limit’ (NTL) application.) Once your NTL application is decided, you will receive an eVisa. You will be told how to access your eVisa in your decision email or letter.

You can continue to prove your rights using your existing physical documents where these are permitted. This includes for proving your right to rent or for travel to the UK.

You may be able to make a late application for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme if you:

are an EU, other EEA or Swiss citizen or their family member
have been resident in the UK since before 31 December 2020
have held indefinite leave to enter or remain under another route since before 31 December 2020
If your application is successful, you will get a UKVI account and access to an eVisa automatically.

Hope this helps