Less than 2 years aways, but IRL given to parents over 30 years ago

[ruben83]

Hi,

My parents gained ILR around 30 years ago, they've now retired and spend most of their time abroad.

They were last in the UK in February 2017, and they are looking to join my sister and I back in the UK for Christmas and New Year's.

I've read so many different articles online and I'm not too sure what to make of their current status.

The last time they came, there were some issues at immigration, as they had spent longer than 180 days abroad, but still managed to get through ok, but now I'm worried they may turn them away at the border.

I've read a few threads here about the returning residents visa, but they haven't been gone longer than two years, but they have been away for more than 180 days.

They do not intend to live back in the UK, but as my sister and I are starting to have families, they would like to visit for a prolonged period of time, maybe 2-3 months a year.

Does the length of time they've had their ILR matter, do the time rules apply to them?

My sister and I are British citizens.

Thanks, Ruben

[vinny]

Spending most of their time aboard may be a problem for returning residents.

If they convince the Immigration officer that they are returning for the purpose of settlement and have not been absent for more than two years, then they may be okay.