Indefinite Leave to Remain

marlasinger

The recent thread on 'proof of right to reside in the UK' made me think of this, as I will soon be starting the process to move house.

I have Indefinite Leave to Remain and my visa is in an expired passport. Does this still count as proof for mortgage purposes, or do I now need to have a Biometric Resident Permit (as they don't put visas in new passports anymore)?

Thanks.

marlasinger

Just to add, I already have a mortgage with Woolwich....will that make any difference, especially if I stay with that lender?

csgohan4

staying with your current lender is not always money saving, shop around


A visa doesn't expire even if it is stamped or stuck on an expired passport, you will need your current passport and the visa as proof.

marlasinger

I know that a visa doesn't expire, however I have recently read that a visa in an expired passport can no longer be used as proof of right to work. It has to be in a current and valid passport. Was wondering if the same rule applied when applying for a mortgage.

ACG

It is not something I have had to overcome as a broker, however I imagine you could use the visa for evidence to reside and then a driving license as proof of ID?

The passport would not normally be accepted if it is out of date even for a UK citizen, but there could be lenders who would take it.

bengal-stripe

I too have an 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' stamp (from 1983) in a long expired passport, but I also have the letter from back then, where the Home Office confirmed that there are no longer any restrictions on my stay in the UK.

I presume, you can write to the HO and ask for a copy of that particular letter (there might be a charge).

marlasinger

Just an update, I have applied for the mortgage with my ILR sticker in my expired passport, and I have been told that my application has to go to the underwriters.

Will post on here what the outcome is.

Thrugelmir

For information

Indefinite Leave to Remain
If you have indefinite leave to remain, and the visa vignette (sticker) is in your expired passport, you must make an application for a “No Time Limit,” using Form NTL. The Home Office will effectively issue you the same visa but on a Biometrics Residence Permit (BRP or, which will then ensure that your current visa is endorsed on a current document.

marlasinger

I'm in the process of doing this at the moment, but there were complications as my passport is in my maiden name, and they will not issue a Biometric Residence Card in a name which is different to the passport. So I am having to renew my passport in my married name (which is a faff), and then I will be able to get the Residence Card.


With a new passport, I can travel as long as I also show border control my expired passport with the visa in it; however for things like a new job and maybe a new mortgage, that may not be sufficient.

marlasinger

The bank has been in touch to say that they are happy to offer us a mortgage, so the expired passport wasn't an issue.