question about Indefinite leave to remain

[Otake]

I am comparing the Germany work permit and HSMP visa:

After four years as a hsmp and when you get the Indefinite leave to remain Visa in the UK; suppouse you have to leave from the UK for a long time (x years maybe), can you come back to the UK anytime you want and is the visa continue?

I am asking this because germany "Indefinite leave to remain visa" not like this, when you leave more than six months, you loose your visa.

[gulgon]

yes Otake, last year I had met a guy who had indefinite leave long years ago and left the UK for more than 10 years and came again!

[raoms]

so gulgon...it means that getting british ILR is as good as getting citizenship

[AtW]

so gulgon...it means that getting british ILR is as good as getting citizenship

Sadly not - you still need to get visas even if you want to travel within the EU.

Would have been nice if EU standartised ILR stamps and allowed visa-free travel within EU.

[Kayalami]

1. You lose your ILR status if you are outside the UK for more than two years continously. There are those who attempt to play the system by consistently re-entering the UK close to the 2 year anniversary of their exit. It is up to individuls to do what is right but one day your luck runs out.

2. Otake - you need to decide what you want in life. You cannot be in 2 places at the same time so have to go for either the HSMP or the German PR which both have distinct residence requirements. It might be helpful to approach this from a short, medium and long term objectives from a career/ personal perspective. The forum wishes you well in coming to an appropriate choice.