Windrush Scheme: get proof of your right to be in the UK
You arrived before 1973 from a Commonwealth country
You may be able to apply for proof of your right to live and work in the UK if both of the following apply:
- you’re a Commonwealth citizen
- you were settled in the UK before 1 January 1973
What you’re entitled to depends on whether you:
- have been living in the UK continuously
- left the UK for more than 2 years and came back
- are outside the UK
If you’ve been living in the UK continuously
If you’ve lived in the UK continuously, or have the right of abode, you can apply for one of the following:
- British citizenship
- a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode
- proof that you have indefinite leave to remain
Contact the Windrush helpline for help with working out if you’re eligible.
Find out how to apply.
If you’ve left the UK for more than 2 years and come back
If you’ve been away from the UK for more than 2 years at some point and are now lawfully in the UK, you might be entitled to indefinite leave to remain.
If you already have indefinite leave to remain you might be able to apply for either:
- proof that you have indefinite leave to remain
- British citizenship
Contact the Windrush helpline for help with working out if you’re eligible.
Find out how to apply.
If you’re outside the UK
If you’ve left the UK and have lost your indefinite leave to remain, you might be entitled to:
- a Returning Resident visa
- a 10 year multiple entry visa
Contact the Windrush helpline for help with working out if you’re eligible.