Passport Renewal and your Visa

Does anyone know what to do when you get your passport renewed and you need to keep your visa?

I really don't need to worry about it now, since my passport doesn't expire for another 4 years, but if we ended up retiring in the UK (we intend to live in the US in a few years) I'd like to know that my visa would still be good.

Anyone know anything about this?

I am not sure about the passport renewal.  That might be a question for the Embassy to answer.  I do know that your visa will expire if you live outside of the country for more than 2 years though.  Do let us know what you find out!

You have two options:

1)  When you get your new US passport, request it back from the Embassy (they'll cancel it but return it to you) and carry it with your new one. When entering the UK, just show the immigration officer both passports and explain that your visa is in the old one.

2)  You can get the visa transferred to your new passport. It will cost you (I have been told about £150 but this may not be up-to-date). You'll have to send both old and new passports to IND.

Check the IND website; they may have details.

Cheers

Chris Hansen
http://www.hansenhome.demon.co.uk

If you intend the go back to the US for more than 2 years, then move back to the UK again, you have 2 options. Either apply for naturalization as a UK Citizen, and get a UK passport  , or re-apply for a UK spousal visa when you come back to the UK.

I enquired about this a couple of days ago and got this back:

Dear Ashley

Thank you for your enquiry of 16th December 2003.

If you have a new passport and require the Home Office
to transfer indefinite leave to remain into that passport
you will need to obtain and submit an NTL (No Time Limit)
application form.

Application forms are available from the IND website
www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk or by calling 0870 241 0645.

The Home Office now charges for applications:
£155 for a postal application or £250 for the Premium
Service in person at a Public Enquiry Office.