My wife and step son have now recieved their settlement visa but there has been a change in our circumstances and we might not be moving back to the UK just yet. I'm aware that the visa is valid for 27th months and we need to be resident in the UK for 24 of those months in order to apply for the ILR visa. I understand that we can apply for an extention on the settlement visa in the UK if we don't make the 24 months. However, my question is can my wife and step son use this visa to "Travel" to the UK for visit? i.e. can they use the visa in the same way that they would use a multiple entry visit visa? Right now we have no idea when we will be able to move to the UK.

Thanks,

David C.

The simple answer is 'Yes.'

They can enter and leave the UK as often as they wish during the life of the visa. Though, as you say, to be time qualified for ILR they must be living in the UK for at least 24 months. Although there is no limit on the amount of time they can spend out of the UK during this 24 months, they will need to show that the UK is their main residence.

Please note, if they are out of the UK when their settlement visas expire they will not be able to extend them. This can only be done in the UK.