Quote Originally Posted by rusty View Post
It is the same, so no need to worry

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/po.../ecg/ecb/ecb9/

ECB9.6 Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Applicants who are granted Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) at a visa issuing Post should have no time restrictions on their stay in the UK, that is, they can stay indefinitely. ILE carries the same entitlement as 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' (ILR) which is issued by the UK Border Agency to those who have already travelled to the UK. Anyone who has ILE does not have to apply for ILR when in the UK.

Although indefinite leave, by definition, will not expire, the ECO is unable to issue a visa to those who meet the criteria for ILE without putting a 'validity date' on the visa. In cases of ILE the 'validity date' on the visa should match the expiry date on the passport. When the applicant gets a new passport, they can apply to UK Border Agency for a transfer of conditions into their new passport. They do not need to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Thanks Rusty .......... I've checked my nephew's passport and the date of his settlement visa expiry date is shown as Jan 2013, the same as his mum's. Both passports expire in 2014. I assume that since he is a minor, the date of the visa expiry is probably recorded as the same date as his mother's but the above statement doesn't confirm this. I am hoping that a mistake hasn't been made, has anyone got any advice or comments on the expiry date issue?

Thanks also Graham, Joe and Sars, your comments regarding the 2 year absence will definitely be taken on board.