Returning to your home country voluntarily: how the service works
An overview of the Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) process, what happens once an application is received and practical information for applicants.
- From:
- Home Office
- Published
- 4 October 2022
- Last updated
-
255JulyDecember20242025 — See all updates
Documents
Process for returning home voluntarily
PDF, 125 KB, 1 page
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
Details
A summary of the Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) process including:
- what to expect at each phase once you have submitted your application
- additional information about baggage allowance, travelling with pets, coronavirus, medical support and more
Find out how to get help after you return from the UK.
Updates to this page
Published 4 October 2022
Last updated 255 JulyDecember 2024
+ show2025
href="#full-history">+ show all updates
-
Sign up for emails or print this page
Update history
2025-12-05 13:39
Added a link to the Get help after you return from the UK page.
2024-07-25 13:01
‘Practical information for applicants’: Financial and accommodation support section updated to remove guidance saying support will remain in place until departing the UK.
2023-05-17 14:28
Clarified the eligibility criteria.
2023-01-19 14:09
Added a new section to the practical information for applicants headed ‘Continuation of financial / accommodation support’.
2022-10-04 10:05
First published.
Details
A summary of the Voluntary Returns Service (VRS) process including:
- what to expect at each phase once you have submitted your application
- additional information about baggage allowance, travelling with pets, coronavirus, medical support and more
Find out how to get help after you return from the UK.
Updates to this page
Sign up for emails or print this page
Update history
2025-12-05 13:39
Added a link to the Get help after you return from the UK page.
2024-07-25 13:01
‘Practical information for applicants’: Financial and accommodation support section updated to remove guidance saying support will remain in place until departing the UK.
2023-05-17 14:28
Clarified the eligibility criteria.
2023-01-19 14:09
Added a new section to the practical information for applicants headed ‘Continuation of financial / accommodation support’.
2022-10-04 10:05
First published.