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Pathway

Sri Lanka Former Citizen Permanent Residence

Sri Lanka Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

If you used to be a Sri Lankan citizen and lost that citizenship under section 19, 20, or 21 of the Citizenship Act, you can apply for a Permanent Residence Visa. A review committee must approve the application.

Who can apply
Documented former Sri Lankan citizens in the specified legal categories
Citizenship loss
Must fall under section 19, 20, or 21 of the Citizenship Act

Summary

Sri Lanka’s former-citizen permanent-residence route lets eligible people return to live there after documenting their earlier citizenship and the legal reason it ended. An approved card can last up to ten years and is renewable. The resulting residence supports lawful work or business under the applicable rules, without restoring citizenship.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

You need official records showing your former citizenship and how it ended under one of the specified sections. Ask Immigration to confirm the documents that prove your case.

The wider scheme also mentions people of Sri Lankan descent, but this guide covers documented former citizens. A family connection alone needs a separate assessment of the evidence and category.

Applying as a former Sri Lankan citizen
  1. Confirm how your citizenship ended Check the applicable section and evidence with Immigration.
  2. Apply with former-citizenship and personal records The review committee considers the application.
  3. Maintain the residence card If approved, follow renewal requirements and the conditions of residence.

Family origins alone are different from proof of former citizenship.

What This Route Allows

Approved permanent residence lets you remain and carry out lawful work or business, subject to other applicable laws. The renewable residence card can be valid for up to ten years.

What This Route Is Not

This does not restore Sri Lankan citizenship or grant a passport. A complete application does not guarantee approval.

Permanent residence can be canceled on the grounds set out in the rules, and the card still needs renewal.

Next Steps

  1. Confirm with Immigration that your former citizenship and the way it ended fit this category.
  2. Prepare the former-citizenship and personal records on the current checklist.
  3. Submit for committee review. If approved, obtain the residence card and follow its renewal and status conditions.

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Discussed in these reports

Other routes in Sri Lanka.

Sources