Assistance with ILR application

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Publication date: 18.08.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “I live in London and want to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). I’m worried that some short trips abroad might affect my continuous residence. How strict is the Home Office about this, and what evidence should I provide? Are there common mistakes I should avoid? Can you help with preparing the documents and submitting the application correctly?”

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11.08.2025 16:27:18 Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK requires careful attention to the rules regarding continuous residence and absences from the UK. Here’s a general guide on how these factors are considered and what you can do to prepare your application: ### Continuous Residence Requirements 1. **Absence Limits**: Generally, you should not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period of the qualifying period. This is applicable for most ILR routes, but it's crucial to check specific requirements for your visa type. 2. **Counting Days**: The Home Office counts full days away from the UK, so travel days (departure and arrival) typically do not count as absences. 3. **Exceptions**: In some cases, absences due to compelling or compassionate reasons may be disregarded, but this usually requires strong evidence. ### Evidence to Provide 1. **Travel History**: You should provide a detailed travel history covering your entire qualifying period. This includes entry and exit stamps in your passport(s), flight tickets, or any other relevant documents that prove your presence/absence dates. 2. **Employment Records**: If you were traveling for work, letters from your employer confirming business trips can be helpful. 3. **Personal Statements**: For any significant absences due to exceptional circumstances (like family emergencies), provide a personal statement explaining the situation along with supporting documents such as medical records or death certificates if applicable. ### Common Mistakes to Avoid 1. **Overlooking Absence Calculation**: Miscalculating days outside the UK is a common mistake; ensure accuracy by double-checking all dates. 2. **Incomplete Documentation**: Failing to provide comprehensive evidence of travel history or supporting documents for exceptions can lead to delays or refusals. 3. **Ignoring Specific Visa Requirements**: Different visa categories might have additional criteria; always refer to guidance specific to your visa type. ### Preparing Your Application 1. **Document Checklist**: Create a checklist of required documents based on the official ILR guidance provided by the Home Office website. 2. **Professional Help**: Consider consulting an immigration adviser or solicitor who specializes in UK immigration law if you're unsure about any aspect of your application or need help compiling documentation. 3. **Online Application Process**: Most ILR applications are submitted online through the Gov.uk website where you'll also pay fees and book biometrics appointments if necessary. 4. **Review Guidance Notes Thoroughly**: Before submitting, read through all relevant guidance notes carefully to ensure compliance with current rules and procedures. By preparing thoroughly and understanding what is expected regarding continuous residence and absences, you can improve your chances of a successful ILR application in London or anywhere else in the UK.

BASE (basic) 100

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

18.08.2025 09:56:21 Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK requires careful attention to continuous residence. The Home Office allows short absences, but usually no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying 5 years. Exceeding this may affect eligibility. To prove continuous residence, provide passports with entry/exit stamps, BRPs, payslips, employment letters, tax records, utility bills, rental agreements, or other proofs of UK residence. Common mistakes include miscalculating absences, missing documents, gaps in employment or residence evidence, and submitting unorganized paperwork. Legal support can review absences, ensure all evidence is complete, organize documents, draft the application, and respond to Home Office queries, significantly reducing the risk of refusal and increasing your chances of ILR approval.

BASE (basic) 2.07

Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

18.08.2025 11:43:14 For your ILR application in London, the Home Office is strict about continuous residence. You cannot exceed 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying period. Provide clear evidence: Passport stamps and travel tickets showing all trips. Payslips, bank statements, tax records proving UK activity. Tenancy agreements or utility bills confirming residence. Common mistakes: missing documents, miscalculating absences, or incomplete English/Life in the UK test evidence. A lawyer can: Review your travel and work history. Help collect and organise documents correctly. Submit your application accurately, reducing the risk of refusal or delays. Professional support ensures your ILR application is complete, accurate, and compliant with Home Office rules.