ILR with Gaps

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Publication date: 15.08.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “Can I apply for ILR if I had short gaps in my UK residence? Will a lawyer increase my chances of approval?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

08.08.2025 12:46:13 Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK can be complex, especially if you have had short gaps in your residence. Here are some general guidelines regarding gaps and the role of a lawyer: ### Short Gaps in Residence 1. **Continuous Residence Requirement**: Generally, ILR requires continuous residence in the UK for a specific period (usually 5 or 10 years, depending on your visa category). Continuous residence means not being absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period. 2. **Short Gaps**: If your absences exceed these limits or if there were other interruptions, it might affect your application. However, certain exceptions can apply, such as serious illness or exceptional personal circumstances. 3. **Documentation**: You will need to provide evidence explaining any significant absences or gaps to demonstrate that they were unavoidable and within permissible reasons. ### Role of a Lawyer 1. **Expertise**: An immigration lawyer can help assess whether your specific circumstances meet the ILR requirements and advise on how best to present your case. 2. **Application Preparation**: They can assist with gathering necessary documentation and ensuring that all paperwork is correctly completed and submitted. 3. **Complex Cases**: If there are complexities due to gaps in residence or other issues (e.g., criminal convictions), having legal representation can be particularly beneficial. 4. **Increased Chances of Approval**: While having a lawyer does not guarantee approval, it may increase your chances by ensuring that your application is thorough, well-documented, and compliant with current immigration rules. Ultimately, while it's possible to apply without legal assistance, consulting with an immigration lawyer could be advantageous if there are potential complications with your residency history.

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