Continuous Residence & Absences for ILR
Most routes to settlement require a continuous qualifying period in the UK — living here for the route's period without breaking continuity and without spending too long outside the UK. This page explains the shared framework under Appendix Continuous Residence; your route's exact period and the way absences are counted are shown in the table below.
On this page
Quick answer. You generally need to have lived in the UK for your route's qualifying period (commonly 5 years, or 10 for long residence) without breaking continuity, and without exceeding the permitted absences — commonly 180 days in any rolling 12-month period. The exact rules depend on your route.
In brief
- Most settlement routes require a period of continuous residence in the UK.
- How it applies varies by route, and each has an absence limit.
- Certain events can break continuity.
- Keeping evidence of residence and absences matters — the guide explains the principles.
What continuous residence is
For settlement, Appendix Continuous Residence requires you to have been resident in the UK for your route's qualifying period without breaking that continuity and without going over the permitted absence limits. It's about time lawfully spent in the UK, not just holding a visa. Getting it wrong is one of the most common reasons a settlement application is refused, so it's worth checking early.
How it applies by route
The qualifying period varies. (as at April 2026 — confirm on GOV.UK.)
| Route | Qualifying period | Absences |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (& dependants) | 5 years | Appendix Continuous Residence — commonly max 180 days / rolling 12 months |
| Global Talent / Innovator Founder | 3–5 years | Route-dependent |
| Partner (Appendix FM) | 5 years | Continuous-residence rules apply |
| Long Residence | 10 years | Long-residence absence rules |
Dependants are assessed on their own qualifying residence — see Skilled Worker dependant settlement.
The absence limit
Most work and settlement routes cap absences at 180 days in any rolling 12-month period across the qualifying period — assessed on a moving basis, not neat calendar years. Long residence and some routes count absences differently. Count carefully: a single long trip, or several trips clustered together, can breach the limit even if your yearly totals look fine.
What can break continuity
- Exceeding the permitted absences.
- A gap in lawful permission (overstaying, or time without valid leave).
- Certain events specified in the rules for your route.
Whether a break is fatal, and whether any discretion applies, depends on the rules — take advice if you have a gap or a long absence.
Evidencing your residence & absences
Keep a record of every trip outside the UK (dates and reasons) across your qualifying period, plus evidence of lawful residence. A clear, accurate absence log built as you go is far easier than reconstructing years of travel at the last minute.
Common mistakes
- Counting absences by calendar year — the limit is usually a rolling 12-month window.
- Forgetting short trips — day trips and weekends abroad still count.
- Ignoring a gap in permission — time without valid leave can break continuity.
- Assuming every route uses the same rule — long residence and some routes differ.
FAQs
How many days can I spend outside the UK? +
Most work and settlement routes allow up to 180 days in any rolling 12-month period across the qualifying period. Long residence and some routes count absences differently — confirm your route's rule on GOV.UK.
Does a gap in my visa break continuous residence? +
It can. Time without valid permission may break continuity, subject to the rules for your route.
Do dependants have their own continuous residence? +
Yes — a dependant's qualifying residence is assessed separately from the main applicant's.
Related guidance
Disclaimer. This page provides general information about UK immigration law and does not constitute legal advice on any individual application. Requirements depend on your circumstances and may change. Seek professional advice before applying.
Worried about a long absence or a gap?
Continuous-residence problems are common and often fixable with the right planning. We can review your travel history and lawful residence before you apply.