Free tool · Settlement and citizenship
ILR and British citizenship absences calculator
Add your trips and see straight away whether you’re within the absence limits, which months add up, and the earliest date you could apply.
You’ll needYour eVisa or first visa, and the dates you left and came back to the UK. Flight emails, passport stamps or your travel history all work.
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- 1Choose what you’re applying for
- 2Add the date your qualifying period started
- 3Add each trip
Your result updates as you add each trip.
Common questions
Good to know
Is the 180-day absence limit calculated by calendar year?
No. For most settlement routes, the limit applies to any rolling 12-month period during your qualifying residence, not calendar years. Exceeding 180 days in a relevant period may break your continuous residence and affect your eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Do travel days count towards the 180-day absence limit?
No. Only whole days spent outside the UK count towards the 180-day absence limit. The days you leave and return to the UK are not counted, as part-day absences are excluded.
Does time spent on a non-settlement visa count towards ILR?
It depends on the settlement route. For example, time on a Student visa does not normally count towards the five-year Skilled Worker settlement requirement. However, it may count towards ILR under the 10-year Long Residence route, provided the relevant requirements are met.
What happens if I exceed the 180-day absence limit?
Exceeding the limit may break your continuous residence and delay your eligibility for ILR. However, certain absences may be disregarded under Home Office rules. We can review your circumstances, assess any applicable exceptions and advise on your options, or check your application before you apply.
Are there exceptions to the 180-day absence limit for ILR?
Yes. Certain absences may be disregarded, including:
- Travel disruption caused by natural disasters, conflict or pandemics
- Serious illness or death of a close family member
- Humanitarian or environmental crisis work overseas
- Accompanying a partner on qualifying Crown service
Exceptions are subject to specific conditions and supporting evidence.
Prefer to talk it through?
A regulated adviser reviews your situation and comes back with an honest next step within one working day.
- An IAA-regulated UK immigration adviser reviews your case.
- A personal reply with your next step, within one working day.
- No payment required. Fixed fees if you proceed.
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