For Indefinite Leave to Remain on most 5-year routes, you must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. This calculator checks every rolling 12-month window in your qualifying period.
Rules last checked against official sources: 29 September 2026
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Proposed changes ("earned settlement"): the UK government has proposed raising the standard qualifying period for ILR from 5 years to 10, with reductions for some applicants. At our last check these changes were not yet in the Immigration Rules, and the current 5-year rules still apply. The government has said it will publish the final policy and transitional arrangements later in 2026. We'll update this page when the rules change.
The 180-day rule
Under Appendix Continuous Residence of the Immigration Rules, most routes to settlement require that you have not been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during your qualifying period. These include Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, Scale-up and several others.
"Any 12-month period" means the Home Office uses a rolling assessment, not calendar years or visa years. A long trip in November followed by another in March can breach the limit even if each calendar year looks fine. The calculator checks every possible 12-month window, day by day.
How absences are counted
Only whole days outside the UK count as absences.
The day you leave and the day you return are not counted as absences. Leaving on 1 March and landing back on 10 March is 8 days of absence.
Absences for certain reasons, such as serious illness, a natural disaster, some compassionate reasons, or travel required for your UK employment in certain cases, may be allowed beyond the limit. You'll need evidence, and approval is at the Home Office's discretion.
When can you apply?
You can generally apply up to 28 days before you complete your qualifying period. The calculator shows both the 5-year date and the 28-day early date, based on the start date you enter. Some routes have different lengths, and family routes under Appendix FM use different continuous residence rules, so check the guidance for your own route.
Tips
Set Check up to to your planned application date and enter future trips. This shows whether a holiday you're planning could cause a problem.
Keep evidence of travel dates: passport stamps, boarding passes, or a Subject Access Request to the Home Office for your recorded travel history.
Frequently asked questions
How many days can I be outside the UK for ILR?
On most 5-year routes, no more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period during your qualifying period.
Are departure and arrival days counted as absences?
No. Only whole days outside the UK count. The days you leave and return are treated as days in the UK.
Is the 180 days per calendar year or rolling?
Rolling. The Home Office looks at any 12-month period within your qualifying period, not just calendar or visa years.
Has ILR changed to 10 years?
Not yet, as of our last check. The earned settlement proposals would make 10 years the standard route, but they had not been added to the Immigration Rules. Check GOV.UK for the latest position.
Does the partner/spouse route have the 180-day rule?
Family routes under Appendix FM have different continuous residence requirements. Check the guidance for your route.