ILR Absence Calculator Guide — How to Count Days & Pass the 180-Day Test
Absences outside the UK are the most common reason ILR applications fail the continuous residence test. This guide shows you how to apply the 180-day rule correctly and check your dates using our check ILR eligibility tool.
How absences are counted
Each absence is calculated as whole days away from the UK. For example, if you left on 2024-01-10 and returned on 2024-01-15, this counts as 6 days. Inclusive counting is always applied.
Merging overlapping trips
When trips overlap or touch, merge them before adding totals. This prevents double-counting. The online absence calculator automatically merges overlapping trips for you.
Step-by-step process
- Collect passport stamps and boarding passes.
- List trips in chronological order.
- Merge overlaps and restrict to the qualifying period only.
- Check every rolling 12-month window — no single window should exceed 180 days of absence.
Worked example
Suppose your qualifying period is 2019-09-01 to 2024-09-01. You had three trips abroad: • Jan 2020 (20 days), • Sep 2021 (60 days), • Apr 2023 (100 days). The calculator will flag if any 12-month window breaches the 180-day rule.
One authoritative source
For the government’s official guidance on absences and continuous residence, consult GOV.UK’s ILR page: GOV.UK — ILR continuous residence rules.
Quick checklist
- Keep detailed travel records (passport stamps, e-tickets).
- Save payslips & P60s to show work continuity.
- Use the check ILR eligibility calculator to confirm your absence totals.
Related guides
- Continuous Residence Guide — 5 and 10 year rules explained
- Settlement Route Eligibility Guide — choose the right path
- Visa Points Calculator Guide — official points matrix explained
Published: September 15, 2025 — use this guide to prepare evidence and confirm absence totals with the ILR calculator.