ILR Continuous Residence Calculator — 5 & 10 Year Rules Explained
Continuous residence is at the core of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) eligibility. This guide explains the 5-year and potential 10-year rules, how absences are calculated, and what documents to keep. Use our ILR eligibility tool to model your timeline with these rules.
Understanding continuous residence
Continuous residence means living lawfully in the UK without breaking the permitted absence thresholds. Under the standard 5-year ILR route, applicants must not exceed 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period. A potential 10-year rule would apply the same test across a longer baseline.
Rolling 12-month rule
The rule is applied daily: for each date in your qualifying period, caseworkers check the preceding 12 months’ absences. If any rolling window exceeds 180 days, continuous residence is broken.
Bridging the 5- and 10-year baselines
If the baseline extends from 5 to 10 years, the mechanics remain identical — it simply increases the total period under review. Use the ILR calculator to model both timelines and confirm your earliest eligibility date.
Documentary evidence to keep
- Passports and travel records (stamps, boarding passes).
- Payslips, tenancy agreements, and council tax bills.
- GP or school records that prove ongoing residence in the UK.
One authoritative reference
For official rules on continuous residence, see GOV.UK guidance: GOV.UK — ILR continuous residence rules
Quick checklist
- Track absences against the 180-day rolling limit.
- Save documentary evidence for each year of residence.
- Use the ILR calculator to confirm your eligibility date.
Related guides
- Absence Calculator Guide — counting absences & 180-day test
- Settlement Route Eligibility Guide — compare ILR pathways
- Income & Financial Requirements Guide
FAQs
What breaks continuous residence?
Absences exceeding 180 days in any 12-month period, or unlawful residence (overstaying), will break continuous residence.
Do short business trips count as absences?
Yes — all time outside the UK counts, regardless of reason, unless an exemption is explicitly stated in the rules.
If rules change to 10 years, will my absences be recalculated?
Yes — the same 180-day rule would apply, but across a longer period. Check timelines with the ILR calculator to see both scenarios.
Published: September 15, 2025 — track absences carefully and use the ILR calculator to confirm eligibility under both 5- and 10-year rules.