Query on eligibility for ILR

kanswam wrote:Hi
I have coupe of queries regarding my absence from the UK.

I arrived in the UK on 22nd Oct 2010 and post 2 extensions to my Tier 1 visa the current validity stands till 3rd April 2016. Based on this, I would be completing the 5 year requirement in October 2015 post which I hope to apply for my ILR. Except for normal absences like vacation to India, business and leisure trips to Europe which comes to around 90 days, I do have another absence from the UK for 80 days. As I went through a jobless period, I took a short contract outside the UK and ended up doing 3 trips which totalled 80 days away.

My queries are below -
1. Given that total number of absences amounts to less than 180 days in the last 5 years, do I need to provide any evidence or reasons for my absence from the UK at all? If yes, kindly help me out with the follow on queries -
you need to submit a letter from your employer for all paid holidays.
2. For the routine trips outside the UK (holidays and short business trips), do I have to provide any evidence? If yes, what is an accepted evidence?
you need to submit a letter from your employer for all paid holidays.
3. For the short contract that I took outside the UK, what kind of justification would be acceptable? Do I need to provide evidence for this as well? If yes, what is acceptable to the border agency?
I am not sure about this. But is the money i.e salary credited to UK account? did you pay tax on that ?

The reason for my third query is due to the statement in the UKBA website relating to ILR continuous period calculation wherein it states - "Absences must be for a reason consistent with the original purpose of entry to the UK".

Can I simply put it down to being unemployed in the UK hence out of the country?

Appreciate your assistance in helping clarify on the above.

Thanks
Kanswam