ILR after after 4 years + apply 1 month late

I am eligible to apply for ILR after 4 years, however I have my visa valid for 5 years (ie., 1 year more after I become eligible for ILR). I am travelling abroad for a month at around the same time as when I complete my 4 years.

Since there is no guarentee on the timelines of ILR application, I wanted to apply for ILR after I return back to UK. That means I would have applied for ILR after 4 years and 1 month or so. Does this create a problem or can I apply anytime after I complete my 4 years as long as I have a valid visa after that ?

Thanks.

The rules says that you are eligible to apply for ILR after finishing 4 (HSMP JR) years staying in UK. But it does not say that you MUST apply or you will lose the right to apply. Advantage with ILR is that you dont have to apply for visa again to stay in the country. If the current situation does not allow you to surrender your passport for long time becoz of travel then apply when you feel you have time and it should be OK.

webhunter wrote:I am eligible to apply for ILR after 4 years, however I have my visa valid for 5 years (ie., 1 year more after I become eligible for ILR). I am travelling abroad for a month at around the same time as when I complete my 4 years.

Since there is no guarentee on the timelines of ILR application, I wanted to apply for ILR after I return back to UK. That means I would have applied for ILR after 4 years and 1 month or so. Does this create a problem or can I apply anytime after I complete my 4 years as long as I have a valid visa after that ?

Thanks.

Yes, applying anytime after 4 year completion is OK.