ILR application eligibility

Thank you, this is more insightful even I have the same the query

Background:
I am a Skilled Worker visa holder nearing my 5-year ILR milestone. I have a wife (current dependant) and a 5-month-old child (born in India, currently no UK visa).
Question 1: Qualifying Period & 28-Day Rule
BRP Issue Date: 2nd August 2021
Vignette Start Date: 16th August 2021
Entry to UK: Late August 2021
Which date should I use to calculate my 5-year qualifying period? If I use the BRP date (2nd August), does my "Earliest Application Date" become 5th July? Also, does the delay between my visa grant and my actual entry to the UK count towards the 180-day absence limit?
Question 2: 180-Day Absence Calculation
I am looking for clarity on how the Home Office calculates the "rolling 12-month" absence rule.
Is there a specific Excel template or calculator that the community recommends to ensure I haven't exceeded 180 days in any rolling 12-month block?
Does the calculation include the day of departure and the day of return?

Do not hijack another user's post to get answers to your questions, that's is considered rude.

laxmanperka wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 28, 2026 12:42 pm

BRP Issue Date: 2nd August 2021

You're eligible for ILR on 2nd August 2021 + 5 years - 28 days. Ensure the ILR decision is taken on or after that date. The date of application is less relevant.

OP already explained (in the other post) that they applied well before and just arranged biometrics within the eligibility period.

You don't need a special Excel template to calculate absences, look at your travel dates! Rolling means any 12-month period that absences do not exceed 180 days. Dates of departure and return are not counted.

Thank you so much..I Didn't find an option to write a New post so i replied on top of existing post. Anyways i will keep this in mind thanks for your reply