Staying outside the UK?

Hi all,

I am on HSMP (JR) Pre Nov 2006 category. My 5 years are going to be completed in March 2012. I have following questions:

1. Is there any restriction that I must not go out of the UK in a year before applying for ILR?

2. My wife intends to go to Pakistan in October 2010, how long she can stay outside the UK? Does 90 days restriction applies to her as well or its only for the principal applicant (me)?

Thanks

See also ILR Processing: A CaseWorker's Guide/Manual.

See also 196E for your wife. Dependants do not seem to have any restrictions on their absences. However, long absences may affect her future naturalisation eligibility.