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My days abroad amount to 469. I understand this is above the allowed 450 days, but below the 500 threshold, which is usually accepted. My question: on the question "Do you meet these residence requirements?", should I select "yes" or "no"? I'm worried if I say "no", they'll reject it, but if I say "yes", I technically don't meet the 450 days requirement. It doesn't allow me to leave a comment to explain.

Thanks,
Matthias

The "threshold" is 480 days, normally disregarded.
You can add a covering note explaining the excess absences, reasons, etc. Load with your other documents.
Or wait a bit longer until you are down to 450 days then you don't have to explain anything.

Thanks for your reply. I don't really have a particular reason for exceeding the 450, so I'd rather not add a cover note. Do you think it's safe to leave it as is, have 469 days abroad, and select "yes" for meeting the requirement?

There is no need to explain extra absences if you are below the 480 threshold. Just say in a cover note that you are aware that according to the guidance up to 480 days are disregarded. You need to respect all other requirements though, you can only ask for discretion on one.

Thank you, I will add that as a note. However, on the actual page where it asks me if I meet the 450 days abroad, should I tick "yes" or "no" to meeting the requirement? Do you suggest I say "yes", but mention in the note that I'm aware of it exceeding 450, but that I thought it would be fine as it's below 480?

You need to tick No and when you are asked in the last box if you think there are any reasons why they should exercise discretion you add what I stated above about the guidance stating that for absences up to 480 days discretion is normally exercised.