More Than 18 Months Outside Uk

[Bristows]

Hello all,

I have been in the UK for over a period of 11 and half years now; largely as a student and more recently as work permit holder. I'm considering of applying for an ILR on the basis of a 10-year period of continuous lawful residence. I believe I satisfy all the criteria for 10 years long residence APART from having spent a total of approximately 590 days (~ 19.7 months) outside of the UK. A large chunk of this absence, close to 243 days, was due to undertaking long undergraduate summer internships in the US, and writing my Phd thesis.

Would I still be eligible to apply for ILR under the long term residency route? Failing this, my 5 year work permit expires in Oct 2011, so I should be able to apply for ILR then provided the requirements still stay the same. However, if I'm eligible to apply now, then I might as well do it now.

Please advise.

Thank you.

[Wanderer]

No - too long.