Tier 1 to ILR - Absence not work related

[imk049]

Hi,

Tier 1 (General) visa issue date: 28th January, 2009

Just got couple of questions:

1. I will complete 5 years continuous residence at 28th January 2014. But my current visa expiry date is 31st of March 2014. Can I apply for ILR after completing 5 years of continuous residence say in end of February 2014 since my visa will still be valid and not expired?

2. I had a single absence of 165 days outside UK in 2010 (happened in second year of 5 years continuous residence). This absence was not work related but for a personal reason. Will I still be required to furnish an evidence for this absence?

Thanks a lot

[Amber]

Please continue in your other thread