Citizenship - 90 days absence criteria

[Sukujobo]

Hello All,

I have been on ILR for the last 11 months and I am planning to apply for the UK citizenship through neutralisation as soon as I complete the criteria period of 12 months on ILR. The other criteria for taking up citizenship is that one must not have been away from the UK for more than 90 days’ preceding the neutralisation application and that’s where I am currently facing some dilemma. As an entrepreneur and founder of a start-up company, which is less than 1-year-old, I have to travel quite a bit and in the last 11 months I have spent close to 6 months away from the UK for work purposes. So my questions are:

1. As I have exceeded the maximum period of 90 days that is allowed for being out of country will this affect my application for neutralisation negatively?
2. Before starting my own business, I used to work for a consulting company and my work required me to travel quite extensively, however during my application for the ILR visa I was able to get a letter from my employer stating that my travel and stay outside the country was for business purposes. As a result, I was issued ILR despite being away from the UK for more than 180 days within a period of one continuous year over the 5-year period. So, will I be able to justify my absence from the UK similarly during my citizenship application?
3. Given my circumstances, are there any provisions that still allows me to successfully apply for the UK citizenship as soon as I complete 12 months on ILR? If yes, what documents are required for this?

Will truly appreciate advice and guidance on the matter.

[secret.simon]

Page 8 of Booklet AN should give a better understanding of the 90 days limit.

Remember that naturalisation is not a part of the immigration journey and is governed by different rules and laws.