I am an EEA citizen and have been living in the UK for 20 years. I am now putting together my UK PR application (together with my non-EEA spouse) and am a little stuck on the section requiring me to list my absences from the UK since I first entered (1997). I understand that I am only required to show 5 years of continuous residency. Thankfully, I have never left the country for more than 50 days in a year and can provide evidence of employment, self employment and when required, CSI to filling the gaps from 2005 onward.
Unfortunately I can only accurately account for absences back to around 2003. For the 6 years prior to that (1997 - 2003) I may be missing records as it was more common to book things through a travel agent, by fax or over the telephone leaving little paper trail.
I have recently acquired through a Fast Track SAR, my known absences, but this only recorded this past 5 years.
As far as I can see it, I have three options for the PR form:
1. Only include the last 5+1 years of absences on my form (the legal minimum)
2. Include the past 14 years which I do have accurately recorded and explain in writing that I have absences prior to this but am unable to accurately account for them so have left them off.
3. Record the past 14 years, and include rough estimates for absences between 1997 - 2003 and explain that some of the recorded historic absences are rough estimates.
Have I missed an option? Does anyone have a recommendation? Much appreciated
