How many days of continuous absence?

[vickylinnn]

Hello!

I am new here. Thank you for any advice you have!

Re the 10-year route for ILR, which I am eligible to apply for in August 2019: I have to be away for 4 months December 2018 - March 2019 for work. Am I safe to do that? That is under 180 days, but do I need to shorten it or break it up? I am confused as a probono solicitor told me I can't afford to do the whole period.

For context: I will be Tier 1 Exceptional talent visa (in the middle of transferring now from Spouse visa), but have been here since Sep 2009. Student Tier 4 visa - extension - Doctoral extension - Spouse visa (relationship ended). Essentially between Sept 2009 - Sep 2019 I have not been away for more than 90 or 180 consecutive days.

Many thanks!

Best, V

[secret.simon]

Also factor in that the total absence across all ten years should not exceed 540 days.