Call for help - More than 180 days of absence in 12 months

[Lorenacovent]

Dear all,

I was thinking on applying for a PR after having been in the UK for almost 6 years as a EU resident, with the purpose to then get the British Naturalisation.

I have been working/residing in the UK for the last 6 years with the following exceptions that I believe might make the application likely to be denied;

- Unemployed/no Job Seeker Allowance for a period of 3 months in 2015 (actively seeking so I can demonstrate)
- During the above period I found a job abroad and moved out of the UK for 210 days in 2016 (all falling probably withing 1 x 12 consecutive month period)

I feel this last one is totally resetting things for me and that it would make my application non-qualifying.
The question is, it was for work but not a job posting (i.e. it wasn't a UK employee posting me abroad for work) so I don't suppose this is an "exceptional circumstance"?

Just thinking that it may just not be worth to start the process at all (sadly) but I am not sure if I should take the risk?
Are there any factors I am not considering that could make my application more likely to be approved?

Thanks in advance for your advise. L

[Casa]

Your extended absence outside of the UK has re-set your qualifying clock for PR. Choosing to work abroad won't be considered as 'exceptional circumstances'.

[Lorenacovent]

Thank you