Hi everyone!
I’m hoping to apply for UK citizenship in the next month, but the more I read about the rules, the more confused (and stressed) I’m getting (especially around absences). Would really appreciate any advice or similar experiences.
My situation:
- Status: EU national with ILR (settled status) granted April 2025
- Days absent (last 12 months): 92
- Days absent (year before that): 81
- Days absent in past five years: 610
My main concern (obviously) is that I’m over the 5-year absence limit. For what it's worth I can explain some of these absences as:
- My first year in the 5-year period (130 days absent) was as a university student and so I spent longer periods at home (especially during COVID)
- Around 50 days of travel due to work (I have an employer letter to support) all in the past 2 years
- Around 35 days for surgery recovery in my home country (I can get a medical letter to support) in the past 2 years
I believe I can demonstrate that my life is firmly established in the UK. I’ve lived here since I was 18, attended a UK university, and currently work for a UK-based company (which does involve some travel). I rent property here, have a UK bank account, and see my long-term future in the UK
If I apply, it kind of has to be now. I’ve got the option of an extended educational rotation coming up, which will make things more complicated later. I’m also interested in jobs that require UK citizenship.
I don’t want to risk losing the application fee if I’m very likely to be refused… but I also don’t want to hold off if there’s a reasonable chance I’d be approved.
Has anyone been in a similar position or applied with higher absences? How strict are they in practice, especially with reasonable explanations?
Thanks so much in advance, appreciate your advice!