Month: February 2013

Calculation of five year period for settlement in the UK

Under changes to the Immigration Rules effective from 13 December 2012,  absences of up to 180 days in each of the 12 month calendar periods of the 5 year qualifying period for continuous residence will be permitted for Tier 1 (General), Tier 2 and pre-points based system work routes e.g. work permits. These absences must be for a reason that is consistent with the person’s employment e.g. business trips, conferences, research collaborations, periods of annual leave – or for serious or compelling reasons such as the serious illness of a close relative.