Process & Timing
Absences from the UK on Skilled Worker Visa
Skilled Worker absences are not strictly capped during the visa, but for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) you must not exceed 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period.
Key fact
180 days max absence per rolling 12 months for ILR
Step-by-step
- 1Track every UK departure and return date.
- 2Calculate rolling 12-month absence at each point.
- 3180-day cap applies to the 5 years prior to ILR application.
- 4Permitted absences (work travel sponsored, family bereavement) still count.