ILR Eligibility Calculator & Absence Tracker
Enter your visa grant date and instantly see whether you qualify for ILR, when you can apply, and how many days you can safely travel. Your data is saved locally — never sent to VisaVault.
Reactive eligibility
Enter your visa grant date and see your eligibility status immediately — no button click needed.
Travel planner
See exactly how many days you can travel in the next 12 months without breaching the 180-day rule.
ILR readiness score
Five-factor assessment: qualifying period, absences, Life in the UK test, English language, and good character.
Your qualifying period
Frequently asked questions about the 180-day rule
What is the 180-day rule?
During your ILR qualifying period, you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month window. This is not a calendar year — every possible 12-month period is checked independently.
Does the 12-month window reset every January?
No. The Home Office checks every rolling 12-month window, not calendar years. A November-to-November window is checked the same as a January-to-December window. This catches absences that span two calendar years.
Does the day I depart count as an absence?
Yes. The day you depart the UK counts as a day outside the UK. The day you return does not count as an absence — you are back in the UK. So a trip departing Monday and returning Friday = 4 absence days.
What happens if I have exceeded 180 days?
A breach may reset or delay your qualifying period. The Home Office has limited discretion in serious or compelling cases, but this is not guaranteed. If you are close to or over the limit, consult an OISC-registered immigration adviser before applying.
Can I apply before my qualifying period ends?
Yes. You can apply up to 28 days before your qualifying period ends. This tool shows your earliest application date, which is 28 days before your qualifying period completes.
Ready to prepare your ILR application? See the full ILR document checklist →