Excluding research trips from days spent abroad

[jager]

Hi,

I have a UK ancestry visa, expiring September 2011. I'm concerned that any further trips I take outside the UK may take me over the 6 month limit for ILR (or whatever the new govt introduces).

As an academic, I frequently travel in Europe for research reasons, visiting libraries and museums. Am I entitled to exclude that time from the 6 months? Although it's not a "business trip" it's essential to doing my job so I hope it won't need to be counted. I've had the same employer (a university) throughout that time and have continued to be paid throughout the absences.

Thanks.

[geriatrix]

Am I entitled to exclude that time from the 6 months? Although it's not a "business trip" it's essential to doing my job so I hope it won't need to be counted.

Not unless your employer certifies in writing that these trips were "necessary" for your job. Also, given that you're not the usual employee who travels for business reasons, it may depend on caseworker discretion (even with the supporting letter).


regards

[gidoc]

I dont think you should have a problem with this. Have a letter from your employer stating that these were ' professional' or work related visits and that you continued to be paid during this time. I had 19 such days spent on educational meetings/conferences abroad, case worker never mentioned anything at all, even though that took my total absences close to 200.
Best Regards