ILR (after T1 G) Left UK 7 months to work in EU - plz help!

[go4anant]

I have been in UK from Aug 2009 on T2 working for an IT company. I applied my T1 in June 2010 and I am extending it from June 2012 till June 2015.

I left UK & the IT company and worked in Hungary (part of EU) between Oct 2010 and May 2011. I was employed by United Nations.

I came back in May 2011. I have had no other leaves from Aug 09.

When am I eligible for ILR? Does the 5 year period start again from May 2011?

I checked with a Solicitor; and he said all i need to do was count 5 years from Aug 09; which means eligible in Aug 2014; add period of 7 months of absence to Aug 2014; hence I would be eligible in Mar 2015.

If I add 5 years to May 2011; then it is May 2016.

Can anyone help clarify this? 5 year rule and absence is; I guess the most unclear area.

Regards

A

[rakeysh.patel]

This is really tricky one. But I think you need a continuous 5 year stay (with 180 days holiday allowance if you call it). So in my opinion it would unfortunately be May 11 - May 16. But wait till others comment.

Thanks,
R