Calculating continuous stay

[kvora]

Dear experts,

I am in the process of preparing my application for ILR. In the past 5 years, I have been out of country on 2 different occassions totalling 63 days. I was reading the guidelines for continuous stay and it states that one needs to get an employer letter for paid leave. Can I write a covering letter and attach my payslips as evidence of paid leave?

Many thanks in advance for your time and response.

[kvora]

Hello experts,

Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

[ilrtier1genral]

Hi

What is your visa category?

And also your employment status?

[kvora]

Hi,

Thanks for your response. I am on Tier 2 visa. I have got full time permanent contract.

Thanks

[ilrtier1genral]

Hi kvora,

I'm not an expert but as per instructions I think it is highly recommended for tier 2 applicants to submit letters from their employers cause for tier 2 employees it is compulsory that they are employed though out the 5 years period with out any unpaid or unemployed leave.

So, coming from the above point I think you must get the letter from your employer(s) to confirm that you are in continuous employee throughout .

Senior members correct me if I'm wrong.

Best of luck

[kvora]

Hi ilrtier1genral,

Many thanks for your response. I just want to clarify that both my visits out of the country were during school holidays (I am a teacher) and were paid. I have not had a single day during the 5 year period as unpaid.

Experts, I would really appreciate if I can get clarification on this matter. Also, does the starting date of the current stay needs to be exactly 5 years from the date of application? I have been on Tier 2 for more than 6 years so my starting date covers more than 5 years, however, I am only including absences for the past 5 years. Is my understanding correct?

Many thanks in advance.