Things to keep track of for ILR applications

[kirankaja12]

Hi,

I just applied for Tier 1 General renewal and so am at least a couple of years away from applying for ILR. But looking through some of the postings here, I realise that I need to keep track of certain things such as my absences from the UK for the last 5 years before applying and also all the payslips/P60s. And I am trying to identify these so that I can keep track of them from now on at least.

1. Absences from the UK: I believe I shouldn't be outside the UK for more than 180 days in total in the last 5 year period. I travel to mainland Europe for work purposes for short trips usually for a day or two. Should these be counted as part of 180 days as well? I believe the longest absence from UK would be 3.5 weeks. Further, do I need to list each and every absence in the ILR application form? If this is the case, I wil have to dig out these dates from stamps in my passport. I wish they stamped my passport when I leave the UK as well. That would make it easier for obtaining these dates.

2. Economic Activity for 5 years: I may be able to keep all the payslips and can get letter from my current employer as well as the previous one (hopefully). P60s also shouldn't be a problem. Do I need to produce bank statements for 5 years as well showing that salary payments have been credited?

3. Residence proofs: Do I need to produce proof of residences for all the 5 years? This will be almost impossible.

I am aware that rules may change in the next couple of years but I think the above items will continue to form basis of ILR applications. So, any help / comments on the above are greatley appreciated.