Immigration
How to count absences for permanent residency without resetting the clock
Most naturalisation refusals are not about crime — they are about days spent outside the country. Here is how to log them correctly.
Permanent residency and naturalisation both reward continuous presence. The rules look simple and the record-keeping is not.
The two limits that catch people
Most routes impose both a per-year absence cap and a cap across the whole qualifying period. A long trip that is fine in one year can push you over the lifetime limit.
Log every entry and exit
Use your passport stamps and flight records to build a running tally. Do not rely on memory at year five.
Mind the gaps
A gap between permits — even a short one — can reset the qualifying clock. If a renewal is delayed, keep evidence that you applied before expiry.
Tax compliance is part of residence
Filed returns and clearance certificates for each qualifying year are usually required. A year with no return on file can break continuity even if you were physically present.
The premium Vault includes an absence day-count spreadsheet that calculates both limits automatically.
This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice. Retain qualified counsel in the relevant jurisdiction before acting.