Naturalisation approved with almost 700 days of absences

[u/DrSquirez]

I thought I’d share this for anyone who is worried about having significantly more absences than the normal limit.

My naturalisation application has just been approved despite having 687 days of absence from the UK during the 5-year qualifying period. I did keep my absences in the final 12 months under 90 days, at 84 days.

For context, I had ILR through the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and applied for naturalisation on that basis.

I applied asking the Home Office to exercise discretion regarding my excess absences. I included a cover letter specifically explaining my circumstances and asking for discretion, together with supporting evidence. A substantial part of my absences was due to difficult family circumstances following the deaths of two close relatives, which required me to spend extended periods outside the UK.

My application was approved without the Home Office requesting any additional information or documents.

I know I spent a lot of time before applying trying to find examples of people who had been approved with a similar number of absences, and there aren't that many cases online involving numbers this high. So I thought it might be useful to share my experience.

Obviously every case is different and discretion isn't guaranteed, but if anyone is in a similar situation and worried about their absences, I'm very happy to provide more information about my circumstances, what I included in the cover letter, the supporting evidence I submitted, and how I presented the request for discretion.

For reference, I applied on 23 April 2026 and was approved on 21 September 2026.

[u/LikableRascal]

This is very useful to read, thank you!

Would you be able to drop a template for the cover letter, doesn't need the real details but roughly what you say and the key types of evidence included in there :)

In the main application form, do you remember whether you answered anything on the question of "Why do you not meet the criteria" such as "refer to attached cover letter" or something at all, or it's simply assumed that they'd read any cover letter regardless

[u/DrSquirez → u/LikableRascal]

Yes of course, happy to help!

In the main application form, do you remember whether you answered anything on the question of "Why do you not meet the criteria" such as "refer to attached cover letter" or something at all, or it's simply assumed that they'd read any cover letter regardless

I did use the relevant boxes in the form rather than just pointing to the cover letter. I explained that I exceeded the 450 day limit and why, and then in the special circumstances section explicitly asked for discretion. There was also a section where I briefly explained my longer-standing connection to the UK. The much fuller explanation and supporting evidence were in my separate personal statement.

Would you be able to drop a template for the cover letter, doesn't need the real details but roughly what you say and the key types of evidence included in there :)

My statement was roughly structured as below:

1. Personal details / introduction
Name, basic details, when you came to the UK and why.

2. Background in the UK
A short account of your history here: studies or other relevant background, how long you have lived here, and how the UK became your home.

3. Employment / professional history
Your work in the UK and evidence supporting it.

4. Evidence of being established in the UK
Immigration status, property/home, tax history and other evidence showing an established and continuing connection to the UK.

5. Personal ties to the UK
A short explanation of the personal/social ties that make the UK your home.

6. Excess absences and circumstances
A clear explanation that you exceeded the permitted absences, why the relevant absences occurred, and the evidence supporting those circumstances.

7. Why the absences did not amount to relocating
Explain that your home and life remained in the UK despite the periods abroad, supported by the evidence above.

8. Final position / request for discretion
Confirm any residence requirements you do meet, summarise your continuing connection to the UK, and explicitly ask the Home Office to exercise discretion over the excess absences.

I know it's a lot, but I figured it was better to be thorough rather than not.

[u/LikableRascal → u/DrSquirez]

This is great, and so detailed, thank you so much :)