Most certainly... back to sq 1 if you stay that long away from the UK. I'd check  before leaving if I were you. ILR and Citizenship are based on staying closely linked to the UK, i.e. staying and having the intention to stay and live in the UK on a permanent basis. Going away for 7 months, would not show a committement to staying closely linked to the UK, unless you are in the Crown Service or member of the armed forces serving overseas.

Hello,

I would imagine that it would depend upon your reason or reasons as to why you had to be out of the UK for 7 months.  You could go ahead & put in the required papers to the immigration authorities but it will be up to the caseworker who looks over your file as to what is decided. 

ELW

I have been away for more than 6 months but I have had immigrationg advice that says that if I was away with my spouse thaen this does not affect the situation & I can still apply for ILR. I think you have to prove that you were together & the reason that you were away. I will let you know once I get my passport back

sureka

Its my understanding that the replies by Suerka and Ellen are correct.  I have in front of me an email from IND saying there is no specific rule and its up to the case worker.

A double-edge sword, if ever I saw one.

i

If you go out of the country (UK) for about 7months whilst on a Leave to Remain Visa would this now cause a problem when applying for the ILR ?