ILR exceed 540 days and SAR query help please!

[maxims]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum, but have some queries or anyone has a similar situation?
Currently holding Tier 4 visa studying masters. Visa expires 30/JAN/2018

First arrived UK: 21/JUL/ 2007 Tier 4 child
1ST VISA TIER 4 22/07/2007 - 31/10/2011
2ND VISA TIER 4 05/08/2011 - 05/11/2013
3RD VISA TIER 4 05/09/2013 - 16/10/2016
4TH VISA TIER 4 17/11/2016 - 30/01/2018

Applied my 4th Visa in the UK in September but granted visa in November, does that mean I have a gap in my visa?

Wanting to apply ILR via 10 years long residence however I have exceed the ILR rule 540 days by about 150 days. I could not postpone my application because if I apply during JAN 2018, my exceed days would still be similar because I have been away in the recent years rather than the early years that I came to UK.

Has anybody in the same boat but successfully granted PR?

Because when departing from the UK, there's no stamps so I wasn't too sure what date did I leave the UK but I have the stamps. Would getting a SAR help at all about the enter and leaving date in the UK?

Also, SAR requires a solicitor signature on the back of a passport photograph so do I have to apply the SAR through a representatives? And around how much does a solicitor charge to help apply for an SAR? Thanks


Many thanks everyone!!

[secret.simon]

What is the reason for the volume of absences?