ILR if leaving the country temporarily

[AWW]

Hi All would really appreciate any advice

My wife has been in the UK on a spouse visa since September 2019. Original plan was to apply for ILR, however we have recently agreed to undertake a work assignment in China for the next 2 years and are in the process of moving (we work for the same company)

My question is - is it possible to apply for ILR even though we will be living in China within the next few weeks? We can demonstrate that our intention is to permanently live in the UK once the two years are up - for example we could provide a letter form our employer, we have a joint mortgage in the UK, and we have a son who is a UK citizen

Or do we need to start again with 2 x 2.5year Spouse Visas when we return in 2 years time?

[zimba]

I think you should try to get ILR. You do not need to prove much in the ILR process. As long as you visit the UK and do not stay away for more than 24 months, ILR status will be maintained. I suggest applying for ILR