ILR unknowns

[Alborz]

I wondered if anyone could help please as BA site doesnt provide any kind of answer to our queations below. My husband and I got married last year after living together in the UK since 2006. We got married in Iran and after applying, I was granted a spouse visa for 27 months in May 2011. I re-entered UK in September 2011 after being away for 10 months as my old visa had expired hence I had to leave.

My questions are:

1) How long am I allowed to be absent from the UK during the 27 months spouse visa period? I have been told that a 3 months absence is allowed but does mean I can only be away for 3 months during the 27 months or is it 3 months per year ie nearly 6 months absence is allowed?

2) Do they calculate the absence period from the date I was granted a visa or the date of entry to the UK?

3) I have lived with my husband (British) since 2006 and we got married in Jan 2011, can I apply for ILR any time before the 27 months period is over as we have lived together for 6 years?

4) Does my husband have to stay and be working in the UK during the 27 months period or can he travel / stay abroad for say a period of 2 months or so as he has a business abroad?

5) Does my husband have to show he is in continuous employment in the UK during the 27 months period?

Thanks in advance

[vinny]

See also settlement.