ILR appeal, long absence, private life

[havehope]

Dear all,

I have applied for ILR based on 10 year rule in Nov 2013. Received a refusal letter with the right to appeal in May 2014. The refusal was based on the number of absences (in excess of 900 days). Most of the absences occurred due to the terminal illness of one of my parents, and school holidays during the GSCES/A-level period. I have applied for ILR hoping that I will qualify under article 8 as I've spent my formative years in the UK, schooled here, worked here and have an immediate family member who is British in this country. My private life is in the UK.

I have received a notice of hearing the other day and it says that I have 3 weeks from the date of this letter to submit additional documents which might result in my case being revised by the Home Office. This is a general procedure as far as I understand and does not mean that the respondent is lenient towards me.

So, I would like to use this opportunity and submit relevant documents. So far I can only think of witness statements from family member (British), British teachers and employer, and of course friends.

I would appreciate if you could give me some advice regarding writing and compiling witness statements. Knowing that British law is set by precedence, I would appreciate if you could point me to the cases similar to mine, i.e. large absence vs private life right.


Thank you in advance!