SET(LR) 10-year route: Applying 28 days before 10 year annoverary of lawful residence

[siteshp]

I arrived in the UK on 27-Feb-2016. My 10-year anniversary of continuous lawful residence is 27-Feb-2026.

SET (LR) 10 year route Application Details:
Earliest 28-day eligibility: 30-Jan-2026.
Proposed application date: 02-Feb-2026.
Total absences: 93 days over 10 years.
Current Visa: Held since Nov-2023.

My Query:
My solicitor is advising me to wait until the exact anniversary (27-Feb-2026) to apply. However, per the 28-day concession in the caseworker guidance, I believe I am eligible to apply from 30-Jan-2026.

Is there any known risk in applying on 02-Feb-2026 (25 days early)? Has anyone experienced refusals or issues when relying on the 28-day rule for SET LR recently?

Many Thanks

[zimba]

Your solicitor's concerns are baseless. The date of application is not that important

Read --> All you need to know about applying early, the application date, 28-day concession and more

Also read --> Changes to the Long Residence settlement route from 11 April 2024