Urgent ILR Query - heading out as an expat for 1 year

[ps1234]

Hi all,

I am on a Tier 1 visa in UK and my wife works here as a dependant. We have been here since September 2009 and my visa is up for renewal in 2013.

I have been told by my company that I need to go as an expat to another country for about 1-1.5 years. My wife will remain here and continue working. We have a house here and will continue to pay mortgage on it. My salary will be paid in UK and tax will be paid in UK. My wife's salary is also paid and taxed in UK. My questions:

1. How will this affect my ILR - will the clock be fully reset or given that I am going on company business and have enough connections (salary, house, wife) in UK, the clock will continue ticking from September 2009?

2. Will this assignment hamper the renewal of my Tier 1 visa in 2013 (and hence my wife's, since she is a dependant).

Will really look forward to hearing from the experts here, please.

Thanks!

ps

[vinny]

See also Chapter 6A - Settlement.