Thanks for your responses everyone. I agree LaurenN, I am nervous about potential interpretations of this guidance. However, I think I'm going to proceed assuming I can go for it, but read these forums regularly etc to read of any cases where people have been refused. I didn't realise I'd need 5 ye...

Thanks ScopeD. I totally agree. And considering I think I have only been out of the country a total of 115 days in the 5 years (thank goodness for passport stamps or else I'd have no idea where I had been and when )

Perhaps Amber's explanation in this link may also help http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=154721 Thanks for that. I had seen Amber's post while trying to find out a bit more about this section of the ILR application, and whilst I am inclined to believe this will be the case, ...

I am in a similar situation anotheraussie1, although not identical. I am now self employed, and have been for the last 1.5 years, so evidence for absence can be covered by a letter I write, according to this document http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/policyandlaw/modernised/cro...

although the processing time for the visa extensions are annoyingly lengthy, I highly doubt it would take 15 months, so I am sure you would be fine. (tier 1 general processing times seem to be taking around 2-3 months from the time you post the application to the time you get your passport back). Bu...

I think as a general rule for most Visa applications you need 6 months validity on your passport (although I would check this on the UKBA website). If your passport expires during the period when you have a valid visa, I believe the process is to travel with 2 passports. Your new one would be the va...

You dont actually have to have worked for the entire 12 month period. If you earn enough money in 6 months of the 12 month period that is all that matters.

Is there really a restriction on the number of total days you can out of the country over the 5 year period? I was aware of the 90 consecutive days restriction, but have never heard of this other criteria before. I am just applying for my first Tier 1 extension so after this as expired i will qualif...

1. Current vignette HSMP / Tier 1 - Tier 1 (general) 2. Date of expiry of current leave (visa) - 14th January 2012 3. Date application posted - 25th November 2011 4. Date application received at UKBA - 28th November 2011 5. Date payment debited - 1st December 2011 5. Payment mode - Debit card 6. Dat...