ILR Absence periods_Tier2 General Sponsor VISA

[nanoram]

Dear All,

I heard this forum of great help to many immigrants, I have one question.
I entered UK on 15 August 2012, where as my visa was granted on 16 July 2012.
Visa Type: Tier 2 General Sponsored
since then I am working with same company, My Visa is until Jan 2018.

My question: 1. Can I apply 28 days before the Visa Sanction date (i.e. 16 July 2012)..?
2. Will my application be accepted as my visa is until Jan 2018, which is 5.5 years in total, so is there any chance that they may ask to wait until Jan 2018 and then apply.

I have all rest of the required documents as per requirement, including a letter from employer that i am still in need.

Many thanks for the help.

[zimba]

You can apply after 5 years minus 28 days, from the date of your initial visa.

[nanoram]

Thank you for reply,

is the date of initial visa, the day the visa is sanctioned (16/07/2012) or the date the entered UK (15/08/2012)...?

Cheers

[zimba]

Date of issue