The recent activity of the government was worrying, plus by reading this particular thread suddenly re-induce the idea for me to apply the ILR based on 10 yr long residency.
Initially, I did ask for advise in another forum about 3 yrs ago, to enquire about ILR (based on 10 yrs, but was put off when told the Visa 6 & 7 may be considered a break & I need SAR to help me show the Lost Passport stamps)
-REMOVED-
*(a) Went to Germany and back to refreshed my visa while waiting for results
Now, 3 yrs later, here am I again. I have now got all the passports to prove my residency in this country from Sept 2000 to Sept 2010.
(plus constant query from close one why I am still not eligible after staying in UK for more than 10 years - i always reply - *goal post changing*)
The only query I was worry about was the Visa 6 & 7 break. My visa 7 was for my MSc course in UCL and reason for late application was due to the arrival of offer letter in (Aug 2005), while my BSc (Visa 4) expired on Jun 2005. Exam finish in June 05 and results out in July 05 before MSC was accepted hence offer letter's arrival in Aug 05.
On recent reading, I realised:
1) Visitor visa can be considered as part of the long residence application.
vinny wrote:Even time spent as a visitor may be included.
2) Plus, from the APRIL 2009 IMMIGRATION DIRECTORATES' INSTRUCTIONS - LONG RESIDENCE
Example 2
A person enters the UK on 1 September 2004 with entry clearance as a student which is valid until 31 October 2005. On 25 October 2005 (before the previous leave expired) the person departs the UK. On 5 January 2006 the person re-enters the UK with valid entry clearance as a student. Will the person’s continuous residence be deemed to be broken?
No. Because the person had valid leave on the date of their departure and the date of their return and the time spent outside the UK was less than 6 months, continuous residence has been maintained, even though they re-entered with a fresh grant of leave.
QUESTIONS:
1) Do you think it is worth trying to apply (before all these *unknown* changes)? and my fall back is the current Tier 1. If fail, the next chance for application in around May 2012 (due to Visa 9)
2) Absentee - I am sure I have not left the country for too long at any single trip (i.e. less than 6 months - 1 month (max)). But, looking back at my old passports, I may need deep analysis of UK Exit dates and they don't stamp.
Please advise.
I am thinking about sending all the relevant passports, Life in UK (will do it ASAP if you guys think is worth trying) and maybe bank statement (last 10 yrs) to complete the application.
Many thanks for any of your advise.
Best regards,
calvtan
