Question regarding 'qualifying periods'

[cloud0112]

Hello there,

I started working as full-time since October 2007 after completing my postgraudate course in the UK. At first, I was under IGS(International Graduate Scheme) and then got work permit visa in Aug 2008.

But my previous employer was closed down in Jan 2009 so I had to apply for another job. I applied for Tier 1(General) and got T1 visa in Mar 2009 and has been working for another company since then.

When I apply for ILR, will my stay with IGS be included 5 year qualifying periods? Or do I need to count the work permit & tier 1 only?

Your reply is highly appreciated.
Thanks

YJ

[xyz123]

Hello there,

I started working as full-time since October 2007 after completing my postgraudate course in the UK. At first, I was under IGS(International Graduate Scheme) and then got work permit visa in Aug 2008.

But my previous employer was closed down in Jan 2009 so I had to apply for another job. I applied for Tier 1(General) and got T1 visa in Mar 2009 and has been working for another company since then.

When I apply for ILR, will my stay with IGS be included 5 year qualifying periods? Or do I need to count the work permit & tier 1 only?

Your reply is highly appreciated.
Thanks

YJ

Any post study visa (like IGS) is not considered while counting the 5 years requirement for ILR. So earlierst you can apply is April 2013 (assuming you dont get married to a settled person and ILR rules are still same in 2.5 years)...

[cloud0112]

Thanks for your reply, xyz123.