ILR - when to start counting....

[dmytro]

Hello, I came to UK on 10th septermber 1996. I came as dependant and was covered by mother's visa (i was only 12). We found a school and I started to attend it from 12th of september. On 15th of october I went back to ukraine, and got a student visa based on registration letter from school. This year will be 10 years of my stay. SO my question is: do I apply for ILR based on 10th september entrance, or 20th of october entrance? thank you

[Smit]

AFAIK, all visa extensions need to be done in the UK to qualify under the 10 years lawful residence rules-please can someone confirm whether this is indeed the case.

[dmytro]

No, my friend had all the visas issued in ukraine as well, and she got her ILR last month. Besides, I spoke to several lawers regarding my other issues and they never said that extentions need to be done in UK. I just spoke to another lawer and she said even stay under tourist visa counts- as long as your stay was legal it all counts:)

[John]

dmytro, based upon what you post, I think you can apply 28 days before the 10th anniversary ... 28 days before 10.09.2006 = Monday 14.08.2006 at the earliest. That assumes that at all times in the nearly 10 year period, when in the UK, you have been "legal"!