when to apply?

[cars2fly]

Hello,

My Tier1 General Visa is expiring on 20/06/13. My initial HSMP Tier1 Visa was stamped on 26/05/08. I entered the UK on 13/07/08. I would like to know the following:

1. How early will I be able to take the Life in UK Test? Will I be able to take it in the next two weeks and apply for my ILR couple of months later on?

2. When should I apply for my ILR? That is how early will I be apply for my ILR.

Many thanks for your replies.

[cs95tdg]

1) Any time you want. Yes
2) The earliest would be 28 days before the 5th anniversary from your EC date (26/05/08).

[uksettlement]

1. How early will I be able to take the Life in UK Test? Will I be able to take it in the next two weeks and apply for my ILR couple of months later on?
You can apply anytime for life in uk test.

2. When should I apply for my ILR? That is how early will I be apply for my ILR.
28 days before 26/05/08
.

[uksettlement]

1) Any time you want. Yes
2) The earliest would be 28 days before the 5th anniversary from your EC date (26/05/08).

Opps you did beat me to this one.

[cars2fly]

Thank you both.

Can I seek further clarification since I got the HSMP Tier1 stamped from outside the UK, so do I still can apply for ILR 28 days before stamping date (26/05/2008) or do I need to consider my entry in the UK date (13/072/008) for ILR application?

Appreciate your responses.

[cs95tdg]

As you first entered the UK within 3 months of EC, your ILR residence period would begin from your EC date (26/05/2008). So you would be eligible to apply from 28 days before the 5th anniversary from 26/05/2008.

[cars2fly]

Thanks again.

So as I understand, I would need appointment for 28th April 2013 i.e., 29th April 2013 as 28th is Sunday.
Now could you please also confirm considering 42 days rule for booking an appointment when should I book appointment. Would it be 16th March night or 17th March night?

Appreciate your quick responses in advance.