Timing enquiry

[HSMP holder]

Dear all,

Does the five year countdown starts from the date of approval notice or the day of the EC?

Assuming that the countdown starts from the date the EC is stamped, the rules state that in order to get an Indefinite leave, I must spend a continuous period of five yeas in the UK.

So unless I enter the UK under HSMP the day I receive the EC, it is impossible to gain that full five-year period becuase the maximum period for which the HSMP allows is five years. Am I right?

Although they may have allowance, but the rules are very unclear. Some say it's six months, and some say otherwise.

My worry is that if I get my EC today, and enter the UK four months later, and after five years from the date I got the EC (meaning today) I will have stayed in the UK for only 4 years and 8 months and it is impossible to get further extension under HSMP.

I am seeking clarification. Please advice. Thanks

[lanr3e]

The count for settlement starts when the visa gets activated i.e. the day you enter the U.K and not when you get ur visa. So the earlier you get in the better for you.
A way of not avoiding any problem later in the future is for u to make ur application for entry clearance around the time you are sure to relocate to the UK. Remember, the approval letter expires after 6 months.[/list]

[HSMP holder]

Thanks.
Are there any time limit to enter the UK once you have got the EC from British Embassy?