5 Years completed or not? Settlement (o)

[usman81]

Dear Readers -

I was given Tier1(general) visa on 20 march 2009 for 3 years expired on 20 march 2012. I applied for 2 years extension before visa expired in march 2012 and homeoffice stamped 2 years visa valid from 20 May 2012 to 20 May 2014. So, there is a gap from the date when my first visa expired to the day when HO stamped the 2 years extension. I'm not sure whether to count the period (from 21 march 2012 to 19 may 2012) in to complete my 5 years under Tier 1(general) or not.

During the last 5 years I spent altogether 50 days out of the UK. So, question is can I apply for my SETTLEMENT (O) on 20 march 2014 or should I apply nearer the time of 20 may 2014?

Thank you
Usman

[yasa]

Dear Readers -

I was given Tier1(general) visa on 20 march 2009 for 3 years expired on 20 march 2012. I applied for 2 years extension before visa expired in march 2012 and homeoffice stamped 2 years visa valid from 20 May 2012 to 20 May 2014. So, there is a gap from the date when my first visa expired to the day when HO stamped the 2 years extension. I'm not sure whether to count the period (from 21 march 2012 to 19 may 2012) in to complete my 5 years under Tier 1(general) or not.

During the last 5 years I spent altogether 50 days out of the UK. So, question is can I apply for my SETTLEMENT (O) on 20 march 2014 or should I apply nearer the time of 20 may 2014?

You can apply within 28 days before 20th March 2014 as you will legally be on Tier 1 for 5 years

Thank you
Usman

[ilrtier1genral]

Hi,

As you said you applied for extension before your previous visa ran out then you are fine irrespective of visa stamp date.

Based on the above circumstances your stay does not seem to have any breaks.

I'm not an immigration expert