ILR eligibility - in Tier 2 ICT

[palack123]

HI,

I have a Tier 2 ICT Visa from Jan 2010 and entered UK in Feb 2010. i have got 2 extensions once in feb 2012 and another in feb 2014. my visa is now valid till oct 2014. i am planning for another extension till oct 2015.
in the last 4 years, i have stayed outside UK for a month in jan 2012 and for 4 months between july 2012 to oct 2012. During these stays i was working in India for the same company that sponsored my Visa in UK. Apart from these i have stayed out of UK for holidays few times but never more than 2 weeks. i have few questions regarding my ILR eligibility, if you can plz help:
1. can i get another Extension under the same sponsor?
2. if i get the Visa extends further to Oct 2014 will i be eligible for ILR , considering the gaps i have in my stay,if yes, and when should i apply?

Looking forward to helpful correct responses.

Thanks,
Palack

[Amber]

You can apply from 28 days before Jan 2015. Absences should be <180 days per 12 month period.

[polani]

Hi Amber,

Based on your comments on other threads, usually it is not mandatory to provide employer covering letter for absences/gaps (of course less than 180 days in a year). However is it still the same that we need not provide any covering letter if we work for same employer in origin country during the gaps and not received any UK salary? ( I am asking, because I have the similar situation)

Please clarify.

Thanks,
Polani

[palack123]

Thanks for the response Amber.