Work permit + HSMP holder- Permanent Residency regulations?

[ankurarora]

Hello

I was on work permit from November 2004. The company got the work permit issued in the same month and I sent my passport for FLR(ID) visa in the same month as well. However I got my 5 yr visa in March 2005. I subsequently decided to apply for HSMP in July 2006 and got my HSMP letter in August 2006 and my 2 yr HSMP visa in October 2006. I have now got the same extended for 3 yrs, valid till October 2011.

1. What regulations for permanent residency and citizenship would I have to follow? I.e. 4 or 5 yrs or permanent residency (if and when the HSMP forum wins their case). I would like to be prepared to apply for the same if I become eligible PR after 4 years stay (which would either be Nov 2008 or March 2009).

2. Would the calculation of time start from the time I got the first work permit (November 2004) or from the time I got the first FLR(ID), i.e. March 2005.


Many thanks for your time.