Regularising immigration status under Tier 1

[SpokenHands]

I would request and much appreciate any guidance you can provide on the following.


I have recently received a Tier 1 General Migrant Visa following re-consideration under Pankina Review.

I had spent 2 years under HSMP, then applied for Tier 1 which was refused for maintenance funds under the limit for 2 days, so thereafter spent 2 years under Tier 2. The Tier 2 application had to be made from my home country as by the time my refusal was recd, the leave to remain had expired.

I am hoping to apply for ILR next year, at 5 years; on the basis that I have spent two years on HSMP, two years on Tier 2 and one year on Tier 1. To ensure this is straightforward, I have asked the HO to regularise the time spent in my home-country to make my Tier 2 application (under 30 days) so that it shows continuous immigration status for 5 years.

I have had no reply for weeks. From the experience of others here, who got a letter granting continuous status, this seems quite long.

How do you suggest I proceed?

[Arguably I would NOT have had to travel overseas to make a Tier 2 application had my original Tier 1 visa not been refused. The recent favourable re-consideration and reinstatement of my Tier 1 visa gives me a strong precedent and i was advised to write to the HO to regularise my immigration status.]

Could someone please advise me on this and your suggested actions I should take?

[vinny]

When eligible, apply for ILR with a covering letter. Appeal, if refused.

[SpokenHands]

I wrote several times to the UKBA, and called and faxed and did not receive this confirmation for 4 months. Following advice received here; I wrote to the UKBA via my MP and am advised they are writing to me now with confirmation of continuous stay. This means I can apply for ILR in Feb 2012 saving 2 years.

Thank you to all who took the time and consideration to address my case - in particular to Sushma, Blossom 2009 and Tipu20.

Kind regards