Delayed entry into the UK - Any implications?

First of all I would like to thank everyone on this forum for your support. I know I have not written before but I would like to acknowledge the immense help I got by visiting this forum. I am currently based in Ghana.

I applied for HSMP to the Home Office on 29 September 2005. They charged the credit card for my friend on 30 September 2005. Got approval on 5 October 2005.

Applied for entry clearance to the British High Commission in Accra on 21 December 2005. Got entry clearance visa yesterday on 11 January 2006 with effect from 4 January 2006. I had requested that the EC be with effect from 22 March but the Entry Clearance Officer did not approve it.

My family and I (wife and two children) plan to leave Accra for the UK on 21 March. I have to wind up my contract with my employers - they have been very supportive to me during the application process - I cant just leave like that. I went to the High Commission today to find out if my delay in entering the UK by 2 months and 17 days will have any negative implications. I have been told no, apart from that by the time we enter the UK we will only have 9 months and 13 days left on my EC. I am trying to sort out jobs and I had a telephone interview today, results will be out on Monday. If succesful, I will start on 1st April 2006.

Quick question - Does anyone have any experience of entering the UK 2-3 months later after been given the EC? Any implications?

I would greatly appreciate any feedback.

MacDuff in Ghana

The only implications of a delayed entry would be in connection with your HSMP extension and future ILR applications. If you can show economic activity during the remaining 9 months, I don't think your HSMP extension would be affected.

However, your ILR application would be affected as you have to show that you have been in the UK on the HSMP Scheme for 4 years (all indications are that this period will increase to 5 years at some point) (short absences for holiday/business allowed).

Hope the above helps.

Smit

Thanks for the reply. Very helpful indeed.

Quick question - So what would be the way around the ILR application then? Any ideas?

MacDuff

When you have compeleted your extension of three years and you are still short by a few months for your ILR, you will have to apply for an extension. By all indications as stated by Smit, the ILR time period will be 5 years instead of 4 years in the future.