HSMP ILR / FLR extension

Hello,

I initially got my HSMP in September 2006, under the JR ruling. I successfully applied for FLR in September 2008, with a 3 year extension until September 2011.

I'm considering ILR requirements, and it appears I will have been out of the UK for approximately 7-8 months during my HSMP visa time here when the time comes to apply for ILR in 2011. I have read somewhere that you can be outside of the UK for a maximum of 6 months during the 5 years of an HSMP / Tier 1 visa to be considered for a successful ILR application. Is this correct?

If I have been outside of the UK for too long for a successful ILR application, is it possible under the JR ruling to apply for another FLR extension to further extend my stay?

thanks for your help.

EC

I think the ILR requires 4 yrs of continous stay in the UK (i.e. without a break of more than 90 days), and also that you need to be economically active during the 4 yrs.