Student time does not count.
If you got your HSMP before April 2006 you can apply after 4 years, that's official.
If you got it after April 2006, you must wait 5 years.

Good point, but I'm not sure we have enough signatures. Petition was raised by Mervin Xavier (known as mervinsx on this website) and I think I've read some of his posts where he said we need at least a few thousand signatures in order that petition is considered seriously. So be active and chase ...

A Judicial Review is brought that all HSMP holders that entered country before 3 April 2006 will be allowed to apply for ILR after 4 years (not 5). Check Home Office links here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/indefiniteleavetoremainforhsmp http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov ...

A Judicial Review is brought that all HSMP holders that entered country before 3 April 2006 will be allowed to apply for ILR after 4 years (not 5). Check Home Office links here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/indefiniteleavetoremainforhsmp http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov ...

There is another petition, and interesting Home Office links regarding ILR after 4 years.

Check here and sign this petition as well:

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=39174

You might apply for ILR after 4 years if you entered country before April 2006.

Check here:

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=39174

and sign a petition.

You might apply for ILR after 4 years if you entered country before April 2006.

Check here:

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=39174

and sign a petition.

You might apply for ILR after 4 years if you entered country before April 2006.

Check here:

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=39174

and sign a petition.

A Judicial Review is brought that all HSMP holders that entered country before 3 April 2006 will be allowed to apply for ILR after 4 years (not 5). Check Home Office links here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/indefiniteleavetoremainforhsmp http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov ...