HSMP Extension Question

[stuncay]

Hi All,

I got my HSMP visa in 2003 initially valid for one year. Thus, in 2004, I applied for an extension and as a result, my visa has been extended until October 2007. At that time, Home Office also sent me letter indicating that I can apply for Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR) when my extension expires. As my visa is about to be expired I was planning to apply for ILR. However, I'm confused with the new HSMP regulations it seems to me that I have to apply for another HSMP extension, rather than applying for ILR. Can someone tell me what I should do? Apply for HSMP extension or ILR?

Thanks very much in advance
Serhat

[SYH]

You must be living under a rock, the new rule is 5 years of HSMP before ILR. Yes it used to be 4 way back when but now it is 5 so you must get an hsmp extension. I hope you know about the points you have to earn to get the extension.

[stuncay]

Thanks for the reply, I think I gathered enough info on HSMP extension based on new rules from other posts. Thanks again.
Serhat