Tier 2 ILR - When did my Continuous Period Start?

[mastermind2019]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone would know when the start of my 5-year continuous period is. I read that I can "include the time between your entry clearance being granted and you entering the United Kingdom as part of your continuous period."

So it means the date I got my approval letter, correct?

My situation is as follows:
- Applied for T2G from New York in August 2015
- UK Entry Clearance approved on Aug 21, 2015 (Got a letter from the UK consulate in New York with that date)
- A few days later, my passport arrived with my UK Entry Clearance (on the visa sticker, it says it's valid from Oct 1, 2015 until Oct 30, 2015, during which I had to pick up my BRP)
- Arrived in the UK on Oct 1, 2015 on T2G and lived here ever since

There is no indication on the visa sticker whatsoever that it was granted on Aug 21, 2015 (only the letter).
So does my continuous period start from Aug 21, 2015 or Oct 1, 2015?

Thank you!

[zimba]

Aug 21, 2015 which is your approval date

[mastermind2019]

Aug 21, 2015 which is your approval date

Thanks! Will I need to include my original approval letter? Or will the Home Office be able to tell from their system that it was approved on Aug 21, 2015?

[zimba]

You can include it but they rely on their systems

[mastermind2019]

I have also changed jobs once, and I don't have a letter from my previous employer listing my annual leave. (I will be able to get it from my current employer, though). I've heard this letter is optional. Is this correct?

[zimba]

If your absences were below 30 days per residence year you can ignore it

[mastermind2019]

My absences did exceed 30 days - 15, 60, 50, 40 days for years 1-4. Must I get the letter?

[zimba]

Yes

[mastermind2019]

I just received the proof of absence letter from my former employer.

Another questions:
I have a degree from the US. When I applied for T2G initially I used the Points Based Calculator to prove my English proficiency with the degree. Now that the calculator is closed, do I need an NARIC statement to go along with my degree?

[zimba]

Yes. NARIC red route