Do I need absences and passport from Tier 4 visa (prior to my Tier 2)?

[Blabbot]

Hello there everyone ,

I am applying for ILR based on the fact that I have been continuously employed on a Tier 2 visa for five years now.

Before starting my job on my Tier 2 visa, I was a student on a Tier 4 visa for approximately 4 years (so I have been continuously in the UK for close to 9 years now). However, during that time I was on a different passport, updating to my current passport before the end of my Tier 4 visa.

My questions for you:
1) Do I need to provide my old passport for my ILR application, given that all of my five years on the Tier 2 visa was on my current passport?
2) In a similar vein: Do I need to list absences incurred during my Tier 4 visa?

Thanks for any help, the ambiguity in some of the Home Office wording is killing me !

[manci]

Do I need to provide my old passport for my ILR application, given that all of my five years on the Tier 2 visa was on my current passport?

only if the application form asks for it

Do I need to list absences incurred during my Tier 4 visa?

No

[Blabbot]

Thanks for your reply, Manci.

The document states this:

"All previous passports, travel documents or national identity cards that you have used to travel to or remain in the UK".

So obviously this counts if I am considering the Tier 4 time. But I had no other passports to remain in the UK on my Tier 2 - which is the only visa that counts toward my ILR. Would seem a bit annoying to have to include my passport for periods that don't even count for my ILR, but the HO can be picky.

I have misplaced/lost my old passport - I guess I should put in a concerted effort to find it, just in case it is needed.

[manci]

I have misplaced/lost my old passport - I guess I should put in a concerted effort to find it, just in case it is needed.

Yes you should but it is not the end of the world if you cannot find it. On the application form there is usually a section for lost passports where one can provide details. In your case the HO should have details of the passport used for your T4 visa, just cross-refer to it.

[zimba]

Thanks for your reply, Manci.

The document states this:

"All previous passports, travel documents or national identity cards that you have used to travel to or remain in the UK".

So obviously this counts if I am considering the Tier 4 time. But I had no other passports to remain in the UK on my Tier 2 - which is the only visa that counts toward my ILR. Would seem a bit annoying to have to include my passport for periods that don't even count for my ILR, but the HO can be picky.

I have misplaced/lost my old passport - I guess I should put in a concerted effort to find it, just in case it is needed.

No you do not need it. You only provide passports covering the last 5 years which is your qualifying period.