Advice

[mysunrays]

I have been on HSMP visa from september 2004 and on tier 1 since July 2008. I left the UK in 2006 as they increased the continuous stay period to 5 years but came back in Jan 2008. I was out of the UK for nearly 550 days. Please let me know if there are any exceptions for continuous stay to apply for permanent residence.
Thanks
Sun

[justice_will_reign]

I have been on HSMP visa from september 2004 and on tier 1 since July 2008. I left the UK in 2006 as they increased the continuous stay period to 5 years but came back in Jan 2008. I was out of the UK for nearly 550 days. Please let me know if there are any exceptions for continuous stay to apply for permanent residence.
Thanks
Sun

This is difficult to say, you may have to call HO to discuss the issue or simply email them for clarification.

[bani]

If you left because you didn't qualify for HSMP extension due to the Nov 7 rule change, then yes. If you left because you were discouraged by the rule changes, it's more complicated, you'd have to prove this. Because you were able to join Tier 1 in early 2008, I'd say no.

There is a discussion at HSMP Forum from people in a similar situation (left the UK because of the rule changes), you can access it if you are a member.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... cialreview