Question on HSMP/EC Timeline and Start of Actual Visa

[apeterso925]

I've scoured previous posts, the official UK sites, etc and I seem to be overlooking what seems like an obvious question

Which step/document sets the visa clock ticking? When does one's HSMP period actually begin?

The steps of applying are, as we all know:

1) HSMP approval
2) EC Approval
3) Applicant is now free to enter the UK

So, using the following optimistic yet still hypothetical timeline, at which step does my visa clock begin ticking:

1) June 19: HSMP Approval
2) July 9: EC Approval
3) August 11: Initial entry in the UK

I've seen quite a few references to people requesting post-dated EC approval, so that leads me to think that in the above scenario, the visa begins on July 9...which would mean a month of the visa was wasted. Is this correct?

So, if I intend to enter the UK on August 11th, I should request an EC post-date of August 9th so that I don't lose a month of my visa period?

Thanks for any clarification!
Amy

[apeterso925]

Nevermind A bit more Googling and I'm 99.99% sure I have the answer now...

In case anyone else was also unclear on this, it is at the point of entry clearance (step 2) and not HSMP approval (step 1) where you visa period officially begins.

So for me, if all goes well, I will request a post-dated EC approval