When to apply for Tier 1 extension? Important for ILR!

[Mela]

Dear all, appreciate if you could advise:

I was granted Tier 1 General visa from 19/01/2011-19/01/2012.

I'm confused when i sould apply for the 2nd extension.

If lets say i apply on 18/01/2013 by post and would have to wait for my extension to be granted, will this time gap between my forst Tier 1 visa expiration on 19/01/2012 and the day a new Tier 1 ext. granted considered as a gap, which will prevent me from claiming 5yrs stay for future ILR application? Or is it considered that I'm still on Tier 1 first visa while waiting for 2nd extension?

of i apply earlier im afraid not to reach this 5yrs stay?

Please note i was already in the UK when my first Tier 1 visa was granted on 19/01/2011, so the ILR count starts on that day.

Please advise, what are the rules in place for ILR with regards to the gap while you are waiting for the extension to be granted?

THanks!

[Lucapooka]

will this time gap between my forst Tier 1 visa expiration on 19/01/2012 and the day a new Tier 1 ext. granted considered as a gap

No, because you would have applied before your leave expired and it will continue to be valid during the decision process.