When do I have to enter the UK?

[bunnymoo]

Hi everyone,

I applied for a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa and was (thank goodness) successful. I just received it valid from last week or so. However, I applied really early since there were a limited number of these available and since I wanted to pursue other options in case I was turned down -- there was little guidance on how long these would take to process, and as it turned out it was over three months.

My question is this -- I actually want to settle in the UK after September 1. Can I wait that long to enter or do I need to make a trip there sooner to have my visa stamped? Would it be sufficient to go for a weekend trip?

Also how does this affect ILR, does the 5 year period of required residency begin on the day that you actually enter the UK, or does it begin from the state date on your visa?

Thanks very much for your help!

[Lucapooka]

You can enter at any time during the validity of the visa.

[bunnymoo]

Thank you... and does the period of residency for ILR begin when I enter?

[Lucapooka]

Yes.

[bunnymoo]

Thank you that helps a lot and it what I hoped I would hear!