question on ILR

[sohna]

Hello i am new in the forum .i am doctor working in UK from January 2012. Lam on Tier2 sponsorship general that will expire in August 2015
I have 2 questions

1)if I apply for ILR how many years from now I have to wait?

2)if i switch my employer in Jan or Feb 2013 if I get an offer from another NHS trust then do i have to pay again for visa as i paid 1600pounds for extension of my Tier 2 July 2012 for me and my 2 kids who are my dependants through premier appointments

I will be grateful if some body can answer me

[manci]

1) Under current rules 5 years from the time you entered the UK on the T2 visa and it has to be continuous and lawful residence.
2) Unfortunately yes.

[sohna]

Thanks a lot for reply but what do you mean by lawful residence Please explain and what if i go on leave for 1 month in between as we are entiteld to avail 6weeks leave every year and plus if there is an emergency then leave can be taken apart from 6 weeks
regards

[manci]

Suggest you have a look at the sticky where the rules are explained in detail and links are provided to UKBA documents:
http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewto ... 97938ebf54
Holidays and business trips are covered by the rules on allowable absences.