I was waiting for BRP before I post this. I already got my BRP.
I am thinking, it will be better to clarify some doubts that many of us have. So instead of mentioning the time line for the day ( checking in, payment etc, which is same for almost all) I am clarifying the confusion I had and I am sure many other people also have that.
28 Day Rule: my initial visa issue date was 23rd October 2007. Entered uk 14th November. extended visa till 23rd October 2012. I applied exactly 28 days before my current visa expiry date and no question was asked.
5 years residency means some one will have to be present in the uk for 5 years. Now this is not possible without 2nd extension, because there is absolutely no way to enter uk the same day entry clearance is granted. So it means 5 years residency is not possible without 2nd extension. Now the rule says some one can apply 28 days before the qualifying period.
But people get confused with '5 years continuous residency' with 'qualified for applying' ( which is 28 days before 5 years residency' ) The new rule clearly mentions about 5 years residency not 'qualifying for applying'. If some one thinks a bit, it will be clarified easily.
In a nut shell, if you entered uk within 3 months of entry clearance date, you can apply before 28 days of current visa expiry ( unless your current visa expires before 5 yeas of total visa period).
Less point: Now another confusion was about salary. As long as some one earns qualifying point, it doesn't matter how much point they claimed in previous extension. I claimed 85 points in tier-1 extension. But this time I claimed 75 points since my salary was less. And again no question was asked.
All right friends, if you have any query please feel free to ask. Good luck every one.
