Qualifying Period for ILR - Gaps between Start and Extension

[curioussam]

I'm sure this topic is overflogged but I couldnt find anything recent to my question so here goes...

I received Tier 1 General Status 09 Mar 2009 for 3 years.

Applied to extend in Mar 2012 but due to the slow turnaround time - I did not get my extension until 05 May 2012.

I am due for ILR in 2014 - am I correct to put in my application in Feb 2014 since initial Tier 1 was Mar 09 ?

Please confirm - cheers

[sheraz7]

If you send your extension application before your current visa expire then you will be protected by Section 3C which will extend the leave till decision. Moreover, you can apply 28 before of the ILR eligibility date.