IGS visa and settlement applications

[Ajuy333]

I would kindly appreciate your advice on this issue:

I was issued an IGS visa 26/5/2008 and enter UK on 31/5/2008.
I later changed to Tier 1 General april 2009.
Lived in Uk since then till now.
Contacted Home office for clarifications whether time spent on IGS visa for one year would count towards my stay and settlement applications.

The ukba staff I spoke with sort clarifications from me to know if PSW was written on my IGS visa or not and I reply in the affirmative that it was IGS that was written on the visa.

He later informed me after checking with other staff that I can apply for ILR since it was IGS that was on the visa.

Next day i was fortunate to get an appointment for PEO application in for myself and 3 dependents and pay £400 as deposit for applications.
However after reading your post, I get the feeling that IGS does not really count towards settlement.

I need to attend the appointment otherwise I lose the £400 down payment straight away, thus can you direct me to documents that does give clear clarifications on this issue.

Where is it stated that all forms of visa (post study)does NOT count toward settlement.
Finally how best should I approach this issue.

Many thanks for your advice.

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[sheraz7]

5 years spent on Tier 1 leads to ILR and the time spent under PSW/IGS does not count for it but is counted towards 10 years long residence category which leads to ILR too.

[Ajuy333]

Thanks for the clarifications. Do you links you can refer me to for further advice.

Cheers