SET(O) – Query on answer to Question 7.13

[lammielammie]

Hi there,

I have just went through your ILR FAQ and searched the forum, couldn't seem to find the answer. Hope some of you could shed some light on this.

I'm applying for ILR with SET(O) form via Tier 2 (General). I have a question on page 28 of the SET(O) form:
7.13 How long have you lived in the UK?

The reason for a query is that I actually have been living here for more than 10 years, the reason why I didn't apply through the 10-year IRL route is because I initially came to the UK with Working Holiday Visa in 2007 (1 February 2007), I was then a Work Permit Holder in 2008 but in between late 2009 to 2011 there was a little shady period I worked for another employer which technically I didn't have permission to work for (the company initially I was with dissolved, was unemployed, I was trying to find new sponsor ended up temping). Then I was legally hired with my current company since October 2011 with Tier 2 (General) . I've consulted Stone Smith Walters in 2014 which I thought I was ready to apply for IRL at the time, but because of the shady period in question, they advise me to wait until October 2016 to apply for the SET(0) with my valid and legal Tier 2 (General) 5 years with my current company.

So my question is:
Should I answer this as 5 years and 9 months (as valid from my Tier 2 (General) entry October 2011?
or should 1 answer this as 10 years and 4 months (as valid from my Working Holiday Visa entry from February 2007?)

Thank you very much in advance! This has been long time coming.. but still feels like miles to go!