When to apply for extension

Hi,
I initially got HSMP approval letter in Nov 2006 and got entry clearance for 2 years in Feb 2007. I first entered UK in April 2007.
Then I got extension in Feb 2009 for 3 years.
Since I entered UK 2 months after getting initial entry clearance, I am falling short to apply for ILR. So, I have to apply for another extension.

My current extension expires in Feb 2012.
So, can I apply for extension now itself, i.e., in September or October 2011?
Or is there any rule that we have to apply so and so number of days before expiry.

Thanks in advance.

FEB 2007 - FEB 2012 TOTAL IS 5 YEARS, HOW COME YOU ARE FALLING SHORT. ELABORATE

You should be fine for ILR with one extension. As of todays law, upto three months between entry clearance and date of entry is permitted. If you apply early for extension you might loose the chance for ILR with one extension

Applications that fall short of the five year continuous period
In some cases, applicants may have been granted five years continuous leave, but will not have spent fiveyears continuously in the UK before their current leave expires. Caseworkers may count the period between entry clearance being granted and the date the applicant entered the UK towards the five years, provided this period was not longer than three months.

link to the policy doc

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... iew=Binary

varghesejim wrote:You should be fine for ILR with one extension. As of todays law, upto three months between entry clearance and date of entry is permitted. If you apply early for extension you might loose the chance for ILR with one extension

Applications that fall short of the five year continuous period
In some cases, applicants may have been granted five years continuous leave, but will not have spent fiveyears continuously in the UK before their current leave expires. Caseworkers may count the period between entry clearance being granted and the date the applicant entered the UK towards the five years, provided this period was not longer than three months.

link to the policy doc

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... iew=Binary

Please keep in mind that its the CW discretion and not a rule. Why don't you send your passport for correction of date? in which case your visa would be extended for 2 months, to cover the gap between the issuance of visa and your actual arrival.

mk357 wrote:

varghesejim wrote:You should be fine for ILR with one extension. As of todays law, upto three months between entry clearance and date of entry is permitted. If you apply early for extension you might loose the chance for ILR with one extension

Applications that fall short of the five year continuous period
In some cases, applicants may have been granted five years continuous leave, but will not have spent fiveyears continuously in the UK before their current leave expires. Caseworkers may count the period between entry clearance being granted and the date the applicant entered the UK towards the five years, provided this period was not longer than three months.

link to the policy doc

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... iew=Binary

Please keep in mind that its the CW discretion and not a rule. Why don't you send your passport for correction of date? in which case your visa would be extended for 2 months, to cover the gap between the issuance of visa and your actual arrival.

This is new information. How is it possible?

varghesejim wrote:You should be fine for ILR with one extension. As of todays law, upto three months between entry clearance and date of entry is permitted. If you apply early for extension you might loose the chance for ILR with one extension

Applications that fall short of the five year continuous period
In some cases, applicants may have been granted five years continuous leave, but will not have spent fiveyears continuously in the UK before their current leave expires. Caseworkers may count the period between entry clearance being granted and the date the applicant entered the UK towards the five years, provided this period was not longer than three months.

link to the policy doc

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... iew=Binary

Oh, this is new information which I did not know. Thank you for the above link.
Yes, there is about 2 months gap between my entry clearance and the date I entered UK. If they are going to count this 2 months gap towards the five years qualifying preiod, then can anyone please say when can I apply for PR, i.e., how many days before the expiry of my current visa(it expires on Feb 14 2012) can I apply for PR?

Thank you.

pullikanti wrote:

varghesejim wrote:You should be fine for ILR with one extension. As of todays law, upto three months between entry clearance and date of entry is permitted. If you apply early for extension you might loose the chance for ILR with one extension

Applications that fall short of the five year continuous period
In some cases, applicants may have been granted five years continuous leave, but will not have spent fiveyears continuously in the UK before their current leave expires. Caseworkers may count the period between entry clearance being granted and the date the applicant entered the UK towards the five years, provided this period was not longer than three months.

link to the policy doc

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... iew=Binary

Oh, this is new information which I did not know. Thank you for the above link.
Yes, there is about 2 months gap between my entry clearance and the date I entered UK. If they are going to count this 2 months gap towards the five years qualifying preiod, then can anyone please say when can I apply for PR, i.e., how many days before the expiry of my current visa(it expires on Feb 14 2012) can I apply for PR?

Thank you.

When did your entry clearance start?