When can I apply for ILR?

Hello;
I have been working for the same UK employer continuously since Oct 2005:

Oct/2005: I was granted a "doctor in training" visa which does not count towards the 5 years eligibility period.

Oct/2006: my employer applied for a work permit visa for me.

Nov/2006: home office agreed to switch my "doctor in training" visa to work permit visa. I was sent a letter saying that my application for a work permit was approved.

Feb/2007: I sent my passport to the home office to stamp the new visa.

27/Mar/2007: work permit visa was stamped on my passport.

Please note that my job was not re-advertised when the visa was switched to work permit. I have all payslips to prove that I have been with the same employer continuously since Oct/2005.

I am not sure when the 5 years eligibility period starts. Does it start from the time the home office approved the switch (Nov 2006) or the time the work permit visa was stamped on my passport (Mar 2007).
Can you please advise.
Thanks in advance.

See also FAQs for ILR - WP/Tier 1/HSMP holders

Ammar10 wrote:Hello;
I have been working for the same UK employer continuously since Oct 2005:

Oct/2005: I was granted a "doctor in training" visa which does not count towards the 5 years eligibility period.

Oct/2006: my employer applied for a work permit visa for me.

Nov/2006: home office agreed to switch my "doctor in training" visa to work permit visa. I was sent a letter saying that my application for a work permit was approved.

Feb/2007: I sent my passport to the home office to stamp the new visa.

27/Mar/2007: work permit visa was stamped on my passport.

Please note that my job was not re-advertised when the visa was switched to work permit. I have all payslips to prove that I have been with the same employer continuously since Oct/2005.

I am not sure when the 5 years eligibility period starts. Does it start from the time the home office approved the switch (Nov 2006) or the time the work permit visa was stamped on my passport (Mar 2007).
Can you please advise.
Thanks in advance.

Your first entry date for ILR is 27/March/2007. I had the same problem and only realized it when was asked by the CW at PEO office.