Immigrationboards.com

Date of Entry: HSMP Entry Clearance visa in April 2008. Date of travel to UK on 24 Aug-2008. As per ILR rules, the date of entry is 24 Aug, 2008 (correct me if I am wrong).

Switching to Tier1 (General) visa: In Dec 2010, I switched from HSMP to Tier1 (General) migrant visa.

Tier1 (General) visa extension: Feb, 2013 for me and my family

ILR visa: I am planning to apply ILR for myself and my wife soon.

Unpaid leave absence : I travelled to India on 17th Oct, 2012 and returned on 9th Nov, 2012. For this travel, i applied for paid annual leave and 3 day unpaid leave.

Will this break continuity in 5 year qualifying period? I don't have absences more than 180 days in any 12 months.

hsmpapp wrote:Date of Entry: HSMP Entry Clearance visa in April 2008. Date of travel to UK on 24 Aug-2008. As per ILR rules, the date of entry is 24 Aug, 2008 (correct me if I am wrong).

Switching to Tier1 (General) visa: In Dec 2010, I switched from HSMP to Tier1 (General) migrant visa.

Tier1 (General) visa extension: Feb, 2013 for me and my family

ILR visa: I am planning to apply ILR for myself and my wife soon.

Unpaid leave absence : I travelled to India on 17th Oct, 2012 and returned on 9th Nov, 2012. For this travel, i applied for paid annual leave and 3 day unpaid leave.

Will this break continuity in 5 year qualifying period? I don't have absences more than 180 days in any 12 months.

Yes your qualifying period starts on 24th august 2008 as your entry was more than 90 days from the entry clearance stamp.

No you will be fine. if you search this forum there are countless successful cases with unpaid leave and with no employer letter. as long as you are below 180 days threshold, you are fine