180 days out of UK - when does 5 year time period run from?

[cmsnz]

In relation to the "no more than 180 days out of the country in 5 years" rule, when does the 5 years run from? I have been able to apply for ILR since February 2011 (I had a work permit, then got HSMP for 1 year in 2007, then 4 year extension - HSMP still current until 2012), but I am not sure when to start counting the 5 years from. Is it 5 years counting back from today? If so, I would have been out of the country for just under 180 days during this time. However, if is calculated from the time I received my work permit 5 and a half years ago, I have been out of the country for nearly 200 days. (ie. when I set out the dates I have been out of the UK on my various holidays do I set out all my holidays from February 2006, or from July 2006)?

Thanks for your help.

[gidoc]

Count 5 yr backwards, from the date of your applicatuion, if you fulfill all other criteria for ILR.

[Sushil-ACCA]

clock start when first applicant enters in UK

SO FROM THE date u entered UK yr 5 year rule started

[gidoc]

Is it 5 years counting back from today? If so, I would have been out of the country for just under 180 days during this time. However, if is calculated from the time I received my work permit 5 and a half years ago, I have been out of the country for nearly 200 days.

Better off as I suggested!

[geriatrix]

OP, follow gidoc's suggestion. That's the accurate response to your query.