can I avoid FLR LED and apply for ILR straight away?

[K2004]

Dear experts,

On 20/11/2000 I got 60 month WP approval, and i had my passport stamped accodingly until 2005. However since then i have changed my employer twice, and now I am about to extend my current permit which expires on 6/10/2004.
I underestand that once approved i will need to send my passport using new,FLR LED application form and pay £121.
however i will be entitled to apply for ILR on around 4 weeks before the 20/11/2004. which means around 28/10/2004. can i ignore FLR LED and go and Apply to ILR straight away? and if yes, am i covered in the October period to work and to stay in UK?

my last stamp on my passprt is valid till 6/10/2004, also i have a previous stamp before that till December 2005.

Thank you for your replies.

[Cosmopol]

The 5-year stamp became invalid as soon as you left that employer, and having new WPs only makes it conspicuous, so it's best to not even think about that one.

There is certainly a temptation to apply for ILR a bit early in your case, and you could write an explanation letter hoping for the HO's discretion, but it seems somewhat risky. you retain the work rights (for the same employer) while your ILR app is pending, but it just seems pushing it too close; any glitch in the process can create more trouble than is worth.

Perhaps other members had a positive experience and could share a better outlook.

[K2004]

Thanks Cosmo.

Regards