Dependants of ILR (5 year route) applicants

Hi,

I am in a peculiar situation.

I am on a tier 2 visa and will be 5 year continous stay in the UK. My family however joined me after a year and therefore they will be completing 4 years ad tier 2 dependents and hence not eligible for ilr.

I have got two questions:

1. If i apply for ilr what should my family apply for and will that affect their status ? Will they have to start a fresh 5 year cycle ?

2. Or should i apply for another tier 2 visa for a year so that my family would complete 5 years as dependents and hennce eligible for ilr?

Thanks

1. They may continue to apply as family members (PBS dependants) until eligible for ILR.