GT- Dependent Extension

[sabanazir]

I am seeking legal advice regarding my visa status.

I have been living in the UK for 7.5 years.
• For the first 4 years, I was on a Tier 4 - Student Dependant visa.
• Then, for 10 months, I held my own Student visa as my husband’s visa had expired and he became my dependant.
• After that, my husband obtained a Global Talent visa, and I have been his dependant again for the past 3 years.

My husband now has ILR. I am not eligible yet because of the 6-month gap when I was on my own Student visa, so I need to complete 5 continuous years again on the Global Talent Dependant route before I can apply for ILR.

I am now trying to extend my visa on this route. The system, however, only gives me a 5-year option, which requires paying the health surcharge for 5 years. I only need 2 more years to become eligible for ILR.

My questions are:
1. Am I proceeding correctly by extending under this route?
2. If the only option is a 5-year visa, will I be able to apply for ILR after 2 years as planned?
3. If yes, can I claim a refund for the remaining health surcharge once I switch to ILR?

I would appreciate your advice on this matter.