HSMP Dependant Visa Enquiry

Hi Folks,

I am a HSMP work permit holder (valid till June 2009) currently employed in the UK. My wife holds 5 year Multiple Entry Work permit issued by her UK based employer (Valid till October 2012) and is currently employed with them. Apparently due to unforeseen circumstances my wife is forced to change her employment in the UK. In this situation I believe there are 2 things that she could do.

Option 1. Find a new employment, secure a transfer of work permit and seek visa extension.

Option 2. Change her visa status to be my dependant

However I have the below clarifications with regard to each of the above options. Kindly reply to my below queries.

Option 1:

If she terminates her employment with her current employer before the full work permit duration, can she legally remain in the UK as a work permit holder for 28 days, from her last day of employment?

Option 2:

1. As I am legally employed in the UK as a HSMP visa holder I could process a dependant visa for my wife. However can she convert her work permit status to dependant visa status by remaining in the UK or does she have to travel to home country and gain entry clearance? Kindly advice the form she needs to use to secure a dependant visa.

2. Does the 28 days grace period after terminating the current employment apply in this case also?


Cheers,
Parth