Student Switching to Work Permit?

Hi,
I came in UK in September 2001 as a student, i have finished my Bsc & Msc now. I am on SEGS right now and looking for the right employment for me. What is the situation for me in regards to ILR after i get work permit? Do i have to wait for 5 years to be eligible for ILR? A friend of mine told me that because i have been in UK for 5 years, i only need another two and half years to be eligible for ILR. According to him 10 years are required to be eligible for ILR under any kind of stay, i have stayed 5 years already so i only need to wait for two and half years before becoming eligible for ILR.

Another question that i want to ask is about my Spouse, can i bring my spouse to UK during my work permit? How long my spouse has to wait before becomming eligible for ILR? Looking forward to hear your opinions. Thanks in advance.

sheedatali wrote:Hi,
A friend of mine told me that because i have been in UK for 5 years, i only need another two and half years to be eligible for ILR. According to him 10 years are required to be eligible for ILR under any kind of stay, i have stayed 5 years already so i only need to wait for two and half years before becoming eligible for ILR.

Wrong

btw 5 + 2.5 = 7.5 and not 10...