Student visa vs. HSMP dependant?

My wife have a 3 yr student visa. Is there any reason for her to switch it now to HSMP dependant? Will she get an ILR together with me if she switches at the end of the student visa duration? Will the years spent on student visa be counted towards naturalization?

Mauhuur wrote:My wife have a 3 yr student visa. ?

i though student visas were only valid on a year to year basis. If you are already on your second HSMP (three year) then I don’t see any harm in her changing to be on a dependent visa, at least now she wont be restricted on the number of hours she can work

Mauhuur wrote:My wife have a 3 yr student visa. Is there any reason for her to switch it now to HSMP dependant? Will she get an ILR together with me if she switches at the end of the student visa duration? Will the years spent on student visa be counted towards naturalization?

From what I hear, as long as the spouse is on a dependent visa when the applicant applies for ILR, she will get ILR too.

F2K is right, as HSMP dependent, she will have no restrictions in the number of hours she can work. Is there any particular reason you would like her to stay on the student's visa?

In the Naturalization process, you need to spend at least 5 years (including one year on ILR). I could be wrong, but it doesnt distinguish between years spent towards settlement and otherwise, so it might be possible.

Seniors/moderators can confirm

mwazir wrote: From what I hear, as long as the spouse is on a dependent visa when the applicant applies for ILR, she will get ILR too.

Thank you! Sounds good...

F2K is right, as HSMP dependent, she will have no restrictions in the number of hours she can work. Is there any particular reason you would like her to stay on the student's visa?

We just don't want to spend more time on an unnecessary bureaucracy,
and, probably, switching visa type may affect her scholarship...

f2k wrote:

Mauhuur wrote:My wife have a 3 yr student visa. ?

i though student visas were only valid on a year to year basis.

No, it is definitely a 3yr visa, for the whole duration of the PhD program.

f2k wrote: If you are already on your second HSMP (three year) then I don’t see any harm in her changing to be on a dependent visa, at least now she wont be restricted on the number of hours she can work

No, I'm just preparing for the entry clearance... So, as far as I understand this stuff now, she can apply as a dependant later?

No, I'm just preparing for the entry clearance... So, as far as I understand this stuff now, she can apply as a dependant later?

Yep, she should be able to apply as a dependent at a later time. The only negetive point as the FLR(IED) mentions is that when dependents apply at a later date, you will end up shelling out £121.

I have also read posts where they speculate the FLR fees will be ramped up after March 2005.

well if you are only on your first visa then I think it might be better for her to stay on her student visa until when you get your extension (just as a fall back insurance).