Tier 2 General and Settlement

Dear Experts,

I have got a job offer from an UK Based company and going to apply under Tier-2 (General) category - shortage occupation list.
I have the following question before the I apply and I would appreciate if someone can provide their expert comments on this.

1) Will I get a 3 yr VISA or a 5 yrs one? I saw a recent change in immigration rules that home office is providing 5 yrs VISA on payment of a higher fee, not sure if that is applicable to me. I was on ICT-Tier 2 visa from Apr 2012 to Mar 2013 and have just completed my 1 yr cool-off period

2) If I get a 3 yr period, would I be getting an extension for another 2 yrs (based on the rules now), since I believe there is a requirement of continuous stay of 5 yrs for settlement

3) If my dependents enter UK 1 month after my entry, would they be eligible for the settlement, one month after? That is, I need to apply for their settlement after I have done my application? In this context it would be good if you can point me to the right documentation for settlement of dependents.

Thanks in advance

Thanks & regards
Subha

I am sorry for the confusion, but, by settlement, I meant ILR.

Thanks & regards,
Subha

Duration of tier 2 visa is up to your sponsor not ukba.
You can plead with your sponsor to give you 5 years on CoS
The settlement rules could change, just enter and follow the ukba info as time roles, no one can tell you whether you and your dependants will qualify for ilr in 5 years time as the rules could change.
Take a day at a time! Enter the uk first and hope for the best.