Work permit Indefinite leave to remain for HSMP partner

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Indefinite leave to remain for partner

I am working in the UK on a work permit. My wife entered the UK as a workpermit dependent. Down the line looking at the changing wind of Immigration rules and the job market we felt that it was best for both of us to have independent visas. So, we applied for her independent HSMP as in country application which got approved and she is now on HSMP visa.

I was supposed to apply for indefinite leave last year just before HO changed their ILR rules last year … Yes we missed qualifying for the old rules for just 28 days. Nevertheless, if they don’t change the rules once again this year, then I am expecting to apply for my ILR in APR/MAY this year.

My questions are as follows:

1) Can I apply for my wife’s ILR as a dependent with my ILR application?
2) How long before applying for ILR do we need to take the ‘Living in the UK’ exam?


Our time line of visas ……
1) I entered UK in JUN 2001 as Student
2) I started working on a workpermit in MAY 2002 and am still on work permit
3) My wife joined me as a work permit dependent in May 2005
4) She received her HSMP – EC in JAN 2006
5) She has now been granted further leave to remain in JAN 2007 for a period of 4 years

And finally does any one know, whether we are expecting any more changes in ILR rules this year before MAY/JUN? 


Thanks

Redspeed