Global Talent Visa – ILR Eligibility Timing and Extension Dilemma

[sharathnatraj]

I’m currently on a Global Talent Visa and navigating the path to ILR. I’d appreciate some advice on the best approach regarding visa extension.

Here’s my situation:

Visa Type: Global Talent Visa (eligible for ILR in 3 years)
Visa Validity: June 1, 2022 – June 1, 2025
First Entry to the UK: July 30 – August 18, 2022 (short visit)
Moved to the UK for work: January 4, 2023
Since then: Continuously resident in the UK, with only standard vacations abroad

I understand that I won’t be eligible for ILR in June 2025, as I wasn’t continuously resident for 180 days during the first year of my visa (June 2022 – June 2023). I plan to apply for ILR in early 2026, once I complete 3 years of continuous residence from January 2023. Please correct me if I am wrong

-----------------------
My main question:
-----------------------
My visa expires in June 2025. My dependents will only be eligible for ILR in another 2 years. Given this, I’m trying to decide:

1. Should I extend my visa for 1 year now and manage my dependents’ extension later when I get my ILR?
2. Or is it better to extend for 3 years now, but I end up paying additional IHS surcharge? So trying to figure out which is more economical as well.

Would really appreciate any thoughts, especially if you’ve been through something similar. Thanks!