Looking for a way forward - ILR/spouse visa/work permit

[vickys]

I am looking for some advice with quite a complicated situation....

I arrived in the UK from Trinidad in October 2004, I came here to be with my then girlfriend. I married her in March 2005, and in April 2005 went back to Trindad to apply for a 2 year spouse visa. That spouse visa expired in April 2007. At that time we were having difficulties in our relationship, so instead of applying for ILR, we applied for an extension of one year to the spouse visa, which was granted. That extension expires in April 2008, in approx six weeks time.

Our relationship has really basically broken down, but we have a one year old child together and I want to stay here to be able to spend time with my child. I don't know what to do and what visa to apply for. Should I apply for ILR as part of the relationship with my wife? Will the fact that I have a child who is a UK citizen have a bearing on the application? Can I apply for ILR as I have a dependant who is a UK citizen?

I have been working all the time I have been here but I am self employed, so I don't know about applying for a work permit - I think the only way that I can do it is to get sponsorship from an employer. I do not have enough points under the HSMP scheme as I do not have a degree, only A level qualifications. However, I earn in the highest band as per the points allocation and I am 25 so I get the maximum points for age.

Any advice would be very gratefullt received - I really don't want to leave the UK as I have my child and a life here.

[vickys]

the reason why I am asking is that my wife is being quite obstructive, and not telling me whether she is going to support my application for ILR or not. I have such a short time left until my spouse visa extension expires, that I am getting very anxious.

All advice would be much appreciated.