Indefinite Leave to Remain Questions

[Quasimodo]

Hi,

I've been legally residing in the UK for nearly 5 years and will soon be applying for an indefinite leave to remain. I came here as a work permit holder. However after 2 years, I got an HSMP visa and then a year later it was extended for another 4 years. So at the moment, my first 2 years stay in the UK is as a work permit holder and the remaining 3 as an HSMP holder.

1- Considering I fulfill the 5 year residence requirement partially as a workpermit holder and partially as an HSMP holder, am I eligible to apply for ILR? (I believe I am.)

2- Since I'm currently an HSMP holder, do I need to tick the HSMP box to indicate the status under which I'm applying for ILR?

3- I understand I need to take the Life in the UK test, do I need to take the english test as well? My first language is not english, however there was a similar requirement at the time I got my HSMP extended 2 years ago and I was held exempt from this requirement when I provided a letter to the Home Office from my university confirming that the language of instruction was English.

Any help would be highly appreciated.
Thanks in advance...

[vinny]

See also How can I settle in the United Kingdom as a highly skill migrant?

1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. Passing the test will be sufficient.