I am currently on a GTV Exceptional Talent visa. Before that I was for 3y4m on Tier 2. This makes me eligible for ILR because I can count towards the 3 years required any time I spent on Tier 2.
My spouse has been with me on dependant visas since 2015. First as a Tier 4 dependant, then a Tier 4 Doctoral Extension Scheme (DES) dependant, then on Tier 2 dependant. Because her visa remain valid until 2024 she hasn't switched to GTV dependant. The gov.uk we page states that:
Is she eligible for ILR given that she's still on Tier 2 Dependant, and she had spent less than 5years on it, but total time on dependant visas is > 5yrs.Your partner may qualify if all the following apply:
- they have permission to be in the UK as your partner (as a ‘dependant’ on your tier 1 visa)
- they’ve lived in the UK with you as your dependant for at least 5 continuous years
- your relationship is genuine
- you intend to keep living together
- you have enough income to support yourselves and your dependants
- you’re not using public funds (benefits)
Your partner can include time they’ve spent as your dependant on another visa to count towards the continuous years they need to qualify. They cannot count any time spent on their own visa (not as your dependant).
Thanks