ILR Eligibility for Spouse – Combination of Tier 4 Dependent and GTV Dependent

[mh1176]

Hello,

I’m planning to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK under the Global Talent Visa (GTV) route (UKRI endorsed) on 27th March 2025.

My spouse has been residing in the UK as my dependent for:

3.5 years on a Tier 4 dependent visa, and

3 years on a GTV dependent visa.

She has been living continuously in the UK for over 6.5 years, always as my dependent.

Upon contacting the Home Office customer service, I was informed that she would need to complete 5 years under the GTV route specifically before being eligible to apply for ILR. However, I’ve seen discussions on several forums suggesting that time spent as a dependent under different qualifying categories (such as Tier 4 followed by GTV) may be combined to meet the 5-year continuous residence requirement for ILR.

Could anyone please clarify whether she is eligible to apply for ILR at the same time as me, or if she truly needs to extend her visa for another 2 years?

Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks!

[zimba]

Home office does not have an official immigration advice phone line. All advice is given by third parties, many of which are incorrect.
The GTV rules do NOT care about the immigration route of the dependant as long as they have been your dependant for 5 years. The time spent under any dependant route or even family route counts.

[oigene]

Hello,

I’m planning to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK under the Global Talent Visa (GTV) route (UKRI endorsed) on 27th March 2025.

My spouse has been residing in the UK as my dependent for:

3.5 years on a Tier 4 dependent visa, and

3 years on a GTV dependent visa.

She has been living continuously in the UK for over 6.5 years, always as my dependent.

Upon contacting the Home Office customer service, I was informed that she would need to complete 5 years under the GTV route specifically before being eligible to apply for ILR. However, I’ve seen discussions on several forums suggesting that time spent as a dependent under different qualifying categories (such as Tier 4 followed by GTV) may be combined to meet the 5-year continuous residence requirement for ILR.

Could anyone please clarify whether she is eligible to apply for ILR at the same time as me, or if she truly needs to extend her visa for another 2 years?

Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks!

Greetings. I am in a similar situation to you but I would like to know if you have applied and what was your outcome. Much appreciated