Switching from work permit to spouse visa

[birarang]

I've been trying to get information on switching visa categories from the Home Office/BA websites with limited success, so I wonder if anyone here can give me advice.

I'm a non-EU citizen who's currently in the UK on a work permit visa (till 2011). I have just got married to a British man, and will obviously need to switch categories at some point. My questions are: Can I switch now to a spouse visa instead of waiting till just before my WP visa expires? and should I apply with the FLR(M) form? The website's a bit vague as to who ought to use it.

Many thanks in advance, and apologies if you've been over this topic a hundred times!

[vinny]

Switching (284) is optional.

If you do decide to switch, then it's better to do it soonest rather than later as your clock for ILR (288) (or its replacement at the time) gets reset when you are granted FLR(M).

Alternatively, you may remain as a work permit holder and subsequently apply for ILR (134) (or its replacement at the time) when you qualify.

[birarang]

Thanks, that really helped clarify things!