Tier 1 dependent - Help needed, please

[confusedlondon]

Hi all. Having read a little of the content on this board, I am hoping that your knowledge may be able to help me with my situation.

To explain a little background to the story, I first entered the UK in 2007 as a 15-year old dependent to my Mother's HSMP. We have spent the past 6 years in the country under this scheme, and applied for a Tier 1 two year extension in 2012.

However, due to a number of issue's with my Mother's application, we may be in danger of not receiving ILR. As I am now a very frustrated 20-year old 'dependent', who is about to graduate from University and start a Law conversion training course sponsored by a City Law firm (i.e. if I want to remain 'dependent', I will need to waive the maintenance grant/fees that the firm are proposing to pay), this represents a very big problem for me.

I would like to know, given my current status as a Tier 1 dependent who has been in the country (which I absolutely consider to be my home) for the past 6 years, are there any opportunities for me to change my status and become an independent applicant?

I would be very grateful for any help you can offer me with this, as it is something which is causing me extreme frustration and stress at the moment.

[vinny]

Hi folks. Posting on my girlfriend's account, as we are seeking some advice on the best way to proceed with her situation.

She has lived in the UK for the past 6 years as the dependent of a Tier 1 applicant, and she has a valid dependent visa until June 2014. We are looking to get married later this year (I am a UK citizen from birth), and are keen to understand more about the process of transferring visas. Specifically:
- Can she transfer straight from a T1 dependent to a spouse visa?
- What is the process for transferring? Will we need solicitors, or can we action this ourselves?
- What specific criteria must I/we fulfil?
- What is the process and timescale for ILR and citizenship from this point? (UKBA suggests 2.5yrs + 2.5yrs; whereas workpermit.com suggests only 3yrs in total)
- Does any of her previous 6 years count towards ILR/citizenship, or will she be starting fresh?
- Does the spouse visa give her the right to work in the UK? (we are 99% confident, but need to be sure)

Thank you in advance. Any help is gratefully appreciated.

D

[vinny]

After marriage, the PBS dependant leave will no longer be valid for re-entry to the UK (321A(1)). Nor is an application for ILR as a PBS dependant possible. However, a PBS dependant may switch to FLR(M) under the new rules, if all the requirements are met.

I'm afraid that the qualifying period for ILR will be reset.

As a spouse or civil partner of a British citizen, Naturalisation may be possible immediately after grant of ILR.

Work on a spouse status is permitted.