ILR elibility for Tier2 general visa

[karch]

Hi,

Currently am on Tier2 general dependent visa and my wife is Tier2 general visa holder. This is valid from December 2015. we will be eligible for ILR in 2020. Now my employer is willing to sponsor me Tier2 general visa. We are planning to switch to Tier2 general visa sponsored by my company such that my wife can take care of the little one.

My query is if I get the visa sponsored now when will I be eligible for ILR? whether the current 18 months we spent will be considered for ILR application?

[CR001]

No you will need to be on Tier 2 General main visa holder for 5 years to qualify for ILR.

You cannot combine PBS Dependent and PBS main visa holder for 5 years residence ILR.

[Casa]

How will your current employer convince the HO that you haven't been pre-selected for the position.