Does time spent as an unmarried partner of a person of a Northern Ireland person count towards settled status?

[cn_ie]

Hi all, quick question about my (now) spouse's EUSS status, who was eligible under my status as a person of Northern Ireland.
Until now I have believed that my spouse can only apply for settled status on our 5 year wedding anniversary. We were living together from 2018 and got married end of 2019. If I can substantiate this, can this information be used to apply for settled status now, or do we need to wait until the wedding date?
Thanks!

[CR001]

What was their immigration status in the uk before marriage?

[cn_ie]

They were on a student visa.

[CR001]

Then no, as far as I understand, she would have needed an EU family permit as an unmarried partner to qualify using that time period.

[contorted_svy]

You need to wait until your 5 year wedding anniversary, which should be soon enough anyway.