Ph.D. + 3 years "graduate level" experience

Dear All,
Apologies if I am bringing up the topic already discussed earlier but I just could not find the precise information on this.

I have a few questions on HSMP.

1. I have just received my Ph.D. at one of the UK prestigious universities. Obviously, the research component of any Ph.D. of UK standard manifests itself in the research experience at a graduate level (I also hold B.Sc. (Hons) and MSc. and I started my Ph.D. after I had completed my undergraduate education). HSMP rules do not specify where the "graduate level" of experience must come form - all they need to see is the reference letter from the employer stating the dates, that position was full time and a "graduate level" one. I have got this letter from the university clearly stating these details, salary and the detailed description of my role. My question - will this be sufficient to claim 25 points for work experience under Section 2 in HSMP form?

2. Under HSMP rules, if I wanted to claim 10 points for my spouse's education/work experience, they must not have already been settled in the UK. Whilst I have no problem with that, what sort of evidence is required to prove this? How are the HSMP Team going to ascertain that my spouse is settled/not settled in the UK. They are not asking anything about this in the HSMP application form.

I would be happy to hear from anyone who had this kind of experience when applying under HSMP programme.

Thank you for your replies in advance.