Is ILR for dependent mandatory to apply at the same time?

[Agastya80]

Dear All, Thanks for your time on my query.
I am on Tier 2 general visa and was on Tier 2 ICT till last year. I am eligible to apply for ILR on May 4th 2014 and preparing my application for the same. I just wanted to know whether it is mandatory to apply for your dependents applications at the same time as main applicant?
The reason why i ask is that i've noticed on the website that the fees to apply for dependent is now same for ILR and it doesn't offer any financial saving to apply now as it used to? Second, my wife is really busy for next few months and won't get time to study and clear life in the uk test. Our current visa is still valid for more than a year and i think it'll give us enough time to apply for her ILR.
Please can some one guide us?

[Macro_Run]

It is not mandatory to apply the dependent ILR along with your application.
The dependent should be lived 5 years in the as well.

[Macro_Run]

The dependent should be lived 5 years in the UK.

[Amber]

When was she granted PBS dep leave? When does her leave expire?

[Agastya80]

Amber_ and Macro_Run, Many thanks for your time and reply.

My wife's first entry to remain leave was granted in Nov2009(I came on Tier 2 ICT in May2009) and we have extended our Tier 2 ICT few times after that within the UK. We applied for Tier 2 general switch with new employer last year in March and our current Tier 2 general leave expires in March2016. We also have two children born in the UK (currently on PBD dependent visa) but we are not applying for their ILR as I have read a post which suggest to register them as British once I've got my ILR. This is my understanding. Please share your thoughts around my situation.

Thanks again.

[Amber]

She only needs 2 years for ILR assuming you are applying for ILR as a PBS applicant. She may continue on her current leave until she applies for ILR or a PBS dep extension before get current leave expires. B1 English and LIUK required for ILR.

[Agastya80]

Thanks Amber_. it's really reassuring to know that 2yrs are sufficient.
Is our decision to apply her ILR after getting my is ok in a sense that we are not losing out on anything or creating a problem for future as earlier it used to be FLR(M) form which had different requirements?

[Amber]

No, the difficulty lies for those PBS deps who switch to FLR(M).

[Agastya80]

That's really handy to know.

Thanks agian Amber_ for such a valuable advice. I'm sure I'll have more questions when I start filling the form

[Agastya80]

No, the difficulty lies for those PBS deps who switch to FLR(M).

hi Amber_ and to all other members

I've a query on my situation. It's been answered partly before but wanted to have a further clarification on one point.

I was on Tier 2 General visa and recently applied application for Indefinite leave to remain in the UK which got approved. My query is in relation to immigration status of my dependants after my ILR. My wife and our two little children are currently on Tier 2 General dependant visa, though I no longer hold Tier 2 General main applicant visa now. Both our children are born in the UK and both are under the age of 5. Our intention is that my wife will apply for her ILR in the near future. At the same time we’ll also apply for registration for our children as a British citizen (Form MN1) and once approved will apply for their British passport.

My query is what is their current immigration status? Does Tier 2 Dependant visa they hold is still valid for them to allow travel in and outside the UK till it expires? Or do we have to apply to change their immigration status before going aboard on a holiday?
Many thanks for your time on my query.

[Amber]

I've already answered this!

[Agastya80]

I've already answered this!

Thanks Amber, yes you did but I was confused whether they can travel in and out the UK on their current visa. I guess they can, Thanks again on clarifying.