T2 dependant to T1 E ->Residence Permit Clock resets?

[chetanp]

Hi All,

I started a successful high street business on a dependant visa in the UK. I have been in the UK for the last 3 years. However now I wish to switch to an entrepreneur visa to become independent (of my partner). The money will be fully mine in UK regulated bank. However a consultant mentioned to me that I will lose the 3 years I have spent in the UK as they will not count towards my ILR application. Is this correct? Will they only use the years spent on the T1 entrepeneur visa (or a prior business inovator visa to be comprehensively correct)?

Best regards,
C

[attahaas]

Chetan, congrats on your successful business!

Regarding ILR, it depends on which route you follow to get your ILR.

If you are talking about ILR through Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa (normal-5 years, accelerated-3 years for ILR), sure the consultant is correct. (Similar is the case with Tier 2 General visa too.) Only the time you spent on this particular visa is counted towards ILR.

If you are talking about ILR through 10 years residency, then your 3 years as dependant certainly count towards the ILR.