From Tier 2 to spouse of a British citizen

[Young78]

Hello, thanks in advance for any help you may be able to give.

I am a British citizen by birth. My wife is Egyptian and in the UK on a tier 2 visa Woking as a doctor. We got married in Egypt in July. I am currently looking for work. We are expecting a child, very early stages. She still has over 2 years on her tier 2 visa. I would like to transfer the tier 2 visa to a spousal visa. As I understand it we cannot do this until I gain employment. Is this correct? Is there any other way for my wife to be place on the spousal route and therefore citizenship?

Not sure if it matters but I own my home.

Thank you

[Casa]

In order for your wife to qualify for a spouse settlement visa you will have to show earnings of at least £18,600 p.a. However, the good news is that as your wife is already legally resident in the UK her income will be included in the calculation. I'm assuming that her salary as a doctor would meet this level?

Apply to switch on form FLR(M)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _04-15.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _04-15.pdf

Switching will re-set your wife's residence clock and she will be on a new 5 year route to ILR after which, assuming she meets all the standard requirements she will be able to apply immediately for British citizenship.