10 YEAR ROUTE OR UK ANCESTRY ROUTE TO INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMAIN?

[UK2019UK]

Hi,
I am originally from Nigeria and came to the UK in March 2008 with a 5 year UK Ancestry visa. However, I delayed coming to the UK for 6months when I first got the visa in 2007. In 2009 my now ex-wife came and joined me here in UK with our first son who is 10 years old now. We had 2 other sons afterwards here in UK. I extended my UK Ancestry visa in 2012 and again in 2018 for another 5 years up till 2023.

Current situation.

1. I am now divorced from my ex-wife and my 3 kids live with her but spend 2 nights a week with me. Court child arrangements order in place.

2. Due to financial issues, I was advised in 2018 not to apply for indefinite leave to remain as I have an IVA in place (November 2017) to last 6 years.

3. My ex-wife is no longer on a dependent visa as this was withdrawn at my request by the Homeoffice in 2016 after we separated.

4. My 3 kids living with my ex-wife do not have indefinite leave to remain at the moment.

5. On 26th March 2019, I would have been in UK for 11 years on my 3rd visa as I have extended it twice.

My query:

1. Considering that I have debts, ccj's and in an IVA can I now apply for indefinite leave to remain whilst on my current UK Ancestry visa? Or

2. Apply now through the 10 year residency route for indefinite leave to remain?

Please kindly advice, Tony.

[zimba]

Yes you can. ILR should be unaffected by CCJs and IVA, given that you have arrangements in place to repay your debts.

[UK2019UK]

Thank you