Dependant ILR - Two months gap

[jeguirguis]

Hi,

I am currently on a Skilled Worker Visa and am due to apply for ILR in May. My wife is my dependent, but she will not become eligible until July as per the dates on the BRP, creating a two-month gap between our eligibility dates.

Could you please advise whether she can apply for ILR at the same time as me, provided she has met the required qualifying period (6 months inside UK for the last year), even though her eligibility date is two months later?

Alternatively, would she need to apply for a visa extension first? If so, what would be the minimum extension period required to cover the two-month gap? and how much would it approximately cost?

I also have a separate question regarding the residency requirements. Is the requirement to spend a minimum of six months in the UK during the first year of the qualifying period mandatory? Due to work commitments, my wife was unable to meet this requirement during her first year in the UK. Can this be covered by writing a note to explain, with an additional letter from her previous job?

Thank you in advance for your help. I would appreciate any guidance you can provide.

[zimba]

She cannot have had absences of more than 180 days in any 365-day period, during her 5-year qualifying period. If she fails that requirement, then she does not qualify for ILR.

Provide visa issue dates and also dates of absence periods for accurate advice