Tier2 >> Marriage Visa as changing job.

[I Like Redtape]

Hi, I am a British citizen. My wife (on Tier 2 skilled) is keen to to apply for ILR asap so she has the flexibility to change jobs. Are we able to apply for SET (M) given we have already been living together for over 2 years, surely we don't need to wait another 2 years with FLR(M)? Would it be an easier option for her to go for citizenship by naturalisation?

Her visa timeline;
07/2007 Entered the UK as a student.
09/2011 Living together (both listed on the letting contract)
12/2011 Converted from PSW to Tier 2 (work sponsored- valid 3yrs)
06/2012 Purchased a house together.
12/2012 Passed Life in the UK test
09/2013 Married

Thanks in advance for your help and apologies if this specific case has already been answered.

ILR

[Lucapooka]

Your wife needs ILR before she can apply for BC. She can get ILR after five years of T2 (3 yesrs from now). But, if she switches her status to be your partner, she will have to make another full five years; her time on T2 will not be considered. Or, she can get ILR after 10 years in any combination of leave.

[I Like Redtape]

Your wife needs ILR before she can apply for BC. She can get ILR after five years of T2 (3 yesrs from now). But, if she switches her status to be your partner, she will have to make another full five years; her time on T2 will not be considered. Or, she can get ILR after 10 years in any combination of leave.

Thanks Lucapooka. Rather frustrating process, as her next employer will find it difficult to get a tier 2 for her so with the Blimp route it will be ~March 2019 that she would get ILR!

I think she's eligible for 10yrs naturalisation in 2017 so I think thats probably the best route combined with Blimp.