ILR for dependant spouse

[dependantILR]

Hi
I have got a British Passport. My wife is in the UK on dependent spouse visa (which was applied when I was on ILR).
Her visa expiry date is in Jan 2016.
I have got a few questions:

1. How soon can I apply for an extension of her visa? I am happy to go for an in person appointment.

2. Any idea if the visa is extended starting from the date of application or from the date of expiry of previous visa?

3. I was reading the guidelines and it seems she will be eligible for ILR after we have stayed together for 5 years in the UK. Her first visa was for 2 years and 6 months, extension should also be issued for the same duration. In case I apply for the extension early say in November and she gets the extension from Nov itself, the overall visa duration for the 2 visas combined will be less than 5 years. In that case, will I need to apply for an extension again instead of ILR, or is there any work around for that?

Any pointers regarding the above will be really helpful.

Thanks in advance.

[Obie]

An application for Settlement could be made 28 days before her qualifying period.

[CR001]

If you apply in person, the date of the visa will be the date of application and if you apply too early, there will be a shortfall to make up the 5 years and another extension will be required. Remember that your spouse also has to pay the immigration health surcharge of £500 on top of the visa application fee.

You are better off waiting till 28 days before the current visa expires as advised by Obie.