PBS Dependent Partner vs ILR Dependent (Family Route)

[PR002]

Hello Gurus,

I am currently on ILR since 2020 (Tier 2 General route) and my wife is on PBS Dependent VISA (intial arrival in UK in 2017, extension in 2020 as PBS dependent) and current VISA expriring in Jan 24. Eventhough my wife spent 6+ years in the UK, due to 2 long absences, she cannot apply for ILR yet. Her recent long absence was in 2023 for 12 months where she went to India and back in Aug 2023. Our questions are:

1. Do we need to extend my wife and kids VISA via PBS dependent route or apply as ILR dependent? Since clock reset wont matter much due to long absence, does it make sense to apply as ILR dependent instead ?

With the current IHS proposed increase, if we go with PBS dependent extension, we have to apply for 3 years extension now + another 3 years before she can apply for ILR which might turn out to be more costly. Also, we are not sure if there are other things we will be missing or make application more complicated due to switch from PBS Dependent partner to ILR dependent (Family route). We have 2 kids currently on same visa category as my wife and their application will go with hers as well.

- Can we apply for 5 years for PBS dependent partner ? we can only see the option for 3 years here
- Can we apply for 5 years for ILR Dependent (Family route)? we can only see the option for 2.5 years here

2. Also, since there were number of changes in the application forms recently, can you please clarify if we are using the correct link?

PBS Dependent Partner: https://apply-to-visit-or-stay-in-the-u ... anner=true
ILR Dependent (Family Route): https://visas-immigration.service.gov.u ... 1704110608

Immigration boards have been immensely helpful in our visas, and really appreciate your inputs and comments.

Thanks,

PR

[meself2]

1. Do we need to extend my wife and kids VISA via PBS dependent route or apply as ILR dependent? Since clock reset wont matter much due to long absence, does it make sense to apply as ILR dependent instead ?

It might be worth it just because of the absence limits.

- Can we apply for 5 years for PBS dependent partner ? we can only see the option for 3 years here
- Can we apply for 5 years for ILR Dependent (Family route)? we can only see the option for 2.5 years here

No and no. 2x3 years or 2 x2.5 years.

[PR002]

Thanks meself2 for quick response.

Are you suggesting if it might be worth doing it via ILR dependent instead of extending PBS dependent? Also would be great if you could advise on the link as well.

Many thanks,

PR