Global Talent ILR (3-Year Route) and Dependant Extension Duration Question (2 Years vs 3 Years)

[AZJ]

Hello,

I would appreciate some guidance from members familiar with the Global Talent route and settlement rules.

My situation is as follows:

I hold a Global Talent visa endorsed under the academic/research route.
My current visa is valid from 1 November 2023 until 1 November 2026.
My wife and children were granted dependant visas from the same date and their visas also expire on 1 November 2026.
My wife has therefore held dependant status continuously since 1 November 2023.

As I understand the rules, I may qualify for ILR after 3 years because of my endorsement category, while my wife would normally need 5 years as a dependant before she can apply for ILR. Therefore, she would not become eligible until around November 2028.

I have been reading Appendix Global Talent and noticed the following:

GT 24.1(a) states that a dependant partner will normally be granted permission ending on the same date as the main applicant's permission.
GT 24.1(b) states that where the main applicant is settled (or being granted settlement), the dependant partner is granted 3 years' permission.

My question is whether there is any lawful way for my family to obtain a visa extension of approximately 2 years rather than 3 years.

Possible scenario:

My wife and children apply for dependant extensions in early October 2026 while I still hold valid Global Talent leave and before I submit my ILR application.
I then submit my ILR application later in October 2026.
My wife only requires approximately 2 additional years to reach her own 5-year settlement point in November 2028.

Would the Home Office grant a dependant extension for approximately 2 years in this situation, or is a 3-year grant effectively mandatory once a dependant extension is being considered?

I have also seen university immigration guidance suggesting that dependants who need more time after the main applicant obtains ILR are normally granted a fixed 3-year extension and cannot choose a shorter period.

Has anyone successfully obtained a dependant extension of less than 3 years in similar Global Talent circumstances, or can point to the relevant caseworker guidance?

Many thanks for any insight.

[CR001]

It is 3 years and is stated in the immigration rules. You cannot choose less visa duration time for their extension.

[AZJ]

It is 3 years and is stated in the immigration rules. You cannot choose less visa duration time for their extension.

Thank you very much for your reply and for pointing me to the relevant Immigration Rules.

Just one further question: in this situation, would it be better for me to apply for ILR first and then for my wife and children to apply for their dependant extensions afterwards, or should my family submit their dependant extension applications before I submit my ILR application?

Many thanks for your help.

[CR001]

They either apply at the same time you do or after you get ILR.