ILR questions - need urgent help please?

[ap2004]

Many thanks for all your responses.

My case is sort of same as my wife.Your reply on this shall be highly apreciated.

I have entered into UK as a dependent visa holder in Dec 2000.My status then changed to work permit holder in Dec 2002.My work permit was valid until Dec 2004 but my employment contarct ended at the end of Sept 04 (i.e.I believe that my work permit becomes invalid once employment contract ends i.e. on 21st Sept 04 even if original stamp was until Dec 04.I have stamped my passport on 21 Sept 2004)

My status then again changed to dependent on 21st Sept 04 and is valid until 2009.Does that mean that we both have to wait for loooooooong 4 years to get ILR.

1. Please provide suggestions to get ILR asap.

I have applied for HSMP in July 04 and expecting positive response in Jan 05 as its taking 26 weeks to process the applications. If that happens,

2.can I amalgamate 2 years of dependent and work permit visa period respectively for ILR imediatly after getting HSMP in Jan/Feb 2005? or
3. Does spouse dependent period doesnt count in ILR calcuations? or
4. I will have to wait until Dec 2006 as work permit clock started in Dec 2002 (but gap of 5 months between work permit and HSMP is worry again)
5.Can i change the dependent visa status to HSMP by staying in UK after home office's announcement about status change on 1st Oct 04?

I need your kind suggestions and help. Can any govt or private agnecy help me to sort it out?

I will be more than happy to provide more information if necessary.

Your valuable feedback shall be highly appreciated.

Thx.

ap