10 Year continous period question: Tier 4 to Tier 2 to FLR M to ILR

[ladida]

Hi all, I just need a bit of clarification regarding the 10 year continous stay for ILR. To keep it short my situation is:

- Tier 4: September 2009 to 2012 (3yrs)
- Tier 4: September 2012 to 2013 (1yr)
- Tier 4: January 2014 to 2015 (1yr)
- Tier 2: March 2015 to March 2018 (3yrs)
- Tier 2: Renewened March 2018 to 2021

I have not had any breaks and all visas were applied for before current visas had expired.

In September 2019 I would have completed 10yrs continous legal stay. (1 year 5 months left from today).
In March 2020 I would have completed my 5 year Tier 2 route. Salary is currently a few grand below ILR requirement but employer is aware.

I recently got married and my partner is British. We are planning on switching to family/spouse visa FLR M. Then I can apply for indefinite leave through the 10 year route next year. My salary is enough to meet the FLR M finance requirement; my partner is currently studying and will be done in a year. I could stay on the Tier 2 for another year and half then apply for ILR. But so much uncertainty with companies alot can happen in a year. Plus the peace of mind and ability to change jobs easier. Tier 2 is stressful.

Apart from the burden of the visa cost is there anything else I should consider before switching from Tier 2 to FLR M ? Would this affect my eligibity to apply for 10year continous stay? I know I will lose the 5year continous work.

[zimba]

It should be fine. FLR(M) will count towards the 10 years legal stay and obviously is less restrictive