ILR: 10 year continuours OR 5 year Tier 1

[imran22]

Hello Members,

I have a question on which route to select for applying for ILR.

My eligibility to ILR based on 10 year continuous stay is 5th August, 2012 and based on Tier 1 – General its 14th October, 2012.

Can the honorable members suggest whether I should go for 10 year continuous or through Tier 1 – General approach?

I have 2 dependents as well living with me in UK.

Also can you please suggest when is the good time to sit the KOL test keeping in mind the dates for my eligibility?

Thanks in advance

[vinny]

May be better via Tier 1, if you can include eligible dependants.
Take the KOL test as soon as you're ready.

[imran22]

Thanks for your reply.

Is there any expiry of KOL test? I am hoping not because you suggested to take it whenever i am ready. (I haven't even bought the book yet but still more than year to go)

Do you know how long on average it takes for ILR long residence (10 years) to get approved as you can only apply through post. If it is noramlly 4 weeks as with other visa types is it not worth applying through long residence first and then apply the visa for dependents later?

[vinny]

No expiry date for KOL test.
See also 10 years long residence SET (O) waiting times
Dependants may have to wait longer for ILR.

[imran22]

Many thanks vinny

Can I ask you two more questions

I would prefer same day service how early i should start looking for appointments?

I assume my wife also has to give KOL as she is between 18 and 65 years old.

[vinny]

Same day service is not possible for ILR under Long Residence (34B(i)(f)).
Wife should also satisfy KOL requirements, if applying for ILR.
Wife should also satisfy A1 requirements, if applying for FLR(M).

[imran22]

Hi Vinny,

Thanks again for your reply.

I read on the UKBA website that same day service is not available for Long Residence and my question was referring to if I go with your advice and apply based on Tier – 1 basis, then how long before my eligibility I can start looking for appointments. Is it 4 weeks? I remember when I was renewing my Tier 1 it was nearly impossible to get appointments online, is it still the case?

Regarding the second question my wife is on Tier – 1 dependent visa and is in UK already. She will be applying again as my dependent in my ILR application next year, so only KOL test should be fine, isn’t it?

Many thanks for your replies