Ilr When Does Time In Uk Clock Start?

[benjy_a]

As ever I have tried to find the answer to this in old posts but can't quite pin it down. Apologies if it has been asked before.

I understand that you cannot apply for ILR until you have spent 2 years in the UK. But......does this 2 years start from the beginning of the fiance visa or does the clock just start when you are granted FLR?

My fiance has been in the UK with me for 5 months already on a visitors visa (since October 2006). She has returned to Thailand where she has been granted a fiance visa and will be returning to the UK in 4 weeks.

So...we will be married in September and apply for FLR.....is that when the clock starts for her 'entry into the uk'? In October 2008 she will have been in the UK for 2 years (barring these 4 weks) but I'm guessing this does not count?

Last question....is there any ruling on when the Life in UK test can be taken during the 2 year period? (can it be taken early on?)

Thanks as usual,

B.

[the scouser]

Benjy,

Following your marriage, your wife should apply to the Home Office for permission to stay in the UK as your spouse. Providing that all is above board, she will be allowed to stay for 2 years. Nearing the conclusion of this, she can then apply for permission to stay indefinitely. She can either sit an ESOL with Citizenship course or take the Life in the UK test at any time she is in the UK.

Scouse.