Hi guys, thanks ever so much for the really helpful input. Sorry for not getting back sooner, the 'real' world got in the way!
Just to pick up on a few things I've noticed looking through this thread.
Once she has ILR she has ILR; nowhere in the naturalisation materials does it say that she had to have been on a spouse visa to qualify for naturalisation, only that she IS the spouse of a British citizen.
Now this is what I thought was the case...
Also, she still needs to take the Life in the UK exam...so the OP will need to make sure that they take care of that requirement as well before going for the SET(O).
Yup, we're aware of this requirement and, all being well, will have it done at the appropriate time
Also when did the OP's wife actually enter the UK vs the valid from and valid to dates as if there is enough of a gap then she may need to extend the visa before going for ILR.
I
think we should be ok with this - she came over fairly soon after getting the WP - although thanks for flagging it up - I'll check!
Also if she qualifies for ILR before July 2011 and citizenship before July 2013 then the 'Earned Citizenship' criteria will not apply.
Ah ha! Now this is the part that's confusing me a bit. When will the 'earned citizenship' start to come it?!?
As for her job, it's secure, in fact, she's just had a big promotion.
...that they didn't want to pay for the work permit, but they would keep her on if they didn't have to pay for the work permit
This is pretty much the case.
I guess only the OP knows for sure what the vibes are.
To be honest, the vibes are very good! She loves her job, they love her, she's doing very well, but the only spanner in the works is that her WP runs out next year!
I agree that switching to spouse would have greater security, but if she switches now she will still be subject to the new provisions.
This is my thinking. Really, I'm trying to get my head around the new provisions and how they're going to affect everything.
Therefore I would suggest sticking to the work permit for now, and only switching if it looks like they'll drop her rather than support her ILR application.
I'm inclined to agree, although I hasten to add, there's very little chance (well, as little as anyone has atm) of her being 'dropped'.
Thanks once again for all your help - it really is very much appreciated!