I am a US citizen. Coming up on 2 years ago I got a spouse visa to the UK for the initial 2 year 'probation' period. However, for the last 14 months I (and my wife and 2 kids, all British citizens) have been primarily in India for professional reasons.

However, our long term plans are still to live in the UK.

My 2 years expires in July, and I'm wondering whether:

a) I can extend it or
b) I can get ILR or
c) I will have to start from square one when we eventually move back

I'll be in the UK for 2-3 weeks in July, so I can't mail my passport in but could conceivably make a personal appearance and pay the 500... but as stamps in my passport clearly show, I've spent a lot of time outside the UK over the last 2 years.

We do however have a residence in the UK, with utility bills in my name, etc etc.

Any suggestions or thoughts would be much appreciated.