oh sorry i don't think student visa counts !
but you can check on the IND website.. or phone them.
your right about the 5 years, the gov recently changed it from 4yrs to 5 years, and i think their are people challenging the gov over the change.
so i take it your wifes work permit started jan 2005 ? if it expires jan 2009? a 4 yr one?.
you've been caught in the change, your going to need another workpermit to take you from jan 2009 to at least jan 2010 before you can apply for ILR.
jan 2005 + 5 years jan 2010
