It will be "permanent" for the next 3-5 years or so. My husband's Mum isn't doing well and we need to be closer to her.
I paid my money and National Insurance surcharge and got my settlement visa in a week. Married to a Brit and did the on-line application. I think having a spouse who is a Brit will help a bit. He's been back in northern Ireland for the last 3 months so have already set up his bank account, drivers license, and got his National Insurance back in order.
Plus what I do is in short supply and high demand. A Tier 2 visa would only take a month for my skills. Decided the settlement visa was a better option for the flexibility of changing employers later if I wanted.
Just signed a job contract and they have an agency that will help find accommodations, ect.