I've got a work permit from Jul 03 till Jul 08, and now almost 5 years working at the same company, should I apply IRL now or later?

Another question is I've just married in other country on Feb, I want we could live together ASAP, when is the time for my wife to apply settlement visa, at this moment my visa soon be expired and not yet got the IRL.. I'm confused with that....

Many thanks for your reply.