1. Under current directions, your husband may apply for settlement no earlier than 28 days before the 5th anniversary of his stay in the UK in a qualifying immigration category (that leads to settlement). An
in-person settlement application at a PEO may be granted on the same day. Postal applications may take
several weeks / months.
2. Likewise, an in-person FLR(M) application may be decided on the same day (with BRP posted to the applicant within a few days, if application is approved). Postal applications may take several weeks / months.
3. If you are unable to make an application for leave to remain (in a immigration category that you qualify for) before your current leave expires, you should leave UK before your current leave expires. You may then make an entry clearance application - in a category that you qualify for (e.g. - spouse of settled person) - to return to UK.