Timing for FLR (M) and change of name after marriage

[mohi]

Hi,
I am a new member of this forum. I have recently moved to UK on Tier 1 dependant (General) visa which is valid up to April 2012. My husband will apply for ILR next month. I have the following queries:

1- On emailing home office they said that I will have to apply for visa extension (through FLR-M) ) as soon as my husband gets ILR but i was under the impression that i will have to apply for it when my current visa expires (to complete 2 years before I can apply for ILR). Can somebody tell me the correct time of applying for visa extension ?

2-I got married a year ago but kept my maiden name on the passport till now I want to change my name in the passport (Indian) from maiden name to my married name. Will the change of surname create any problem in my visa application for extension by FLR(M), as I had my maiden name on the initial visa ?

Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks.

[geriatrix]

1. If you do not intend to travel abroad until your current PBS dependant leave expires, then subsequent to your husband being granted settlement, you may switch to FLR(M) before your current leave expires.

2. No.

[vinny]

Hi

I have recently joined my husband on Tier 1 dependant visa. which is valid till April 2012.Now my husband has got his visa changed from Tier 1 to ILR this month.I have the following query:
I am planning to visit India in about 4 weeks time.Do I need to get my visa category changed to FLR(M) asap or can I wait till I come back from India as it will take around 6 weeks to get the FLR(M) done by post and I wont be able to get my passport which will be required during my visit to India.

I am really confused about this issue.Any help will be highly appreciated.

You should switch to FLR(M) before travelling.