Extending/renewing spousal visa prior to applying for ILR

Regarding eventual granting of ILR to the spouse of a person settled in Britain or spouse of a British citizen: It's clear that if the arrival is delayed more than 28 days it will be impossible to apply for ILR (form SET(M)) without first renewing or extending the original visa (form FLR(M)). The UKBA Web site says as much. If the couple have moved back abroad (in this case back to the USA for employment reasons), can the spousal "conditional" visa be extended/renewed in the USA (form VAF4A)? That would make the travel dates less critical. The whole procedure is going to be ridiculously expensive in any event.

punktlich02 wrote:Regarding eventual granting of ILR to the spouse of a person settled in Britain or spouse of a British citizen: It's clear that if the arrival is delayed more than 28 days it will be impossible to apply for ILR (form SET(M)) without first renewing or extending the original visa (form FLR(M)).

Possible to delay travel for a longer period.

punktlich02 wrote:The UKBA Web site says as much. If the couple have moved back abroad (in this case back to the USA for employment reasons), can the spousal "conditional" visa be extended/renewed in the USA (form VAF4A)? That would make the travel dates less critical. The whole procedure is going to be ridiculously expensive in any event.

Less clear if the clock may be reset or not following a subsequent application.