UKVAS Appointment - Free slots and the earliest appointment date?

[trawlerme]

I am sorry that I couldn't find this information through the search function. I have been trawling this website for the past week but this information seems to slip right through me every time.

Previously one can book appointments with Premium Service Centres, 45 days before the required date of submission which in itself can be 28 days before the eligibility (3rd, 5th or 10th anniversary date) for most ILR routes.

Now the questions,

• Now it seems the online submission is the date of submission?
• Will have to book the appointment after online submission, isn't it?
• That means, the earliest appointment one can book is going to be within the 28 days period to the eligibility date (3rd, 5th or 10th anniversary date)?
• soprasteria says 10:00 and 16:00 in core Service Points are non-chargeable but are extremely busy. How likely and what's the earliest one can realistically book a free slot at a core Service Point?

I have mixed feelings about this. Decisions are still fully within UKVI controls and this admin side of things seems to have been outsourced in the name of efficiency. Seems awfully preying on a group that is in a vulnerable position to me.

Is there a challenge that can be mounted? Or is it DOA non-issue?

Y'all are very helpful in discussion your woes, pleasure, frustration and joys with others. Thank you.

[trawlerme]

It would be helpful to know if my procedural assumptions are correct at least?

Thanks.

[trawlerme]

bump

[CR001]

Previously one can book appointments with Premium Service Centres, 45 days before the required date of submission which in itself can be 28 days before the eligibility (3rd, 5th or 10th anniversary date) for most ILR routes

Yes, because date of your premium appointment was the date of application, regardless of how early you applied online. Premium service was obviously HO staff and caseworkers.

Now it seems the online submission is the date of submission?

Correct.

Will have to book the appointment after online submission, isn't it?

Correct.

That means, the earliest appointment one can book is going to be within the 28 days period to the eligibility date (3rd, 5th or 10th anniversary date)?

The appointment date doesn't matter. It is the inli e submission and payment date that is relevant and must be within the 28 days before quifying perion. The appijntment ould be later even after visa expiry

soprasteria says 10:00 and 16:00 in core Service Points are non-chargeable but are extremely busy. How likely and what's the earliest one can realistically book a free slot at a core Service Point?

Really depends where you are located in the UK.

Seems awfully preying on a group that is in a vulnerable position to me.

Vulnerable?? Hardly. Simply plan accordingly.

Is there a challenge that can be mounted?

On what basis?

[trawlerme]

Cleared loads of questions. Thank you.