New online FLR(M) form - my experience so far

eclectic wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 06, 2018 1:06 pm

Hi Guys,

I am currently filling out this FLR(M) form online (seems to be quite different from the postal one) and have 2 questions on it so far- if anyone can offer some advice please.

1. How long have you stayed in the UK

My wife initially came to UK with me when I was on a tier 1 general visa back in 2013, she then returned home to complete her studies for about 9 months in 2015 (her visa expired in 2015 while she was in her home country) -in a meanwhile I got my ILR and then applied for a spouse visa for her- she returned to UK in 2016 on spouse visa. now I assume when answering this question, I need to include the years from 2013 rather than 2016? is that correct?

2. time spent outside UK

Me and my wife have been to various countries for short term holiday visits over the years including her absence above- would she be required to mention all those absences since 2013? including short holiday visits? there will be too many...and will that have an impact on her extension?

would appreciate if someone could give their input on this. thanks

eclectic wrote: ↑

Sun Dec 09, 2018 8:46 pm

Hi Guys,

How's everyone experience with new UKVI's front end service? they are still giving an option via old system i.e. download and print and send in post.

any suggestions on which option works better? We are not in any hurry for decision as such but will be good to know which system is working more efficiently atm. it says, we can send both original or copies of documents. does it mean we are ok to send copies of all documents apart from passports ofcourse. But I suppose no need to send sponsors original passport? can send copy? and does each page need to be copied?

Leaf wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 10, 2018 11:28 am

This thread has been very useful, we have been holding off starting the application until the 28 days starts, but from what I've read here we can get most of the application filled in before that time? And submit once the time comes ?

npumphre wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 10, 2018 11:45 am

Leaf wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 10, 2018 11:28 am

This thread has been very useful, we have been holding off starting the application until the 28 days starts, but from what I've read here we can get most of the application filled in before that time? And submit once the time comes ?

Exactly. That's the information I was missing, how far in advance could I start the application. It gives you chance to prepare to submit any evidence you weren't expecting. For example, it now asks you to submit a letter from a friend or relative to say that you've been living where you're living in the last 2 years. I'd never seen that requirement before. Luckily my dad had already written a letter.

I completed the entire form up until the payment section in advance. Then I could print off the declaration forms, sign them, and add them to my pack. I also wrote a cover letter to explain why I couldn't provide some of the evidence they forced me to say I would, even though it was bonkers.

Leaf wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 10, 2018 1:52 pm

npumphre wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 10, 2018 11:45 am

Leaf wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 10, 2018 11:28 am

This thread has been very useful, we have been holding off starting the application until the 28 days starts, but from what I've read here we can get most of the application filled in before that time? And submit once the time comes ?

Exactly. That's the information I was missing, how far in advance could I start the application. It gives you chance to prepare to submit any evidence you weren't expecting. For example, it now asks you to submit a letter from a friend or relative to say that you've been living where you're living in the last 2 years. I'd never seen that requirement before. Luckily my dad had already written a letter.

I completed the entire form up until the payment section in advance. Then I could print off the declaration forms, sign them, and add them to my pack. I also wrote a cover letter to explain why I couldn't provide some of the evidence they forced me to say I would, even though it was bonkers.

Right, they love making it more and more stressful don't they!

Was there anything else you can remember they added, that you weren't expecting? I saw on this thread something about noting down holidays the applicant has been on? Do they ask for proof for that ?

Thanks!

npumphre wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 10, 2018 3:18 pm

Leaf wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 10, 2018 1:52 pm

npumphre wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 10, 2018 11:45 am

Leaf wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 10, 2018 11:28 am

This thread has been very useful, we have been holding off starting the application until the 28 days starts, but from what I've read here we can get most of the application filled in before that time? And submit once the time comes ?

Exactly. That's the information I was missing, how far in advance could I start the application. It gives you chance to prepare to submit any evidence you weren't expecting. For example, it now asks you to submit a letter from a friend or relative to say that you've been living where you're living in the last 2 years. I'd never seen that requirement before. Luckily my dad had already written a letter.

I completed the entire form up until the payment section in advance. Then I could print off the declaration forms, sign them, and add them to my pack. I also wrote a cover letter to explain why I couldn't provide some of the evidence they forced me to say I would, even though it was bonkers.

Right, they love making it more and more stressful don't they!

Was there anything else you can remember they added, that you weren't expecting? I saw on this thread something about noting down holidays the applicant has been on? Do they ask for proof for that ?

Thanks!

If you don't have a child with someone else, then there won't be any surprises. If you do then they ask for the birth certificate of your ex (lord knows why). They do ask for a letter from a friend or relative to say you've lived in your place, which might be new for some people.

Leaf wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 10, 2018 11:28 am

This thread has been very useful, we have been holding off starting the application until the 28 days starts, but from what I've read here we can get most of the application filled in before that time? And submit once the time comes ?

Also, has anyone chosen the new service to scan documents, are there many time slots? Does anyone know if you can go back and choose the postal if it doesn't work out? My worry is we can apply from about 5 days before Christmas so I'm worried the new centres won't even be open for much for the 10 ( or 15) days we have to submit.

mbist wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 10, 2018 5:30 pm

Leaf,
Below might be useful:
-One can start online application 8 weeks in advance, so that's pretty good.
-They do ask for birth certificates for both parents, we couldn't provide one and explained in the cover letter.
-They do ask for applicant's travel abroad in this relevant period, no need to provide proof, just the dates, country and reason.
-No passport photos required now.
-I used the existing service and posted the docs to Sheffield.
-Print all declarations, checklist, sign and post them.

Good luck.