Some Questions Regarding FLR (M) application

Hi,

I have got couple of questions regariding FLR(M) application that i am planning to apply for.

What is the waiting time for FLR (M) these days by postal applications? Do they call you for biometric enrolment at the post office after they have received the application ? I need to take print of the latest form and fill it by hand and submit it along with all the required documents , right ? Although i saw that they have introduced online application as well but it's just BETA version. I don't think it's compulsory to use online application or is it?

When applying by post for FLR (M) , which postal service should i choose (Should i use Royal Mail Special Delivery or Post Office ?) And should i send two sets of documents, one containing all originals and second containing photocopies of all the documents in the other set ?
when applying for FLR (M) using premium service, do we need to submit two sets as well i.e. one with original documents. and one with all the photocopies.

On my first application from outside UK, they didn't ask for photocopies and just asked for originals, i am just not sure if that's the case from applying with in the country or not ?

A lawyer told me that if the case isn't straight forward then it's better to apply by post and give them time to do proper investigation before deciding on the case and it would benefit you. Caseworkers on premium service are more strict and doesn't show any leniency. He told me that caseworkers at Premium Service follow straight forward approach, if there's any loop hole, they would reject straight away.

So, applying through premium service, if the case isn't straight forward. does the chances of decline increases than applying by post. Although i also read that on the official site that premium service is for those cases which are straight forward. Does that mean that if the case isn't straight forward then you are not supposed to use premium service ?

Although i want it to be decided on early basis but at the same time don't want to risk it if the chances of decline increases by applying through premium service.

Please clarify. I ll be obliged. Thanks.

P.S. Sorry for the long post . Would really appreciate it if you guys help.

No longer looking to switch to Tier 2???

What is the waiting time for FLR (M) these days by postal applications?

8 weeks, could be longer.

Do they call you for biometric enrolment at the post office after they have received the application ?

You get a letter in the post and take the letter to the PO to enroll biometrics.

I need to take print of the latest form and fill it by hand and submit it along with all the required documents , right ? Although i saw that they have introduced online application as well but it's just BETA version. I don't think it's compulsory to use online application or is it?

No, it is NOT compulsory to use the online form.

When applying by post for FLR (M) , which postal service should i choose (Should i use Royal Mail Special Delivery or Post Office ?)

You can of course do RM special delivery at the Post Office. Best to keep a record with a reference number to track it.

And should i send two sets of documents, one containing all originals and second containing photocopies of all the documents in the other set ?
when applying for FLR (M) using premium service, do we need to submit two sets as well i.e. one with original documents. and one with all the photocopies.

My understanding is that copies are required if applying in person at a premium service centre.

On my first application from outside UK, they didn't ask for photocopies and just asked for originals, i am just not sure if that's the case from applying with in the country or not ?

You aren't applying for entry clearance, so requirements on documents are different in country.

A lawyer told me that if the case isn't straight forward then it's better to apply by post and give them time to do proper investigation before deciding on the case and it would benefit you.

If your application is 'straightforward', why do you think a 'proper investigation' is needed??

Caseworkers on premium service are more strict and doesn't show any leniency. He told me that caseworkers at Premium Service follow straight forward approach, if there's any loop hole, they would reject straight away.

Nonsense. They follow the rules and the requirements, exactly the same as if you apply by post. If you apply in person, they MIGHT defer your application IF they ask for more documents.

So, applying through premium service, if the case isn't straight forward. does the chances of decline increases than applying by post. Although i also read that on the official site that premium service is for those cases which are straight forward. Does that mean that if the case isn't straight forward then you are not supposed to use premium service ?

FLR(M) extension is a straightforward application if you meet all the requirements. Non straightfoward ones are FLR(FP), FLR(O), DLR, leave to remain outside the rules, not meeting the requirements etc.

Perhaps you are overthinking the process.