Reaching 5 years via FLR(M)

[americano123]

Hello!

I've search around for similar topics without success. I applied for my first FLR(M) in July 2012 (post-rule changes) and was granted 2.5 years on the 5 year route. I'm now nearly up for renewal and I'd like to do same-day processing as my application is very straight forward, all conditions will be easily met.

I assume my appointment needs to be before the day my current leave is up (24 January) and if successful my new leave will commence on that day. However, say my new leave commences 19 January for 2.5 years, that means that when it is up in 2017 I will be 5 days shy of the 5 year mark to apply for ILR.

Does anyone know how to get around this, so I only need to apply once more in order to hit the 5 year mark for IRL? If I apply via mail does it need to be processed before 24 January? I think that may be my only option if I don't want my new leave to start before 24 January. My understanding last time around was that, if you do same-day processing, the application date is the date of the appointment, not the date you choose the appointment, so I can't just choose a date after 24 January or else I will be here illegally...

Thanks in advance for your help!

[CR001]

When you get to the 5 year for ILR mark, you can submit your ILR application no sooner than 28 days before reaching the 5 year residency, so you should be covered.

Don't extend your FLR(M) sooner than within 28 days of expiry. I would try and get an appointment for the date you have suggested.

Application date is the date you actually attend the in person appointment (but don't book sooner than 28 days before expiry) and your BRP will be dated a couple of days after that.