Best time to apply FLR(M) extension

[TheBrightSide]

Hello everyone,

My wife's current FLR biometric (first 30month FLR) expires on 26th March and I'm busy preparing documentation and everything else at the moment. My question is relatively straight forward but I want to make sure I'm right about any assumptions I make. I want to apply at a time such that there's no need to apply for a third extension after this new extension before she can apply for settled status (She's on the 5yr track so that requires 60 months).

The two objectives I see here are:

1. I want to limit the gap between the visa expiration and the application so that it's within 28 days of expiry
2. I can apply online before this time and book the UKVCAS appointment that date (Again 28 days buffer)

So that means in an ideal world, the appointment should be on 27th February or later and that means the online application should be submitted 30th January or later. Am I correct with these assumptions?

[CR001]

What date did she enter the UK on her spouse visa or did she enter on a 6 month fiance visa or .......???

She can apply for an extension no sooner than within 28 days before reaching 30 months residence on a spouse visa.

The date of application is the date you submit and pay online and not the date of the UKCVAS appointment.

What service will you be using?? Standard 8 week or £800 extra for Super priority?? Note that the new visa start date is from date of approval and is not 'tagged on' to the expiry date of the current visa.

[TheBrightSide]

What date did she enter the UK on her spouse visa or did she enter on a 6 month fiance visa or .......???

She can apply for an extension no sooner than within 28 days before reaching 30 months residence on a spouse visa.

The date of application is the date you submit and pay online and not the date of the UKCVAS appointment.

What service will you be using?? Standard 8 week or £800 extra for Super priority?? Note that the new visa start date is from date of approval and is not 'tagged on' to the expiry date of the current visa.

Thank you for your response.

She entered the UK over several years ago on a student visa and applied for FLR(M) in September 2017.

I see, if that's correct then there's no point in applying online anytime before 30th Febuary.

The website mentions the 28 day left over which gets added to your visa:
- "If you’re extending to stay with the same family member, you’ll only get up to 28 days left on your current stay added to your new visa." (https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa)

Which would mean applying on 30th Febuary is no different than applying on 20th March with regards to the expiry of the new extension.

We will be using Super priority service.

[geoeng]

Which would mean applying on 30th Febuary is no different than applying on 20th March with regards to the expiry of the new extension.

I don't suggest trying to apply on 30th February . But you're right, it makes no difference with regards to the expiry of the new extension and any time remaining on the old visa should be added to the validity of the new one (up to a maximum of 28 days).

[TheBrightSide]

Which would mean applying on 30th Febuary is no different than applying on 20th March with regards to the expiry of the new extension.

I don't suggest trying to apply on 30th February . But you're right, it makes no difference with regards to the expiry of the new extension and any time remaining on the old visa should be added to the validity of the new one (up to a maximum of 28 days).

Doh! I meant 27th February but still have 30th January in my head, so the two merged

Thanks for your reply, I always worry that I'm leaving it far too late only applying 28 days before.

[seagul]

Unless the personal circumstances/visa rules are not changing the extension should be applied very close to expiry to avoid every single chance of shortfall. As long as you applied before expiry you will be covered by section 3C until the decision date which will also be counted in 60 months needed for ILR.

[TheBrightSide]

Unless the personal circumstances/visa rules are not changing the extension should be applied very close to expiry to avoid every single chance of shortfall. As long as you applied before expiry you will be covered by section 3C until the decision date which will also be counted in 60 months needed for ILR.

Thank you.

We will be moving appartment close to the middle of March, so I guess would I need to provide any further documentation on the new accommadation even though at the time of application we are still in our current flat? Because I understand they require the accommadation contract and may raise a question about the contract ending mid March.

[seagul]

Because I understand they require the accommadation contract and may raise a question about the contract ending mid March.

Preferably apply when you will be moved in at your new accomodation but strictly before visa expiry. And supply the accomodation documents of new address.

[TheBrightSide]

Because I understand they require the accommadation contract and may raise a question about the contract ending mid March.

Preferably apply when you will be moved in at your new accomodation but strictly before visa expiry. And supply the accomodation documents of new address.

Ok thank you.

May try to arrange the move slightly earlier then.