5 years on SKW dependant visa

[a12345678]

Hi,

Brief immigration history:

Vignette on my passport as T2G dependant valid from end of July 2020
Arrived in UK - Oct 2020
First BRP expiry date - Feb 2022
My partner got ILR in 2022
Made SKW Dependant application in Jan 2022
Expiry of this visa is Jan 2025
Made in time SKW dependant application in Jan 2025

My query is that I have been given until April 2025 to do my biometrics at UKVCAS. Can I instead vary my application (to Set O) before doing the biometrics?

If yes, I will need do my biometrics again, which will take me to June 2025. Once I do my biometrics I will be close enough to when I intended to apply for ILR anyway. With standard application timelines and the caseworker using the date of decision to calculate my 5 year continuous residence period, I should be able to get ILR.

Can anyone see any issues or can share their experience please to having to buy some time before becoming eligible to apply for ILR?

Thanks in advance

[zimba]

This is possible however I am not sure that you have time till April 2025. The limit has been 45 working days to enrol your biometrics. How did you get the April timeframe?

[a12345678]

Thank you for your reply

After submitting, on the application`s further actions section it said:
Attend an appointment to provide your documents and biometrics by ## April 2025

[zimba]

They may have extended this. The 'Biometric enrolment: policy guidance' still refers to the 45 days

Individuals who make in-country applications must, in most circumstances, book an
appointment to enrol their biometric information within a specified period unless an
exemption or exception applies or they have used the UK Immigration: ID Check
app. Individuals will be informed to:

• make an appointment at a Service and Support Centre (SSC) within 15 working days
• make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) location within 45 working days

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... olment.pdf

[a12345678]

Thank you Zimba

It has not been extended yet. However, I am hopeful that if I don`t do the biometrics by the current deadline in April, they will give me some more time to complete the biometrics (via their reminder)?

That way the gap between my ILR`s biometric completion and the date when I become eligible (after 5 years continuous residence) becomes smaller. Hence less chance of my visa application being decided in this gap period.

[zimba]

Taking this risk is all up to you

[a12345678]

Thank you Zimba for your reply. I have seen some good information provided by you to so many applicants like me. Appreciate it

Honestly I didn’t really think it was possible to plug this big a gap initially. Only when I started reading posts on this forum and the links provided, did I feel there is a good chance.

I don’t have to wait until they send the reminder in April (if that is the only risk referred to in your last message). I was thinking of doing so to reduce the chances of UKVI deciding the standard set o application in 1 month.

Instead I can just hope that when I do the ILR biometrics in June, UKVI don’t decide the application in 1 month.

Looking at the set o timelines added by applicants on the forum that seems plausible. However, if I am unlucky then they could decide and refuse within that 1 month!

Just wanted to double check if I correctly understood the risk mentioned in your last message or have I missed anything please?

[zimba]

The risk is the application being decided before you qualify. The advice given on the forum is based on the guide I shared before. You can try your chances by delaying until April and using a standard visa service

[a12345678]

Hi, does anyone have an email address for the biometrics team?
The standard UKVI call center - 0300 790 6268 are not able to provide me the details.
I would like to inform UKVI of delay in submitting biometrics due to an injury and that I am not able to meet the deadline for submitting biometrics.

Thanks in advance

[zimba]

Probably there is no biometrics team in the home office as they are collected by TLScontact. The caseworkers simply have access to the biometrics submitted. I suggest having a chat with TLScontact

[a12345678]

Thank you Zimba