Applying for EC (Out-Country and In-Country)

[skilachi]

Hello peeps,

Just wanted to clarify on which form one has to fill when applying for the EC out-country from my home country. I know if you are In-country, then you will need to fill the FLR form or so, which cost about £350 i think but what if you are outside do one need to fill that or the VAF1 non-settlement form, which i believe in several countries you will pay different fee and not the £350 been charged by HO if u are In-Country.

[webhunter]

I think, you are right. Just fill in the visa form in your country and dont worry about the 350pounds fee.

[skilachi]

Hi,

Thanks for the quick reply. I was abit worried as i'm just about to apply form initial HSMP thru my solicitor in the UK this week but i'm currently out-country. All my documents are UK based as i was working in the Uk till oct 2006 when my Working Holiday visa came to an end and had to resign in order not to overstay (Payslips, P60, Bank statement, UK uni letter regarding degree taught in English & Degree certificate) which i score a total of 90 Points.

Now i've got a student visa to come back to the UK in february, so thinking if my HSMP is approved, shud i wait till feb and come back to the UK and apply for the FLR or just wait and do EC before coming, which will cost me a mere £85 as suppose to the £350 if i apply in country.

But from some posts i've read on other site says that there are some categories of visa, in which u can directly switch to HSMP after initial approval and i know a student visa is one of them but not sure if they expect you to have completed your studies under that student visa or u can still be studying and switch immediately without going back to your home country as my Master course is starting in Feb 2007 and wouldnt want to miss out on any lectures/test incase my EC is delayed or not been called for an interview ASAP wen i submit my application out-country.

[webhunter]

I am not sure about your time lines for when you want to enter the country on a Student Visa. However, I would recommend you to come to enter the country through an EC ( after HSMP approval ).

I am not sure if you can switch to an HSMP while you have just entered the country on a Student Visa. In all aspectes, entering the country through EC will turn out to be cost effective.

[skilachi]

Well if possible wud like to come back 2nite but its not possible as my student visa starts from Feb 1 and not Jan 1 as i'm trying to protect my legal 10yrs stay, which i'll be eligible for in aug. 2008 and me been out of the country since oct till feb means i've been out for more than the 3months HO specifies in the rule for a 10-yr legal stay but guess thats a differnt issue from this one at the moment.

Just hope my initial HSMP is approved in 2wks as other lucky peeps in here and hopefully apply for my EC in Jan and approved in time for me to come back ASAP.

Still have my appeal with the HO under the old rule but advised my solicitor to withraw as we havent heard any news from them since oct. Even sent them an email b4 xmas and they replied my last week that the review is still been considered and will let me know wen they've made a decision. Just hope they make a quick, speedy & SUCCESSFUL DECISION when i submit later this week.

Thanks for your help as well.....Do have a Properous and Bright New Year.....1 hour to New Year from my side