Apply prior to 9 July for spousal visa or is it too early?

[mrsclc78]

I'm an American and I've been in the UK for over 5 years, originally as a student on a prospective then student visa. My current visa is Post-Study Work visa, which expires at the start of October.

I married my British husband last month and had planned to apply for my spousal visa in early September, but now with all the new rules and changes to the family immigration route, etc., I'm considering applying now, before 9 July, to remove myself from the more confusing and difficult rules that sound like will be in place from that date.

If I apply at the end of this month, for example, will this be considered "too early" since my current visa expires at the start of October? I can find nowhere that says specifically how soon is "too soon" though it does say on the UKBA website regarding this visa that 28 days in advance is recommended, though you "may apply earlier." It doesn't specify how early.

Will I be penalised for applying now? The wedding happened a few weeks ago, and I was content to just sail along but now with all these changes, I'm anxious to get this in the mail.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers.

[geriatrix]

It is entirely up to you when you wish to switch to FLR(M) leave.
Apply today if you wish to.

[mrsclc78]

Thanks for that. I'm going to apply as soon as I've got everything ready then, especially since it seems they're so backlogged at the moment. Cheers!