Visitor Visa Query on Stamping Dates....

[Sheffield_Marketeer]

Hello, have a query on visitor visa . I'd like to sponsor my parents for a visit in April 2013. My dad asked me if I could forward my pay slips and other necessary documentation someitme in Jan just so they could apply early. They need to apply for Schengen visa as well. They would however travel only post April 1st week.

My query is:-

If they apply for visa so early in Jan-13, will it mean that the visa will be stamped early too, meaning 3-4 months of the 6 months visa will be gone by the time they prepare to travel

Is there a way my parents can specify when they would want to make the travel arrangements, so that the visa is stamped closer to their dates in April.

Thanks!

[Lucapooka]

If they apply in early January then are permitted to request that the start date of the visa be deferred until early April. The maximum permitted period of deferral is 3 months.

[Sheffield_Marketeer]

Thanks v much Lucapooka