FLR (M): When To Apply and Using Premium Service.

[Omaricious]

Hello,

Just a quick Question, If my spouse visa expires on 16 August, is it possible to make a FLR (m) application now (3 months before visa expiry)? (if there is no legal deadline).

and What if I use that Premium Service? Would I be able to get an answer the same day? and would you recommend it?

Looking forward to your advices and recommendations

Thank you

[CR001]

Did you apply for your visa from abroad or within the UK?

What is the start date and expiry date of your visa?

If applied from abroad, on what date did you enter the UK?

Premium service would give a decision on the day. When you can apply for an extension will depend on your answers to the above.

[Omaricious]

Hi, Thanks for the quick reply

Basically I applied from abroad

visa started from 12/09/2013 and expires on 12/06/2016

Entered the UK on 10/12/2013.

just to plan in advance, I want to know the earliest possible date to apply in order to catch up on any errors in the application.

Thanks

[CR001]

If you apply too early for an extension, you will end being short to qualify on 5 years residence which is calculated from the date of entry into the UK.

Ideally if your visa expires on 12th June 2016, apply no sooner than 28 days before the expiry date.

[WR1]

Your 5 year probationary period starts from the UK entry date, hence 10/12/2013 and you have left it 3 months from visa issue date to enter the UK.

As the above poster has recommended, apply closer to the visa expiry date just before 16 August 2015.

Technically, you can apply 3 months prior to the expiry date, but if you did that, you would fall short of completing your 5 year period meaning you wouldn't be able to apply for ILR when the time comes and would need to extend the visa again in order to complete your 5 year period. Pay the visa fees again, health surcharge again etc...will be very costly.

[Omaricious]

Thank you for ur advice )

What about premium service!! Do they take the biometrics and grant the visa extention on the same day? And what if there was something missing in the application file!? Do they ask you to bring it and once the app is complete they give the decision?

Do you recommend that service?

Thank you

[CR001]

Do they take the biometrics and grant the visa extention on the same day?

Yes

And what if there was something missing in the application file!? Do they ask you to bring it and once the app is complete they give the decision?

It is the applicants responsibility to make sure ALL documents and application are complete. If something is missing and you apply in person, the caseworker will hold your file and it will then become a postal application when you have paid for a premium service appointment. The form is quite detailed in what the requirements are and if you suspect you won't have all the documents you need, to apply by post with a covering letter explaining.