FLR(M) Extension - Questions and Document List

[eraylankester]

Hi,

I'm seeking guidance on the extension process for a FLR(M) visa. My American wife arrived in the UK on a fiancée visa before switching to a FLR(M) visa after our wedding. Her visa is due to expire at the end of April. We currently live in Belfast.

1) We are aware of the 28 day rule for extension applications. We intend to make an in-person application at the Belfast office for this date or just after. Can we arrange the in person appointment in advance for this date, or must we wait until 28 days to go before making an online appointment? We're anxious to resolve this as early as possible.

2) The form asks if this is our first or second request for leave to remain. I assume it will be our second application. Is this correct?

3) I meet the financial requirement through my income alone, but my wife also works and wishes to include her income as well. Do we both need to provide the full income information (payslips, statements, etc)?

4) How strict is the guidance for 'spaced out' correspondence applied'? We have a surfeit of correspondence, but not all of our individual correspondence is for the same period (e.g. I have a letter dated May 15, my wife a letter dated September 15, etc)

4) I have cobbled together a list of documents to be included with our application. As we live in NI, we have council tax bills, and we have no floor plan for our rented property (the same residence associated with our first FLR (M) application). Have we missed anything out? I'm aware that some of the below may be residual material from our fiancée visa application and therefore unnecessary.

Appointment details
Confirmation of payment (visa & NHS surcharge)
Applicant signed photo (2 0r 3 - unsure )
Sponsor signed photo (1)
Applicant passport(s)
Applicant birth certificate
Sponsor passport copy
Marriage certificate
Current tenancy agreement
Sponsor employment letter
Sponsor payslips + letter (6 months)
Sponsors bank statements (6 months)
Applicant employment letter
Applicant payslips + letter (6 months)
Applicant bank statements (6 months)
3 years worth of correspondence:
6 x joint correspondence (tenancy agreement; joint bank statements; electricity bill)
6 x individual correspondence (3 x applicant; 3 sponsor - can supply more if needed)

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[chickpea]

Hi,
You'll likely get a more detailed reply from an expert/mod, but here is my understanding of some answers, based on our recent experience:

1. Make the appointment ASAP. They book up in advance and if you wait too long you may not get one before visa expiry and then have to do it by post! (We did a premium appointment, we were also able to change it twice after initial booking.)

2. I'd say second but we always clarify (so write in that you had fiancee visa then LTR).

3. In our case the same was true - UK spouse earned enough but we DID include income from spouse applicant. We provided payslips etc for both parties.

4. Guidance on dates not too strict. We had moved from family owned place (no utilities etc in our names) to our own rented accom. during the time. We included as much as we had that seemed to satisfy req'ts and also gave them a list of further documents we could provide and took them all with us on the day. (A big bag!)

5) Looks good but be sure to TAKE both passports with you, we provided copies of both. Also, we gave a tenancy agreement and a printout of the flyer/advert for the property showing some photos and details of the space. Otherwise you look all set to me!

GOOD LUCK!