Tier 5 YMS to FLR-M - when to apply and other insights?

[SheenaStuart]

Hello,
I am a Canadian in the UK on a Tier-5 Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa which is coming to an end October 28th 2017. I would like to switch to a FLR-M visa (as unmarried partners).

(Some background info: My British partner and I have been together for 10+ years. We lived in Canada together from 2008-2015 and have lived in London together since Oct 2015 to present. We meet the financial requirements for the FLR-M)

When should I apply for the FLR-M?
The guidance notes say:
"You and any children under 18 should apply before the end of your/their permitted stay in the UK. We encourage you to apply 28 days before the expiry date."

Can I apply for it well before 28 days?

I realize it can take a couple of months to process the visa application so I was thinking of doing it at the start of July and having everything done by early September. This will give me a good amount of buffer time to get my passport back so I can return to Canada for a brief visit over Thanksgiving (October 9th).


Additionally, something that I am not totally clear on -- do I need to return to Canada at the end of my YMS visa? Or can I stay in the UK and get my FLR-M visa while here? Because if I do need to return to Canada, it would be great to time it with the trip I am already hoping to take in October... but I am not entirely sure how that all works so any insight would be extremely appreciated.

Thank you so, so much in advance.

[vinny]

If you have been living together, akin to marriage, for more than two years, then you may switch to FLR(M) at any time.

[SheenaStuart]

Hi Vinny,
Thank you very much for your quick reply.
Do you know if I have to return to Canada at all for any reason? I was talking to some friends who are switching from YMS to a working visa (for the UK) and they have to go back to Canada to pick up that up. Do you know if that would be the case for switching from YMS over to FLR-M?

Thanks again.

[CR001]

Hi Vinny,
Thank you very much for your quick reply.
Do you know if I have to return to Canada at all for any reason? I was talking to some friends who are switching from YMS to a working visa (for the UK) and they have to go back to Canada to pick up that up. Do you know if that would be the case for switching from YMS over to FLR-M?

Thanks again.

No, not for an FLR(M) application. Work visas have completely different rules.

[SheenaStuart]

You're the best. Thank you, you fantastic human.

[CR001]

You're the best. Thank you, you fantastic human.

You are welcome. Feel free to ask any further questions in this topic.