Please Help! Letter saying FLR(M) "Invalid"

[AMartin]

Hello, I submitted my spouse visa, FLR M in July and recieved a letter saying yes they have recieved it and not to contact them. They also said if there was a problem with my payment, they'd let me know.

Well, I got tired of waiting after all of these months so I called last week to ask about it and what was going on. The lady said it had never been paid for and said she'd have someone get in touch.

Today I get all of my stuff back, my application, passports, everything and a letter saying thank you for my "attempted" application but my application is invalid and now I need to make a new application. They said the bank rejected payment which I am not sure why, but we never heard from the bank or from the border agency even though they said they'd let me know if there was a problem. They said I'm free to make another application and to make sure everything is done right. I'm not rejected but it's invalid.

The problem is, I'm now overstaying my original fiancee visa by several months. They haven't mentioned anything about that. They've just said make a valid application. I don't know what to do. Should we apply again or will they just deny it and we will lose our money? I was considering going in person but doubt it will make any difference. Should I get a solicitor or can I do this without them? Money is very tight. ANY advice would be more than welcome.

[Good]

Hello, I submitted my spouse visa, FLR M in July and recieved a letter saying yes they have recieved it and not to contact them. They also said if there was a problem with my payment, they'd let me know.

Well, I got tired of waiting after all of these months so I called last week to ask about it and what was going on. The lady said it had never been paid for and said she'd have someone get in touch.

Today I get all of my stuff back, my application, passports, everything and a letter saying thank you for my "attempted" application but my application is invalid and now I need to make a new application. They said the bank rejected payment which I am not sure why, but we never heard from the bank or from the border agency even though they said they'd let me know if there was a problem. They said I'm free to make another application and to make sure everything is done right. I'm not rejected but it's invalid.

The problem is, I'm now overstaying my original fiancee visa by several months. They haven't mentioned anything about that. They've just said make a valid application. I don't know what to do. Should we apply again or will they just deny it and we will lose our money? I was considering going in person but doubt it will make any difference. Should I get a solicitor or can I do this without them? Money is very tight. ANY advice would be more than welcome.

If you applied for FLR (M) before the expiry of your valid leave to remain, section 3C of the immigration Act 1971 will apply. Please read this section for more information.

[vinny]

Unfortunately, section 3C may not be applicable for an invalid application.

However, see also Forrester.

Don't forget about the New English language testing for partners.