bobbyleo

Hi everyone

Applying for FLR(M). Can someone please explain the advantage and disadvantages of applying as soon as eligible ie 30 month period compared to waiting the 33 month period.

And

Does FLR(M) visa last 30 months or 33 months?

Thanks.

BritInParis

Better to wait until 28 days before the current visa expires. This will ensure you will have accumulated the 60 months required for ILR by the end of the second visa. FLR(M) lasts for 30 months.

DernierVirage

This got me thinking....my wife's visa was valid from 15/03/2016 and expires on 15/12/2018. We plan to submit her FLR application next week, am I right in saying that as long as it is made on or after 16 September she will reach ILR application status at the end?

BritInParis

Yes, but that doesn't allow you any leeway. Better to wait now and apply earlier next time.

bobbyleo

Hi and thanks BIP.
Is the last 28 days of the visa dependant on priority or non priority service?

What happens if I wait until the last 28 days to post my application and my visa expires before FLR(m) is issued? Non priority could take a couple of months.

BritInParis

Nothing. Providing the application is received before the expiry date of the visa then you can remain in the UK on your previous conditions until a decision is made. I would therefore wait until you hit 28 days before submitting the application.

DernierVirage

Thanks for your reply, I am probably being a bit stupid, since I can't see what you mean about applying earlier next time....

BritInParis

For ILR. You’ll hit 60 months with a couple of months still to go on the visa. It gives you a safety margin.

DernierVirage

Thanks for your reply. As it happens, we have other reasons to submit next week, if my wife gets to 60 months just before the expiry date of the next visa, she will be fine as long as she applies for ILR exactly in the window between 15/03/2021 and 30 months after the issue date of her FLR, is that correct? I know this is in the future but I prefer to be comfortable that I have understood everything !

BritInParis

It’s your decision - I can’t comment without knowing your reasons - but she needs to accumulate 60 months’ residence in the UK on spouse visas in order to be eligible for ILR.

DernierVirage

To help me understand, could be good enough to tell me when her next visa (FLR) will be effective from....does the 30 month period run from the date on her application or is it from whatever the decision date happens to be?

BritInParis

It should run from the date of decision.

DernierVirage

Thanks for your help, much appreciated.