My ILR-M application process

I am so grateful for this group's help throughout my journey (first spousal visa, and then the FLR-M), and now especially as I near the time for my application for Indefinite Leave to Remain. I have a couple of immediate questions:

I first entered the UK on a spousal visa, arriving on 3 March 2020. If I'm understanding correctly, I can apply for ILR on the basis of being the spouse of a UK citizen 28 days before 3 March 2025 -- which is 5 years after entering the UK. So, does that mean I can submit my application on 4 February 2025?

Can I begin (on line) my application before then, and just save the application until I am ready to submit? What's the earliest I can begin my online application process without submitting?
Thanks so much!

Yes this is correct, I was first granted leave on the  5 year route on 14 February 2020, which means that I can apply for ILR 28 days before the 5 year period is complete: i.e. from 17 January 2025.

However, I'm actually applying a few days later on 20 January 2025, just in case I calculated the days wrong . . . as I definitely don't want to accidentally submit my application too early !!!

Thanks, washtenaw! Question: you said you first applied 14 Feb 2020, but I thought it was 5 years from when you entered the UK. Am I confused? When did you enter the UK? Thanks again

Sorry for the confusion, our situations are in fact a little bit different, I was already in the UK on another visa when I switched to the 5 year route. So for me it is 5 years since I was granted my first 30 month period of leave on the 5 year route, which was 14 February 2020.

Because you specifically entered the UK on a spouse visa, it would be 5 years from the date that you actually entered the UK, which in your case is 03 March 2020.

Thank you!

Can I begin (on line) my application before then, and just save the application until I am ready to submit? What's the earliest I can begin my online application process without submitting?
Thanks so much!

Sorry, missed this part of your question when I first replied.

Yes, you most certainly can begin your on line application now if you would like, and I would strongly suggest that you do this in order to get everything prepared well in advance.

I started mine a few months ago and have been able to save it and come back to it whenever I liked.

You will set up an account when you start the application and then each time when you save your progress on line, there is an option to have an email sent to you with a link that takes you straight back to the application.

Thank you!

I received my SET-M visa today (Indefinite Leave to Remain), and wanted to thank all those on this board who, through these 5+ years, have been of so much assistant. Next stop: citizenship application!