ILR

DAMN, I love this board! You guys/gals have the low down on everything!

One more question...lol...do you file for ILR before the 2 years are up or once you have been there for 2 years?

You should do it before the 2 years are up.  If you intend to mail your application, the Home Office site says not to mail it before 5 weeks of the expiration of your visa.  Many of us don't trust the post though and went to the Croydon office and did it in person (this is what I did and it was approximately 2 weeks before my visa was to expire).  That way it's done in a day and you walk out with your ILR stamp and letter in hand.  

When I was in the Croydon office to get my FLR visa, I couldn't help but noticed the 143 Billions signs posted on the wall saying "Don't you be applying to renew your visa unless it expires 4-5 weeks from now!" ALL over the place!

When I was in the Croydon office to get my FLR visa, I couldn't help but noticed the 143 Billions signs posted on the wall saying "Don't you be applying to renew your visa unless it expires 4-5 weeks from now!" ALL over the place!

Yeah they seem to be pretty funny about that!  

I will be applying for ILR via post next week...my stamp expires feb19th so ill let you know how long it takes to get it back....

Just got a letter from Home oFFICE stating that they had received my application.  they sent the letter pretty quickly i sent my app on jan 19th the letter was dated jan 20th...

Got my ILR stamp now...my passport arrived back to me on Jan 30 ...we originally sent it out on Jan 19th...we were so surprised that it was so quick..it mite depend on the time of year you send it...it is a relief to have all the visa stuff done now.......

Well done sweety, it's such a joy to get that little sticker, isn't it.