FLR(AF) - preparation, doc checklist and questions

Many many thanks @larrabee - I'll do that!

If you have a moment could you read over the previous letter? It's purpose is to explain why I am applying to extend for FLR(AF) and not FLR(M), hoping it is clear enough.

Thank you so much!

 Is the point of bringing it to their attention to remind them that you're exempt from the IHS?

No, apologies - a bit of background.

For my first visa I applied for FLR(M) even though my husband was in the military, thinking that he would change jobs. Still in the military now, but if I had applied for FLR(AF) the first time I would have been given a 5 year visa rather than 2.5. So it was suggested in here to go ahead and apply for FLR(AF) with an explaination as to why, and perhaps they will grant the next one for 5 years. Just realising that I've left out the IHS surcharge in the letter - which I did get refunded.

Here is the original advise from ksand24 if this helps: I think what I'd probably do is apply for FLR(AF), but include a letter of explanation regarding the fact that you have a normal spousal visa and paid the IHS last time, but that he has actually been in the Armed Forces for all this time, and that really, you should have applied for the VAF(AF) spousal visa instead... and then see what happens. They may just grant the FLR(AF), or they may allow your current visa to be retroactively changed to the 5-year Armed Forces spousal visa.

No, apologies - a bit of background.

For my first visa I applied for FLR(M) even though my husband was in the military, thinking that he would change jobs. Still in the military now, but if I had applied for FLR(AF) the first time I would have been given a 5 year visa rather than 2.5. So it was suggested in here to go ahead and apply for FLR(AF) with an explaination as to why, and perhaps they will grant the next one for 5 years. Just realising that I've left out the IHS surcharge in the letter - which I did get refunded.

Here is the original advise from ksand24 if this helps: I think what I'd probably do is apply for FLR(AF), but include a letter of explanation regarding the fact that you have a normal spousal visa and paid the IHS last time, but that he has actually been in the Armed Forces for all this time, and that really, you should have applied for the VAF(AF) spousal visa instead... and then see what happens. They may just grant the FLR(AF), or they may allow your current visa to be retroactively changed to the 5-year Armed Forces spousal visa.

Thank you!

Yes, that all makes sense. I would go so far as to ask if the current application can be retroactively changed, otherwise they may miss the point, as I just did!

Brilliant - thank you!!

Just to make sure I understand what I'm asking for - if my current application was retroactively changed, would that mean that my first visa would be changed to the AF one, but that the current application (and fee) would give me a 5 year extension?

Brilliant - thank you!!

Just to make sure I understand what I'm asking for - if my current application was retroactively changed, would that mean that my first visa would be changed to the AF one, but that the current application (and fee) would give me a 5 year extension?

I think what we're asking for is that your initial visa  be changed to AF, good for 5 years from your arrival to take you to ILR (and this current fee refunded.) @ksand24 will correct me if I'm wrong. 
 

Thank you for your help - once again I would be completely lost without this forum!!!

If you have not yet done so then can I recommend you speak to the Army Families Federation ASAP?

https://aff.org.uk/advice/foreign-commonwealth/visas/

they have a number of OISC qualified advisors who will help and consult on your specific circumstances free of charge. They have templates for employee letters too.  We had email and a zoom call advice plus they reviewed our application to check we had got all the details right before we pressed submit.

UK

Thanks very much @CAtoUK

I am about to pay and submit my online application - but one unusal thing I noticed. I think it could just be the system, but on the finance summary page when it summarises your answers, it said "I agree to provide evidence that Mr. PH can meet the financial requirements (but I will be providing my own evidence not my husband) and also said that if Mrs. EH is still a serving member, that we can provide a letter from the army (but my husband is the serving member?)

I reviewed my answers a few times to make sure I hadn't entered the wrong information in the wrong place, and I'm quite sure that I haven't. Is this cause for concern?

Thank you!!!

I would defer to the AFF advisors for sure but cannot see how you can sponsor yourself (ie financially wise) for an AF visa?  It is his position that will entitle you to not pay IHS and have a longer period of visa so i can see a logic for him to have to show can support you according to the rules on income etc.  Hopefully he knows he can get a certified payslip off JPA etc. Good luck

@CAtoUK just a quick note to thank you again for the AFF tip - I heard back from them first thing this morning and they are helping me as we speak.

I'll post another update with the outcome of their assistance - but for anyone else who finds their way to UK Yankee looking for help with an armed forces visa - the link above is what they need!!!