FLRM to ILR - 5 year route

Hi

I am looking for some guidance regarding the 5 year route from FLRM to ILR.

I originally came to the UK September 2016 on a Tier 4 Student Visa which was valid until February 2018.

5 year route detailed below:

First FLRM granted = May 29th 2018, valid until November 30th 2020
Second FLRM granted = February 25th 2021, valid until September 4th 2023

Am I right in understanding that I can apply for ILR five years after my first FLRM was issued? I

f that was the case, I should be able to apply at the end of May 2023, which is some time before my current visa expires?

Any guidance would be super helpful!

Thanks in advance!   

Hi

I am looking for some guidance regarding the 5 year route from FLRM to ILR.

I originally came to the UK September 2016 on a Tier 4 Student Visa which was valid until February 2018.

5 year route detailed below:

First FLRM granted = May 29th 2018, valid until November 30th 2020
Second FLRM granted = February 25th 2021, valid until September 4th 2023

Am I right in understanding that I can apply for ILR five years after my first FLRM was issued? I

f that was the case, I should be able to apply at the end of May 2023, which is some time before my current visa expires?

Any guidance would be super helpful!

Thanks in advance!   

Correct. You can apply 28 days* in advance of the 5 year anniversary of your first grant of FLR.

Have you passed your life in the UK test yet? If not, you should get on with that now, time files! 

*eta I *think* the 28 days early thing still applies, which coming from another visa. If there's any doubt, just wait for the 5 full years.

*eta I *think* the 28 days early thing still applies, which coming from another visa. If there's any doubt, just wait for the 5 full years.

Yes, it still applies - it’s 28 days before you reach 5 years on FLR(M), regardless of your initial visa path.


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Thank you both so much! That is great news.

Is ILRM typically a lengthier/harder process or similar to FLRM?

Also, is the expedited service back up and running? Or are timescales still ridiculously long? 

Sorry if these have been answered elsewhere, I haven't browsed these forums since by last visa application!

Yes, it still applies - it’s 28 days before you reach 5 years on FLR(M), regardless of your initial visa path.


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Thank you!

Thank you both so much! That is great news.

Is ILRM typically a lengthier/harder process or similar to FLRM?

The requirements and documents are pretty much the same as for FLR, but you do need to have passed the Life in the UK test before you apply for ILR.

However, the standard processing times are longer for ILR.

FLR = 8 weeks standard processing
ILR = 6 months standard processing

The expedited service (Super Priority for £800 which gives a decision in 24 hours from biometrics) is back up and running, but slots are limited due to both Covid and an increase in Ukraine applications, so in order to purchase it, you need to submit the application around midnight or 1am when new slots are released. If the option is not given when you go to submit, you’ll need to keep trying each night until it is offered.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you both so much! That is great news.

Is ILRM typically a lengthier/harder process or similar to FLRM?

Also, is the expedited service back up and running? Or are timescales still ridiculously long? 

Sorry if these have been answered elsewhere, I haven't browsed these forums since by last visa application!

It's very similar. It should feel easier as you know you managed FLR, it did for me anyway. The form you'll be  looking for is Set(M).

The service standards are longer for ILR, it's a good time to use the expedited service, which is available again now.