When should I apply for ILR?

I have been married a year on the April 13th...when do I need to apply for ILR??  I know you're supposed to file before the two years are up.

you can apply four weeks before the 2nd anniversary of the date stamped on your FLR

you should have 2 years on your Flr and you'll need to apply for ilr 4 weeks or so prior to it expiring , new fee is now £355.00 (was £155.)

Anyone know the exact name of the form you have to fill out! And good grief- £355?? Jeez.

SET(M) is the form.

thanks peedal 
I'm feeling panicked about this whole process, actually. And we were hoping to go on holiday abroad around the time of the application! Has anyone had an experience with how long it takes, etc?

I did mine in person (see Grievances for the whole sordid story...), which *should* be same day.  As long as you have all your ducks in a row and can read minds...   

No, seriously.  In person, same day - for £500.  No idea how long by post, which costs £335.

The Home office states the following:

Targets

Post applications                70% in four weeks (20 working days)
In Person applications        98% in 24 hrs.

I have to apply for mine in mid May and am going to do it through the post. The cost is outrageous either way. 

Julie

Question for anyone who had a similar situation.

When I fill out Set (M)...do I use my maiden name since that is what is in my passport or do I use my married name and put my maiden name under "any other names by which you have been known".

Thanks!

Julie

Do I need to apply 4 weeks before it expires?  Or is it ok to do it later?  The cost is outrageous and since we get paid once a month, I'll need to wait.  I hope someone knows the answer to this.  My friend applied after her expiration date last year and still has not received hers back!

Question for anyone who had a similar situation.

When I fill out Set (M)...do I use my maiden name since that is what is in my passport or do I use my married name and put my maiden name under "any other names by which you have been known".

Thanks!

Julie

I filled it in with my married name, and put my maiden name under "other names."

Do I need to apply 4 weeks before it expires? Or is it ok to do it later? The cost is outrageous and since we get paid once a month, I'll need to wait. I hope someone knows the answer to this. My friend applied after her expiration date last year and still has not received hers back!

You need to apply BEFORE it expires, but NOT MORE than 4 weeks prior to the expiration date.  I would NOT suggest applying AFTER your expiration date.

Thanks Peedal!!

Thanks Peedal!!

No prob!

Actually, to qualify my answer to Julie's question - I've had my passport amended to show my married name; the little amendment in the back with the seal over it, not a whole new passport.  So that's why I put my married name.

Thanks Peedal.

Since I haven't had my passport ammended like you did, then I guess I should use my maiden name when filling out the form. I just want to make sure I do it right.....so I can get it processed without an issue especially since I am going to do it through the post.

Julie