FLR-M BANK STATEMENTS

Just to prepare you, I would expect it to be quite a wait for biometrics, as those are currently (mostly) shut down.  But so long as you've APPLIED, you are 100% legal and can continue to work.

The only thing to check is if the government 80% grant is considered public funds.  If it is...  you can't accept it. 

This is all such an awful time.  Big hugs.  I can't imagine trying to do a visa application amongst this mess.

I was wondering whether it is. Some say it is, some say not?
It is a complete mess.. Our director phoned me today and said that I have a choice to take this Furlough leave or continue to work from home, as they still need designers to help out. So I guess, I am okay for now. Thank you for this though Best to be prepared.

Does anyone think that this visa process would take way longer than 3-4 months? I was planning to apply for my ILR beginning of August, as I would qualify if I take a 10 year route. Interesting how everything will play out.

Sending everyone hugs. x

I was wondering whether it is. Some say it is, some say not?
It is a complete mess.. Our director phoned me today and said that I have a choice to take this Furlough leave or continue to work from home, as they still need designers to help out. So I guess, I am okay for now. Thank you for this though Best to be prepared.

Pretty sure it's not considered public funds as it's your employer applying for the grant in order to pay their employees, not you applying for benefits. There has been no mention of immigration status at all in the material published regarding the grants.

Does anyone think that this visa process would take way longer than 3-4 months? I was planning to apply for my ILR beginning of August, as I would qualify if I take a 10 year route. Interesting how everything will play out.

We really don't know at this point. It all depends on how long it takes to get things under control with the virus.

The longest I've ever seen it take for FLR(M) applications is between 10 and 13 months for processing... which was back in 2012, when there was a massive backlog due to UKVI reducing staff numbers at the same time as everyone trying to apply before the new immigration rules came in on 9th July 2012.

It has not been that long since then though (it's been steady at 6-8 weeks for a few years), but we don't know how the lockdown will affect processing times/application backlogs.

What you may be able to do though is if your FLR(M) still hasn't been processed by the time you qualify for ILR, you may be able to apply for a variation of leave (so you might be able to make an application for SET(O) while your FLR(M) is still processing). See: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/760916/applications-for-leave-to-remain-v2.0-ext.pdf

We really don't know at this point. It all depends on how long it takes to get things under control with the virus.

The longest I've ever seen it take for FLR(M) applications is between 10 and 13 months for processing... which was back in 2012, when there was a massive backlog due to UKVI reducing staff numbers at the same time as everyone trying to apply before the new immigration rules came in on 9th July 2012.

It has not been that long since then though (it's been steady at 6-8 weeks for a few years), but we don't know how the lockdown will affect processing times/application backlogs.

What you may be able to do though is if your FLR(M) still hasn't been processed by the time you qualify for ILR, you may be able to apply for a variation of leave (so you might be able to make an application for SET(O) while your FLR(M) is still processing). See: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/760916/applications-for-leave-to-remain-v2.0-ext.pdf

This is very useful, thank you I wonder if I could potentially apply for a premium/ quicker decision for ILR at that point in time.

Hopefully the virus calms down very soon and we can slowly start seeing our lives go back to normal.

Also, guys, just to be sure, am I right to think that once I have all my documents in order and submit my online application, since I would be waiting for an available biometrics appointment, I have time (however long it may be) between submission of my application and attending my biometrics appointment to upload all my documents online?

Thank you.

Also, guys, just to be sure, am I right to think that once I have all my documents in order and submit my online application, since I would be waiting for an available biometrics appointment, I have time (however long it may be) between submission of my application and attending my biometrics appointment to upload all my documents online?

Thank you.

Yes. The date your online application is submitted is your official application date, and then you have between booking your appointment and the day of your appointment to upload your documents.

Or if you pay for an appointment that includes document scanning, you take your documents to the appointment for them to scan and upload them for you (though it's a good idea to take the documents with you anyway, just in case something didn't get uploaded properly at home).

Yes. The date your online application is submitted is your official application date, and then you have between booking your appointment and the day of your appointment to upload your documents.

Or if you pay for an appointment that includes document scanning, you take your documents to the appointment for them to scan and upload them for you (though it's a good idea to take the documents with you anyway, just in case something didn't get uploaded properly at home).

This is perfect, thank you ksand24 and everyone who helped with my queries stay safe everyone x