First question, when can we submit the application? We got notice on the 6th May 2022 that the extension had been approved (5 year route).
The date that matters is the date you either first entered the UK (if you entered on a spousal visa) or the date your first FLR(M) was approved (if you entered on a Fiance visa).
You can apply for ILR up to 28 days before you reach 5 years from that date.
The date of approval of your most recent FLR(M) extension is not relevant.
I see from your previous posts that your partner arrived in the UK in late September 2019. Therefore they will reach 5 years in the UK in late September 2024 and will be able to apply for ILR from late August 2024 (28 days before the relevant date in September).
I'm desperately hoping the visa changes they announced on the 4th December aren't going to affect us because we'll be screwed but is there anything we need to know right now to help with the application?
Based on how it has worked for previous rule changes, the new requirements will most likely only affect new applicants who are not living in the UK on spousal or FLR(M) visas yet. I imagine those already on the 5-year or 10-year route to ILR will not be affected and will only have to meet the current rules. We will see what happens when the details are announced though.
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