What a mess I've made—please help! (ILR application)

Hello all,

So I moved here under a fiancé visa in March 2020, received LTR(M) in Dec 2020, and FLR(M) on in Aug 2023.

I was out of the country for much of the 28 days preceding the expiry of my FLR(M) which is today. I had, however, arranged for a Life in the UK test last week, and had everything together so I might apply immediately upon arrival. I was turned away from the Life in the UK test last week as the camera wouldn't recognise me, and I didn't have my BRP on me (I had my US passport and other ID). Completely my fault.

I then went home, immediately booked another exam for yesterday. Arrived at the testing site and the door was closed and lights out. Not sure what happened there, but my issue is this.

I can get a test for tomorrow, but I assume my share code won't work. I can't apply for ILR today, because I can't take the test and get the code.

Is my only option to apply for FLR(M) again? If so, will 3C clearance allow me to book the test for this week? Can I then somehow shift my application to ILR? Or must I wait to be awarded FLRM again, and then apply for ILR.  If I can change the application whilst under 3C (apply FLRM, take the test, and then vary the application or simply apply anew and thereby void the previous application), can I apply for ILR with premium processing during the change?

This matters because I must again leave the country for work in about three weeks for another month, so if I must be awarded FLRM, I'll need to pay the super premium upcharge (which rankles). But if it must be, it must be, I suppose. I could use advice on the best way forward here.

I fully accept this is a bed I made, but it seems so odd that I can't start the ILR application and then take the test (or take the test today!)

.....the expiry of my FLR(M) which is today.

Are you saying that your visa expired yesterday? And you didn't apply for another visa before your visa expired? If so:-

Is my only option to apply for FLR(M) again? If so, will 3C clearance allow me to book the test for this week? Can I then somehow shift my application to ILR? Or must I wait to be awarded FLRM again, and then apply for ILR.  If I can change the application whilst under 3C .........

Have a read of 3C

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/77/section/3C

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/3c-and-3d-leave/3c-and-3d-leave-accessible

This matters because I must again leave the country for work in about three weeks

Have you read 34K of the Immigration rules?
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-part-1-leave-to-enter-or-stay-in-the-uk

I see you have been advised about 3C before and about overstaying when a visa is expired, when your last visa expired.
https://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=100941.msg1325738#msg1325738

It's a shame you didn't take the advice on that thread from larrabee

https://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=100941.msg1325804#msg1325804
"Now go off and study for your life in the UK test so you have no more last minute panics!"