What's the up to date procedure for FLR?

That was directed to Larissa, right? I got my FLR almost a year ago.

I do think the rule is a bit strict as it is a very common practice to go on one's honeymoon immediately after the wedding.

It was addressed to anyone who is considering going on honeymoon before they have made the switch to a spousal visa. It is strict, but it is the rule and it is enforced.  Don't risk it.


Victoria

You should really apply for the spousal visas as soon as possible after you marry.  Complete the form and bring the documents as listed on the back - basically the same docs as for the fiancee visa but with the marriage certificate.


Where would i get the form for the FLR?  We'll be getting married shortly after I arrive in UK, and I arrive May 10.  Can you give a round park figure of how much it will cost?

The form is FLR (M), downloadable from www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk

It costs £500 if you do it same day (government fees alone).

Victoria

ok-'m going to be applying by post for FLR after our wedding May 20th(finally!!!). I have the form and documents, but what do I do about changing my name?? Some of you carry 2 passports-is that just because it is a pain to change the name on your passport?? I have no idea what to do about this and with the wedding 2 weeks away, my mind is a blank-any advice would be appreciated

I left enough time between our wedding and the expiration date of my fiancée visa in order for me to apply for a new passport in my married name, and then have my FLR also issued in my married name, in my new passport.  It worked perfectly.  Information about a name change due to marriage is available on the US Embassy's website here:  http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/acs/passports/marriage_namechange.html
My new passport was delivered to me within their estimate of 15 working days.  That was in Feb/March of this year.

I won't have enough time. My fiance visa expires June 1st. Is it a problem to have the flr issued in your maiden name and keep your passport in maiden name also, and go by your married name for everything else? I can always change it later, right?

I was told by the io who interviewed me for my fiance visa not to apply for the flr if we were planning a honeymoon because it takes "forever" to get your passport returned from the home office, and to do it after we returned.  What gives?  And how about going to Ireland?  Is that ok? Thanks.

I was told by the io who interviewed me for my fiance visa not to apply for the flr if we were planning a honeymoon because it takes "forever" to get your passport returned from the home office, and to do it after we returned.  What gives?  And how about going to Ireland?  Is that ok? Thanks.

Technically speaking that is REALLY bad advice that you got.  Because if you leave the country without changing your entry clearance/visa is a MAJOR no no, because as garry and Victoria have pointed out several times, you are coming back into the country under false pretenses (i.e. your visa says you are a fiancee but now you are coming back in as a married person).  And as Victoria stated above, they are enforcing this!

I just realized CTtoIOM that you are an IOM folk.  You are under a whole strange set of rules, and I know it can take a long time to get your passports turned around.  On the other hand, I would assume the logic above would hold true, that technically your status has changed and you should never entry a country under false pretenses.

Ireland is not the UK, my last several trips from the UK to Ireland they checked passports at the Irish end, though they didn't at the UK end, but you never know.

I was told by the io who interviewed me for my fiance visa not to apply for the flr if we were planning a honeymoon because it takes "forever" to get your passport returned from the home office, and to do it after we returned. 

Bzzzzzzzzzzzt!  Wrong.

If you got his name or can give a physical description, I would love to have it for the next user group meeting.

I was told by the io who interviewed me for my fiance visa not to apply for the flr if we were planning a honeymoon because it takes "forever" to get your passport returned from the home office, and to do it after we returned.  What gives?

I've learned to take advice from Heathrow IOs with a grain of salt.  On my last entry into the UK, I was on my fiancée visa.  The IO told me that after I get married here in the UK, I'd have to fly back to the US to get my spousal visa there, and then fly back to the UK.  I knew she was wrong, and I told her so.  Then she got a bit snippy, so I dropped the subject.  But I did file a complaint with the IND using the procedure on their website.  That was now about 3.5 months ago, and they haven't even acknowledged my complaint.

Your points certainly make sense and believe me, I'm not about to take any chances.  Been hassled enough before getting this Visa and I'm not looking for trouble.  Just was glad I read these postings before that happened! 

While we're on the topic of FLR's, may I ask a few questions?

I was wondering if you had to change your passport before applying for the FLR.  I'm not the one applying, I'm a British citizen and also I'm the one with the name change but does it have any affect for the husband?  If this does have any affect, do I have to change my passport before the FLR?

When we had an interview with the SuperIntendent <something> for giving Notice of marriage, she mentioned that we have to notify the Embassy in London that we're married (after we get married of course), is this true?

Thanks for this thread, I now found out that we don't go on honeymoons outside the UK before the FLR, it's given me a little disappointment but I'm glad I know now.

- Julie

  But I did file a complaint with the IND using the procedure on their website.  That was now about 3.5 months ago, and they haven't even acknowledged my complaint.

Hmmmm....

Would you send me a copy of your complaint?  They should have reverted by now. 

Is it possible to apply for the FLR at a British embassy? We are thinking of going back to the U.S. for the honeymoon. Could we apply for it there or are we restricted to applying from the U.K. before we leave?