Hello all! Quick IRL Question!

Hi everyone!

I can't believe I'm already back here and that it is time to think about IRL (!). This forum has truly been a lifesaver for me in the passed and it's nice to see some familiar names. I really hope everyone is well.

My current FLR(M) expires on June 8, but I have no idea the exact date my five years started since I transferred from a student visa to a spousal visa (Hence, I was already in the U.K) Do you think I would be safe applying in that first week of June? Also, if I decided to mail the application (rather than go in person) would that week be an appropriate time to send it? I'm pregnant with No 2 so thinking about trying to save the extra cost of the Premium Appt!

Also a quick question about the timing of the LIUK Test. Can you take that anytime or does it have to be close to your application date? For instance I know other documents have to be signed/dated within 28 days of applying - is there a similar restriction of when you have to pass the test?

Thanks so very much!

Hi,

If you switched from a student visa to FLR(M), then you should reach 5 years on the expiry date of your visa (June 8th)

Do you have a record of your previous visa (the first FLR(M) from when you switched)? A photocopy or anything?

The start date on that visa will be the first day of your 5 years. Since the FLR(M) visas are issued for 2.5 years exactly, the expiry date of your current visa should be 5 years from the start date of your first FLR(M).

So, if your current visa expires on June 8th 2018, you should reach 5 years on June 8th 2018. You can apply for ILR up to 28 days before this, so I think that's May 11th 2018. That means you can apply any time between May 11th and June 8th.

Do you think I would be safe applying in that first week of June? Also, if I decided to mail the application (rather than go in person) would that week be an appropriate time to send it?

As long as it is postmarked on or before June 8th, you will be fine... so I would send it at least a couple of days before that.

Also a quick question about the timing of the LIUK Test. Can you take that anytime or does it have to be close to your application date? For instance I know other documents have to be signed/dated within 28 days of applying - is there a similar restriction of when you have to pass the test?

No, it can be taken at any time as it never expires. You'd be best taking it as soon as you can to get it out of the way and make sure you have it done in time (you could have taken it at any time since you moved to the UK).

Just make sure you keep your pass certificate safe as you will need it for UK citizenship as well, if you decide to apply.

Actually, just having a quick look at your previous posts:

- June 11th 2013, you posted to say you attended your in-person FLR(M) appointment a few days earlier

- June 18th 2013, you posted to say your FLR(M) BRP had arrived.

- Sept 18th 2015, you posted to say your FLR(M) was expiring on Dec 11th 2015.

Therefore, if your first visa expired on Dec 11th 2015, that means your 5 years should have started on June 11th 2013. Which means you reach 5 years on June 11th 2018.

You can apply for ILR 28 days before this date, which is May 15th 2018.

So, your window for your ILR application is:
May 15th - June 8th 2018

Ksand24 you are amazing! Thank you so much for this - I hasn't realised I could look back at these (duh!)

I really appreciate your help!

I took the LIUK test while pregnant.  My advice, take it ASAP!   

Haha - Thanks KFDancer!

As always you are very wise. I've ordered the book today and will get on it (before baby-brain kicks in in full-force

Haha - Thanks KFDancer!

As always you are very wise. I've ordered the book today and will get on it (before baby-brain kicks in in full-force

Yeah, I did it 10 days before giving birth.  Not only was my brain absolute mush, but I had to wee every 3 minutes. 

The LIUK book did AMAZING things for my insomnia though.   

Haha - Thanks KFDancer!

As always you are very wise. I've ordered the book today and will get on it (before baby-brain kicks in in full-force

After you’ve read the book, start taking the online tests (there are loads online). Once you start consistently easily passing those, you’ll know you’re ready.