FLRM - When to Apply

Hi all,

Happy holidays!

Just out of curiosity, does it make a difference in the long run when I apply to extend my spousal visa?

I entered the country on 29 May 2018 so my 30 months is 29 November 2020. I’m aware that I can apply up to 28 days before this date or before the date of my visa expiry (17 Feb 2021).

Does it make a difference when I reapply? I’m also conscious that my USA passport expires 1 December 2020 so will need to be mindful that I have my new one in hand before I extend. Grateful for some clarification!

Thank you


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I entered the country on 29 May 2018 so my 30 months is 29 November 2020. I’m aware that I can apply up to 28 days before this date or before the date of my visa expiry (17 Feb 2021).

Does it make a difference when I reapply? I’m also conscious that my USA passport expires 1 December 2020 so will need to be mindful that I have my new one in hand before I extend. Grateful for some clarification!

You can apply any time from 1st November 2020 up until 17th February 2021.

However, the later you apply, the more leeway you will have to apply for ILR in 2023 (i.e. the later the FLR(M) will expire, giving you more time to apply for ILR).

Since your passport expires on 1st December 2020, I would apply for a new passport first, and then apply for FLR(M) whenever you are ready after that. As long as you submit your online application by Feb 17th 2021, you will be fine .

Thanks for clarifying ksand24. Makes sense now regarding more time to complete ILR the later I apply for FLRM.

Better start putting money aside for the application fees!


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You can apply any time from 1st November 2020 up until 17th February 2021.

However, the later you apply, the more leeway you will have to apply for ILR in 2023 (i.e. the later the FLR(M) will expire, giving you more time to apply for ILR).

I don't quite understand how someone, in this example, can apply as late as late as 17 February 2021. I guess as long as the application is in before the end date, then it can be see as 'being processed'? Technically you're staying beyond the end date but how long can that last for? Until you get yay or nay? Not that I imagine there are goons on the street looking for people with expired BRP cards but obviously you wont be able to travel and I imagine employers might be wary of employees with expired visas.

Martin

I don't quite understand how someone, in this example, can apply as late as late as 17 February 2021. I guess as long as the application is in before the end date, then it can be see as 'being processed'? Technically you're staying beyond the end date but how long can that last for? Until you get yay or nay? Not that I imagine there are goons on the street looking for people with expired BRP cards but obviously you wont be able to travel and I imagine employers might be wary of employees with expired visas.

Martin

It's written into the rules that you remain legal as long as you have applied before the expiration date. Employers can also check your status online.

It's written into the rules that you remain legal as long as you have applied before the expiration date. Employers can also check your status online.

Hi hope no one minds me just asking a quick question on here about applying the earliest I can apply is beginning of March 2020 my visa expires 9 July 2020 but I wanted to give myself some leeway for when I do my ILR application but at the same time I want to get my application in before the fees change if they change. So I was just curious as to what you guys would do apply early to beat the fee charges update or apply later with the potential of having to pay more?

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I don't quite understand how someone, in this example, can apply as late as late as 17 February 2021. I guess as long as the application is in before the end date, then it can be see as 'being processed'? Technically you're staying beyond the end date but how long can that last for? Until you get yay or nay? Not that I imagine there are goons on the street looking for people with expired BRP cards but obviously you wont be able to travel and I imagine employers might be wary of employees with expired visas.

Yes, it's called 3C Leave.

As long as you make your application (submit the online application) before your visa expires, your current immigration status will be automatically extended for as long as it takes to make a decision on the application - which could be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on processing times.

Then, once a decision is made, you either granted a new visa, which replaces the 3C Leave, or if the visa is refused, you are given 14 days from the refusal date to either appeal, reapply, or leave the UK.

Back in 2012, it was taking around 10-12 months to process FLR(M) applications, but you couldn't apply until 28 days before you reached 30 months, so pretty much everyone's previous visas expired several months before their new visa was even processed.

See here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/771652/3C-3D-Leave-v9.0ext.pdf

Hi hope no one minds me just asking a quick question on here about applying the earliest I can apply is beginning of March 2020 my visa expires 9 July 2020 but I wanted to give myself some leeway for when I do my ILR application but at the same time I want to get my application in before the fees change if they change. So I was just curious as to what you guys would do apply early to beat the fee charges update or apply later with the potential of having to pay more?

Well, at the moment, we don't know whether or not the fees will increase, or what date they will increase on. Usually they announce it a few weeks before the new fees come into effect, but not always.

This year, the fees did not increase at all, but new/different EEA services were introduced in anticipation of Brexit.

Other years, the increase has been announced in Feb/March, but not introduced until April 6th... but one year, we had 24 hours notice of new fees, and another year, they came into effect in March instead of April.

So, basically, I would see what happens in March - if new fees are announced with enough notice, then you may be able to get your application in before they come into effect.

Well, at the moment, we don't know whether or not the fees will increase, or what date they will increase on. Usually they announce it a few weeks before the new fees come into effect, but not always.

This year, the fees did not increase at all, but new/different EEA services were introduced in anticipation of Brexit.

Other years, the increase has been announced in Feb/March, but not introduced until April 6th... but one year, we had 24 hours notice of new fees, and another year, they came into effect in March instead of April.

So, basically, I would see what happens in March - if new fees are announced with enough notice, then you may be able to get your application in before they come into effect.

Awesome thanks for the advice I will be on the look out then and hope they dont go up so I can gain extra time before I apply for ILR

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