Welcome
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My situation: I've been in UK since June 2015 (was on a work visa) but transferred to the spouse visa on October 02 2018 (issue date). My current visa expires April 02 2021. Just to confirm, this means I can apply as early as March 5 2021 (28 days from expiry date). Is this correct?
Yes, that's correct
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My main questions revolves around the supporting documents. I understand that these will need to be uploaded via UKVCAS website and my appointment will likely be 3-4 weeks after my application is submitted. Do I need my employment letter/payslips etc to be dated within 28 days ahead of submitting the application? (ie up to 28 days before submitting application online but not after submitting the application and not connected to the UKVCAS appointment date) Hope that makes sense.
It makes sense. The financial documents only have to be dated within 28 days of submitting the online application... because that is your official application date. Once you apply online, the clock stops for the documents and it doesn't matter when you attend biometrics after that.
Regarding the letter from employer, will it make a difference if my employer sends me a scanned signed letter or should I request the original version and scan it myself?
Ideally you should have the actual letter yourself, so that you're in possession of an original copy just in case. However, if it's not possible for them to mail it to you, the scanned, signed letter will likely be okay.
UKVCAS can only be booked after submitting the application?
That's correct.
Once you have submitted the online application, you will be sent an email with a registration code for the UKVCAS website. You register on the site, book a biometrics appointment and then upload your documents before you attend the appointment.
I saw something about a UKVCAS IDV app. Is this an option to do or will they appoint these as suitable?
The IDV app is not an option anymore - you have to attend biometrics in person now.
The app was introduced as an interim option instead of attending biometrics last summer when they had massive backlogs and the UKVCAS centres were only just starting to open up. Once normal services resumed at the UKVCAS centres in September 2020, they retired the app for the majority of applications... and now only those applying for Tier 4 student visas are allowed to use it.
One random question, but I see the processing times are quite long at the moment. Is it possible to change employment while waiting for visa to be processed (after current BRP expires) or will new employer require a new BRP?
If you are using your income to meet the financial requirement, you cannot change jobs until your FLR(M) has been processed and you have received your new BRP. This is because if you leave your current employer, you will no longer meet the financial requirement... and if UKVI realise this, your visa can be refused because you no longer qualify for it.
If you are not using your income to meet the requirements (i.e. your spouse's income is being used instead), then you can change jobs, however, a new employer will most likely require a valid passport and BRP card to make sure you are legally allowed to work in the UK. Now, while you can continue working while your visa is processing, chances are, the new employer will want to see that you have permission to live and work in the UK for the next 2.5 years.
