First FLR(M) Application

I have a printed FLR form in A4 size, it had the page number and version at the bottom.

thanks..

Hello BF friends, got my self confused once again.

Can you please help clarify this for me? After the fiancee visa, how long is the FLR M valid for?

1st - 30 or 33 months?
2nd - 30 months?

The gov.uk website says 2.5 yrs but I have read others have 33 mos validity. Or is the 33 mos for those who entered the UK on spouse visa?

For my 1st FLR I paid £500 IHS fee which is good for 2.5 yrs only. Should I have paid £600? Current fee is £200/yr.

Thanks again

The gov.uk website says 2.5 yrs but I have read others have 33 mos validity. Or is the 33 mos for those who entered the UK on spouse visa?----yes., that covers the other questions.

£600 is when you're applying outside UK (spouse visa). If inside (FLR), then it's £500.

Thanks a lot @bigmac and @menchu_edge

My first FLR has just been granted, thanks so much for all your help!

We used postal application and the online application form.

April 16 - submitted my online application. Payment done upon submission and biometrics letter/instructions received on the same day.

April 23 - HO confirmed receipt of my supporting documents, I have included a self-addressed envelope. 8 wks to process as per the letter.

June 7 - received my grant of leave to remain letter along with my supporting documents. BRP on the way

Just a few lessons learned I’d like to share

Premium service appointments gets booked up up to 45 days in advance, which did not work for me. Anyway, if I had to wait for 45 days til my appointment date, I might as well use the time to apply by post immediately.

Sponsor’s passport- we sent colored copy of my hubby’s passport, all pages, not notarised. HO kept this document.

And lastly, a note to self- always allow plenty of time to put together all the requirements

Well done! Congratulations

Just to clarify on booking the premium service. The 45 days means you can make an appointment 45 days in advance, you don’t have to wait for 45 days for your appointment date. I think you misunderstood that part

Thank you @Brom27 you have always been helpful!

Can you book an appointment even if your application form is not yet complete/final - or maybe because I used the online form? If I remember it correctly the next step after I have completed the form is to book an appointment. I had doubts about this and anyway it would not have worked for me as the next slot was beyond the validity of my fiancee visa.

Back then the next appointment slot was 6 weeks away and but all my requirements were then already complete. So I thought if I wait for my appointment day which is 6 weeks away, if I posted my application immediately I would still get a decision in about the same time as i would if I took the premium service. Or maybe I was just trying to convince myself hehe

If I would like to use the premium service for my next FLR, can I just book an appointment on its own (in advance) regardless if I am still working on the requirements and application form?

Yes you can already book an appointment while working on the application form and requirements coz that’s what I did. I booked a premium service appointment online the day after my wedding even though I wasn’t ready yet just to book an early slot coz if you leave it too late sometimes it’s fully booked.

Ok that’s the trick then. I was in doubt about it but now I know. Should have asked sooner. Thanks for another useful info @Brom27

Congrats on your good news.

Thank you

hello everyone ,

It's been a while since I open this forum. I would like to thank all of you for all the help and support . It's been a roller coaster experience applying a spouse visa . We tried everything just to grant my visa. Oh well no more drama I am now enjoying the UK life with my husband .... I know 2.5 years is way too fast so as early as possible I have to be ready on the next visa " Extend Visa" . Currently working and earning less than 18,600 annually. I want to combine my salary and my husband salary to meet the financial requirement . Do I need to send both p60 and bank statement ? both of us. I don't understand the case of using the "combined income of the applicant and partner".

any idea?
how to use both income of the applicant and partner..

thank you

If your husband’s income meets the financial requirement then you don’t have to combine it with your income. Does he meet it on his own income?

When is your visa valid till? If i have read your post correctly it is some time away as you have just got your spouse visa, if right relax enjoy your time in the UK think about your next application nearer the time.

no he does not meet the income, we used his income and savings when i applied for spouse visa. And now we are planning to combine our income for the next Visa "

by this coming month of august . It is gonna be my 1st year anniversary here in UK. and It feels so fast. That is why I am trying to gather some information in advance

You can combine both incomes on your application.
I admire your vjew that you want to get on top of the process but be awsre the system is often updated.
You can if yo want start keeping letters addressed to you both, get into the habit of keeping all your payslips and bank statements in order( you wont need them all, 12 months at most hoing back from your next application date) but a good habit.
Good luck and most of all enjoy the UK pick the application up about 3 to 4 months before your current visa expires

Its good to take mental note of that.

It is the same information that you provided when you applied earlier with a main difference - the proof of correspondence is stricter the next time than the one earlier (on my first flr-m, they allowed 3 letters addressed to me from morrisons, Naric and cpuncil tax. I think those three would suffice on the next one).

Yes you can combine your income with your hubby. You can also start compiling letters and correspondence- letter from gp or nhs, bank statement, driver’s license, council tax, HMRC would be a better evidence). Thats what im doing - all letters with my name as well as joint as put in one folder.

It will also help if you and the hubby start setting aside a certain amount (ie £50 per month at least) for the next visa fee as I heard it is increasing every year.