Musings on FLR(M) postal applications

A couple of things I'm wondering about. does anyone know details on these?

1) If doing a postal application, what happens about them returning your documents? Do thy just send them or do you need to provide some sort of payment or whatever for them to do this?

2) Does the applicant need to submit biometrics at a post office even if it is their second FLR and they have already provided them previously?

Nothing's ever straight forward, is it!!

Its my belief that they post all the documents back to you, read it in one of the posts, on reading the FLR form there is no fee mentioned for the return, it will be included in the visa fee.

Once you have had your FLR granted the UKVI will send you a reference letter which you then take to any PO which offers the biometric service. I'm sure a new BRP is required as it will contain updated information.

Thanks Timmers. I'm considering a postal application now what with the added expense of the NHS and yet another English test!

That makes sense with the post office. I was thinking she needed to do it before sending the application but that way seems more practical.

I don't blame you Graham, the additional costs are really starting to mount up, I expect a lot of other people will be doing the same thing.

A postal application is certainly something I will be considering next time around when the visa cost will be even higher than now. I think we are looking at early 2017 before we have to apply again. As I have mentioned before with the five year route, there are a lot of things that can change in your life in that period of time, including of course financial changes.

The financial thing constantly worries me, especially being self-employed. Which reminds me, I meant to tell you. When you apply another to include is a copy of your SA302, which shows the details of your tax return.

https://www.gov.uk/sa302-tax-calculation

Call and get one sent rather than print it online.

You're right, we were discussing this the other week, the SA302 is basically to tell the UKVI that you have been a good boy and have been paying UK tax.

I've put the link you posted in my favourites folder, never to early to start preparing

I know. I'm starting already and we've still got another 6 months to go!

Thing is, you get a little rusty on the visa requirements even though we post on here all the time, I'd be better at doing someone else's visa application more than I would my own.

Ha! That is exactly right.

I think I'm ok on documentation now but nervous about getting the forms correct and so on.

That's the problem when opting for the FLR postal application, you're always going to be wondering if you got it all right, at least with the premium service you can clear up any little issues there and then with the Case Officer. Also with the postal application you are back playing the waiting game, exactly the same as when you applied for the initial Fiancé visa.

Its all pros and cons

The good thing is that this one is not so critical as the original visa. As your wives are here and are not likely to get kicked out. Still important of course, but the biggest hurdle was the original visa.

I would have thought that the success rate for genuine and compliant FLRM applicants must be very high indeed.

Well, that's the English test finally done properly! She did the A1 test in Hammersmith and it was, as expected, extremely easy. Mrs M reckoned the bit before going in was more difficult than the actual test.

Actually, I quite like this new method. It seems clear. The test centre wasn't unlike the UKVI building in Croydon! As, indeed, was the system. She had to line up for a photograph, have her passport checked, and even count to 10 for a voice recording! Not sure why they want that. Just another way of keeping her on file I guess.

This does prevent any cheating and any confusion. Just a pity it wasn't like this before and everyone knew what to do from the off.

Questions couldn't have been simpler. Typical examples were asking her name, where she lives etc. Also recognising some numbers. She said at one time the woman testing her asked "Is this your pen?" She replied: "No. I think that's your pen."

It really was that simple and even though she was in the centre about an hour, the test itself took about 5 minutes. She was pleased with her "A" grade anyway! I can't see how anyone in a genuine relationship with a British guy should have any trouble with it.

More reason why people from the Philippines should be exempt from the English test for settlement visas in my opinion.

So, it's in the post now! No going back!

Sent our second FLR(M) application off this morning.

The special delivery postage came to £26.60. Quite a lot, but cheaper than £400, petrol and a day off work to go to Croydon or Solihull.

It was a pretty heavy package, though. I sent a lot of documents on employment because of being self-employed. Plus copies.

I don't think there will be any problems, but our first time failure when trying for a fiancee visa still makes me nervous. We've done 4 applications now including the rubbish first one so hopefully I know enough to know what I'm doing.

Be interesting to see how long it all takes. Just a case of waiting now.

Good luck, Maharg. The additional costs really put many people off in doing the premium service. We are still yet to decide which service to choose in 2017 for our 2nd FLR.

Keep us posted.

Thanks Anne. Yeah, I think the Premium Service is certainly worthwhile on the first FLR(M) as it enables you to work, but I'm not so sure of the benefits on the second one unless you need your passport in a hurry.

We finally decided the postal application was the way to go after they introduced the NHS surcharge on top of the fees.

I did the same thing with 1st and second FLRM,they sent a letter to do the biometrics within 15 days.I received my BRP before my documents sent back to me,but it supposed to be documents first so you can show your passport for verification.

Good luck Graham, not that you need it