Submitted Visa

You've lost me. I understand the spousal payment is required before the visa app fee but the fee is $960 (USD). I think I understand it now. The $960 is effectively a payment for the entire 5 year process. The FLR payment is a one off, that is, even if you do 2 FLR (fiancee route) you must only pay once. The presumption with both of these methods is that you will complete the 5 year process, which isn't always the case, circumstances change. Albeit a small percentage but nonetheless. I guess it must be less admin to take a single payment rather than say, 1 prior to entry clearance and then again at FLR, or in fiancee route case, 1 payment at FLR 1 and then again at FLR 2.

no--youre wrong mate.

$960 is not enough for the 5 years---its a £1000---whatever that is in dollars. and its paid in 2 installments of £500.

I guess it must be less admin to take a single payment rather than say, 1 prior to entry clearance and then again at FLR, or in fiancee route case, 1 payment at FLR 1 and then again at FLR 2.

thats the way its to be done

Yes I'm getting my knickers in a twist. When we initially started talking about this with Trimmers I stated it was £500 for the flr. It being 2.5 years. I dunno why I changed my thoughts on that. But the $960 must as you stated cover for the additional 3 months you get on spousal entry clearance.

I did apply for settlement visa for my son aged 13 and I did pay $936 for the health surgcharge. I though if you apply for settlement you don't need to pay for it.anyway If not needed then I will ask for refund.