FLR: When to apply

[mick foreman]

Hello all .
We cant believe where the last 10 months has gone since Monera arrived on September 27th 2014 a lot has happened during this time . Monera has made several very good friends with Filipinas already here in the Redditch area, she has found work through an agency and has settled into the UK lifestyle better than we could ever imagine.
I know it is still a while away but our thoughts have now turned to getting everything ready for her FLR application what is the earliest date that we can apply for this ? I have heard lots of talk that even this is not as straight forward as it was before ! Is this true ? From experience of others is it worth doing the premium service and what are the costs for this ? And is there anything we would be advised to do before we get closer to her application ?
I know how valuable the advice we received from this Forum was to us on our application for Monera's spouse visa, without that help never would we be in the position we are today we will always be indebted to those who spared there valuable time to help and advise
Many thanks
Mick and Monera

[Terpe]

Hi Mick, so glad to hear that UK life is so good for you both.
It makes such a big difference to Monera that she has a job and has found friends.

Anyway regarding the FLR(M) she needs 30 months living in the UK .
Shortly before that 30 month anniversary she should submit her application.
Don't submit the application too early it's really important that she's able to complete the total 60 month residency for ILR.
Falling short by applying too early would involve an unnecessary extra FLR visa.

[Rory]

From when my wife first came over here to applying for her FLR last month I do not think much has changed in what is required, the £18.600 threshold has been the same for a few years now, bank statements, prove of address, etc...

Nothing seems to have changed apart from the cost of the visa, health charge and the new English test.

[mick foreman]

Thanks Terpe things certainly changed for the better once Monera found work and friends, I think boredom was her major problem before. It made a huge difference life could not get much better now !!

Is the level Monera attained in her English test for the initial
spouse visa still accepted for FLR or has the level risen ? She took her test June 6th last year

[Terpe]

Is the level Monera attained in her English test for the initial
spouse visa still accepted for FLR or has the level risen ? She took her test June 6th last year

Mick, level is the same but depends on the test now.
Which test did she take ?

[mendoza82]

Hello sir terpe!kumusta?i came here in the UK sept 4 2013 so the earliest possible I could apply for flr is on first week of March 2015,am I correct??thank you in advance:)

[Terpe]

Hello sir terpe!kumusta?i came here in the UK sept 4 2013 so the earliest possible I could apply for flr is on first week of March 2015,am I correct??thank you in advance:)

With a UK arrival on Sept 4 2013 your 30 month anniversary fall on March 4 2016
You'd need to apply shortly before then.
I can't give a precise date as there's no official guidance given by UKVI except:-

1. Your existing leave must be valid at the time of FLR(M) application

2. Submitting the application too early may mean the 30 month residence has not been reached at the time of processing and subsequently the new FLR(M) visa will expire before you reach the 60 month residency eligibility for ILR. This would mean applying and paying for another FLR(M) to bridge any remaining residency gap.

As the rules and processing times stand right now I'd play safe and submit your application a couple of weeks prior to your 30 month anniversary date.

[Terpe]

Mick, level is the same but depends on the test now.
Which test did she take ?

Mick,
I checked out the current transitional arrangements and can confirm that Monera will most likely need to take a new test.
The cut-off date for other tests being for applications submitted before 6 November 2015

Here's a link to the current and latest UKVI approved listing - Approved Secure English Language Tests and Test Centres (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/441721/2015-07-03_-_Approved_Secure_English_Language_Tests_and_Test_Centres_v5.0.pdf)

Just double check the list to see if she's lucky.

Anyway Mick, I'd suggest going for a test at B1 level as this will be needed for subsequent ILR and Naturalisation applications.

[mick foreman]

Hi Terpe
Monera took her test at the centre below on the 7th June 2014 so I take it this is ok for her FLR when she applies as things stand at the moment as the centre is on the current list ??
IELTS SELT Consortium
BC
PH001
British Council Manila
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ortigas Avenue Corner Asian Development Bank Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines
Philippines
Permanent

[marksroomspain]

Hi Mick IELTS is fine for FLR (M) my wife has just been granted her second period of 30 month stay using it and it was obtained September 2012.....:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[songz777]

Hi guys.
I did read somewhere that the entry clearance visa granted to my wife 2014 would accept the pass grade for English test IELTS when she obtained 5.5 and not have to take a re-test, is this correct?

Also from what read of FLR the key points are:
1. £18,600.
2. Proofs of address of living together at the same address. Joint accounts, items addressed to each other. ( although from what I read these are only really needed for ILR)
3. Bank statements.
4. Fee for NHS.
5. Letter from work.
6. Letter from my Father confirming our residence at the said address.
My wife came over on Feb 5th 2014 which works out to August 5th? so we can apply two weeks prior to that date? Is that correct?

Here's hoping that the 18.600 doesn't increase by next August :)

[mendoza82]

With a UK arrival on Sept 4 2013 your 30 month anniversary fall on March 4 2016
You'd need to apply shortly before then.
I can't give a precise date as there's no official guidance given by UKVI except:-

1. Your existing leave must be valid at the time of FLR(M) application

2. Submitting the application too early may mean the 30 month residence has not been reached at the time of processing and subsequently the new FLR(M) visa will expire before you reach the 60 month residency eligibility for ILR. This would mean applying and paying for another FLR(M) to bridge any remaining residency gap.

As the rules and processing times stand right now I'd play safe and submit your application a couple of weeks prior to your 30 month anniversary date.

Thank you very much Sir Terpe!! Yes I am actually thinking to submit 1 or 2 weeks after my 30th month. :) Thank you