First FLR(M) Application

Hello everyone, we are now applying for the first FLR(M) after my fiancee visa. We will be going for the premium service as my visa will expire very soon. However we are still waiting for the new FLR form for April 2018 to come out while we gather the supporting documents. We are getting worried as we are moving closer to the expiration of my visa, we dont have much time so we are hoping for a smooth application process.

Again, we would like to ask for your help with a few questions -

1. Is there an Appendix required for FLR (M)?
2. Sponsor's passport copy - is this bio page only?
3. Is my understanding correct - we will pay the IHS and BRP enrollment at the same time when we book the premium service appointment?
4. Biometrics will be taken on the appointment day, no need to go to post office?
5. At what point do we pay for the visa - will it be on the day of our appointment?
6. Has anyone applied at the Solihull office and how was the experience? Only if you dont mind sharing

Thanks you in advance, we appreciate your help!

1. No Appendix 2 needed as it will be in the FLR(M) form already as it’s 79 pages.
2. You are doing the premium service so bring your partners original passport with you. Make a copy of the bio page only.
3. Yes
4. Yes that’s right
5. You will pay for it online when you book your appointment
6. Solihull is a less busy place compared to Croydon or Sheffield. I don’t know anyone so far who’s applied from there. But you should be fine and it should be quick.

When you go to the premium service centre you will go through security like an airport style. When I applied for my FLR I made all photocopies of my documents (except pictures) and the lady in the reception was pleased with me as she don’t have to photocopy it herself so that saved us time waiting as well. I suggest you do the same. While waiting for your decision you have the choice to go out of the centre and have coffee or something to eat and they will call you on your mobile once the decision is made. You should be fine. I wish you all the best.

Thank you so much @Brom27 for being so helpful as always!
A few more questions though, when you photocopied the 79-page form, did they take the original or the photocopy? Also, forgive me for this OC question, did you use an expandable folder or clear book for your documents? Just wondering whats gonna be the easiest to use for the officer. Thank you!

No need to photocopy the form. I actually used a shoe box to keep all my documents together. I thought it was shameful but they were actually pleased with it and took the shoe box to the ECO

Shoe box...I like it! Funny we also use shoe box to store our papers hehe Thank you again from me & hubby

Hehe you’re welcome. Best of luck

Hi Brom27 Thanks for the info , We're going to process my FLR soon

Best of luck to you as well Em. When are you hoping to apply? Are you applying by post or in person?

Thanks @Brom27 , We're going to apply hopefully next week in person, We just get married last 24th of March and my fiance visa will expired 13th of May

Aww congrats on your marriage and best of luck for next week

Thank you @Brom27

Wow congrats @emz ! Good luck to the both of us! Hope everything will be will be okay with our application, we are getting nervous haha

Thanks @Roseanne J we will be fine

@Roseanne J looks like @Brom27 has got you covered with your queries

We also did the premium service in Cardiff. Unlike @Brom27 , we weren't given a chance to go out to grab something to eat. Good thing I brought loads of food for my then 15 month old little girl. My mum-in-law was there too so we had help looking after our daughter while we were in one of the offices.

Good luck with your application!

Thank you @Anne its good to know it went well for you apart from the long wait.

Unfortunately we were not able to book premium appointment as all premium service offices are fully booked until 2nd week of May, unbelievable. My visa expires 30th April so we are in panic mode right now

We have no choice but to apply by post asap even if it takes several weeks to get a decision. I've read somewhere that if your visa expires while the FLR application is under consideration, you are allowed to stay in the UK until you get the decision.

Does anyone know how we can get a confirmation that I am allowed to stay in the UK while I wait for a decision? Or that my stay is "extended"?

Thanks so much!

What would you need confirmation for? As long as you applied before visa expiry there is nothing to worry about, you are fine to stay. If it is for work purposes then https://www.gov.uk/employee-immigration-employment-status

Thank you @HaloHalo I can't wait to start working again but I have to submit my application first.

While booking a premium service appointment I was required to pay the IHS fee - so that's already paid. Now that were applying by post instead, how do we demonstrate in our application that the IHS is paid? Or does anyone know the process of making payments for applications by post - we have paper FLR form (not online)?

Thanks!

I will be submitting my application thru post and in paper form as the online questions are confusing. The first part of the form asks for the payment method. You can put there the details of your bank card. I will be doing the same.

Hi @menchu_edge I agree with you, just gone through the online form myself - it is confusing and requires more detail. I need to discuss with my husband whether we will go for the online or paper form.

We need to change our plan now. Just looking at the bright side cos we will save £££ by applying by post.

Yeah, you need to. Can you please update me once you print the form? When I printed it, it didn't show the footer (FLRM 04 2018 and page number). I wonder if it's my printer, the setting of the printing or it's really like that.