₦airaland Forum

Nessa29:
Hi guys,
I received my BRP for FLR last Friday
Completed my online application: June 11th
Biometric Appointment: July 3rd
Decision Email: August 1st

Congratulations

Hi Guys,

I saw some comments earlier, people asking about ILR thread. I recently got my ILR and as I am not aware of an ILR thread, I created one

https://www.nairaland.com/6695679/ilr-application-set-m

Just a few things I didn't know before I started researching for my application that may be useful to other people.

180 days absence rule does not seem to apply to ILR SET (M). Check this link out

https://www.freemovement.org.uk/the-180-day-absence-rule-doesnt-apply-to-people-with-a-spouse-or-partner-visa/

I didn't try this as I didn't exceed the allowed absence but the information might be useful to someone.

At the time I applied, SET (M) was taking ages to process, a lot longer than other routes. I am not sure if that is normal or if it's due to the pandemic and backlog. Although, one can always pay for priority and have a much quicker turnaround. I didn't as I wasn't in a hurry so didn't see the need or justification to spend the additional fee.

As with FLR (M) you can get your employer to perform right to work checks after you put your application in or if you are switching jobs.

Remember that the date of application is your online submission date so all documents should ideally be dated prior to this date not the biometrics enrolment date. Don't forget the 28 day rule for your documents.

All the best.

Hi Everyone,

Having searched unsuccessfully for ILR thread, I decided to start one.

I have recently been through my ILR application so I will just post useful links or info that helped me and my timeline. Anyone with additional info should feel free to add.

I should add that my ILR experience is as a spouse of a British Citizen (SET M) so the information I have is on this route. Other routes have similarities but have their own peculiar documentation requirements.

Timeline:

Applied for ILR Route : Set (M)
Application submitted: 08/12/2020
Document Uploaded : 31/12/2021
Date Biometrics Enrolled : 05/01/2021
Application type : Standard
Approval/Refusal Received : 19/05/2021
BRP Card Received : 21/05/2021

I don't think it's necessary to add my list of documents as the application process personalises one's document list based on the information you entered but as a guide, it's basically the documents used for FLR (M) + life in the UK test. My advice is to write the LIUK test as soon as you can, it doesn't expire.

Dremzz:
Hi all! I am about to submit my application for first extension and we have just two documents in joint names. How many documents do we have to give in single names to make up the required documents?

Also do I have to scan all the pages of mine and my partners passport?
Thank you!

Hi, it's meant to be 6 in joint names or 6 each in individual names so since you have 2 in joint names, you need additional 4 each in individual names spread over the period.

All the best.

humblemoi:
Hello everyone,

I need help with my situation and I would really like assistance on how to go about this.

My Passport expires tomorrow and my visa expires June. A new visa application is required to be tendered for leave to remain.

My questions are;
1. Will I be allowed to apply with an expired Passport for the visa extension?
2. Will I be required to attend biometrics with an expired passport (given the backlog situation at the Nigerian embassy)?
3. Hypothetically if I were to get an appointment at the Nigerian embassy prior to attending biometrics and they collect my old Passport, how can I attend the biometrics session without a new passport or what are my options here please?

Anyone with experience care to help out please?

Lastly @Divine88 how did you convince your new employer to take you on in the middle of your visa application processing?

I look forward to your responses.

Under normal circumstances,

1. No, you need a passport with at least 6 months validity to apply.

2. See answer to question 1

3. See answer to question 1

However, due to Covid 19 and Nigeria High Commission backlog issues, I think your best bet is to contact Home Office and ask your questions. Try with this https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk/y/inside-the-uk/visas-work-study-and-extensions

All the best

Queenantia:
Good evening house .please can someone help me on information about Extension for a spouse visa .what and what do I need to apply for Extension.thanks

I am not certain but I am assuming you mean the next stage after the initial spouse visa.

https://www.nairaland.com/3253552/applying-flr-after-initial-uk

The thread above will guide you.

profemebee:
Called Council .. Council said they will update my name once they've gone thru the details requested via email (name, date i moved in, and tenancy agreement with my name in it).

Sent email with details and i hope they can reply cos i heard it can take weeks for a response to emails.

Then they will send a revised bill with my name added to the house. I don't know if that's the April bill he is referring to tho..

He didn't mention anything about arrears..

so i guess it is to wait for a response confirming the details sent via email are good...

thankssssssss...

Cool, all the best.

profemebee:
mehnn you just made my heart a bit calmer with your explanation.

Yes, council knew that initially there were 2 adults and a baby, and now 3 adults and a baby as we have sent an email already tonight.

We will follow up with a phone call tomorrow and hopefully someone picks up. I will provide feedback once i get from the council.

I thought council tax will increase with every adult added.

Also, regarding bank letters, i can just download and print out bank letters from my mobile banking apps.

thanks...

Full council tax is based on at least 2 adults, a 3rd adult doesn't increase the bill. Check out the link https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/who-has-to-pay

I also underlined the relevant section in the screenshot but revert with the update from your council tomorrow.

Print out of letters will work, you are still going to scan them and upload anyway.

profemebee:
1. thanks, this answers it all

2. hmmmm bank letters, i have to find bank letters to sort this then.

3. Sincerely, i didn't know it was a problem. I just didn't even think of it. I hope it isn't too late, i will work on that from tomorrow asap. I came Oct 2019.

Also, if your name wasn't on the council tax bill, did you just present it with maybe your partner's name with same address Or someone else's name but same address?

4. thanks for the link.

The answers you get depend on the information you present. Going by your updates, I don't think you have a problem re council tax.

From your initial questions, I assumed it was just you and your wife in an apartment and you didn't inform your council when you arrived so your council tax was based on one person which is illegal like I said before. Since there were 2 adults before you arrived (your wife and her sister), I assume your council is aware of that, if that is the case then the full council tax is being paid and you owe no arrears as full council tax is calculated by 2 adults and you have no issues especially as you said you are on the electoral roll. You therefore do not need to contact your council, you just need the bill.

In answer to your question, my husband's name is on our council tax bill and that's what I presented.

profemebee:
Hi hi,

Please i have questions:

1. For separate documents with wifey and i with same addresses, must it be same period, e.g. same month, May 2020 for 2 different documents of NHS letter & maybe Virgin media bill?

We only have 2 joint documents, bank statement and Water bill.. this question is for separate documents.

2. Pls are 2 different bank statements from 2 banks regarded as same source? e,g. Barclays & TSB.. will that be 1 source? 2 sources?

3. My name is only on tenancy agreement but not on council tax, and i don't intend to submit council tax as a document, is that ok as long as i have other sources.

4. Any link for the housing requirement for the nos of people that can live in a house depending the nos of rooms in a house? i can't seem to find it... trying to find the max amount of people that can stay in a 2bedroom with a parlor

Thanks for anticipated answers.

N.B: Please can those who have been granted visa extension continue to update us with docs submitted so we can be updated ..thanks

1. No, you need 6 documents each in individual names or 6 together in joint names across 2.5 years. I used individual documents and just spread it out over the period. Don't over think it. I just picked 3 documents a year for myself spread out evenly and 3 for my spouse, some were same month, some were not.

2. I used bank letters from 2 different banks, not statements. So like a letter telling me about interest rate change from one bank and another telling me that my account qualifies for a credit card from another bank.

3. Isn't evidence of council tax payment a requirement? I think it is, I included it. Your name doesn't have to be on the bill (mine isn't and hasn't been for the 5 years I have been here) but the council MUST be aware that you reside at the address and calculate your council tax accordingly otherwise it's illegal.

4. Use this link to check for overcrowding https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/bedroomcalculator.aspx

It's difficult to get free appointment now. There are a lot of people looking to book appointments so they are taking advantage of the situation. At midnight, you should see appointments for like £65, I'd just book one because if you think of the cost of the application, the appointment fee pales in comparison. All the best.

ronvlaar:
I checked and I saw dates in Feb but I'll need to pay to get the appointment, I only wanna do the core service one.
Shouldn't the appointment be free??
This people sha like money

oxygyne:
Happy new year to everyone, we pray for a blissful year.

Please can someone point me in the right direction on bank statements.

I have official bank statements sent to me monthly (e-copies) which I download and save, so they have the dates they were sent to me which would be e.g July 2020, August 2020, etc..

My question is can I use these statements which show print dates e.g 11 July 2020 for July, 12 August 2020 for August, and so on up to December 2020 (the one for December will be within 28 days rule), or do I need to have the bank issue new 6-months statements which I believe will all show a single date (e.g January 2020 since the bank will send to me this month).

I hope I am making sense...lol

Hi, you can use the e-copies. The print dates on them don't matter, what matters is that they are the relevant months and you have observed the 28 day rule in terms of the month, bear in mind that the 28 days applicable here is for your date of online submission not biometrics date.

You are allowed to be outside the UK for up to 180 days in any given year for the ILR application but you cannot be outside the UK for more than 90 days in any 12-month period in the 5 years preceding your naturalisation application.

So it's different for ILR and citizenship. Something to bear in mind.

profemebee:
hi everyone,

the rules for staying out of the uk during spousal visa.. is it 90days limit or 180days limit in a particular year?

Need to know how to plan my vacations, etc.

Thanks for anticipated confirmation.

Hallo, funny how time flies. It feels like yesterday that I was applying for my first spouse visa and I am now almost ready to apply for ILR. Is anyone else applying for ILR soon? I need to read up on it. I have just done the life in the UK test yesterday, I now need to start the actual process. If anyone else is at this stage, it will be good to share ideas, either way, I will be back to update this thread when I am done. Or maybe create an ILR thread cos I can't seem to find one, if there is one, could someone please share the link. Cheers.

Hi,

Based on personal experience, these are my suggestions.

1) I don't think this is a big deal if you have joint correspondence in your current home, if I were you, I'd write a letter explaining this matter as you have just said it, add some mail from that old address then add the correspondence you now have for your current address, you can use GP appointment letters, bills in both your names (council tax, utility etc). When I was applying for my first visa, my hubby had ALL his correspondence going to his parents house. The only thing he had for his house was Mortgage documents and council tax bill and he had lived in his house for about 4 years at that time, we just explained it in the cover letter.

2) I believe you will need your payslips for 12 months, on the other hand if your spouse earns over the required threshold, you can use only hers for your application. I was too lazy to get documentation from my company when I was applying for my FLR ( I was on maternity leave) so I used only hubby's and submitted no documents for my job.

3) I do not believe that this is a requirement, you are supposed to just submit 12 months payslip then get the letter from your current employer.

I hope this helps.

TunzAntman:
Good morning all,


Thank God for this platform, I wish I'd seen this straight after my initial spouse visa. I have a few questions I hope you guys can help with.

1) Although I moved in straight away with my partner when I arrived in the UK I didn't immediately change my bank details, HMRC etc. to her address as I was previously living in the UK before applying for the spouse visa, so I just used to have all my letters sent to my previous home address up until about a year ago. Although I did receive some correspondence there, they're not "offiicial documents". Is there anyway to circumvent this?

2) I changed jobs in the last 3 months from a previous job I'd been in for 2 years. Does this mean I'd have to send in 12 months worth of payslips?

3) Would I need a letter from my previous employer confirming how much I earned, or is the letter only required from my current employer?

Your responses will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Apologies for the late response, no it was not priority.

Demoore:
Hi newbie715,

Congrats on your recent visa renewal.

I will be renewing my spousal visa FLR(m) in 2 months time, the first week of September.

Quick question: Did you use priority service, as I see your decision was made in one month.
Cheers.

Congrats obabola123

obabola123:
Hi everyone,
Am happy to inform you of my successful application.

I used exactly the list of documents phardey and newbie posted,
So here is my timeline,

Application Type : FLR(M) - 2nd extension
Application Posted on: 23th March, 19
Payment taken: 24th March,19
Postal: Postal 25th March, 19
Documents received by HO: 26th March, 19
Acknowledgement and received all my documents back but by passport is not include by HO: 16th April, 19
Biometrics Enrolled on: 02nd May, 19
Letter from HO confirmed approved of my application: 23th May,19
My BRP card delivered 27th May, 19


Still waiting for my passport to come in. I am so excited, the whole process took about 9 weeks.

Good luck to everyone!

A schengen visa is what you need as Lexusgs430 said. As the spouse of a British citizen, at least while the UK is still in the EU, your schengen requirements are less than the regular applicants requirements, so enjoy while it lasts. Also, one schengen will cover both locations, apply to the country you are travelling to first and you will be able to visit the second as long as it is within the visa validity period.

foxyvisa:
Hello house, thanks to all moderators for sustaining this page. Please hubby (British citizen) and I intend travelling to Europe to visit family (Holland & France) together. I am currently on my 1st spouse Visa which is yet to expire(next year).
How do I go about the travelling (flight) process.
1) Do I apply for visa since hubby (citizen) will accompany me?
2) I will appreciate any and all information. Thanks.

Hi foxyvisa, I did not use NARIC from Nigeria, I used my Nigerian University MBA certificate and a letter from the school stating that English was the medium used for the programme but when I wanted to renew my visa, I just respected myself and got NARIC to avoid any issues but as deept said, same NARIC suffices.

foxyvisa:
Hello newbie715, Concerning your use of NARIC for FLR, was it the same Naric certificate you used from Nigeria or did you reapply for another Naric certificate for FLR? Thanks.

EZAKY:
Thanks for your response do I need to take the English test as I did one before I did my previous application while in nigeria.

I am not quite sure what the answer is, I used NARIC the second time round because I didn't write the test in my initial application but a comment from benuromi on page 6 of this thread states that he knows someone who used the test from Nigeria, as I am not familiar with the tests, I cannot advice on this, sorry.

deept:
Applied for my FLR(m)

biometrics 10pm, decision made 3pm today. relief.

congratulations, that was quick

obabola123:
Hello, can somesome explain how to pay the IHS please. What visa route will I pick? Also can I use my old IHS reference number on this FLR? Am want to renew my FLR, thanks

Here is the link https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/pay

EZAKY:
Hi house,
Please can I get advise on this? Am on spouse visa issued sept 2016 and expires June 2019 was checking the govt website on renewal process and I also saw an information about indefinate leave to remain process. My question is am i qualified to apply for indefinite leave to remain or I need to do the other 2.5 years extension first on my spouse visa. But the leave to remain has 5 years route , 2 years route and 10years route and I was asking my spouse what if mine is the 2 years route spouse visa and can apply for indefinite leave to remain. He said go and ask the guru's in niaraland they will know exactly what you sld do. So please help and how early can I apply for renewal? 6 months to or 3 months to?
(

Hi,

There is a thread for spouse visa extension FLR (M) for future enquiries, however, the answer to your question is you need to extend your spouse visa for another 2.5 years as you are on the 5 year route. The 2 year route is not applicable to you. It's for people who applied for the initial spouse visa before 9 July 2012.

For your second query, you can apply from 28 days before the expiry of your current visa.

Congratulations, I am quite pleased for you.

carphy:
Hi everyone,
My BRP card came today�
I used exactly the list of documents phardey and newbie posted, I didn’t add anything extra. So thank you ladies for making this entire process stress free for me!❤️ However I didn’t include my children passports cos we haven’t gotten it for them and I explained that in the application.

So here is my timeline,

Application Type : FLR(M) - 2nd extension
Application Posted on: 03 Nov18
Postal or In Person Application: Postal
Documents received by HO: 06 Nov 18
Payment taken: 08 Nov 18
Application deferred for further checks (in person app): N/A
Acknowledgement and Biometric enrolment Letter Received: 20 Nov 18 dated 16 Nov 18
Biometrics Enrolled on: 18 Nov 18
Text from a delivery company called DX delivery stating my BRP card will be delivered today 11th Dec 2018 at around 9am; I was so anxious had to call my boss am running late�
Biometric card recieved today, date of decision was 5th of November 2018.

Still waiting for my documents to come in. I am so excited, the whole process took about 5 weeks.

Good luck to everyone!

deji2009:
I am getting ready to apply for British Citizen for my daughter when she arrives in 2 weeks time
and wondered if anyone can break this down for me. I was born in Nigeria and gained British
through naturalisation years back. My parents were born in Nigeria and British if that helps to
answer my question. Thanks


"Your parent is British by descent and lived in the UK or a British Overseas territory for at least 3 years before you were born

"Your parent is British by descent and you and your parents (unless they are legally separated) are now living in the UK or a British Overseas territory

I am a bit confused:

'Your parent' as you wrote here, is that in reference to you deji2009 as the father of your daughter or is that your own parents as the grandparents of your daughter.

If it refers to you then none of them is correct for you because if you got your British citizenship by naturalisation then you are British otherwise than by descent so you can't pick any of those options.

Just out of curiosity, you said you are applying for British citizenship for your daughter but since you are British by naturalisation, why not apply for her British passport straight away.

carphy:
Good morning everyone,
It’s been 3 weeks I posted my application to the home office, payment was taken following day and I still have not received my acknowledgement letter nor my sponsor’s passport returned to me. I read from phardey and newbie timeline that theirs was sent in one week.
I am at a cross road cos my visa expires in 2 days and I need to give my employer the acknowledgment letter. I need advice on what to do next? Does anyone has the contact details of the HO. Would be glad if I can get a prompt reply.
Thank you

Hi carphy,

I don't know if HO are dealing with a lot of applications but I am aware of an FLR (M) that I was assisting someone with that was posted August 10, fees taken next working day but acknowledgement didn't come for a while, later came dated August 23. Then no biometrics request letter till September. In the end though, the whole application was still within 8 weeks as the BRP came shortly after the biometrics just that the timeline was a bit out of synch.

My advice is to call HO. I have called them in the past by googling for their details. Try this number 0300 123 2241, I just googled it. If they can't help, they will give you the right number.

I suspect they will say the application is still within its normal timeline, so impress on them the urgency in your case and ask for your case ID or reference number, that is what your employer needs to make the necessary checks with HO. The employer check takes 5 working days I believe.

All the best.

carphy:
Hi everyone,
For those that recently applied for the FLR(M). Is it mandatory to make photocopies of all documents and send it with the originals? Also, my child’s full birth certificate got missing, would it be advised to write a cover letter on that since it’s too late to get a new one, I am due to apply in 5 days.

Thank you

I made photocopies of all documents as that was what was required but all photocopies were returned which was a bit annoying as I had to shred them all over again after the stress of the photocopy.

If I were to apply again, I'd still make copies unless someone tells me they didn't and their application was granted. So I guess it's left for you to decide.

For the BC, since there is no time to get a new one, if I were you I'd write a cover letter explicitly explaining the situation and I'd include the child's passport if there's one and all other documents like NHS letters or letter from GP/Nursery. Also, I'd start the process to get another copy in the event that Home Office writes to request it afterwards. I'd also include a photocopy of the BC if there is one.

carphy:
I opened it now and it’s for those on 10 years route.

You should be filling out form FLR(M). That's the form you need. Do a search on Google and download the right form.

In my opinion, renewing your visa should not affect your mum's visit visa because as long as you apply before your visa expires, you retain all the benefits of your visa also your British partner plays an important role in your mum's visa because the first time I applied for my mum's visit visa. I assumed Home Office will be looking at only my details, it turns out they didn't even contact me rather they called my hubby to confirm if he is expecting any visit from a family member.

carphy:
Hello everyone,
I am renewing my visa for the FLR in a month, it’s actualky expiring in November but I intend to renew my mum’s visiting visa.
Is it possible to renew her visa while mine is about to expire. The last time we did it it was I and my partner dt signed all d letters since he is British. Does it matter dt my visa is expiring cos am scared dy might deny her since am the child cos I am thinking of using d same set of documents that am using to renew mine to do hers at the same time.

Thank you in advance for your prompt replies��

She is right, if the route to your ILR is spouse visa, then you do not have to wait for a year when you get your ILR to apply for nationality.

deept:
Lexusgs430 et al,

i was chatting to a friend who just got her ILR and she said she was applying for the passport already. Is that possible? i thought you were supposed to wait for 1 year before you can apply for the passport. she said for spouses of british citizens it is.

Hi,

I presume you can appreciate that visa outcome is never guaranteed. I was merely responding to a question about the possibility of getting US visa as a holder of UK spouse visa.

Having said that, it's really just as simple as that, I didn't book a hotel though as I was visiting family. Your British spouse is your tie here so the chances of getting a US visit visa is very very high.

All the best

Aphrodite007:
By this you mean to fill the online application for a tourist visa to the US, book the hotel, book the visa appointment, and take my brp, passport and my hubby’s passport (brit citizen).

And I’ll get a visa? (Been resident in the UK for more than 4 months).