I am also in the same boat as gameover_786, 68 (40+28) days short of being eligible for 10 years long residency.
I was granted Pre-Tier 4 Entry Clearance as student on 16th Feb’06, valid until 31st Oct ‘09 and entered the UK on 8th Mar ‘06. I have valid leave until 31st Dec 2015. My ten year anniversary is on 8th Mar’16, and I qualify for long residency 28 days prior on 9th Feb 2016. However, my current leave expires on New Years Eve!
My solicitor insists on making a direct application for ILR (SET(LR)) before my current leave expires (around 29th Dec ‘15). His rationale is that the application is not likely to be decided at the HO, before I qualify for ILR (9th Feb ’16), owing to the holiday period and employing delaying tactics such as payment by cheque, delaying biometrics etc. And even if it is a refusal, it will carry the right of appeal as my application is made before the expiry of current leave.
However, the general consensus in this forum seem to suggest applying under FLR(FP), then varying it to ILR when qualified. Having been badly burnt by a bogus solicitor before, I cannot help but be wary of this one. After all, it’s nearly six weeks that needs to be covered.
Experts, I have a few questions; I realise some of them might be quite silly but I am pretty confused and will appreciate any comments.
1. Is my solicitor right in suggesting that I can get away with applying directly for ILR? Or should I apply FLR (FP) and then vary as I qualify for ILR? Am I even eligible to apply using form FLR (FP)? On what basis can I apply?
2. Does applying more than 28 days prior to the qualifying period render an ILR application invalid?
3. For the purpose of 10 year ILR, does the qualifying period start from the date of receiving entry clearance (16th Feb ’06) or from the date of entering the UK?
4. Would refusal on an application made before the expiry of current leave, automatically carry with it in country appeal/ administrative review rights?
Sorry about the essay; I was never much good at summarising. I would really appreciate if anyone can kindly confirm these for me. It would put my mind at rest and I am sure will help many others. Thank you in advance.
Regards, Cheska
gameover_786 wrote:Hi guys,
I have got only 6 weeks left before current leave expires and now i need to make the final decision to which option i should take to get the extra time to complete my 10 years.
The option for applying for ILR and then skipping the Bio-metric is a risky option which i would take if there are no other safe options.
Second option is to apply for FLR and then vary the application. That sounds less risky and have worked for many users before. Here is the questions if I go with FLR what form should i fill in? Is it FLR(FP) or FLR (LR)? I have my wife as dependent and she needs to apply for leave at the same time.
Thank you very much all for your help.
Regards