Date of Online Submission or date of appointment

[globalindian]

Hi All,

with the introduction of new online application process through UK VCAS there are lot of confusion.
As per the ILR rules the eligibility criteria suggest that we are not eligible until 28 days before the 5 years continuous living in UK period.

However with the introduction of online application are we allowed to apply earlier than 28 days and then make in person appointment i.e. which date should we consider as the final date of the application - is it the date of online application or the date of the appointment?

Do we know how long before can we apply and make the appointment? previously for the permium service we were able to apply 45 days before the date of the appointment.

Thanks