How long is an EC valid for?

custodian · Post by **custodian** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 11:18 pm

How long is an EC valid for?

I have an HSMP letter dated 1 Jul 08 but I want to enter the UK in Jan 09.

Can I apply for an EC now and enter the UK in Jan09?

OR Can I request for an EC to be valid from a particular date (say Jan09) ?

Thanks.

CoolestGuyC · Post by **CoolestGuyC** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 11:30 pm

Your HSMP letter is valid till 01 Jan 2009. You can apply for EC with this HSMP letter till 01 Jan 2009.

When you apply for EC, you can request Caseworker to post date your visa upto 3 months from the date of approval.

custodian · Post by **custodian** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 1:16 am

CoolestGuyC wrote:Your HSMP letter is valid till 01 Jan 2009. You can apply for EC with this HSMP letter till 01 Jan 2009.

When you apply for EC, you can request Caseworker to post date your visa upto 3 months from the date of approval.

Thanks for your reply.
The 3 months (post-dated) point - Is this documented anywhere?

Post by **geriatrix** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 2:42 am

[url=http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/ecg/chapter1/#point%20three]1.3 Validity of entry clearance or leave to enter[/url] wrote:There are two significant dates on the entry clearance, the 'effective' date and the 'expiry' date. In most cases, the 'effective' date will be the date on which the entry clearance is issued. However, some applicants may not intend or be able to travel to the UK immediately following their application and Entry Clearance Officers have discretion to defer the 'effective' date for up to three months after entry clearance has been authorised. Therefore, to prevent unnecessary applications for an extension of stay, Entry Clearance Officers should confirm an applicantâ€™s date of travel.

regards

custodian · Post by **custodian** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 8:59 pm

Thanks for your replies CoolestGuyC & sushdmehta, they're really helpful.

Consider the following case for example:

I apply for EC 01 SEP 2008
Request for it to be post-date for three months
01 DEC 2008 will be the 'effective date'

What would be the 'expiry date' (by which I should enter UK orelse I risk loosing my EC?)

Post by **geriatrix** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 9:39 pm

Expiry date is the date after which your leave to enter / entry clearance becomes invalid (you haven't read the webpage linked above??).

For Tier 1 purposes, it will 3 years from "effective date" since the EC is issued for 3 years. Close to the date of expiry of your entry clearance / leave to enter, you will have to apply for Leave to Remain (aka extension) from within UK.

regards

custodian · Post by **custodian** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 9:52 am

Thanks.... I have read the link above and then it all made sense.

Your guys are really a helpful bunch !

Cheers.

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How long is an EC valid for?

How long is an EC valid for?