Set O - ILR 28 days rule - what is considered application date?

[Justo]

Hi all,
my Tier 2 General visa was issued 1/5/2014 and I entered the UK on 9/5/2014. I understand I can apply 28 days before 5 years from when visa was issued - i.e. 3/4/2019.

What I confused about what is considered application date - time when I complete the form / pay it online / book an appointment with UKVCAS / or submission of the documents in UKVCAS?

These are all quite different points in time, so I would like to do everything I can in advance and then hit "submit" on the day. For example, can I fill out and pay form online today?

Thanks a lot

[CULLINAN]

Hi all,
my Tier 2 General visa was issued 1/5/2014 and I entered the UK on 9/5/2014. I understand I can apply 28 days before 5 years from when visa was issued - i.e. 3/4/2019.

What I confused about what is considered application date - time when I complete the form / pay it online / book an appointment with UKVCAS / or submission of the documents in UKVCAS?

These are all quite different points in time, so I would like to do everything I can in advance and then hit "submit" on the day. For example, can I fill out and pay form online today?

Thanks a lot

The online application submission date is the application date. Only pay and submit when you are in the qualifying period on/after 3/4/19, otherwise you will apply early and your application may be refused.

[CULLINAN]

You can fill out your form anytime you want. The form lets you “return to application” incase you want to edit etc. But pay and submit ONLY when you are in the qualifying period. Once you will pay the system will divert you to UKVCAS website where you will be able to upload your docs and book your biometrics appointment. You get 45 working days to book an appointment. You can upload docs anytime before the appointment if you choose to self upload or the centre can do for you. With the new system you can get free appointment pretty quick at the core centres (6 in UK) within 5/7 days or earlier. You can pay for earlier appointments also.

[Justo]

Thanks a lot for your quick responses. Very helpful!