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My partner is eligible to apply for ILR and her visa ends on 25th January. We have a trip planned abroad from 1st December 2024 to 20th January 2025 and were thinking to apply for ILR with priority service prior to this trip. However, just came to know that there are no appointments available until the end of December so that makes the things tricky. I need some guidance on the following:

• If we go on a trip with existing visa, would there be any issues in coming back to the UK (we will be close to the visa expiry date)?

• If we submit ILR application and then go (assuming there are no appointments available at all), would that be a problem? I believe gov.uk guidance says one should not leave the UK after applying for ILR, not sure if it applies to spouse visa as well

• Is there any way to see the available appointments without actually submitting ILR application? We don't want to let's say withdraw application if there are no appointments this year

What should we do in this situation? Any suggestions?

• If we go on a trip with existing visa, would there be any issues in coming back to the UK (we will be close to the visa expiry date)?

No issues

• If we submit ILR application and then go (assuming there are no appointments available at all), would that be a problem? I believe gov.uk guidance says one should not leave the UK after applying for ILR, not sure if it applies to spouse visa as well

You should NOT travel after submitting an application. Otherwise the application will be automatically withdrawn as per paragraph 34K of the immigration rules if you leave the common travel area.

• Is there any way to see the available appointments without actually submitting ILR application? We don't want to let's say withdraw application if there are no appointments this year

Appointment booking is provided by TLScontact which is an external third party. This means you need to submit the application first and then you'll be able to see their appointment availability, when you want to book an appointment

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Thanks for the information.