Can I apply for FLR(M) if I qualify for ILR?

[kimiko_jo]

My Australian partner is currently living in the UK on a two year spousal visa because he is married to me (Australian and British Citizen).

His visa is due to expire soon, and we understand that he qualifies for ILR.

We want to stay in the UK for another 18 months (at which point we will both return to Australia), so will need to apply for a new visa for him.

The fee for the FLR(M) visa is considerably less than ILR and since we don't intend to stay for longer than another 18 months we want to apply for FLR rather than ILR.

Is this acceptable? and what explanation should we use on the form at question 4.1?

Thanks in advance.

[geriatrix]

1. Yes.
2. To apply for settlement is your choice, not a compulsion. Just state the facts .. as you have stated on the forum.