Confusion between Forms for ILR & Tier 1 dependent Extension

[bhanuz3]

Hello All

Apologies if i am repetitive - but there seems to be a lot of permutations and combinations on the same issue - so i need your help to clarify. Here are my queries:

1. I am on Tier 1 general - valid until Feb 21 2016 (finished first extension in Feb 2013) - Hence eligible for ILR - I believe the application I must be using is Set (O). My Wife (one Tier 1 Partner Visa) Joined me in June 2015 - thankfully crossed 7 months - So she is eligible for extension. She has from April 4th 2015 to Feb 21st 2016.
2. Now what is confusing me is - what form is used for her ? - do I add her details as dependent in Set (O) form or is it Tier 1 General Dependent Extension or does she have to switch to FLR (M) ? can you guys please confirm ?
3. If it is FLR (M) - for the English Language Ability for my wife - is it enough to produce her PG English certificate along with PBS proof UK Degree Equivalence ? or should i also add a UK NARIC confirmed letter as well?
4. When I try to book PEO appointment for in person - it gives me an option for Set (O) + 1 dependent. It does not specify dependent's application form. So if I book Set (O) + 1 Dependent. they Charge me £3800. with this appointment I can still go that day and submit a Set (O) and a FLR (M)? although they are not same? is that ok ?

Please let me know your responses. thanks for your help in advance.

Thanks
Sai

[geriatrix]

1.Q2.
2. Either. Read Q13 and follow the link given there.
4. "SET(O) + 1 dependant" means principal migrant and 1 dependant included in SET(O) applying for settlement together. You will have to book two separate appointments for the two (different) applications you intend to make.

[bhanuz3]

Thanks a lot for clarifying - and for speedy response.
1. Set (O) - is the application for me - that is clear now.
2. according to guidance notes on Q13 link you provided - it seems like there are two options - A) Extend PBS Dependent Visa and B)Switch to FLR (M) - which do you advise is better route ? - and this is little unclear as i remember the Tier 1 General main/dependent Extensions have ceased to exist ? - so it FLR (M) the only way then ? - Can you please clarify ?

3. On english langauge skills question - can some when answer my initially posted question? - thanks

4. Thanks for clarifying that I need to make two separate appointments - currently i have registered on the booking site and stopped at Set (O) + 1 stage - i cant seem to go back and edit and remove the dependent part - is that possible ? - or do I need to start the booking again with a new email id ? - will that conflict in any way? - please clarify

Thanks
Sai

[CR001]

2. Tier 1 G Dependents can still extend. The route is closed for Tier 1 G main applicants. FLR(M) is cheaper than PBS Dependent.

4. You will need to start again.

[bhanuz3]

Thanks again for all the help.

I have been told by home office that - in my wife's case she has to use PBS dependent Extension route. And as you rightly mentioned above - it does seem to cost more. They ask for a IHS charge of £600 even before I go to the stage of booking date and pay for appointment - any idea what the total fees would be ?

[CR001]

She can switch to FLR(M) if she wishes to, it is your/her choice.

[bhanuz3]

Thats what I thought but the home office help line is saying very specifically that she can not apply for FLR M and has to continue on PBS Dependent. Their logic is - since she can finish her 5 years before FLR M (which changes the ILR clock) they will prefer/advise/direct and she has to apply for PBS dependent route.

i am totally confused because of this.. i specifically stress and asked them if she can apply FLR M - they say NO

can you please advise. how to get this absolutely verified ? -

[CR001]

HO is known for giving incorrect advice and takes no responsibility for it. It is a call centre, they are not qualify immigration advisors.

Many people apply for FLR(M) rather than PBS Dependent, mostly when the PBS Dependent has only been in the UK for a short period so not a big issue with losing that time.

[bhanuz3]

Thanks for the reply. It is indeed helpful - it is going to be out choice to choose PBS dependent extension or FLR M - but for FLR M looks like i have to get done my ILR before and a week later she can apply same. But for simplicity sake - PBS dependent extension looks to be lot less paper work and no financial requirement and no english language BS.. Yes it seems more costly.. this is the summary until now.. so thanks for clearing it up.

So now while proceeding to booking an appointment for my wife - the site redirects me to healthcare surcharge of £600. I stopped there and called the home office and the lady tells me "heads up sir - sometimes when you go through the booking after you pay your IHS charge you might not get an appointment - hence when you try again you need to pay the surcharge again and again until you find a date and book the appointment - keep the reference numbers and you can refund later" - is this true? this is extortion .... i mean i dont have unlimited resources isnt it.. cant we pay the surcharge outside the booking route and go directly to opt for dates ???

also is surcharge excluding the actual fees for PBS dependent £2136? or does it get deducted ?

please help

thanks
sai

[CR001]

You should only pay the health surcharge once. Appointments are not a big problem like a few years ago so there should be no issue getting a PBS Dependent extension appointment.

You have to pay the £600 health surcharge PLUS the visa fee of £1736 PLUS the £400 fee for an in person appointment.

[bhanuz3]

Yes all done - thanks a lot for continuous support. I have booked an appointment for 4th Feb 2016 for my Set O and PBS dependent extension for my wife. We will see how it goes. i will update you guys.

[bhanuz3]

Hello all - I have gone ahead and made bookings for appointment - mine Set (O) and for my wife PBS Dependent Tier 1 & 5 route.
I have one question - through the Online booking service provides VAF 10 application as the one to be filled for my wife but on gov.uk site there is a different application form. Do you know which is the right form to be filled in this case for my wife - below are the two versions. Please advise

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... /vaf10.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _11-15.pdf

[CR001]

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... /vaf10.pdf This is the old form and is dated 2012.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _11-15.pdf Use this one. You always use the most up to date form.

[bhanuz3]

Thanks a ton for clarifying. Will use the same - its a shame they do no update it across their websites.

Thanks again - Sai

[CR001]

It is updated. The first link you provided is outdated and archived so not sure where you got that from as they are no longer known as UKBA.

[bhanuz3]

once you book appointment for extension it takes you for this download form ..

[bhanuz3]

Thanks Again - i am filling the right application.

a quick clarification - is National Insurance number for dependent mandatory to be given ?

my wife is not working since she came here.

can we leave it blank?

thanks
sai

[CR001]

You don't need to complete but she should get a NI number.