FLR(M) extension - how early can IHS be paid?

[kosymodo]

My wife is due to apply for her FLR(M) extension later this year, as her 2.5 year visa granted in March 2016 will expire on 29 September.

We did the priority appointment route last time, but are thinking of following the slow route this time. However, whether we do an online application or a postal application is undecided. Whichever route we decide to take, I understand that the earliest date we can submit the application is 28 days before her current LTR expires, so 1 September.

With the cost of the IHS due to be doubled at some point this year, it would make serious financial sense to us to pay the IHS as soon as possible, in advance of the increase.

If applying online, the IHS must be paid at the same time as the visa application. However, if applying by post, the IHS needs to be paid first, then the IHS reference number noted on the application form.

Therefore, the question is, what is the earliest date the IHS can be paid on? If we paid it now, would the reference number still be valid in September?

[seagul]

Therefore, the question is, what is the earliest date the IHS can be paid on? If we paid it now, would the reference number still be valid in September?

No you cannot pay IHS far in advance because it should be paid as part of application fee at the time of making the application.

[kosymodo]

Therefore, the question is, what is the earliest date the IHS can be paid on? If we paid it now, would the reference number still be valid in September?

No you cannot pay IHS far in advance because it should be paid as part of application fee at the time of making the application.

OK, I understand that from the online perspective, but from the postal perspective it doesn't quite add up (at least in my mind!)

When submitting a postal application, the IHS reference number needs to be included on the completed form. Therefore, you have to pay for it before sending the application off. If, with a postal application, you submit payment details as part of the application form, this surely shows that payment for the IHS is completely separate from the visa application?

Therefore, my question as to how far in advance an IHS payment can be made still stands, as far as I can see?

[seagul]

When you must pay
If you apply for a visa online, you pay the surcharge as part of the application.

If you apply for a visa through a premium service centre, you pay the surcharge when you book an appointment.

If you apply for a visa by post, you must pay the surcharge online before you send your application. You’ll need to include your IHS reference number on the application form.

https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigrati ... w-much-pay

[kosymodo]

When you must pay
If you apply for a visa online, you pay the surcharge as part of the application.

If you apply for a visa through a premium service centre, you pay the surcharge when you book an appointment.

If you apply for a visa by post, you must pay the surcharge online before you send your application. You’ll need to include your IHS reference number on the application form.

https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigrati ... w-much-pay

Ok, so that isn’t conclusive...all it says is that it must be paid online before sending the application. It doesn’t say how far in advance it can be paid.

I’m not trying to be stupid about this, it’s a genuine question which may benefit both myself and others!

[seagul]

it’s a genuine question which may benefit both myself and others!

If you want to benefit others then why don't you simply pay it now and apply far later then share with us the consequences.

[kosymodo]

it’s a genuine question which may benefit both myself and others!

If you want to benefit others then why don't you simply pay it now and apply far later then share with us the consequences.

I’ve no intention of paying it now. However, I’m looking for conclusive proof that paying it weeks in advance of the submission of the postal application is disallowed. So far I have no proof. I think a phone call to the helpline is gonna be required. I just find it odd that no timeline is mentioned in the guidance notes.

[Casa]

The HO 'helpline' is outsourced to an agency, with staff who have very limited knowledge on the Immigration Rules and frequently give out wrong advice, even on the simplest issues. Call them 10 times and you're likely to be given 10 different answers.

I believe the IHS fee is relevant to the date the application is submitted. If you pay an IHS fee relevant to an earlier date, in my opinion you're likely to either have it rejected or be asked to pay the shortfall.

[kosymodo]

The HO 'helpline' is outsourced to an agency, with staff who have very limited knowledge on the Immigration Rules and frequently give out wrong advice, even on the simplest issues. Call them 10 times and you're likely to be given 10 different answers.

I believe the IHS fee is relevant to the date the application is submitted. If you pay an IHS fee relevant to an earlier date, in my opinion you're likely to either have it rejected or be asked to pay the shortfall.

Hmmm, I'm going to continue to research this, and completely take your point about the helpline not being particularly helpful!

Usually, in these kind of circumstances, there's guidance saying "submit your application within x days of paying the IHS, or your payment won't be valid" or words to that effect. Odd that in this case there doesn't appear to be such guidance.

[uwajutac4]

Hi , I have recently applied for flrm and paid the IHS fee three weeks early as it was increasing to 1000 which I wasn't aware at that point, but I did it early anyways and paid 500 instead of the 1000. And then paid for the visa fee three weeks after and submitted the application , my visa was granted they didn't question why I paid it early or to pay the extra 500. I wouldn't advice anyone to pay months before, but I don't think they will reject Ur Visa if u pay few weeks early as Ur in the process of filling the application and collecting documents.