FLR M to FLR LR?

[AWolfsAngel]

Hi there,

I'm an American currently residing in the Northeast of England. As of December this year I've been here 10 years.I came in on a Fiance visa, applied for a marriage visa and have been doing FLR M ever since. I was researching my position and discovered I could apply for FLR LR now.

Question 1. Can I switch Visas even though I'm still married to the same person who I applied for FLR M with.

Question 2. Does anyone know if FLR LR still has the NHS surcharge?

Question 3. My passport has expired. Do I need to renew it before applying for anything?

Question 4. Is there any consideration for loss of earnings, or travel restrictions due to Covid-19?

[CR001]

1. What have you not applied for ilr after 5 years on FLR M spouse visa?? Also if you have been in the UK for 10 years and meet the requirements, you can apply for ILR based on long residence on form SET(LR).

2. LR LR has IHS fees yes. Note that FLR LR is NOT an application for ILR. It is a two year visa only.

3. You need a valid passport to make an application.

4. Not really no.

[secret.simon]

If you have lived legally in the UK for 10 years with no single absence of more than 180 days and with the total amount of absence being less than 540 days, then you can apply for ILR (indefinite leave to remain).

You could also have applied for ILR after five years of FLR(M). Is there any reason you did not apply for ILR when you completed five years FLR(M)?

There is no IHS for ILR, but the fees for ILR are much higher than FLR(M), about £2300.

EDIT: Overtaken by CR001.

[AWolfsAngel]

I haven't applied for ILR yet as finances have always been a concern. We've had two children, times of unemployment and other things happening. The NHS surcharge brought the fees more or less equal for any route, but the last time I had not studied for the life in the UK. At the moment it's the travel that's the worry. The closest testing site I can find is Manchester. It would require an overnight trip to enable me to be well rested for the test and as calm as possible. I thought very seriously about asking my GP about the mental health exemption as my anxiety is prolific at the moment, but I'm aware any exemption is very hard to get approved. That and the largest trigger for my anxiety at the moment is Covid related and only the Gods know how that will be in two years. I'm kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place.

[secret.simon]

When is your current FLR due to expire?

[AWolfsAngel]

Not until October, but I'm working and my company is already asking about where when why and how. Corporate has to make sure they are all in compliance.

[CR001]

On what date did you initially enter the UK 10 years ago?

Note that IHS fees increased in October this year. It is now £624 per year plus the visa fee.