FLR (M) extension and Varying for ILR

[vthac]

Hi Team,

Following on from the post where I got guidance last year from AmazonianX (immigration-for-family-members/guidance ... 35890.html), I am now about to make the application.

My wife's visa expires on 16th Feb. I wanted to delay the application to start as close to expiry date but given the increase in IHS fees from 6th Feb, I was thinking of completing the application on 5th Feb. I had few questions:

1) Does it make sense to wait for few more days given I will be effectively refunded the application when varying the application?
2) Looking at the timelines section, there is no clear trend. What's the possibility of FLR (M) extension happening in 3 months in standard route? She will be eligible to apply for ILR in April end.
3) Once I submit the application, how long can I delay the document upload and biometrics to effectively push the processing timelines (I read withing 45 days but not sure if that has changed)?
4) Assuming the FLR (M) is not processed and we are able to apply to ILR, when varying the application, is it possible to select priority / super priority route or will that default to standard route given the earlier application was on standard route?
Thanks a lot