FLR for seafarer

[spiderbob]

Hi
I am applying for my FLR, I am a seafarer so work a lot outside the UK. A few days after my FLR will be submitted I will be off on ship again. Is there and exception for seafarers regarding leaving the UK whilst the FLR is being processed?
Thanks

[secret.simon]

What kind of leave do you currently have (spousal, as a parent, etc)?

Is there and exception for seafarers regarding leaving the UK whilst the FLR is being processed?

To the best of my knowledge, there isn't. The prohibition on leaving the UK is written in pretty clear-cut language, with no scope for caseworker discretion. And it is automatic (i.e. not subject to somebody's decision).

34K. Where a decision on an application for permission to stay has not been made and the applicant travels outside the common travel area their application will be treated as withdrawn on the date the applicant left the common travel area.

You could request your employer to restrict your assignments to within the Common Travel Area (so the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands). Or you could go on leave while your application is being processed. Or you could try getting a super-priority or priority slot for your application, if you are eligible for it.

[spiderbob]

Thank you secret.simon.

Sorry I should have said it is an FLR after Spouse entry. I will go for a Superpriority and just get it done with quickly, albeit expensively!

Just a folllowup. When it comes to the ILR in a couple of years time, how would a seafarer stand with the 'absents from the UK' requirements. I believe there is discretion for that but I wondered whether there is any guidelines, etc for the caseworker in that specific case?

Any insight is much appreciated.

[CR001]

There is NO absence limit for spouse visa holders.