I've had a look around the net and can't find any info - we've received a settlement visa for my wife, but have now thought we'd like to travel befor ethe date we originally considered.

What to do - can we change the visa start date? Anybody know? If not I guess I'll call the embassy tomorrow!

The best option is to ask the embassy if they will amend the start date.

I would advise not seeking to travel before the visa start date as it would not be valid and either the airline could refuse carriage, or the immigration officer on arrival might refuse entry.

Scouse.

Thanks, I'll call the embassy today.

I tried to call the embassy last week, but couldn't get any info. I sent them an e-mail in the end, they replied on the 5th working day (good to see their earning the huge sums of money that get paid by visa applicants and providing a decent service!) to say that we would have to re-submit the application with the appropriate fee to change the date.

I'm gonna try calling again this week and see if I can talk to somebody reasonable because I'm not entirely satisfied with that answer.

Good luck but its a waste of time.

Won't do it under any circumstances apparently.