we want to move back to UK in March 2010. If we apply for my wifes settlement visa now and are successful will it still be valid?

Thanks

The SV is valid for 27 months, so if you applied now & it was issued around September & your wife didn't action it until March 2010 then she would fall short by 3-4 mothhs when her time came to apply for ILR.

This means that an additiional fee would have to be paid for get her FLR (Further leave to remain, valid for only 2 years) but tbh it seems a bit daft to go through all that expense when you could just apply a few months later & she would be entering UK within the right time frame to qualify for Indefinate leave to remain (valid forever as long as she doesn't stay outside of UK for more than 2 years in one time) after 2 years in UK.

IMO, apply for her SV at the end of October, that then gives the Embassy 4-5months to process the application (currently applications are taking between 10-15 weeks) which will be well within the time restraints to apply for ILR.

Applying too ealry will end up being very expensive in the long run.

brilliant really appreciate it boo.

The SV is valid for 27 months,

I don't think that's right Boo. I thought it was only valid for 2 years but after 23 months you apply for ILR.

Edit:- Unless things have changed recently, which they often do of course.

Edited June 16, 200917 yr by mrbojangles

It used to be that but a lot of people were getting caught out by not leaving as soon as they received it so they extended it to 27 months a year or so ago (disclaimer, this is gleaned off of thailand-uk so if it is wroing blame them, seriously though one of the actual experts will be along soon to clarify )

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyan...civil_partners/

You are, as ever, correct, Boo.

The validity of a settlement visa was extended from 24 to 27 months 2 to 3 years ago, for exactly the reason you state.

It is also possible to have the start date postponed for up to 3 months, but this must be requested at the time of the initial application.

Sagaris, if the intention is to travel in March 2010 then I can see no reason for applying any earlier than December 2009.

Cheers Boo and 7by7. You learn something new everyday