I am currently on a retirement extension expiring 02 February 2015.

Usually I am able to meet the seasoned 800k requirement but, this year,

may have to opt for the combined pension + bank deposit amount.

My plan is to apply for an extension on 31 December at the same time

as my 90 day report is due and back it with the combination of funds,

bank and pension.

Q1 - How many days in advance of expiry can an extension application

be submitted, is it 30 or 45 days?

Q2 - For how long is a British Consular letter confirming pension receipt

valid from date of issue?

30 days early will always be accepted at all offices.

Some offices accept 45 days early.

State your office and someone might be able to advice on current local office policies.

Income letter, I believe, can usually be as old as six months old. I'm sure someone will correct this if wrong.

Good luck.

How early you can apply will depend upon the immigration office you use.

You will not be able to apply on the 31st of December because immigration will be closed from that day until the 5th of January when they will open again.

The income letter will be valid for 6 months.

Thanks Gentlemen.

I shall be applying in (Prachuap Khirikhan) Immigration office in Hua Hin which probably requires no more than 30 days so it looks like the new year after 05 January 2015 which means later in practice to avoid the New Year backlog due to closure. I have, in the past, applied about two weeks early.

I shall request a Consular 'pension letter' next month, before Christmas.