The wife was issued her settlement visa on 17/12/2012 she arrived in the UK on 25/12/2012 her visa is due to expire on 17/9/2015 what date can we apply for FLR as I don't think she is quite good enough for the life in the UK test

She has just done her ESOL course at college but we won't get result until late August can we use her original BULATS Certs for the FLR

Thanks

The earliest she can apply after she has been in the UK for 30 months; which was 25/6/15; actually she could have applied up to 28 days before that.

The latest she can apply is the day her current visa expires; 17/9/15.

She does not need to pass the LitUK test for FLR; but will need to do so, and achieve B1 or better in English speaking and listening from an approved provider, for her ILR application. Which she should make after she has held FLR for 30 months.

Currently, she can use the same A1 pass for her FLR that she used for her initial visa.

Remember that she will have to pay the NHS surcharge when she applies for FLR.

See Apply to remain in the UK with family for more.

Ok many thanks now to sort out the form and appointment

Applying in person costs an extra £400.

Applying by posts takes around 8 weeks, and her current visa will be automatically extended until her FLR application is processed.

So, unless she needs her passport back quickly, I'd apply by post.

The government has set the fees way above cost and so already make a big profit; why give them an extra £400 if you don't have to?

Regarding wife's employment she started and opened a spa shop in April we won't have any accounts for this to submit or shall we just put that she works in the shop and supply payslips or just leave out as my pay cover the required amount

The applicants income can be used toward the financial requirement for both FLR and ILR; but it doesn't have to be.

If your income is sufficient, just use that and don't include her income at all.