Hello,  when a FLR visa is granted, is it valid for only 30 months?

 

I ask because many threads state that you can apply for FLR up to 28 days before the 30 month period is up.

 

If (a big if) the FLR application was approved within a few days of it being received, would there be a shortfall of time hence not being able to achieve the full 60 months which is the requirement for ILR?

Thank you 

If you apply within the 28 day window before the initial visa expires then the FLR will commence on the actual expiry date; so the 30 months validity will bring you up to the 60 months required for ILR.

 

There are two situations where you would need a second FLR.

 

Firstly because you delayed moving to the UK for more than 3 months so the 33 month initial spouse or partner visa expires and you need to obtain FLR before you have lived in the UK for 30 months. In which case your first FLR would expire before you had lived here for 60 months so you would need a second one to make up the difference.

 

Secondly because for some reason, such as not obtaining B1 in English speaking and listening or not passing the LitUK test, you do not meet all the requirements for ILR so you need to apply for FLR until you do.

 

Slightly different for those who entered as a fiance or proposed civil partner as they always need at least two FLRs. One applied for after their marriage or registering their civil partnership and before the 6 months initial visa expires; the second 30 months after that.