UK Settlement Visa 'Date of Application'

[athousand]

I am submitting an application for a UK visa - Unmarried Partner Settlement. 

 

I have documentary evidence to show that myself and my Thai girfriend have been living together since May 25 2015. The requirement for the visa is to supply this evidence from the 'date of application'. 

 

Is the Date of Application : 

  1. The date when I click 'submit' on the VFS website to submit the online application form and allow me to book an appointment.

  2. The date when I submit full payment online.

  3. The date of our appointment in Bangkok where we submit the documents?

 

If anybody has a definitive answer it would be much appreciated. 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 21, 2017 by athousand
Rambling post - clarification

[athousand]

According to sandyf and information I've found elsewhere, the Date of Application is set when the payment is received.