Calculating the correct Leave to Remain Application Date

Understanding the importance of the leave to remain application date is crucial. In this update, we’ll explain why the application date matters, how online applications offer significant advantages, and how to calculate the correct date to ensure your application is valid and timely.

Why the Application Date Matters

The application date for leave to remain is vital because it determines your legal status in the UK. If you miss the deadline to extend your visa, you could face serious consequences, such as losing your right to work or to rent a home. Moreover, you could even lose access your bank account and driving license. Therefore, submitting a valid application before your current leave expires allows you to maintain legal status until a decision is made.

Paragraph 39E of the immigration rules provides some flexibility if you’ve overstayed. If you apply within 14 days of your leave expiring and have a good reason for the delay, your application may still be considered valid. Additionally, the application date ensures that your supporting documents, such as bank statements, are up to date, as required by immigration rules.

Benefits of Online Applications

The shift to online applications for leave to remain in the UK has brought several benefits. For instance, a big advantage is the control it gives you over your application date. The date you submit your online application is considered your legal application date. Indeed, this can provide valuable time to gather any additional documents or schedule necessary appointments.

As the UK moves towards a fully digital immigration system, online applications also eliminate the risk of using outdated forms. With digital ID checks becoming more common, the process is becoming smoother and more streamlined, ensuring that your application is processed efficiently.

Calculating the Leave to Remain Application Date

The method of submission determines the leave to remain application date, as outlined in paragraph 34G of the immigration rules:

• Postal Applications: Please note that the application date is the date of posting, as shown on Royal Mail’s tracking information.
• Courier Applications: The application date is the date when the Home Office receives your application.
• Online Applications: The application date is the date you submit the form online.
• Fee Waiver Requests: The application date is when you submit your fee waiver request, provided you submit your full application within ten days of receiving the waiver decision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding how to calculate the leave to remain application date and utilizing the advantages of online submissions can make a significant difference in your immigration process. Being mindful of these factors helps ensure that your application is both timely and valid, safeguarding your legal status in the UK.

Changes can happen at any time so it is important to have a good immigration consultant or lawyer.  Under the new labour Government there could be additional changes afoot.  In the UK there is now a change to the minister responsible.

The labour Government Minister responsible for Immigration is Seema Malhotra.

For more information

For more information contact Leena Chouhan our Head of Immigration on +442074295972