A Few Timeline Questions for Stage 2

Stage 2
1

Hi everyone!

I got my endorsement on April 2nd and I’ve been preparing for Stage 2 since then. I’ve read the Tech Nation guide inside out — but honestly, that site feels like a maze :face_with_spiral_eyes: So I wanted to list out the key dates I’m working with, and would really appreciate it if anyone could help check if I’m getting things right.

Also, just to give some context — I’m currently based outside of the UK and won’t be able to move immediately, so I’m trying to figure out the latest possible date I can enter.

Here’s what I’ve got so far:

  • Apr 2: Got my endorsement
  • By Jul 2: Plan to submit my visa application and pay (within 90 days)
  • Biometrics: Not sure if I’m supposed to do this before or after submitting the online application? I don’t see anything about it in the online form yet
  • Around Jul 16: Expecting to receive a decision
  • Oct 16: Planned visa start date (this is what I’ll fill in when I submit my visa app) I read somewhere that you can only set a start date within 90 days of when you apply online. Not sure if it’s okay to choose a date further out?
  • By Jan 16 next year: Latest date I plan to enter the UK (within 90 days of visa start)

Don’t worry — I’m not planning to leave everything till the last minute :sweat_smile: I just want to make sure I’m understanding everything correctly.

Thanks so much in advance!

2

I think your plans are in other. You can choose a December start date.

4

Thanks @Francisca_Chiedu ! I actually came across a post on the forum where someone mentioned they chose a planned visa start date that was quite far out, and later got an email from the Home Office asking them to change it to within 3 months of their application date. So I was a bit unsure if there’s a strict rule around that. Just trying to play it safe

5

Maybe the person wanted a year long date but in any case they will contact you and give you the choice to change it at no extra cost