u/aufsyz

So I’m applying for the spouse visa as a resident of Malaysia but have never lived there because my parents work and still live in a different country which I grew up in.

I went to university in the UK and visited them more often than Malaysia.

I am only a resident in Malaysia and I come into the country my parents live in as a tourist.

Naturally I was going to put down my Malaysian address (as I do have a home there, just never lived there but visit almost every other year).

but then the following question is “How long have you lived there“ which is what stumped me.

Which address should I put in?

I'm in the UK visiting with an ETA rn but headed back to Malaysia to apply from there as a resident. A few questions:

1. Was the Priority service available in KL?

2. How far apart was your biometrics appointment from the day you submitted your application?

3. When it comes to submitting a return date - is this something they genuinely take into consideration? Could I put a return date which is like 2 weeks after submitting the application?

4. Once I've applied, can I still go back to visit the UK on the ETA while waiting?

For context, we got married while I was on a student visa and moved in together. Then after it expired, we stayed outside the UK for a few months (with family). Then went back to the UK on an ETA (seeing friends, family, sorting out a whole bunch of admin). But basically we're living together in the same place as before whilst I'm here.

Now we're headed to Malaysia to apply for the spouse visa. But could I still go back to the UK and stay there until the visa is approved? We do actually have weddings lined up that we can't miss, but also generally because it's easier.

I've seen other users say this is possible, with a return flight booked to show to the border people. Only thing is I wouldn't be sure when to book a return flight for.

Should I max out the 3 months of stay in the UK on an ETA?

Or would this be too suspicious - having spent 3 months in the UK, then Malaysia 2 weeks, then another 3 months? (But technically, it is allowed on an ETA).

Or play it safe and make it shorter, like a month and a half?

I'm currently in the UK with an ETA but headed to my home country to apply for the spouse visa next week.

Was wondering whether it would be possible to pay and submit the application whilst still in the UK? So that we can book the biometrics appointment for as soon as we get there. Rather than submitting once we land, and then getting an appointment a few days/the next week.

Also wanted to ask whether it's possible to pay for the passport and travel once you've done your biometrics? And whether it's still necessary to go back to the center once it's approved since it's now an e-visa.

Thanks.