Q. I wish to apply for permanent residence now from within the UK, but my wife is 2 months pregnant. Can any of the experts who write to the list quite often advise whether it is best to wait until the child is born or start the application now, knowing that the medical examinations can not be carried out until the baby is born.

Answer: There is no reason to defer submission of your case until after the delivery. Although medical examinations cannot typically be concluded prior to such delivery, that does not bar the submission of the case. Given the delays inherent in the process, and the changing nature of the laws and policies, it
is always best to submit your case as early as is practicable.