I believe it is a seasonal process and you're meant to have applied by now, but ask your RDO.
The promotion requirements are certainly more stringent than for 7-6 or 6-5 so would not rush into it unless reasonably confident about your performance.
I believe it is no longer possible to apply for promotion on both the men's and women's pathways at the same time. The FA prefers referees progressing on the women's pathway who want to dedicate themselves to women's football rather than operate in both women's and men's, so bear that in mind also.