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waitwaitwait
Junior Member
Joined: 01 May 2012
Posts: 49
Location: london
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 Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 10:26 am Post subject: |
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Hard to understand the criteria as im still waiting.
Im extremely happy for everyone who has received good news esp feb applicants as i m goin thru the same pain.
I hope i can join the feb applicant list soon, who recvd good news
Date Docs sent: 08/02/12
Date Ack. Letter received: 20/02/12
Date biometrics booking letter received: 20/03/12 (dated 16/03/12)
Date biometrics enrolled (at Holborn post office): 22/03/12
Date BRP received: waiting
Date Docs received: waiting
Visa type: FLR(M)
From - Tier 4 |
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2222
Junior Member
Joined: 30 Apr 2012
Posts: 35
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| Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 10:45 am Post subject: FLR M waiting time |
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Still no changes to my waiting time.
FLR M applied on: 27th February 2012
Payment out of the bank: 29th February 2012
Acknowledgement letter: I didn't get one!!
Biometric letter received on: 16th March 2012
Biometric completed on : 28th March 2012
Requested my partner’s passport: 10/10/2012
Partner’s passport received: 17/10/2012
Document return: still waiting!!!
Biometric card: still waiting!!!
[/b] |
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backagain
Member
Joined: 06 Jun 2012
Posts: 84
Location: United Kingdom
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| Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 1:24 pm Post subject: |
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My UK wife called today to follow-up on the return of her passport and marriage cert. We requested the docs so she could travel for work. We requested on October 9 and they were sent by Royal Mail on October 18. We should have them tomorrow.
While talking with the UKBA person (who was very pleasant and as informed as she cold be), my wife asked some questions. The person affirmed that no FLR(M) visa applications are jumping the queue. All applications are processed in the order received. An applicant may obtain a visa by some other application form or process, but postal applications for FLR(M) are managed by date received. A caseworker is assigned a case and works on it to completion. If cases are rife with challenges, that can slow the process. That is no different than having to be patient standing at a customer service desk at any big box store with somebody at the front returning Umpteen items following Christmas sales.
As I cannot work under my fiance visa, I've given this a lot of thought over our nearly seven month. Apart from a MP supported request based on compassionate grounds, you cannot by any effort of your own speed your visa. There is no luck of the draw or Divine intervention. You are looking at a massive bureaucratic machine that is understaffed, overwhelmed, under resourced, and operating on an archaic filing system of paper trail documentation.
Until your file is sitting on the desk of a case worker the UKBA knows nothing except that your application is received, a biometric letter is sent, the file is sent to a casework unit, and where that file is physically located in the unit's filing system. When that magical moment when your file is assigned to a caseworker, then your status changes from some code that its received to one of actively being reviewed for a decision. I suspect that some of those applications probably take no more than an hour or so to decide. Other applications are much more complicated, thereby chugging a caseworker's progress to a near halted state.
Deal with the reality that those folks are doing the best they can under the conditions they have been dealt. You are trying to settle in a country that is in high demand among immigrants. That says something of the quality of life that this country offers. As hard as it is for my wife and I, we just have to be patient. At nearly 7 months....our wait is much closer to end than it was 6 months ago. We are on the downhill side of the wait. |
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finallydone12
Newbie
Joined: 19 Oct 2012
Posts: 1
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| Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 5:42 pm Post subject: |
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| backagain wrote: | | The person affirmed that no FLR(M) visa applications are jumping the queue. All applications are processed in the order received. An applicant may obtain a visa by some other application form or process, but postal applications for FLR(M) are managed by date received. A caseworker is assigned a case and works on it to completion. |
I am very sorry, and it is massively unfair, but this is just not true. My timeline:
From: Tier 1 General Migrant
Nationality: USA
Posted: end of May
Acknowledged: mid-June
Biometrics done: first week of July
Requested sponsor's passport: last week
Sponsor's passport received: yesterday
Documents returned: today
BRP: waiting
My British husband needed his passport back to travel for work, of course I am thrilled we received the approval but I do not think it's right that I have effectively jumped the queue. I can understand that when the applicant needs his/her passport returned for ID purposes, it is more efficient to just process the application. However very little needs to be done with the sponsor's passport than have a quick glance that the names/numbers match then take a photocopy.
My theory is the same as many on this board, your application is sitting in a box somewhere. When they are forced to dig it out and look at it, they can either put it back in the box when they are done, or assign it to a caseworker. I sadly suspect that my "good" previous visa, nationality, and the simplicity of the case meant that my file was assigned to a caseworker, whereas others are put back in the box. It has also been over 3 months since I did my biometrics, and the link someone posted awhile back mentioned that +3 months since biometrics=grounds for priority when documents are requested back (for some other kind of application!).
The fact that there ARE loopholes is what makes the process even more infuriating, I felt much better that I missed my best friend's wedding because I knew there were applicants from February who were also frustrated and had been waiting longer. But look at the FOIs, the numbers show that either there must be an awful lot of people with compassionate reasons, or they aren't entirely processing in date order. |
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TODMATT
Junior Member
Joined: 13 Jun 2012
Posts: 36
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| Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 9:00 pm Post subject: |
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@finallydone12 Thank you for your information. I submitted my application end of June but i can't remember the exact date because i could not find my letter. How did you request for your passport because my wife will be travelling in December and she has been disturbing me to request for it for sometime but i just couldn't be bother but i need to do it because December will soon come. Did you request for it on the phone or online.
Thank you |
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backagain
Member
Joined: 06 Jun 2012
Posts: 84
Location: United Kingdom
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| Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 11:12 pm Post subject: |
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finallydone12 your story is an anomaly and not a loophole or jump-the-queue solution. This forum is rife with stories of people that have used solicitors, MPs, letter and fax campaigns, official requests for information, filed complaints, and barraged the UKBA with phone calls only to receive the same answer. For whatever reason your application was magically decided from June versus the estimated 7000+ (average 1900 per month) for Feb, Mar, Apr, and May that were submitted before is a mystery.
The reality is that there is no trick to move an application forward as that would go beyond policy and place the UKBA and Home Office in jeopardy of investigation. Again, not even an MP can advance an application except for compassionate reasons. Forum tricks to move an application ahead in the queue offer people false hope while thousands wait for any word that their application is nearer to a decision. If those thousands all started to swamp UKBA with requests and demands, then the process will be slowed even further. Patience and support are the best antidotes for managing this extremely challenging time in all our lives.
Todmatt you can download the Request for Return of documents at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/aboutus/document-return.doc. We submitted for my wife's documents on 9 October and they were mailed 18 October. There is a section where you must select to NOT withdraw you application. Make sure you select the appropriate response. |
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backagain
Member
Joined: 06 Jun 2012
Posts: 84
Location: United Kingdom
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backagain
Member
Joined: 06 Jun 2012
Posts: 84
Location: United Kingdom
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| Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2012 9:51 am Post subject: |
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Browsing the Whatdotheyknow site, I came across some GREAT information. For ease of reading let me give you the percentages of processing that I crunched from the spreadsheet linked below. The data was relevant as of 16 October (percentages are round+/- .50) and is only for FLR(M) applications by post. FLR(M) in person has a near immediate return.
Feb - No. Cases 1,818 Proc within 6 Mos48% Pending 51%
Mar - No. Cases 1,914 Proc within 6 Mos23% Pending 77%
Apr- No. Cases 1,423 Proc within 6 Mos44% Pending 56%
May- No. Cases 1,936 Proc within 6 Mos25% Pending 75%
May- No. Cases 2,025 Proc within 6 Mos9% Pending 91%
What the statistics show is status. What the statistics do not show are the reasons why some applications are slower to process versus others that move quickly. You will see a clear division in efficiency between 2011 and 2012. Last year's processing was much faster. However. the PDF lays out the policy of prioritization which may shed some light on the most burning questions.
16 October 2012
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/130030/response/321606/attach/3/FOI%201721%20Response%202012%2010%2016%20v1.0.pdf
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/130030/response/321606/attach/4/FOI%2024218%20Annex%20A%20v2.xls |
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backagain
Member
Joined: 06 Jun 2012
Posts: 84
Location: United Kingdom
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| Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2012 9:54 am Post subject: |
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Just read the following House of Parliament transcript on the questioning of UKBA Chief Executive Rob Whiteman. You learn about the company hired to "help" clear the backlog and the £40m price tag attached, the impact of the Olympics on the process, and a rash of convoluted double-talk from Whitehouse regarding why his organization is so far behind. I found Q10, Q92-94 of particular interest.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmhaff/uc603-i/uc60301.htm
Anyway, good reading. I think I will join the list of those that have filed complaints. After reading this, even the House Affairs Committee investigation on the work of UKBA between Jan - Jun 2012 is not getting decent answers. This abysmal excuse for visa processing must be held accountable for the way they mess with people's lives. |
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backagain
Member
Joined: 06 Jun 2012
Posts: 84
Location: United Kingdom
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| Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2012 11:08 am Post subject: |
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Just sent a complaint letter to UKBA and copied our MP. After reading the Home Affairs Committee report and Mr.Whiteman's dodgy answers, it seemed appropriate for another voice to chime in through the correct channels.
| Quote: | UKBA Complaints Allocation Hub
Lunar House
Wellesley Road
Croydon
CR9 2BY
Dear Sir or Madam,
I've just finished reading the 18 September 2012 House of Commons, Home Affairs Committee report on The Work of the UK Border Agency (April 2012 - June 2012). Additionally I've scoured relevant Freedom of Information Act responses to the issue of processing times for FLR(M) settlement visa between January and June 2012.
Although the individual UKBA persons that we have spoken to on occasion have been polite and helpful to a point, the overall system for handling visa applications is abysmal and further exacerbated by a lack of communication. Even filing a complaint is a navigational challenge of dead ends. For instance, the UKBA web site allows for complaints on the subject "I am unhappy about the standard of service received from the UK Border Agency (other than in the categories listed above)," but does not allow for complaints for applications filed within the UK, only outside the UK.
Where I note a problem in regard to standard of service is in the negligent processing of Q2 2012 settlement visas applied by post. I've analysed a spreadsheet for a FOI respose (FOI ref 1721/24218) on the questions of processing times and prioritization of processing. According the spreadsheet attached to the response dated 16 October 2012, the following represents the progress or lack thereof on FLR(M) applications:
Feb - No. Cases 1,818 Proc within 6 Mos 48% Pending 51%
Mar - No. Cases 1,914 Proc within 6 Mos 23% Pending 77%
Apr- No. Cases 1,423 Proc within 6 Mos 44% Pending 56%
May- No. Cases 1,936 Proc within 6 Mos 25% Pending 75%
Jun - No. Cases 2,025 Proc within 6 Mos 9% Pending 91%
How can these number possible represent a quality of service that UKBA achieved in 2011? Using the numbers provided under FOIA, that means approximately 3190 applications or 61% of 5155 are pending beyond six months. From what I gather, the FLR(M) visa application is appropriate for couples that have already undergone some previous visa requirement. Our application is a conversion from a fiance visa. While our straightforward application waits in filing limbo, applicants from latter months gain decisions with no more validation than our story.
We appreciate the need to screen applications for what MP Theresa May refers to as "sham marriages" (Sunday Politics 21 October 2012) or other applicants determined to milk from the UK system. We can also appreciate that there may actually be a large number of noted applications. However, we are not in that category. Somehow we have been trapped in this bureaucratic quagmire and been disallowed from making a full contribution to the betterment of the society. While Mr. Whiteman has a daunting task to implement corrective measures on a poorly conceived and failed previous immigration policy, the system he has employed feels punitive and lacks systemic structure to effectively process applications.
Our visa application is probably near a decision as we are approaching seven months since I applied. My complaint letter is unlikely to have any impact on my decision. I am complaining on behalf of the next man, woman, or family with a legitimate request for a visa. No person deserves such delays without due process and effective communications from an agency that hold lives in their hands. |
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Dsin
Junior Member
Joined: 28 Jun 2012
Posts: 37
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| Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2012 4:45 pm Post subject: |
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| backagain wrote: | Just read the following House of Parliament transcript on the questioning of UKBA Chief Executive Rob Whiteman. You learn about the company hired to "help" clear the backlog and the £40m price tag attached, the impact of the Olympics on the process, and a rash of convoluted double-talk from Whitehouse regarding why his organization is so far behind. I found Q10, Q92-94 of particular interest.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmhaff/uc603-i/uc60301.htm
Anyway, good reading. I think I will join the list of those that have filed complaints. After reading this, even the House Affairs Committee investigation on the work of UKBA between Jan - Jun 2012 is not getting decent answers. This abysmal excuse for visa processing must be held accountable for the way they mess with people's lives. |
Thank you backagain for this, and your other recent posts. I haven't had chance to read the whole transcript but did look at the questions you highlighted. Interesting reading indeed. Mr Whitehouse seems to find it rather difficult to accept responsibility or to fully acknowledge the impact that these delays have on our lives. It's easy to sit in an office and forget that the names on these applications forms are real people with real problems resulting from begin unable to work/study/build a life.
The most frustrating thing for us is that those being penalized are the honest ones in genuine relationships who want to do nothing more than work, pay their own way and contribute to society - good, decent people.
Thank you for taking the time to post all the info you have over the last few days. I hope that your wait is, after nearly 7 months, over very soon. |
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jackal6735
Newbie
Joined: 22 Jul 2008
Posts: 8
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 11:35 am Post subject: received approval letter |
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dear friends
i have been following this thread regularly for few months and was very helpful to keep track
i had applied for my wife and son
think many of those who applied in march are waiting
the solicitor just got the approval letter and documents back
will hopefully receive biometric permit in 10 days time
my appx timeline-dnt have exact dates with me
date docs sent- 8/03/2012
acknowledegemt letter appx 2 weeks time
biometric done appx about 28/3/2012
approval letter received-22/10/2012
brp-waiting
all the best! |
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Dsin
Junior Member
Joined: 28 Jun 2012
Posts: 37
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 11:59 am Post subject: Re: received approval letter |
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| jackal6735 wrote: | dear friends
i have been following this thread regularly for few months and was very helpful to keep track
i had applied for my wife and son
think many of those who applied in march are waiting
the solicitor just got the approval letter and documents back
will hopefully receive biometric permit in 10 days time
my appx timeline-dnt have exact dates with me
date docs sent- 8/03/2012
acknowledegemt letter appx 2 weeks time
biometric done appx about 28/3/2012
approval letter received-22/10/2012
brp-waiting
all the best! |
Great news jackal6735, congratulations!  |
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CDNgirl
Member
Joined: 02 Oct 2012
Posts: 50
Location: Surrey
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 12:22 pm Post subject: |
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waitwaitwait,
You stated that you are switching from a Tier 4 Student visa to the FLR(M), have you been working full time while you have been awaiting the approval of your application?
Thanks to everyone who continues to post on this thread, it makes the whole process easier to bare. I recenetly applied for my FLR(M) and my timeline so far, which isn't much is:
Applied for: FLR(M) Unmarried partners Visa
From: Tier 4
Applied by post: 25/09/12
Money taken: 01/10/12
Letter of acknowledgement from UKBA: 08/10/12
Biometrics request letter: waiting |
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backagain
Member
Joined: 06 Jun 2012
Posts: 84
Location: United Kingdom
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 2:41 pm Post subject: |
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| Fantastic news Jackal6735. Glad to see a March application get the nod. Go enjoy life! |
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Still.Waiting
Member
Joined: 18 Jun 2012
Posts: 68
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 3:18 pm Post subject: Re: received approval letter |
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| jackal6735 wrote: | dear friends
i have been following this thread regularly for few months and was very helpful to keep track
i had applied for my wife and son
think many of those who applied in march are waiting
the solicitor just got the approval letter and documents back
will hopefully receive biometric permit in 10 days time
my appx timeline-dnt have exact dates with me
date docs sent- 8/03/2012
acknowledegemt letter appx 2 weeks time
biometric done appx about 28/3/2012
approval letter received-22/10/2012
brp-waiting
all the best! |
congrates and thanks for sharing. Good to see March on the list now  |
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TODMATT
Junior Member
Joined: 13 Jun 2012
Posts: 36
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 8:23 pm Post subject: |
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| I requested for my wife passport yesterday. I received an email today saying that the owner of the document should request for the passport by herself? does this make sense when it clearly stated in one of the question they marked read "Please specify whose documents you require ". Has any one experience this before. Thank you |
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backagain
Member
Joined: 06 Jun 2012
Posts: 84
Location: United Kingdom
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 9:06 pm Post subject: |
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| Todmatt, that wasn't our experience at all. I am the applicant and my wife is the British citizen. I requested her passport and our marriage certificate via the request form to the noted email two weeks ago--specifying the docs per the request form--and received them back today (2nd class mail). We looked high and low on the relevant UKBA site for who should request, but found no requirement. So I made the request and they complied. That is our experience anyway. |
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2222
Junior Member
Joined: 30 Apr 2012
Posts: 35
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 9:46 pm Post subject: FLR M waiting time |
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I have some news - Read below
FLR M applied on: 27th February 2012
Payment out of the bank: 29th February 2012
Acknowledgement letter: I didn't get one!!
Biometric letter received on: 16th March 2012
Biometric completed on: 28th March 2012
Requested my partner’s passport: 10/10/2012
Partner’s passport received: 17/10/2012
More documents requested by UKBA: 22/10/2012
Document return: still waiting!!!
Biometric card: still waiting!!! |
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waitwaitwait
Junior Member
Joined: 01 May 2012
Posts: 49
Location: london
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 11:11 pm Post subject: |
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Hi everyone,
Finally my turn has come to share good news on this forum. My 8 and a half month wait is finally over. I received call from my solicitor today that my BRP and dcuments have arrived. I shall be collecting them tomo so I will update my exact timeline tomo. Thanks everyone here for the support and good luck to all.
CDNgirl - I was on tier4 and I have been working part time all the way and attending college regularly with a good attendance record. Also when I applied for FLRm i did not claim exemption and took toeic test for english and scored 100% in speaking and 100% in listening too.
I shall be adding my exact timeline here tomo.
Date Docs sent: 08/02/12
Date Ack. Letter received: 20/02/12
Date biometrics booking letter received: 20/03/12 (dated 16/03/12)
Date biometrics enrolled (at Holborn post office): 22/03/12
Date BRP received: waiting
Date Docs received: waiting
Visa type: FLR(M)
From - Tier 4
Solicitor called on 22/10/12 confirming my BRP has arrived.
| CDNgirl wrote: | waitwaitwait,
You stated that you are switching from a Tier 4 Student visa to the FLR(M), have you been working full time while you have been awaiting the approval of your application?
Thanks to everyone who continues to post on this thread, it makes the whole process easier to bare. I recenetly applied for my FLR(M) and my timeline so far, which isn't much is:
Applied for: FLR(M) Unmarried partners Visa
From: Tier 4
Applied by post: 25/09/12
Money taken: 01/10/12
Letter of acknowledgement from UKBA: 08/10/12
Biometrics request letter: waiting |
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