In-country skilled worker visa application timelines

[Crofter]

1. Type of application: Tier-2 Extension (plus 3 dependents)
2. If switching, category changing (switching): N/A
3. Date of expiry of current leave (visa): 18/05/12
4. Date application posted: 07/5/12
5. Biometrics Letter Received: 28/5/12
6. Biometrics Done: 01/06/12
7. Date of Approval letter: 02/07/12
8. Date passports received: 06/07/12
9. Date BRPs received: 06/07/12

P.S.
Strangely, I got three years extension as opposed to two years, I was expecting. The extension I got is till May, 2015 instead of May 2014 (five years in 2014) so whole six years in two goes.

I made this account to thank all who have been posting their experiences here as well as advice/links by moderators and other members in filling the forms and requirement of evidence, which I was discreetly wandering upon.

Thanks again

[hy89]

1. Type of application: Switching
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from: Tier 4
3. Date of expiry of current leave: 30/10/2012
4. Number of dependants applying at same time:0
5. Date application posted:09/05/2012
6. Date application received at UKBA:N/A
7. Date payment debited:09/05/2012
8. Payment mode :Online
9. Acknowledgement letter received:N/A
10. Biometric letter received:13/06/2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment:15/06/2012
12. Date of approval:08/07/2012
13. Date of return of passport and other documents:08/07/2012
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from:01/06/2012
15. Date BRP received: 08/07/2012

[Naijamigrant]

1. Type of application: Tier 2 General Extension
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from: N/A
3. Date of expiry of current leave: 31/08/12
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: 3 (wife + 2 children)
5. Date application posted: 31/05/12
6. Date application received at UKBA: 01/06/12
7. Date payment debited: 06/06/12
8. Payment mode : Credit Card
9. Acknowledgement letter received: 08/06/12
10. Biometric letter received: 21/06/12
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 22/06/12 (Post Office)
12. Date of approval: 11/07/12
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: 14/07/12
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from: 11/07/12 to 14/09/15
15. Date BRP received: 13/07/12

Many thanks to the mods and posters, I found this forum very useful in working out the average timeline for my application. It took exactly 3 weeks from date of having our biometrics taken to get it approved/posted to us. Overall our application took 6 weeks from date of posting. Wishing everyone still awaiting approval of their application the very best of luck.

[xanadu85]

1. Type of application: Tier 2 General
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from: tier4 to tier2
3. Date of expiry of current leave: 30/06/12
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: n/a
5.Date Cos applied unrestricted: 28/03/12
6.Date CoS issued: 27/04/12
6. Date application posted via solicitor: 28/05/12
6. Date application received at UKBA: 29/05/12
7. Date payment debited: 29/05/12
8. Payment mode : Credit Card
9. Acknowledgement letter received: 08/06/12
10. Biometric letter received: 14/06/12
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 16/06/12 (Post Office)
12. Date of approval: 06/07/12
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: 12/07/12
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from: 11/07/12 to 18/06/15
15. Date BRP received: 14/07/12

Wish all others the very best and good luck! This forum has been really helpful.I'll still be using it as my ILR is due next year!

[ericrd]

1. Type of application: Tier 2 Extending (new employer)
3. Date of expiry of current leave: 14 Sept 2012
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: 0
5. Date application posted: 1 June 2012
6. Date application received at UKBA: 4 June 2012
7. Date payment debited: 5 June 2012
8. Payment mode : Debit
9. Acknowledgement letter received: 19 June 2012
10. Biometric letter received: 19 June 2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 21 June 2012
12. Date of approval: 10 July 2012 (received 18 July 2012)
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: 18 July 2012
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid until: 14 Sept 2015
15. Date BRP received: 19 July 2012

Note: They do not put anything in passports now (to my surprise). The BRP is your work visa. Is it the same size as a credit card.

[magelenn]

Please do not post in this thread if you are applying from outside the UK.

Interested members can post their application processing timelines here for the benefit of others. This will help members to view the timelines at one place rather than posting the same rhetorical questions time and again (e.g.- Can some please tell me current processing times in UK / when will my application be decided upon / why is my application taking too long etc. etc.) and will help reduce clutter on the database too, so you will be doing a good cause.

Please do not forget to include the following details in your post:
1. Type of application: (Switching / Extending)
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from
3. Date of expiry of current leave:
4. Number of dependants applying at same time:
5. Date application posted:
6. Date application received at UKBA:
7. Date payment debited:
8. Payment mode :
9. Acknowledgement letter received:
10. Biometric letter received:
11. Date of biometrics enrolment:
12. Date of approval:
13. Date of return of passport and other documents:
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from:
15. Date BRP received:

regards

1. Type of application: Switching
2. If switching: from PSW to T2 Skilled Worker
3. Date of expiry of current leave: 27 July 2012
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: None
5. Date application posted: 23 April 2012
6. Date application received at UKBA: 25 April 2012
7. Date payment debited: 26 April 2012
8. Payment mode : Credit Card
9. Acknowledgement letter received: 30 April 2012
10. Biometric letter received: 10 July 2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 10 July 2012
12. Date of approval: 2 August 2012
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: 6 August 2012
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid until: 29 April 2015
15. Date BRP received:6 August 2012

And in a nutshell:

Company license received in February 2012
Company CoS received after market test in April 2012
Application received by UKBA on the 23rd April 2012
Biometrics done on 10 July 2012
BRP received 6 August 2012

[rehan01]

Hi Guys

Please could you tell roughly how long it take to get the certificate of sponsorship now a days ? I guess most of you guys applied under change of immigration catagory so you are best people to ask that roughly how long it took to get the Certificate of sponsorship

please advise and thanks for help in advance

[makky86]

@ rehan01

You are asking for time to get Tier 2 License or to get Certificate for Sponsorship if you are already Tier 2 licensed.

[rehan01]

I guess employer need to get Tier 2 License and than he is eligible to apply certificate of sponsorship?

please advise i am too confused now as i believe my employer is not Tier 2 License holder

plz advise

[rehan01]

Also i am on PSW visa so still my sponsor need to apply for Tier 2 Sponsor? or he can apply certificate of sponsorship for me directly?

[Hrin]

if your company is not already a Tier 2 sponsor, they will need to apply for a sponsorship license - this will take around 3 months for approval. After they get approved, issuing a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) will take around 1 week, after which you can apply for your tier 2 visa.

The only thing that PSW is useful in is that the company does not need to go through a resident labour market test (which means they do not need to go through the formalities of advertising your job in the job sites etc). You would also need to be employed by your company for 6 months already. Thus, even if you have PSW, your company still needs to have a Tier 2 sponsorship license to apply CoS for you.

If you are running short on time (i.e. you PSW visa is expiring soon like within the next 14 days), you can contact UKBA to expedite your company's sponsorship license and your tier 2 visa. However this is not advisable.

Also, this it not the right thread to post this question in - as this thread is only meant for application timelines. Please post in main forum instead

[rehan01]

Hi Hirin,

Thanks for your reply and updating me with relevant information, first of all i would like to appologize for posting question in wrong thread but i guess it will be best to post it here because most of the people here will have better idea as this is timeline thread anyway my appologizes once again ... so i will private msg u the question i have in my mind regarding this

once again thx and my appologizes

[wonderer2012]

1. Type of application: Switching
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from : PSW
3. Date of expiry of current leave: Aug 2013
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: 1
5. Date application posted: 03/07/2012
6. Date application received at UKBA: 04/07/2012
7. Date payment debited:
8. Payment mode : Postal Order
9. Acknowledgement letter received: 09/07/2012 dated : 05/07/2012
10. Biometric letter received: 16/07/2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 16/07/2012
12. Date of approval: 09/08/2012
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: 13/08/2012
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from: 09/08/2012
15. Date BRP received: 13/08/2012

I ended up applying by post as I couldnt find any appointments available.
Thank you all for posting the information it really helps.

Cheers !

[UKmigrant]

Hi guys. I need help. Good afternoon. I sought assistance from an agency who i thought would help me throughout this process. I came over to the UK on a tier 2 gen sponsored visa, hoping everything was in order. However when i came here, the employer that the recruitment agency provided on my COS did not know anything about me and the COS issued by them. I have not work since I got here, because all i ever wanted is to work and be here in the UK legally. And since my tier 2 visa is sponsored, I am not allowed to work unless working for my sponsor. Please help what should i do? I am planning to process a change of employment application. And on the application form, there is this question asking if i am still working for the same employer? Which i have not even started. And if i answer no, surely my application will be denied. Please give me some enlightenment on this concern. I really appreciate it. Thank you.

What should i do?

[sapphire73]

Total Time : 28 Working Days

1. Type of application: (Switching / Extending) - Switching
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from - Tier 2 Non Point Based System to Tier 2 Point Based System
3. Date of expiry of current leave: July'2013
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: 3
5. Date application posted: 10th July 2012
6. Date application received at UKBA: - n/a
7. Date payment debited: - n/a
8. Payment mode : credit card
9. Acknowledgement letter received: 13th July 2012
10. Biometric letter received: 16th July 2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 18th July 2012@Post Office & 19th July 2012@PEO because two of the Biometric letters didnt work at office
12. Date of approval:- n/a
13. Date of return of passport and other documents:16th August '2012
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from: 2015
15. Date BRP received: 16th August '2012

Hope this help other people.

[flaky]

1. Type of application: (Switching / Extending) - Switching
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from - PSW
3. Date of expiry of current leave: 26/01/2013
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: 0
5. Date application posted: 29/06/2012
6. Date application received at UKBA: - n/a
7. Date payment debited: - n/a
8. Payment mode: credit card
9. Acknowledgement letter received: - n/a
10. Biometric letter received: 16/07/2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 17/07/2012 (Post Office)
12. Date of approval: 13/08/2012
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: 17/08/2012
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from: 13/08/2012
15. Date BRP received: 15/08/2012


Thanks everyone for posting here! That helps a lot.
Good luck to all future applicants.

[skuma]

1. Type of application: Tier 2 general change of employment
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from - n/a
3. Date of expiry of current leave: 20 Aug 2012
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: 2
5. Date application posted: 29/06/2012
6. Date application received at UKBA: - n/a
7. Date payment debited: - n/a
8. Payment mode: debit card
9. Acknowledgement letter received: - n/a
10. Biometric letter received: 12/07/2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 13/07/2012 (Post Office)
12. Date of approval: 24/09/2012
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: Awaiting
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from: Awaiting
15. Date BRP received: 26/09/2012

It has been long wait. Took alomost 3 months from date of application. So many applicants having biometric after me received earlier than me. I dont know why mine was delayed. Anyway I got mine now after stressful days. Now joining job tomorrow. Was unemployed for 2 months.

Good Luck to all.

[umatwit]

1. Type of application: Tier 2 general change of employment
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from - n/a
3. Date of expiry of current leave: 15/12/2013
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: 2
5. Date application posted: 10/7/2012
6. Date application received at UKBA: - n/a
7. Date payment debited: - 11/7/2012
8. Payment mode: debit card
9. Acknowledgement letter received: - n/a
10. Biometric letter received: 23/07/2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 23/07/2012 (Post Office)
12. Date of approval: Awaiting
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: Awaiting
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from: Awaiting
15. Date BRP received: Awaiting

I were to start employment from 1st August but have to wait until I get the permit. I applied by post because I couldn't get any appointment till 21st August, on the day of posting the application. Are there any one there in a similar situation?

[Hrin]

1. Type of application: Switching to Tier 2 (General)
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from PSW (Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa)
3. Date of expiry of current leave: 10 November 2012
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: None
5. Date application posted: 2 July 2012
6. Date application received at UKBA: N.A (Hired a visa agency to apply on behalf of me)
7. Date payment debited: N.A (Hired a visa agency to apply on behalf of me)
8. Payment mode: N.A (Hired a visa agency to apply on behalf of me)
9. Acknowledgement letter received: N.A (Hired a visa agency to apply on behalf of me)
10. Biometric letter received: 13 July 2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 17 July 2012 (Post Office)
12. Date of approval: 13 August 2012
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: 17 August 2012
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from: 13 August 2012 - 24 November 2015
15. Date BRP received: 15 August 2012

[david1955]

1. Type of application: Tier 2 extension
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from : n/a
3. Date of expiry of current leave: 19 nov 2012
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: 1
5. Date application posted: 21/08/2012
6. Date application received at UKBA: 23/08/2012
7. Date payment debited: 20/08/2012 (online application)
8. Payment mode : Debit card
9. Acknowledgement letter received: n/a
10. Biometric letter received: 31/08/2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 01/09/2012
12. Date of approval: awaiting
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: awaiting
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from: awaiting
15. Date BRP received: awaiting

[pbs]

1. Type of application: Tier 2 general change of employment
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from - n/a
3. Date of expiry of current leave: May 2013
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: 2
5. Date application posted: 06/07/2012
6. Date application received at UKBA: - n/a (Applied through an agent)
7. Date payment debited: - n/a (Applied through the agent)
8. Payment mode: n/a (paid through the agent)
9. Acknowledgement letter received: - (Applied through the agent)
10. Biometric letter received: 20/07/2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 20/07/2012 (Post Office)
12. Date of approval: 25/08/2012
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: 31/08/2012
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from: 15/08/2012
15. Date BRP received: 31/08/2012

[ech]

1. Type of application: Tier 2 general extension
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from - n/a
3. Date of expiry of current leave: 06 Aug 2012
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: 2
5. Date application posted: 02/08/2012
6. Date application received at UKBA: - 05/08/2012
7. Date payment debited: - 02/08/2012 (Online app)
8. Payment mode: Credit card
9. Acknowledgement letter received: - n/a
10. Biometric letter received: 10/08/2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 11/08/2012 (Post Office) and 14/08/2012 for son at PEO Croydon
12. Date of approval: 04/09/2012
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: 06/09/2012
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from: 04/09/2012
15. Date BRP received: 07/09/2012

The process was much faster than I anticipated, I guess they are getting better at the UKBA. Thank you very much people on this forum, you provided me free advice that was very helpful.

[mcst2]

1. Type of application: Tier2 (General)
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from PSW
3. Date of expiry of current leave: 20 July 2012
4. Number of dependants applying at same time:0
5. Date application posted: 10 July 2012
6. Date application received at UKBA: 11 July 2012
7. Date payment debited: 13 July 2012
8. Payment mode : Visa Debit
9. Acknowledgement letter received: 15 July 2012
10. Biometric letter received: 23 July 2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 25 July 2012
12. Date of approval: No letter was sent N/A
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: 23 August 2012
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from: 20 August 2012
15. Date BRP received: 22 August 2012

Thanks everyone for posting on this forum, it was very helpful in figuring out my timeline!!!

The CoS for my company was received by UKBA in March but there was a long delay for the processing (10 of July!) but once the certificate was allocated it followed the UKBA website timeline given.

It took exactly four weeks from the time I enrolled my biometric details (20 working days) to the receipt of my BRP.

[rk_2011]

1. Type of application: Tier2 (General) == Online application for Extension ==
2. If switching, category changing (switching)
3. Date of expiry of current leave: 15 Sept 2012
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: 2
5. Date application posted: 7 July 2012
6. Date application received at UKBA: 10 July 2012
7. Date payment debited: 7 July 2012 (as application was online)
8. Payment mode : Visa Debit
9. Acknowledgement letter received: None as application was online
10. Biometric letter received: 16 July 2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 25 July 2012
12. Date of approval: 20 August 2012
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: 22 August 2012
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from:
15. Date BRP received: Waiting should arrive within 7 days

[umatwit]

1. Type of application: Tier 2 general change of employment
2. If switching, category changing (switching) from - n/a
3. Date of expiry of current leave: 15/12/2013
4. Number of dependants applying at same time: 2
5. Date application posted: 10/7/2012
6. Date application received at UKBA: - n/a
7. Date payment debited: 11/7/2012
8. Payment mode: debit card
9. Acknowledgement letter received: - n/a
10. Biometric letter received: 23/07/2012
11. Date of biometrics enrolment: 23/07/2012 (Post Office)
12. Date of approval: n/a
13. Date of return of passport and other documents: 22/8/2012
14. Date (new) leave to remain valid from: 18/8/2012
15. Date BRP received: 22/8/2012