EEC1 Reference Number Waiting Time

[Kayalami]

It is likely that resource allocation is biased towards those applicants paying a fee = those applying under UK immigration rules. At 500 GBP or GBP 355 a pop as appropriate it is only right that such is the case. EEA/EU enlargement has not helped either with an increasing demand for WRS and residence permits. Sorry all you can do is wait. If funds (travel purposes) are not an issue then it might be best to apply overseas for a family permit.

[SunBlue]

You are correct Kayalami!

But the thing that sucks is that we don´t even have the possibility to pay!! I´d rather pay and get it fast. We only have the possibility to do it per post. It´s good that it´s for free, but it doesn´t help much.

I really wanted to apply from my country of residence, which is Germany (I have a german residence permit, like a Limited Leave to Remain - same format, because I have a german partner).

But the thing was that I went to the British Consulate to apply for a visa. I wanted to apply to Unmarried Partner visa, and they told I couldn´t apply for this visa cause my parter didn´t have INDEFINITE Leave to Remain, which is bullshit. Partners of people with limited leave to remain can apply for UP visa, but the woman told not! She told that only "unmarried partner of present and settled persons" can apply, and then she came with the definition that present and settled is a person with ILR, etc etc...

But looking this page:
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front ... 20thirteen
I saw that I could have applied. It says:
"The Rules also apply to partners of sponsors in the UK who have limited leave to enter or remain in the following categories:.... and EEA nationals"

I would have to apply for Unmarried Partner visa. And she told I could not apply for EEA Family Permit cause same-sex partners are not included in EEA regulations. Even we have a civil partnership in Germany we are not considered family (but it´s interesting that once in the country we can apply with the EEC1 form, cause the EU law says that the "host member should not treat the EU citizens less favourably than it´s own citizens. And as british people can bring unmarried partners then the EU citizens cannot be treated less favourably and then under EEC1 we can include partners too"

Anyway, she was really wrong. Then I tried to explain to her that I could apply and she told: "Well, do you want to try? Then you will be most likely refused. I can give your application back now without processing it and you don´t have to pay, but if you decide to go further with your application you will have to pay the 403 euro fee and will be mostly likely refused".

I knew I was correct, but of course I didn´t try My partner was already in the UK and being refused would make hard for us to get together again.
So I decided not to apply in Germany and apply within the UK. I am a non-visa national, so I entered the country as a tourist and applied under EEC1 application.

So it was not even a question of funds - I was ready to pay the 403 for an Unmarried Partner, and I was already inside the Consulate, hehe!!
I tried to solve this later and talk to British High Commission but got no answer. I complained about the Consulate, I have a document written by them proving I am right, but then I complained to British High Commission and got no reply.

If they would see they were wrong, then I would get a Ryanair flight and would apply there, and in 1 day I would have the visa.
But now I have to wait six months to solve this mess!

[jason25]

hey there,

if my experience will help, then i also sent my EEC1 application for residence permit last year, in september, i called them every week, and the answer was also either awaiting consideration, or under consideration " depends of the weather that day" ... however i finally GOT my residence permit and surprisingly after 13 weeks exactly.. so somehow it does take about 3months to process..

for those who are overstayers or whatever.. dont panic as it wont affect AT ALL the decission.. what is the moste important is that the EU partner is working in the uk for at least 6months, and fully using his/her treaty rights.

however, BE AWARE that you will expect the same amount of time or even longer when u send your new passport to the home office to get RE-STAMPED with the residence permit once your passport has expired ..

i sent mine nearly 4months ago, along with my ORIGINAL residence doccuments, and i still havent received it back yet .. it really SUCKS cos you might think you are a full UK resident etc.. yet you cant bloody travel because it takes months for them to re-stemp something which belongs to you already .. how irritating.

good luck to you all..

[sunil_kumar]

Hi Guys,
Any updates on the EEC1 Application Status. I have been trying to call them and the Phone line is constantly busy.
Does any one have any news reg. the huge influx of EEC1 or any other application causing the delays?

Cheers,
Sunny

[SunBlue]

Hi guys,
Finally I GOT THE VISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so happy now. I have always seen people telling here they got the visa and I was thinking that it was never going to happen to me. But now it´s true!!

So, I applied on the 4th of February, they received my application (EEC1 application on the 7th/Feb).
The letter that comes with the residence permit is written as the date of 11th/April!!!!! Yes, it was april, and they took so long to send it back.
And I just got it now cause we asked the passport back for "medical reasons", so, as they had approved the application, then they just sent back everything.

In my visa is written place and date of issue, with the dateof 10th Jun /05. And it is valid until 11th April 07.

It´s written Limited Leave to Remain, and they don´t mention at all as being dependent of an EEA citizen. And I got it valid for 2 years (dependent of EU citizens normally get it valid for 5 years).
So, is it the case that they considered it under the Unmarried Partner rules? If so, when can I apply for ILR? In 2007 or 2009?

The letter I got says:
"Shortly before the date stated above, YOU MAY APPLY FOR THE TIME LIMIT attached to your stay in this country TO BE REMOVED".

My visa came with a spelling mistake in my second name. They changed an O with a P. So, I guess I have to send it back to them and explain in a letter. Can I go to the PEO and do that? I accept paying the fee to do that, but I just wouldn´t like to have my passport with them for so long again.

Or: if I send my passport, is it the European Casework team who´s going to deal with it or just another team especially able to do that? I am just concerned cause the EU Team is taking so long, other teams answer within a few weeks!

The people who helped me and the others: THANK YOU for your support.

All the best,

Glauco
PS: so, it´s really possible to apply with EEC1 form for unmarried partner visa (of EEA citizens, of course). I have seen people telling here it´s not possible, but that it is indeed!

[meham]

got it waiting time 2 months and 3 weeks. but mine was traight forward no problems or overstaying.
good luck to everyone

[sunil_kumar]

Thats Wonderful.
I have sent my application in April and I hope I get mine too in 3 months.
Mine too is a straight forward application but you never know how the Home Office works...

Cheers,
Sunny

[pedro_soto]

Great for you guys, I am still waiting (3.5 month already). I have a doubt Mehan, when this thread began you said you had been waiting for almost three month and you finally got it after 2month and 3 weeks. I suppose you got your visa just after your post?

[kavanspace]

Hi there guys...

Congress to all the one who got visa...and best of luck to alll who are waiting including me..

I have submitted my application since 5 months and not a single reply.

I need my pass for exams,driving license,etc.....so helpless....

[sunil_kumar]

Hi everyone,
I finally got the Residence Permit today. My wife (who had applied for her Residence Permit with my Residence Document) received all the documents along with her Residence Permit(Blue leaflet with her picture).
I also received a letter from Home Office mentioning that my Passport has been endorsed.
But.. There is no endorsement. I have my previous Work Permit(which is a Residence Permit for 2 years) but there are no other endorsements.
I thought as I am married to an EEA National I should get a Residence Document for 4/5 years... Isnt it?

Is it the same case with everyone?
I intend to meet the Home Office officials in Croydon on Monday but just wanted to confirm from others too.

Your reply would be of great importance.

Thanks,
Sunil

[daphne]

[quote="Kayalami"]It is likely that resource allocation is biased towards those applicants paying a fee = those applying under UK immigration rules. At 500 GBP or GBP 355 a pop as appropriate it is only right that such is the case. EEA/EU enlargement has not helped either with an increasing demand for WRS and residence permits. Sorry all you can do is wait. If funds (travel purposes) are not an issue then it might be best to apply overseas for a family permit.[/quote]


Actually going home to get an EEA family permit is not an ideal solution. I am a non-visa national, and I know that I can get an EEA family permit in the same day that I apply for it at the British Consulate at home. However, I have been told that EEA family permits will only be issued for a period of six months. So towards the end of the six months the person needs to apply for an EEC1 residence permit with the IND anyway. So the question is whether you wait for it now or later.

It may be a good idea for someone who needs to start working immediately. So by paying for an air ticket to go home to apply for an EEA family permit, one can start working immediately while waiting for his/her EEC1 residence permit.

[John]

Sunil_kumar, just read the message you posted on 2nd July ..... how did you get on when you went back to Croydon? Residence Permit now in your passport? A few red faces at Croydon?

[sunil_kumar]

Hi John,
Well I called them up last week and I was told to post the Passport immediately with a covering letter explaining the reason behind me sending the passport back.
They did recieve it and when I called them up a few days later they said to me that it was under the status "Awaiting to be Considered". I was stunned by their response.
Even when I said that it was an error not an application and they need to rectify the problem soon rather than putting my request in the same basket where they accept applications, the person on the phone told me that they cannot comment.
So I guess I have to wait AGAIN. Such things make life so horrible here ...eventhough it is their mistake.
Also I cant go to Croydon office as European applications are not handled there.

Cheers,
Sunil

[pedro_soto]

Sunil,
But you do have a letter saying you've been granted residence and I would move with that of you need to. It must be really anoying, but unless you have to travel it shouldn't be a big deal.

I am still waiting 4 month already...

[sunil_kumar]

Hi Pedro,
Well you are right. I can move on. Its just the fact that if you dont have your passport you cannot travel or even apply for a Driving Licence.
Its just a pain when you think you are there, but still almost there...
All the best with yours mate
You will get it...
Cheers,
Sunil

[sunil_kumar]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for your support. I have received my Passport today (endorsed) and with a small apology letter. I was impressed by the way they dealt this.
So now I can apply for my Driving Licence and hopefully life will be a bit more smooth now.

Thanks to one and all and I wish all of them get their applications approved.

Cheers,
Sunil

[John]

That's great ... glad it all worked out in the end.

Thanks to that sticker you now have all the same rights, in the UK, as an EEA national, and that of course includes the right to live and work in the UK, and no Work Permit required to work.

[karlita77]

Hello everyone! Does anyone know if it's faster to apply for a UK unmarried partner visa as the partner of an EU citizen in my own country or within the UK? I've read from all of you how long it takes to get an EEC1 resident permit, but I will be applying in Mexico, with the VAF2 application form so I don't know if that would be faster.

[John]

karlita77, I think a little confusion here. What exactly are you going to apply for? Unmarried partner's visa? In which case use form VAF2, or alternatively an EEA Family Permit for which you would use the VAF1 form?

[karlita77]

Yes, I want to apply for the unmarried partners visa with my French boyfriend. We were in the UK but I had already planned to go to Mexico in August and my student visa for the UK had expired anyway so that's why I plan to apply from there. I wrote to UK Visas and they told me this:

"An unmarried partner or fiancé(e) is not included in the definition of a 'family member' in the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2000. Unlike a spouse, such a person cannot therefore qualify for an EEA/Swiss Family Permit as a 'close family member' of a national of a state within the EEA or of Switzerland.

However, it is open to such an unmarried partner/fiancé(e) to apply for entry clearance under the normal settlement provisions of the Immigration Rules. Such an application will be treated no less favourably than if the EEA sponsor were a UK citizen (i.e. the guidance that follows should be read as if the EEA national were a British Citizen settled, or about to become settled, in the UK).

It is not a requirement in the case of an unmarried partner that the EEA Sponsor should first obtain a UK Residence Permit."

They also told me to apply with the form VAF2 in Mexico. So I just wanted to know if this process would take as long as the EEA residence permits applied for in the UK. I hope not!

[SunBlue]

Just to tell about my situation:
in my previous post I told I got my visa but with a spelling mistake in my name. Right.

Then before sending it back to the Home Office, I decided to look for a job, register with NHS, open bank account, get a job and get the National Insurance Number, and only then send it back to the Home Office. Only send the passport when I dont need it anymore at all!
So I did it TODAY. Let´s see how long it will take for them to amend my visa.
I sent with Special Delivery and with a prepaid addressed envelope inside for them to send it back to me.

FYI - in my new job they sent me twiceto Madrid for the training, and the Home Office advised me to not travel because of the spelling mistake in the visa. But if I couldnt travel then I couldnt accept the nice job. So what I did? I took the risk. And there was no problem at all!! I passed the immigration twice and they didnt even make many question.
The second time I passed immigration the officer just asked: "Do you work in Scotland?" (she saw my immigration card i filled in the plane). And that´s it. It´s strange they didnt ask anything about my partner (that´s the reason I got the visa and live here, etc). It was quite straight forward.
So, I will keep you guys updated on how long it takes again.

Sunil: yours took very less time. What did you do? Did you send any other letter complaining? Or any fax? Or just the phone call?
I sent a nice and straight forward cover letter explaining the situation. I hope it doesn´t take long, even that I am not in a hurry to get the passport back this time.
See ya guys,
Glauco

[SunBlue]

Karlita, if you apply from Mexico with VAF2, you should get your visa in a matter of days! No worries!!!
It takes a long time mostly when people apply to the European Applications at Home Office (in country applications). So don´t worry, it will be fast!

[sunil_kumar]

Hey Glauco,
Well whenever there is a genuine case I presume they deal with it soon...very soon .
So I think yours too must be a straight forward thing.

I have a question for you too.
So you say that we dont need your partner to travel with you ?
Coz I thought that your wife needs to travel with you too...

I know it sounds stupid but I thought that that was the case

Cheers,
Sunny

[SunBlue]

Hi Sunil,
we can travel without the partner with no problem! My partner is the European citizen and I just got the dependent visa. And I already traveled abroad twice by myself and I had no problem at all to come back!

When someone gets the EEA Family Permit abroad, then this person needs to come for the first time with the partner. The first time they must enter the country together, but after that they can travel independently, as long both are living together in a relationship!

Thank you for your nice words! I hope I get the passport back soon again!

[karlita77]

Hi Glauco, I am now in Mexico and I already went to the British Consulate yesterday to apply for my unmarried partner's visa. Unfortunately, they told me I needed my partner's birth certificate, which I didn't have, I only had a certified copy of his passport. I didn't know I needed the birth certificate and the woman there told me I could make the application like that and that I could take the risk, but that they could deny me the visa. The people there are not very helpful anyway, but I didn't take the risk and I'm waiting for my partner to send me his birth certificate... I will try again in a few days. The good thing is that they told me in the consulate that the visa should take at the most two days so I'm happy for that!