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mrsclc78 Junior Member
Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Posts: 43
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 12:32 pm Post subject: Re: FLR (M) Waiting times |
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| highly skilled wrote: |
Hi mrsclc78,
Thank you for your reply. Can I ask which number you called to request the sponsor's passport back? Were you successful? We mailed two letters requesting my (sponsor) documents back asap as I needed to go to a business trip on 30 July. We received no response whatsoever and I had to miss my business trip.
Also some people mentioned that they called a number where they had an update on whether their biometrics letter was sent out - is this the number on the letter? Should it only be the main applicant that can call that number and inquire about status?
Thank you! |
Hi Highly Skilled,
Yes, I called the number on the acknowledgement letter (08706067766). I've called about 6 times or so, usually on hold from 10-40 minutes. It's not cheap though (I've been using Skype).
I'm so sorry you missed your business trip! When I dialled that number, I pressed 2 (I think), whichever number corresponds with requesting the return of documents. The woman asked us for our HO reference number, and a few other personal details, and then asked for the mailing address we wanted the passport sent back to. She then gave us her name and said to write down the time and day in case we needed to reference it. She also said she noted that we needed the passport urgently, but that it may take up to 20 working days (which we already knew).
From what others have said here, it sounds like a combination of calling and requesting, and faxing (though where the fax number comes from, I'm not certain as I've not faxed a letter in yet) gets the document returned.
As for calling about the biometrics letter, I've done that, too. It's the same number, and I press the number that corresponds to biometrics enquiries (forget which one but they list them off on the phone). One person told me it takes 4-5 weeks, full stop, to receive the biometric letter from the date they received the documents. Another person said for me to call back the next day if I hadn't received it. When I did, that third person told me that I simply wasn't in their computer system so there was nothing I could do. A fourth person a week later told me the same - keep waiting, they're backlogged. So they're not hugely helpful, but I imagine that if I WAS in their system and a letter had been sent, they'd be able to tell me that.
For the return of documents for the sponsor, it needs to be the sponsor calling. For checking on a biometrics letter, it can be the applicant. Just have your HO reference number ready and be prepared to wait on hold for awhile listening to eine kleine nachtmusik...
Good luck! |
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mrsclc78 Junior Member
Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Posts: 43
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 12:33 pm Post subject: Re: FLR (M) Waiting times |
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My post posted twice and I can't figure out how to delete it - sorry
Highly Skilled - let us know how you get on! |
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Dsin Junior Member
Joined: 28 Jun 2012 Posts: 37
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 1:03 pm Post subject: Re: FLR (M) Waiting times |
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| mrsclc78 wrote: | | highly skilled wrote: |
Hi mrsclc78,
Thank you for your reply. Can I ask which number you called to request the sponsor's passport back? Were you successful? We mailed two letters requesting my (sponsor) documents back asap as I needed to go to a business trip on 30 July. We received no response whatsoever and I had to miss my business trip.
Also some people mentioned that they called a number where they had an update on whether their biometrics letter was sent out - is this the number on the letter? Should it only be the main applicant that can call that number and inquire about status?
Thank you! |
Hi Highly Skilled,
Yes, I called the number on the acknowledgement letter (08706067766). I've called about 6 times or so, usually on hold from 10-40 minutes. It's not cheap though (I've been using Skype).
I'm so sorry you missed your business trip! When I dialled that number, I pressed 2 (I think), whichever number corresponds with requesting the return of documents. The woman asked us for our HO reference number, and a few other personal details, and then asked for the mailing address we wanted the passport sent back to. She then gave us her name and said to write down the time and day in case we needed to reference it. She also said she noted that we needed the passport urgently, but that it may take up to 20 working days (which we already knew).
From what others have said here, it sounds like a combination of calling and requesting, and faxing (though where the fax number comes from, I'm not certain as I've not faxed a letter in yet) gets the document returned.
As for calling about the biometrics letter, I've done that, too. It's the same number, and I press the number that corresponds to biometrics enquiries (forget which one but they list them off on the phone). One person told me it takes 4-5 weeks, full stop, to receive the biometric letter from the date they received the documents. Another person said for me to call back the next day if I hadn't received it. When I did, that third person told me that I simply wasn't in their computer system so there was nothing I could do. A fourth person a week later told me the same - keep waiting, they're backlogged. So they're not hugely helpful, but I imagine that if I WAS in their system and a letter had been sent, they'd be able to tell me that.
For the return of documents for the sponsor, it needs to be the sponsor calling. For checking on a biometrics letter, it can be the applicant. Just have your HO reference number ready and be prepared to wait on hold for awhile listening to eine kleine nachtmusik...
Good luck! |
Hi there,
Just caught up with a few posts and yes - it does seem like the main delay comes after submitting biometrics although of course, not everyone's case is the same. Someone posted over the weekend - their application had taken 4 months in total but they had received acknowledgement and biometrics letters very quickly, with most of the waiting being post-biometrics.
As mrsclc78 said, 2-3 weeks for biometric letters seems to be on the optimistic side. We waited nine weeks for our letter. I did wonder if they might be delaying biometrics letters in order to control the flow of applications to the case workers? From what I understand, an application is only given to a specific case worker once biometrics have been enrolled (could be wrong there) so by controlling when they send out the letters they have some control over how many cases are landed on each case worker per month. Just a thought.....
Keep updating on here as your experiences might help someone else in the same boat! |
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bobobo Sage
Joined: 29 Aug 2008 Posts: 742
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 1:35 pm Post subject: |
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All I am gettign loads of Private messages regarding a few things I have said here, so wanted to clarify:
1. I was given this Fax number by the Person I spoke to for return of docs. Sending a fax here ensures that it goes to the correct team handling your case.
2. If requesting your/ sponsor's passport back the relevant person needs to speak to the HO. the applicant cannot request the passport back on behalf of the sponsor and viceversa.
3. Try not to just send a fax requesing your docs back, please try calling and speak to someone and request the docs back in Person. make sure they leave a note on the system which the caseworker can then see.
Hope this helps everyone and hope you guys hear something positive soon.
| bobobo wrote: | Received the BRP card as well today. Finally all done and good lessons learnt.
| bobobo wrote: | All, Overjoyed as we got our passports back today in the morning with a letter saying that BRP card should follow in the next couple of days. So exactly 5 months to get this all done.
A few tips that might help (if you have been waiting for around the 5th month mark)- These are all from personal experience and should be just used for guidance, Not all cases are the same:
1. Send a fax to 0114-207 2536 specifying to return the documents of the sponsor (make sure you add a line in bold - that the application should not be withdrawan) - When they open the file to return your passport they will see >= 5 months and would generally process your visa. I did this on the 19th of July.
2. If you have any compassionate reasons i.e no job, close family unwell then please do the same as mentioned above (make sure you attach some sort of proof when mentioning someone is unwell like a doctors letter)
3. Make sure you call the number on the HO letter (0870 606 7766) with you HO ref and request your passport back as well. this is a general call centre and they really do not have any information on the status of an application, they can only give you a high level overview, but can often raise requests like return of passports that might help you.
4. Writing to Ministers in my view is a waste of time, however to build pressure on the HO please do so, it will not harm you
5. Please do not think that requesting the passport back will anger the HO, the person dealing with this application is human (if I am not making too big an assumption) and would know where you are coming from. these delays are to a certain extent not becasue these guys are incompotent but because of the cuts that this govt has done reducing teams by upto 80% of their original strength.
6. (note to self) - Next time spend that extra £300 and get it done in Person!!!
Hope all of you waiting out there hear something positive soon. |
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mrsclc78 Junior Member
Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Posts: 43
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 1:50 pm Post subject: |
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| bobobo wrote: | All I am gettign loads of Private messages regarding a few things I have said here, so wanted to clarify:
1. I was given this Fax number by the Person I spoke to for return of docs. Sending a fax here ensures that it goes to the correct team handling your case.
2. If requesting your/ sponsor's passport back the relevant person needs to speak to the HO. the applicant cannot request the passport back on behalf of the sponsor and viceversa.
3. Try not to just send a fax requesing your docs back, please try calling and speak to someone and request the docs back in Person. make sure they leave a note on the system which the caseworker can then see.
Hope this helps everyone and hope you guys hear something positive soon.
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Thanks for the clarification. When my husband called (on speaker phone so I heard what was being said) this morning to request his passport, they didn't say we'd need to fax or do anything else. She put us on hold for awhile because my info wasn't coming up, then came back and verified our personal details, asked where he wanted the passport sent, and gave us her name.
Cheers for your advice! |
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highly skilled Junior Member
Joined: 03 Mar 2009 Posts: 16
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 1:52 pm Post subject: Re: FLR (M) Waiting times |
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| Dsin wrote: | | mrsclc78 wrote: | | highly skilled wrote: |
Hi mrsclc78,
Thank you for your reply. Can I ask which number you called to request the sponsor's passport back? Were you successful? We mailed two letters requesting my (sponsor) documents back asap as I needed to go to a business trip on 30 July. We received no response whatsoever and I had to miss my business trip.
Also some people mentioned that they called a number where they had an update on whether their biometrics letter was sent out - is this the number on the letter? Should it only be the main applicant that can call that number and inquire about status?
Thank you! |
Hi Highly Skilled,
Yes, I called the number on the acknowledgement letter (08706067766). I've called about 6 times or so, usually on hold from 10-40 minutes. It's not cheap though (I've been using Skype).
I'm so sorry you missed your business trip! When I dialled that number, I pressed 2 (I think), whichever number corresponds with requesting the return of documents. The woman asked us for our HO reference number, and a few other personal details, and then asked for the mailing address we wanted the passport sent back to. She then gave us her name and said to write down the time and day in case we needed to reference it. She also said she noted that we needed the passport urgently, but that it may take up to 20 working days (which we already knew).
From what others have said here, it sounds like a combination of calling and requesting, and faxing (though where the fax number comes from, I'm not certain as I've not faxed a letter in yet) gets the document returned.
As for calling about the biometrics letter, I've done that, too. It's the same number, and I press the number that corresponds to biometrics enquiries (forget which one but they list them off on the phone). One person told me it takes 4-5 weeks, full stop, to receive the biometric letter from the date they received the documents. Another person said for me to call back the next day if I hadn't received it. When I did, that third person told me that I simply wasn't in their computer system so there was nothing I could do. A fourth person a week later told me the same - keep waiting, they're backlogged. So they're not hugely helpful, but I imagine that if I WAS in their system and a letter had been sent, they'd be able to tell me that.
For the return of documents for the sponsor, it needs to be the sponsor calling. For checking on a biometrics letter, it can be the applicant. Just have your HO reference number ready and be prepared to wait on hold for awhile listening to eine kleine nachtmusik...
Good luck! |
Hi there,
Just caught up with a few posts and yes - it does seem like the main delay comes after submitting biometrics although of course, not everyone's case is the same. Someone posted over the weekend - their application had taken 4 months in total but they had received acknowledgement and biometrics letters very quickly, with most of the waiting being post-biometrics.
As mrsclc78 said, 2-3 weeks for biometric letters seems to be on the optimistic side. We waited nine weeks for our letter. I did wonder if they might be delaying biometrics letters in order to control the flow of applications to the case workers? From what I understand, an application is only given to a specific case worker once biometrics have been enrolled (could be wrong there) so by controlling when they send out the letters they have some control over how many cases are landed on each case worker per month. Just a thought.....
Keep updating on here as your experiences might help someone else in the same boat! |
So I did spend my hour with Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik and had a response that our biometric request letter was sent out on 3rd of August! One step in the positive direction! The person I spoke to also said that 75% of applications are decided within 4 weeks after biometrics are enrolled - hopefully this is truly the case (although obviously it is not in all cases)!!
They also said that it was sent by second class post and should be with us within 10 days - is this really how long it took some of those who received the letter?
Thanks to all! |
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mrsclc78 Junior Member
Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Posts: 43
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 1:58 pm Post subject: Re: FLR (M) Waiting times |
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| highly skilled wrote: |
So I did spend my hour with Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik and had a response that our biometric request letter was sent out on 3rd of August! One step in the positive direction! The person I spoke to also said that 75% of applications are decided within 4 weeks after biometrics are enrolled - hopefully this is truly the case (although obviously it is not in all cases)!!
They also said that it was sent by second class post and should be with us within 10 days - is this really how long it took some of those who received the letter?
Thanks to all! |
Rock on!! That's fantastic news. Looking back at your details, your acknowledgement letter was dated the day after mine, but my biometrics letter hasn't even been posted yet so you're ahead of me. Definitely goes to show it has *nothing* to do with the date of application. It's more like what stack they chuck your application into when it comes in the post, I think!
Why they send things second class post when we send them out generally next day recorded, etc., I don't understand. Especially given the ridiculous non-refundable fees we're paying. Good luck and please keep us up to date. Thanks for sharing  |
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kid13 Member
Joined: 21 Sep 2011 Posts: 58 Location: UK
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 2:26 pm Post subject: Re: FLR (M) Waiting times |
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[quote="highly skilled"][quote="Dsin"][quote="mrsclc78"] | highly skilled wrote: |
They also said that it was sent by second class post and should be with us within 10 days - is this really how long it took some of those who received the letter?
Thanks to all! |
Yes, judging by most of the timings listed on this forum, the biometric letters have been received about a week after they were dated (ours was too!). |
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highly skilled Junior Member
Joined: 03 Mar 2009 Posts: 16
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 3:03 pm Post subject: |
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All,
thank you for your replies - very helpful. We faxed our request for return of sponsor's passport to 02081963248. Is this the fax number that others have also used for their requests?
We also posted our request to the address on the acknowledgement letter - Sheffield PO box 3468.
Thanks! |
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bustednotch Junior Member
Joined: 19 Jan 2012 Posts: 40
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 3:26 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Everyone
I know it's been said before, but I would just like to express my thanks to everyone on this forum. It has been a lifesaver for my past PSW application (granted), and Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa application (refused) before that.
Here is my timeline for my Unmarried Partner Visa:
Date Docs sent: 4th July 2012
Date Ack. Letter received: dated 11th July 2012
Date biometrics booking letter received: Not yet
Date biometrics enrolled: Not yet
Date BRP received: Not yet
Date Docs received: Not yet
In country application
Visa type: FLR(M) Unmarried Partner
From - Post Study Work Visa
Best of luck to everyone! |
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Donking1 Junior Member
Joined: 22 Jan 2011 Posts: 40
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 3:50 pm Post subject: |
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Hi everyone,
Thanks for your advise and support. Can't believe how stressfull the whole process has been.
Goodluck to those waiting. My timeline is below.
Date Applied/Docs sent: 09/02/12
Date Received Ack. Letter: 22/02/12 (dated 13/02/2012)
Date Biometrics booking letter arrived: 17/03/2012
Date Biometrics Appointment: 26/03/2012 (Cardiff PEO)
Date Biometrics Issued: 02/08/2012
Date Biometric Card Received from HO: 06/08/2012
Date Passport/Docs received from HO: 03/08/2012
Visa Type : FLR(M) for spouse and daughter
Visa From:Tier 1 Dependant |
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anil1978 Junior Member
Joined: 12 Apr 2012 Posts: 16
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 4:52 pm Post subject: Request of Sponsor PAssport |
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Hi guys
been following the thread as I am in the same boat as all of you, and just a quick question If I request my Passport back (Sponsor for my wife) will the application be still considered or will be treated as the application been withdrawn?
I am thinking of requesting just my passport so at least this will make somebody to look at our application and if we are lucky they might take a decision as we are waiting since mid May.
Thanks |
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mrsclc78 Junior Member
Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Posts: 43
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 4:59 pm Post subject: Re: Request of Sponsor PAssport |
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| anil1978 wrote: | Hi guys
been following the thread as I am in the same boat as all of you, and just a quick question If I request my Passport back (Sponsor for my wife) will the application be still considered or will be treated as the application been withdrawn?
I am thinking of requesting just my passport so at least this will make somebody to look at our application and if we are lucky they might take a decision as we are waiting since mid May.
Thanks |
Requesting the sponsor's passport back should have no bearing whatsoever on the actual application - you are allowed to ask for its return with a reason (work trip, etc.). If you call up, just make sure that you make it clear if necessary that you're requesting the sponsor's passport back, not withdrawing the application. Good luck!  |
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anil1978 Junior Member
Joined: 12 Apr 2012 Posts: 16
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 5:04 pm Post subject: |
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| thanks for the reply. cheers much appreciated |
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Dsin Junior Member
Joined: 28 Jun 2012 Posts: 37
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 5:21 pm Post subject: Re: FLR (M) Waiting times |
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| mrsclc78 wrote: | | highly skilled wrote: |
So I did spend my hour with Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik and had a response that our biometric request letter was sent out on 3rd of August! One step in the positive direction! The person I spoke to also said that 75% of applications are decided within 4 weeks after biometrics are enrolled - hopefully this is truly the case (although obviously it is not in all cases)!!
They also said that it was sent by second class post and should be with us within 10 days - is this really how long it took some of those who received the letter?
Thanks to all! |
Rock on!! That's fantastic news. Looking back at your details, your acknowledgement letter was dated the day after mine, but my biometrics letter hasn't even been posted yet so you're ahead of me. Definitely goes to show it has *nothing* to do with the date of application. It's more like what stack they chuck your application into when it comes in the post, I think!
Why they send things second class post when we send them out generally next day recorded, etc., I don't understand. Especially given the ridiculous non-refundable fees we're paying. Good luck and please keep us up to date. Thanks for sharing  |
We couldn't believe it came 2nd class after we paid £561 for the application and sent everything Special Delivery. Our letter was dated 1st August and we received it 4th August.
Hope your letter arrives soon! |
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highly skilled Junior Member
Joined: 03 Mar 2009 Posts: 16
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 8:02 pm Post subject: Re: FLR (M) Waiting times |
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| Dsin wrote: | | mrsclc78 wrote: | | highly skilled wrote: |
So I did spend my hour with Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik and had a response that our biometric request letter was sent out on 3rd of August! One step in the positive direction! The person I spoke to also said that 75% of applications are decided within 4 weeks after biometrics are enrolled - hopefully this is truly the case (although obviously it is not in all cases)!!
They also said that it was sent by second class post and should be with us within 10 days - is this really how long it took some of those who received the letter?
Thanks to all! |
Rock on!! That's fantastic news. Looking back at your details, your acknowledgement letter was dated the day after mine, but my biometrics letter hasn't even been posted yet so you're ahead of me. Definitely goes to show it has *nothing* to do with the date of application. It's more like what stack they chuck your application into when it comes in the post, I think!
Why they send things second class post when we send them out generally next day recorded, etc., I don't understand. Especially given the ridiculous non-refundable fees we're paying. Good luck and please keep us up to date. Thanks for sharing  |
We couldn't believe it came 2nd class after we paid £561 for the application and sent everything Special Delivery. Our letter was dated 1st August and we received it 4th August.
Hope your letter arrives soon! |
Yes indeed - frustrating! What do you think about the fax number to fax urgent request to? Would it be the 0208 number I mentioned above? Someone also mentioned an 014 number, so not sure which one to use.
Thanks! |
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badger111 Member
Joined: 09 May 2012 Posts: 61
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 8:34 pm Post subject: Re: FLR (M) Waiting times |
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[quote="highly skilled"][quote="Dsin"][quote="mrsclc78"] | highly skilled wrote: |
So I did spend my hour with Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik and had a response that our biometric request letter was sent out on 3rd of August! One step in the positive direction! The person I spoke to also said that 75% of applications are decided within 4 weeks after biometrics are enrolled - hopefully this is truly the case (although obviously it is not in all cases)!!
They also said that it was sent by second class post and should be with us within 10 days - is this really how long it took some of those who received the letter?
Thanks to all! |
If they would decide most the applications in 4 weeks after biometric we would be the happiest people in the world! I have enrolled my biometrics in March, and most people who have done the same haven't got their documents back. I wish you all the best with your application. |
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waitwaitwait Junior Member
Joined: 01 May 2012 Posts: 49 Location: london
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 9:23 pm Post subject: Re: FLR (M) Waiting times |
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[quote="badger111"][quote="highly skilled"][quote="Dsin"] | mrsclc78 wrote: | | highly skilled wrote: |
So I did spend my hour with Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik and had a response that our biometric request letter was sent out on 3rd of August! One step in the positive direction! The person I spoke to also said that 75% of applications are decided within 4 weeks after biometrics are enrolled - hopefully this is truly the case (although obviously it is not in all cases)!!
They also said that it was sent by second class post and should be with us within 10 days - is this really how long it took some of those who received the letter?
Thanks to all! |
If they would decide most the applications in 4 weeks after biometric we would be the happiest people in the world! I have enrolled my biometrics in March, and most people who have done the same haven't got their documents back. I wish you all the best with your application. |
I agree with you. In 4 weeks a decision would have been nice but its been 4.5 months and still no decision.
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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nholler Junior Member
Joined: 28 May 2012 Posts: 27
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 11:08 am Post subject: waiting |
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I emailed my local MP, who has since written to the UKBA to investigate our case as I've been waiting since 13th February. I got a letter back yesterday from my MP with a letter attached from the UKBA.
The letter says that unless there is a campassionate reason for the Visa to be looked at by a case worker then we have to wait like everyone else. They say that they are going through all applications from date of application and that they are working through them as quickly as possible. However, they can't confirm when our case will be looked at.
No apologies for the wait, and next Monday is the official 6 month mark from when we applied, so all we can do is write, fax and call from that day and probably be told what the letter says again!
Judging by other peoples posts, this is a generic letter they seem to be sending out to all that enquire. Also, there are cases where people who have applied after February and have been getting their Visa's so something clearly isn't right with their application system. |
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cityboy25 Junior Member
Joined: 20 Feb 2012 Posts: 17
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 5:25 pm Post subject: |
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Hi everyone,
Yesterday mark official 6 month we applied, and I decided to called them today asking for the progress of my application, the Lady that answer the call ask for my details and put me on hold to check my details, she get back to me and said is still on going and that a decision has not been made that I will still continue to wait until the decision is made.
I now ask her if my application has been passed to case worker, she said unfortunately they don't have access to that information.
my timeline
Date Applied/Docs sent: 06/02/12
Date Application R'ced: 07/02/12
Date payment taken from bank: 08/02/12
Biometrics: completed
Date issued: --/--/--
Date Passport/Docs received from HO: -- |
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