|
Immigrationboards.com
Immigration, work visa and work permit discussion board
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
tired_of_waiting
Newbie
Joined: 18 Jun 2012
Posts: 9
|
 Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2012 11:39 pm Post subject: Re: Trauma |
 |
|
| UnKindBAst wrote: | New to the forum,
Applied 19 march
Acknowledgement letter 27 March
Biometric 2 April
Speedy service and then things went downhill, still waiting for my documents.
Life's become a hell, could not work for a month due to Olympics and i not having my passport.
Had recently requested my sponsors passport back and the lazy caseworker, perhaps blind and dumb, send a wrong passport.
no wonder our applications getting delayed, i only hope all my valuable documents still exist. |
Whos passport did dey sent to u?? You can report this in media.. This is news n shows how incompetent n irresponsible dey r!! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
|
|
kshah
Junior Member
Joined: 05 Dec 2011
Posts: 22
Location: Birmingham
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 9:27 am Post subject: Re: waiting and waiting and waiting! |
|
|
| essexb wrote: | | kshah wrote: |
I am thinking to ask for return of my wife's passport , without withdrawing my wife's application. Will they allow me to do that ? Atleast by doing this, she could atleast register with employment agencies ? Do you have any idea about this ? |
Yes this is possible, we did it, although the UKBA do not make it clear that you can do this. My wife had a job offer and needed her passport and visa back, so we called them up and they said they could return the documents without withdrawing the application. Turns out that they this sped up the whole process and instead of just returning the documents, they returned them all and issued her visa! It's definitely worth a try, just make sure that the person you speak to the on the phone is clear you just want the non sponsor's passport/visa back for a job interview or whatever and that you do not wish to withdraw the application. Might be worth taking their name too incase something goes wrong. |
Thanks Essexb
Can I ask, after how many weeks of submitting your application, did you ask for wife's passport back, were you closer to six months deadline and what reason did you give to them ?
Did they readily agree to return your wife's passport or you have to convince them and did they gave you any reference ?
Regards |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ak145m
BANNED
Joined: 20 Aug 2012
Posts: 30
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 9:43 am Post subject: Varying application |
|
|
Hi Guys
Lots of people here who have been waiting for long don't seem to know but if you become subsequently eligible for settlement or want to apply for other visa, yes you cannot submit another application but you can VARY your application which is similar to applying new one, you will also save money cos you will get the money back for previous application which is still pending, you only pay fees minus previous fees paid. check out the 3c and 3c immigration policies.
check out 3.2 Applications lodged during leave under sections 3C and 3D
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/policyandlaw/IDIs/idischapter1/section5/section5.pdf?view=Binary |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mrsclc78
Junior Member
Joined: 12 Jun 2012
Posts: 43
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 11:03 am Post subject: |
|
|
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/postal_flrm_applications_times_a#incoming-311921
I love how they assume I'm a dude.
They give the most vague answers possible, and I've given up trying to understand how they operate. It sounds like they put applications in order of application date ONCE biometrics are done, which makes sense. What I still don't understand is why the straightforward applications are stuck behind the complex ones, but I don't really want to write them another question and wait another 2 months for a reply. Why isn't there one team for straightforward apps, cranking those out, and another for the ones that require additional paperwork, checks, etc.? But then, how long is a piece of string? 
I'm more interested in the answers to this one (http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/processing_times_for_flrm) now, because the author brings up so many good points.
Unsurprising how they didn't even apologise to me for being well beyond the legal date by which they were required to reply. If they can't answer these questions in time, that says a lot for their lack of respect for the actual applications. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Dsin
Junior Member
Joined: 28 Jun 2012
Posts: 37
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 8:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| mrsclc78 wrote: | http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/postal_flrm_applications_times_a#incoming-311921
I love how they assume I'm a dude.
They give the most vague answers possible, and I've given up trying to understand how they operate. It sounds like they put applications in order of application date ONCE biometrics are done, which makes sense. What I still don't understand is why the straightforward applications are stuck behind the complex ones, but I don't really want to write them another question and wait another 2 months for a reply. Why isn't there one team for straightforward apps, cranking those out, and another for the ones that require additional paperwork, checks, etc.? But then, how long is a piece of string?
I'm more interested in the answers to this one (http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/processing_times_for_flrm) now, because the author brings up so many good points.
Unsurprising how they didn't even apologise to me for being well beyond the legal date by which they were required to reply. If they can't answer these questions in time, that says a lot for their lack of respect for the actual applications. |
Wow, I don't even know what to say after reading those two freedom of information requests. Our lives are completely on hold - my husband can't work, study or even volunteer. We can't start a family or move out of my mum's as we can't afford it on one salary. We were keeping ourselves upbeat with the thought that at least we were more than three months through the processing time. If the processing time starts once biometrics are submitted, after waiting nine weeks for that letter, we are actually only a month into our wait.
Wow, that's all I can say (accompanied by a rather large sigh....) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mrsclc78
Junior Member
Joined: 12 Jun 2012
Posts: 43
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 9:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Dsin wrote: | | mrsclc78 wrote: | http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/postal_flrm_applications_times_a#incoming-311921
I love how they assume I'm a dude.
They give the most vague answers possible, and I've given up trying to understand how they operate. It sounds like they put applications in order of application date ONCE biometrics are done, which makes sense. What I still don't understand is why the straightforward applications are stuck behind the complex ones, but I don't really want to write them another question and wait another 2 months for a reply. Why isn't there one team for straightforward apps, cranking those out, and another for the ones that require additional paperwork, checks, etc.? But then, how long is a piece of string?
I'm more interested in the answers to this one (http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/processing_times_for_flrm) now, because the author brings up so many good points.
Unsurprising how they didn't even apologise to me for being well beyond the legal date by which they were required to reply. If they can't answer these questions in time, that says a lot for their lack of respect for the actual applications. |
Wow, I don't even know what to say after reading those two freedom of information requests. Our lives are completely on hold - my husband can't work, study or even volunteer. We can't start a family or move out of my mum's as we can't afford it on one salary. We were keeping ourselves upbeat with the thought that at least we were more than three months through the processing time. If the processing time starts once biometrics are submitted, after waiting nine weeks for that letter, we are actually only a month into our wait.
Wow, that's all I can say (accompanied by a rather large sigh....) |
I'm still not sure if they count the time from the application day as the entire processing time or not. The wording is all so unclear and nothing, not even their own website, seems to be be consistent. Every time I've called I've gotten a different story. Some people out there seem to be getting theirs within a few months, and others, 9+ months with no rhyme or reason. I think it's basically a lottery, and you *could* get it any time. Or it could be awhile.  I'm in a similar position, and now with three family members' struggling health-wise back home, I'm more frustrated than ever. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Dsin
Junior Member
Joined: 28 Jun 2012
Posts: 37
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 9:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| mrsclc78 wrote: | | Dsin wrote: | | mrsclc78 wrote: | http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/postal_flrm_applications_times_a#incoming-311921
I love how they assume I'm a dude.
They give the most vague answers possible, and I've given up trying to understand how they operate. It sounds like they put applications in order of application date ONCE biometrics are done, which makes sense. What I still don't understand is why the straightforward applications are stuck behind the complex ones, but I don't really want to write them another question and wait another 2 months for a reply. Why isn't there one team for straightforward apps, cranking those out, and another for the ones that require additional paperwork, checks, etc.? But then, how long is a piece of string?
I'm more interested in the answers to this one (http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/processing_times_for_flrm) now, because the author brings up so many good points.
Unsurprising how they didn't even apologise to me for being well beyond the legal date by which they were required to reply. If they can't answer these questions in time, that says a lot for their lack of respect for the actual applications. |
Wow, I don't even know what to say after reading those two freedom of information requests. Our lives are completely on hold - my husband can't work, study or even volunteer. We can't start a family or move out of my mum's as we can't afford it on one salary. We were keeping ourselves upbeat with the thought that at least we were more than three months through the processing time. If the processing time starts once biometrics are submitted, after waiting nine weeks for that letter, we are actually only a month into our wait.
Wow, that's all I can say (accompanied by a rather large sigh....) |
I'm still not sure if they count the time from the application day as the entire processing time or not. The wording is all so unclear and nothing, not even their own website, seems to be be consistent. Every time I've called I've gotten a different story. Some people out there seem to be getting theirs within a few months, and others, 9+ months with no rhyme or reason. I think it's basically a lottery, and you *could* get it any time. Or it could be awhile. I'm in a similar position, and now with three family members' struggling health-wise back home, I'm more frustrated than ever. |
It's very hard to be waiting like this when there is no clear indication of how long the wait may be and the answers from the UKBA constantly contradict the previous information given. If your family members' health deteriorates further, can you contact them under the compassionate emergency thing and ask them to hurry up?
I thought the authorities in my husband's country were incompentent jobs-worths....little did I know...... Off to buy a lottery ticket tomorrow - probably more chance of winning that than getting hubby's visa back anytime soon  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TnT-FreaK
Junior Member
Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Posts: 25
Location: United Kingdom
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 10:32 pm Post subject: Withdraw and re-apply |
|
|
| mrsclc78 wrote: | http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/postal_flrm_applications_times_a#incoming-311921
I love how they assume I'm a dude.
They give the most vague answers possible, and I've given up trying to understand how they operate. It sounds like they put applications in order of application date ONCE biometrics are done, which makes sense. What I still don't understand is why the straightforward applications are stuck behind the complex ones, but I don't really want to write them another question and wait another 2 months for a reply. Why isn't there one team for straightforward apps, cranking those out, and another for the ones that require additional paperwork, checks, etc.? But then, how long is a piece of string?
I'm more interested in the answers to this one (http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/processing_times_for_flrm) now, because the author brings up so many good points.
Unsurprising how they didn't even apologise to me for being well beyond the legal date by which they were required to reply. If they can't answer these questions in time, that says a lot for their lack of respect for the actual applications. |
Interesting recent updates. What this confirms is that it's a matter of luck, with the odds very much stacked against the majority of applicants. While we applied over 2 months now, it has hardly been 2 weeks since we submitted biometrics. And at this rate there could be a lot more waiting...
So my question to you all is, is it worth just fighting to get a one-day appointment and withdrawing the application and resubmitting? I know it's a waste of money but there seems to be little hope otherwise.
Is it possible for UKBA to return the applicant's passport back for travel purposes without withdrawing the application? Maybe that could be a suggestion to our MPs, so that when UKBA comes to our application they can request our passports back. This will avoid a lot of pain to both the applicant and UKBA with a million applicants chasing them every day. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
badger111
Member
Joined: 09 May 2012
Posts: 61
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 11:16 pm Post subject: Re: Withdraw and re-apply |
|
|
[quote="TnT-FreaK"] | mrsclc78 wrote: | http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/postal_flrm_applications_times_a#incoming-311921
Is it possible for UKBA to return the applicant's passport back for travel purposes without withdrawing the application? Maybe that could be a suggestion to our MPs, so that when UKBA comes to our application they can request our passports back. This will avoid a lot of pain to both the applicant and UKBA with a million applicants chasing them every day. |
No way. You BRP is a proof of your immigration status. If you don't have it you can't prove what is going on with you, and they would never let you back in the country. It would just be against the law.
For example, they are considering someone's application, that person goes to it's domestic country, commits a crime, comes back to the UK, and gets BRP. That is just one of the examples of why that would never be possible.
I have been waiting 27 weeks...
There is one solution for you though. I presume you still have fiancee visa valid? Well if you do, and if you can afford it, withdraw your application, and re-apply again using premium service. I would do the same, but my fiancee visa has expired so I won't do that. Trust me, I know it seems expensive, but in the end it will be much cheaper the waiting for over 6 months. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TnT-FreaK
Junior Member
Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Posts: 25
Location: United Kingdom
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 6:54 am Post subject: Re: Withdraw and re-apply |
|
|
[quote="badger111"] | TnT-FreaK wrote: | | mrsclc78 wrote: | http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/postal_flrm_applications_times_a#incoming-311921
Is it possible for UKBA to return the applicant's passport back for travel purposes without withdrawing the application? Maybe that could be a suggestion to our MPs, so that when UKBA comes to our application they can request our passports back. This will avoid a lot of pain to both the applicant and UKBA with a million applicants chasing them every day. |
No way. You BRP is a proof of your immigration status. If you don't have it you can't prove what is going on with you, and they would never let you back in the country. It would just be against the law.
For example, they are considering someone's application, that person goes to it's domestic country, commits a crime, comes back to the UK, and gets BRP. That is just one of the examples of why that would never be possible.
I have been waiting 27 weeks...
There is one solution for you though. I presume you still have fiancee visa valid? Well if you do, and if you can afford it, withdraw your application, and re-apply again using premium service. I would do the same, but my fiancee visa has expired so I won't do that. Trust me, I know it seems expensive, but in the end it will be much cheaper the waiting for over 6 months. |
Thanks for confirming. So I'll probably wait for 2 months post biometrics and take a decision then. They are lots of negatives for withdrawing an application, besides the money, the new rules would apply which means instead of 2 years for an ILR it will take 5 years.
Decisions, decisions ... There is more risk to manage in dealing with UKBA than in investing in the stock market. Only 10 weeks wait so far. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
badger111
Member
Joined: 09 May 2012
Posts: 61
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 9:03 am Post subject: Re: Withdraw and re-apply |
|
|
[quote="TnT-FreaK"] | badger111 wrote: | | TnT-FreaK wrote: | | mrsclc78 wrote: | http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/postal_flrm_applications_times_a#incoming-311921
Is it possible for UKBA to return the applicant's passport back for travel purposes without withdrawing the application? Maybe that could be a suggestion to our MPs, so that when UKBA comes to our application they can request our passports back. This will avoid a lot of pain to both the applicant and UKBA with a million applicants chasing them every day. |
No way. You BRP is a proof of your immigration status. If you don't have it you can't prove what is going on with you, and they would never let you back in the country. It would just be against the law.
For example, they are considering someone's application, that person goes to it's domestic country, commits a crime, comes back to the UK, and gets BRP. That is just one of the examples of why that would never be possible.
I have been waiting 27 weeks...
There is one solution for you though. I presume you still have fiancee visa valid? Well if you do, and if you can afford it, withdraw your application, and re-apply again using premium service. I would do the same, but my fiancee visa has expired so I won't do that. Trust me, I know it seems expensive, but in the end it will be much cheaper the waiting for over 6 months. |
Thanks for confirming. So I'll probably wait for 2 months post biometrics and take a decision then. They are lots of negatives for withdrawing an application, besides the money, the new rules would apply which means instead of 2 years for an ILR it will take 5 years.
Decisions, decisions ... There is more risk to manage in dealing with UKBA than in investing in the stock market. Only 10 weeks wait so far. |
When was your visa issued? If you got your fiancee visa before 9 July than you will still be under old rules. I know that for a fact, because my friend's partner who got here from Taiwan got his fiancee visa in June, applied for enter to leave here after 9 July, but was still under old rules. It all depends on when your fiancee visa was issued.
But yes, dealing with UKBA is just horrible! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TnT-FreaK
Junior Member
Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Posts: 25
Location: United Kingdom
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 9:27 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I am transferring from PSW to marriage visa, so no fiancée visa |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Roadmaster
Junior Member
Joined: 23 Aug 2012
Posts: 18
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 10:24 am Post subject: Re: Withdraw and re-apply |
|
|
[quote="TnT-FreaK"] | badger111 wrote: | | TnT-FreaK wrote: | | mrsclc78 wrote: | http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/postal_flrm_applications_times_a#incoming-311921
Is it possible for UKBA to return the applicant's passport back for travel purposes without withdrawing the application? Maybe that could be a suggestion to our MPs, so that when UKBA comes to our application they can request our passports back. This will avoid a lot of pain to both the applicant and UKBA with a million applicants chasing them every day. |
No way. You BRP is a proof of your immigration status. If you don't have it you can't prove what is going on with you, and they would never let you back in the country. It would just be against the law.
For example, they are considering someone's application, that person goes to it's domestic country, commits a crime, comes back to the UK, and gets BRP. That is just one of the examples of why that would never be possible.
I have been waiting 27 weeks...
There is one solution for you though. I presume you still have fiancee visa valid? Well if you do, and if you can afford it, withdraw your application, and re-apply again using premium service. I would do the same, but my fiancee visa has expired so I won't do that. Trust me, I know it seems expensive, but in the end it will be much cheaper the waiting for over 6 months. |
Thanks for confirming. So I'll probably wait for 2 months post biometrics and take a decision then. They are lots of negatives for withdrawing an application, besides the money, the new rules would apply which means instead of 2 years for an ILR it will take 5 years.
Decisions, decisions ... There is more risk to manage in dealing with UKBA than in investing in the stock market. Only 10 weeks wait so far. |
TnT-FreaK my timeline is similar to yours and I have not even received a biometrics letter. I phoned the 087 number yesterday and got nowhere. I am on an ICT Tier 2 at the moment and she attempted to look something up on the system using that information but really got nowhere. She said you have to just wait.....
I am contemplating asking for my spouse's passport back to see if that will kick start my biometrics letter??
The long wait continues...it's been 10 weeks today... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Still.Waiting
Member
Joined: 18 Jun 2012
Posts: 68
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 10:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Its been 5 months now and nothing from UKBA. Can anyone tell me when is the right time to contact your MP? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
davidalowrie
Newbie
Joined: 28 Aug 2012
Posts: 8
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 10:47 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Still.Waiting wrote: | | Its been 5 months now and nothing from UKBA. Can anyone tell me when is the right time to contact your MP? |
I contacted my MP yesterday. My timeline is 6 months 16 days today, so anything over 6 months wait I would suggest doing the same. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Still.Waiting
Member
Joined: 18 Jun 2012
Posts: 68
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 10:51 am Post subject: |
|
|
| davidalowrie wrote: | | Still.Waiting wrote: | | Its been 5 months now and nothing from UKBA. Can anyone tell me when is the right time to contact your MP? |
I contacted my MP yesterday. My timeline is 6 months 16 days today, so anything over 6 months wait I would suggest doing the same. |
hi davidalowrie, thanks for the reply. By the way have you heard anything from your MP yet? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
davidalowrie
Newbie
Joined: 28 Aug 2012
Posts: 8
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 11:00 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Still.Waiting wrote: | | davidalowrie wrote: | | Still.Waiting wrote: | | Its been 5 months now and nothing from UKBA. Can anyone tell me when is the right time to contact your MP? |
I contacted my MP yesterday. My timeline is 6 months 16 days today, so anything over 6 months wait I would suggest doing the same. |
hi davidalowrie, thanks for the reply. By the way have you heard anything from your MP yet? |
I got a reply that stated that the MP was sorry to hear I had been waiting so long and that they had contacted the UKBA and I would hopefully get a reply in the next couple of days. So I'm still waiting. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
essexb
Junior Member
Joined: 29 Feb 2012
Posts: 15
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 12:33 pm Post subject: Re: waiting and waiting and waiting! |
|
|
| kshah wrote: |
Thanks Essexb
Can I ask, after how many weeks of submitting your application, did you ask for wife's passport back, were you closer to six months deadline and what reason did you give to them ?
Did they readily agree to return your wife's passport or you have to convince them and did they gave you any reference ?
Regards |
We requested the passport around 2 months after submitting the application and the UKBA were actually the ones who mentioned that we could request the non-sponsors documents back (as long as they were not for travel), so they didn't need convincing at all. It's definitely something that they can do. They didn't give a reference and we stupidly didn't take anyone's name, so there was a week or 2 where we were very anxious, but happy to say it all worked out. Just see the timeline below.
My time line is :
docs sent : 28th June
ack letter : dated 7th july
Requested docs back: 23rd Aug
Bio letter : 24th Aug
Docs returned : 31st Aug
BRP arrived: 4th Sept |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mrsclc78
Junior Member
Joined: 12 Jun 2012
Posts: 43
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 1:01 pm Post subject: Re: waiting and waiting and waiting! |
|
|
| essexb wrote: |
We requested the passport around 2 months after submitting the application and the UKBA were actually the ones who mentioned that we could request the non-sponsors documents back (as long as they were not for travel), so they didn't need convincing at all. It's definitely something that they can do. They didn't give a reference and we stupidly didn't take anyone's name, so there was a week or 2 where we were very anxious, but happy to say it all worked out. Just see the timeline below.
My time line is :
docs sent : 28th June
ack letter : dated 7th july
Requested docs back: 23rd Aug
Bio letter : 24th Aug
Docs returned : 31st Aug
BRP arrived: 4th Sept |
essexb, thanks for continuing to share your information after you've received everything back successfully!
Did you have to go into detail about your wife's job offer(s) on the phone with the UKBA, or send them proof of any kind? I just want to be prepared for if/when I try this route. Am going to interviews in a few weeks and want to be able to call them up immediately if I do get an offer.
Thanks! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
AngieLynn09
Junior Member
Joined: 27 Feb 2012
Posts: 22
Location: United Kingdom
|
| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 1:54 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Hey everyone,
6 months and 17 days and still waiting! I've been in contact with our MP caseworker. Usually she gets back to us in a day or two with the usual "not been processeed" reply from the UKBA. This time, she says she is waiting for a response from the UKBA and it's been over a week. Hoping this means it'll be more information than usual. We are also asking for compassionate expedition because of my grandmother's health and the MP has sent the request to the UKBA and I have sent a hard copy directly to Sheffield.
I also sent a letter to Sheffield and an email to the complaints department requesting the update that I'm entitled to after 6 months because I don't accept "not processed" as an update. I actually received an email from them two days ago stating that they are looking into my complaint and I should hear from them in 20 working days. If I here anything useful, I'll be sure to pass it on to you all.
Good luck everyone! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
© SIA workpermit.com 2000-2007
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Register
Private Messages
Profile
Log in
