OLD FLR(M) waiting times Thread

[Papertrail]

8/03/2012 -Its over four weeks now since I submitted my application, and three weeks since I sent letter to the UKBA alerting of my acknowledgement letter being sent to the wrong address. I received no response to my letter and still waiting for Biometric booking letter. How incompetent?

With the litany of mistakes posted on this site daily, any other organisation operating in this way in the UK would have had their operations in curtailed or in serious jeopardy by now. The fact is no one really gives a #### if it’s about hapless migrants!

You're right. It's a total, undeniable, pathetic shambles.

Have you called them? I've found that if I go through to ask about my Biometrics first, I can usually get through to someone. I'd quote my UKBA reference and tell them the date you sent your letter, the date you sent a letter about the wrong address and ask what the status of your BRP letter is.

I called about my BRP letter, and the woman said "you should hear from us soon". So I called back, said I'd heard that I was supposed to have received my letter already and the woman told me the letter was in the post and the date it was sent. So it's almost like, the most information you give them or pretend to know, the more likely you'll get a person who will give you some information back. Or just call back until you get someone who can.

Good luck.

Its now been over 9 weeks since i made my application and am still waiting for my biometrics appointment letter. I cant believe how long this is taking!

[shhh]

Its now been over 9 weeks since i made my application and am still waiting for my biometrics appointment letter. I cant believe how long this is taking!

Call them, multiple times. Write to your MP. Complain to your MP. This holding hostage of our documents without any responsibility has got to stop!

[tcbrasil]

Do you know one think that I was just thinking now? I will explain:

When I received my Biometrics booking letter and I went straight away on the website to book it, I noticed that there was only one appointment date available (28/02/12) didn't matter how soon I put my availability and I think that the next one was on July or something, I can't remember. Maybe they are so disorganized or overwhelmed that they do not have appointments available for this category of visa and that's why they could be delaying the letter. Because I clearly remember that the Public Enquire Office in Sheffield was packed that day I went.

I'm sorry if I said something that maybe is stupid, but it just came now in my mind.

[stephanielqy]

Do you know one think that I was just thinking now? I will explain:

When I received my Biometrics booking letter and I went straight away on the website to book it, I noticed that there was only one appointment date available (28/02/12) didn't matter how soon I put my availability and I think that the next one was on July or something, I can't remember. Maybe they are so disorganized or overwhelmed that they do not have appointments available for this category of visa and that's why they could be delaying the letter. Because I clearly remember that the Public Enquire Office in Sheffield was packed that day I went.

I'm sorry if I said something that maybe is stupid, but it just came now in my mind.

JULY?!!?!

Wow, that's crazy! Thank you for the info, tcbrasil! If you don't mind me asking, whereabouts do you live? I live in Hertfordshire and was expecting to be asked to go to Croydon for the biometrics

[shhh]

Do you know one think that I was just thinking now? I will explain:

When I received my Biometrics booking letter and I went straight away on the website to book it, I noticed that there was only one appointment date available (28/02/12) didn't matter how soon I put my availability and I think that the next one was on July or something, I can't remember. Maybe they are so disorganized or overwhelmed that they do not have appointments available for this category of visa and that's why they could be delaying the letter. Because I clearly remember that the Public Enquire Office in Sheffield was packed that day I went.

I'm sorry if I said something that maybe is stupid, but it just came now in my mind.

You can go to a Post Office to get your biometrics done! Don't rely on the Border Agency for that bit! It took 20 minutes and cost about £20.

http://www.postoffice.co.uk/counter-ser ... -nationals

[stephanielqy]

Do you know one think that I was just thinking now? I will explain:

When I received my Biometrics booking letter and I went straight away on the website to book it, I noticed that there was only one appointment date available (28/02/12) didn't matter how soon I put my availability and I think that the next one was on July or something, I can't remember. Maybe they are so disorganized or overwhelmed that they do not have appointments available for this category of visa and that's why they could be delaying the letter. Because I clearly remember that the Public Enquire Office in Sheffield was packed that day I went.

I'm sorry if I said something that maybe is stupid, but it just came now in my mind.

You can go to a Post Office to get your biometrics done! Don't rely on the Border Agency for that bit! It took 20 minutes and cost about £20.

http://www.postoffice.co.uk/counter-ser ... -nationals

Yay!

[tcbrasil]

JULY?!!?!

Wow, that's crazy! Thank you for the info, tcbrasil! If you don't mind me asking, whereabouts do you live? I live in Hertfordshire and was expecting to be asked to go to Croydon for the biometrics

Well, I can't remember exactly but I know it was something that gave me no choice but to book on the 28/02. I live in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

I just checked here in the appointment booking website, and the Croydon one there's 2 dates available: 22/03/12 and 29/03/12. So if you get your letter soon, you know the dates.

[stephanielqy]

JULY?!!?!

Wow, that's crazy! Thank you for the info, tcbrasil! If you don't mind me asking, whereabouts do you live? I live in Hertfordshire and was expecting to be asked to go to Croydon for the biometrics

Well, I can't remember exactly but I know it was something that gave me no choice but to book on the 28/02. I live in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

I just checked here in the appointment booking website, and the Croydon one there's 2 dates available: 22/03/12 and 29/03/12. So if you get your letter soon, you know the dates.

You're gem, thank you I wonder if you have a choice in where to go to get the biometrics done?

[tcbrasil]

You're gem, thank you I wonder if you have a choice in where to go to get the biometrics done?

Of course you can, you choose wherever you want. Post Office (which you have to pay) or any Public Enquire Office.

[stephanielqy]

Brilliant I was under the impression the letter said "Oi, you go here and do your fingerprints" and you just go. Thank you again tcbrasil, my husband and I really appreciate the information you've very kindly supplied and we might even plan a day trip! (might as well make the best out of a not so great situation) Best of luck with getting your new visa approved

[tcbrasil]

Brilliant I was under the impression the letter said "Oi, you go here and do your fingerprints" and you just go. Thank you again tcbrasil, my husband and I really appreciate the information you've very kindly supplied and we might even plan a day trip! (might as well make the best out of a not so great situation) Best of luck with getting your new visa approved

No problems at all, lovely. That's why we all here, to help each other, isn't it?

I think that's a brilliant idea because that's what I did, even brought some money to do some shopping haha

Good luck to you too, i'm with my fingers crossed for us!

[stephanielqy]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to let you know that I got my biometrics booking letter today! The only thing is, they got my name wrong and that's really weird because they got my name right when they sent the acknowledgement letter. So I guess I'll have to call them up on Monday morning! Here's my time line so far :


Date Applied/Docs sent: 16/02/12
Date Received Ack. Letter: 23/02/12
Payment taken: 20/02/12
Date Biometrics booking letter arrived: 17/03/12 (dated 16/03/12)
Date Biometrics Appointment: -

Visa Type : FLR(M) Spouse
Visa From: Fiancee

Good luck to everyone else still waiting!

[tcbrasil]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to let you know that I got my biometrics booking letter today! The only thing is, they got my name wrong and that's really weird because they got my name right when they sent the acknowledgement letter. So I guess I'll have to call them up on Monday morning!

Congratulations, stephanielqy!!! Don't worry because when you go to get your biometrics done (in a public enquire office), they ask you to sign a paper to confirm if your name, date of birth and other things are correct. So I guess they can correct it there... And the good thing is, you can already start planning your "trip" haha

Good luck to everyone!!!

[stephanielqy]

Bad news. Turns out the clerical error of my name on the biometrics booking letter cannot be amended at the post office and the HO Biometric Enrolment Centre. According to the lady I spoke to, If I do show up with the incorrect details, the biometrics taken would be invalid. Basically they have to send me another letter with the correct details so it's back to waiting again!

[leopold]

just done biometrics today at post office.......fingers crossed for visa approval

[Papertrail]

Bad news. Turns out the clerical error of my name on the biometrics booking letter cannot be amended at the post office and the HO Biometric Enrolment Centre. According to the lady I spoke to, If I do show up with the incorrect details, the biometrics taken would be invalid. Basically they have to send me another letter with the correct details so it's back to waiting again!

Oh NO! what the hell?!?
Seriously are UKBA for real?? I hope they get the other letter faster to you!!

[Papertrail]

I have my phone glued to my ear..i have been calling UKBA foreeever and i haven't managed to go through..This is one of the most frustrating visa experiences ever!!!!!!!! My hubby is getting really lathered up about it too!
Am still waiting for BAL(Biometrics Appointment Letter)..

[stephanielqy]

Good luck leopold! Let us know how you get on!

Papertrail, I second that. You'd think getting married is the hard part! I was on hold for 45 mins early this morning - had a hunch something wasn't right and I called the post office. PO said, if it the details aren't 100% right, don't bother coming in. UKBA said the same thing. The lady I spoke to was a real piece of work though! I'm Malaysian Chinese, so my surname comes first and typo aside, she insisted that since it isn't in that order in my passport, my first name should be my surname o.O ?!

Your BAL will come soon, I'm sure of it! Just remember to check everything over carefully though!

[Papertrail]

Good luck leopold! Let us know how you get on!

Papertrail, I second that. You'd think getting married is the hard part! I was on hold for 45 mins early this morning - had a hunch something wasn't right and I called the post office. PO said, if it the details aren't 100% right, don't bother coming in. UKBA said the same thing. The lady I spoke to was a real piece of work though! I'm Malaysian Chinese, so my surname comes first and typo aside, she insisted that since it isn't in that order in my passport, my first name should be my surname o.O ?!

Your BAL will come soon, I'm sure of it! Just remember to check everything over carefully though!

huuh! i hope so stephanielqy.. i have grown more white hair these past months just waiting for this letter! with all these typo problems and lost mail..you cant help but wonder what next! Anyway i am still hopeful we will all get our visas sooooonest!!!!

[Papertrail]

boooooooooooooooooooooooooy if that BAL comes with errors....i'mma flip out!

[Donking1]

I finally received my biometric booking letter last Friday. But when I thought the worst was over, the real drama began when I tried to book an appointment to enrol my wife and daughters Biometric on the UKBA system. There are no post offices offering the service in or near Cardiff where we live and the only option for us is using the Cardiff PEO.

I made countless attempts to book the appointment online, but the system kept indicating there are no appointments at the Cardiff PEO if I include a dependant. However, when I tried without highlighting the dependant’s icon, it brought up a list of appointment dates from the 4th of April. I then selected the earliest possible dates and tried to make a booking, the computer system kept indicating it does not recognised the case reference number I entered even though I entered the exact number issued by the UKBA many times over.

I first made a phone call to the UKBA and an unhelpful lady at the other end told me she could not make a booking on phone and instead asked me to email their IT department at (applyonlinee-support@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk) to inform them if issues with the system. I found this very strange indeed. Would it not have been easier for her to arrange to pass the information to the IT department? I decided to send the same email to the email address provided on the biometric booking letter (appointmentexceptions@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk) and received a response late yesterday informing that the request have been passed on to the Cardiff POE who will contact me. A few minutes later I received a text message from the Cardiff POE with the appointment booked for next Monday.

Worryingly, I discovered since last Friday that the closes Post Offices to us offering the service are in London or Birmingham. That kept me thinking, why introduce a system in a rush when you do not have the resources in place to deal with its implementation. Is it reasonable or fair to expect applicants to travel all the way from Cardiff to Birmingham or London to enrol their biometric details? The Jury is still out!

[bobobo]

My wife applied for FLR(M) after marriage, She currently has Leavr to Remain under PSW.
Date application Sent - 23/02/12 Next day delivery
Date HO received Application - 24/02/12
Received Acknowledgement Letter - between 01-03 March 12
BRP Invitation Letter -*Recd on 23 March with wrong title, called HO and they sent a fresh one out, received today-27 March, Biometrics Info provided on the 29th of March - the waiting game starts now*

Successful Application intimation - 27/7/12

BRP Card - 27/7/12

Passport and Documents back - 27/7/12

We used the new FLR(M) form which can be downloaded and filled in electronically and then subsequently uploaded to the HO website (need to print the form out, sign the form and send it to HO with all supporting docs). Also made the payment by Debit Card, which went through. Attached the confirmation Email along with the Ref Number generated.

I would have thought this would speed up the process, but maybe I was wrong, will need to wait and watch.

[Papertrail]

Apparently my visa application is still waiting to be allocated a case worker. Since January...i don't even know what to say.....

[Echo721]

My wife applied for FLR(M) after marriage, She currently has Leavr to Remain under PSW.
Date application Sent - 23/02/12 Next day delivery
Date HO received Application - 24/02/12
Received Acknowledgement Letter - between 01-03 March 12
BRP Invitation Letter -???
Successful Application intimation - ???
BRP Card - ???
Passport and Documents back - ???

We used the new FLR(M) form which can be downloaded and filled in electronically and then subsequently uploaded to the HO website (need to print the form out, sign the form and send it to HO with all supporting docs). Also made the payment by Debit Card, which went through. Attached the confirmation Email along with the Ref Number generated.

I would have thought this would speed up the process, but maybe I was wrong, will need to wait and watch.

Hi, we have similar timeline.

Mine is:

Date Docs sent: 23/2/2012
Date payment was taken: 29/2/12
Date Ack. Letter received: 2/3/12 (dated 27/2/12)
Date bio-metrics booking letter received: 22/3/2012 (dated 19/2/12, 2nd class post)

Visa applied for: FLR(M) Unmarried parter
Switching from: Tier 1 (General) which expires on 20/4/2012

I'll go to get my biometrics done tomorrow.

Good luck to your wife and myself.

[bobobo]

Thanks mate its good to hear that you got the BioMetrics Invitation letter, we might just be next.

Also did you also fill in the form online and pay online or am I the only chump who went for this new funky service offered by the HO, where you can fill the form, upload it, print it out sign it and then send it off with the docs. I did pay online and got a payment ref number which I sent to the HO.

All the best for the future

My wife applied for FLR(M) after marriage, She currently has Leavr to Remain under PSW.
Date application Sent - 23/02/12 Next day delivery
Date HO received Application - 24/02/12
Received Acknowledgement Letter - between 01-03 March 12
BRP Invitation Letter -???
Successful Application intimation - ???
BRP Card - ???
Passport and Documents back - ???

We used the new FLR(M) form which can be downloaded and filled in electronically and then subsequently uploaded to the HO website (need to print the form out, sign the form and send it to HO with all supporting docs). Also made the payment by Debit Card, which went through. Attached the confirmation Email along with the Ref Number generated.

I would have thought this would speed up the process, but maybe I was wrong, will need to wait and watch.

Hi, we have similar timeline.

Mine is:

Date Docs sent: 23/2/2012
Date payment was taken: 29/2/12
Date Ack. Letter received: 2/3/12 (dated 27/2/12)
Date bio-metrics booking letter received: 22/3/2012 (dated 19/2/12, 2nd class post)

Visa applied for: FLR(M) Unmarried parter
Switching from: Tier 1 (General) which expires on 20/4/2012

I'll go to get my biometrics done tomorrow.

Good luck to your wife and myself.