OLD FLR(M) waiting times Thread

[adex1584]

Hi,
Applied for wife extension visa for 2.5 years.

Here's my timeline:

11 July 2016 - submitted application
15 July 2016 - Fee taken
21 July 2016 - Received acknowledgement letter dated 18 July 2016 but received no biometric letter (most seem to receive the letters on the same day) a bit worrying. I hope the letter has not been lost in post.

Could anyone please tell me if this has happened to them.

Still not received my wife's biometric letter. I am beginning to worry a bit more as feel it might have been lost in post. Seems like it usually arrives for most people on same day as acknowledgement letter by going through this thread. If this is the case how do I contact the home office to let them know I have not received my bio metric letter. Has this happened to anyone else here.

Kind regards,
Raja

Hi Raja
have you received the biometric letter ?

[rajauk]

Hi,
Applied for wife extension visa for 2.5 years.

Here's my timeline:

11 July 2016 - submitted application
15 July 2016 - Fee taken
21 July 2016 - Received acknowledgement letter dated 18 July 2016 but received no biometric letter (most seem receive the letters on the same day) a bit worrying. I hope the letter has not been lost in post.

Could anyone please tell me if this has happened to them.

Forgot to update.

23 July 2016 - Received biometric letter. Letter was dated 20 July 2016.
25 July 2016 - enrolled biometrics.

As of today no further communication. Waiting and hoping for no issues, UKBA are masters of finding issues and making our life a misery.

[beckhamh]

I recently made an application for FLR (M) for my wife at Solihull on 25th July 2016 using premium services. The Decision could not be made on the same day as case worker requested for more documents. In response to the request, the required documents were posted to Solihull on 28th July 2013 via royal mail special delivery. Royal mail confirmed the delivery on 29th July 2016 9:15am to Solihull.

But since I sent further documents, there is no any response. I also called 0300 number this morning and they kept saying nothing they could do. Now it's 2 weeks. People says my premium service is gone and my application will join the queue of postal application. So my premium fee is under the water and I have to wait 8 weeks. All my flights and holidays has been cancelled. What a stupid premium service!

Anyway, I put down my timeline here:

premium appointment(application sent): 25th July 2016
Biometrics: 25th July 2016
Further documents submitted: 28th July 2016
Documents received by HO: 29th July 2016
Passports and BRP: waiting.....

[rachelinlondon]

Hi all,

I've been reading this so I thought I'd post my waiting times in case that helps anyone else.

I have a pretty straightforward FLR(M) application, nothing that should be complicated, my dates are:

Visa application submitted/sent: 17th June 2016
Payment taken: 21st June 2016
Biometrics letter received: 1st July 2016
Biometrics taken at a post office: 4th July 2016

Still waiting as of 11th August 2016.

Tomorrow is exactly 8 weeks since I've submitted. I called the home office help line today as I have a trip that I can't postpone on the 2nd of September and need to apply for a visa for the trip by 31st August at the latest. All they can tell me is that it hasn't been processed yet and presumably postage itself takes a couple of working days, so there's no chance I'll have it by tomorrow. I'm hoping it's just taking a few days longer than they estimated rather than someone has misplaced a key document or something else has happened to it...

I'll update when I receive it so others have a view as to how long it is taking.

[mysteron69]

For postal applications within the UK when does the 8 weeks start, from date received letter, fee taken date, biometric registered date, or something else? Is it 8 calendar weeks?

[Amieli88]

Just giving my timeframe for visa application

Applied on 11th June 16
No received/Acknowledging letter.
Biometric asked for 20th July 16
Returned with biometrics 21st July 16

Asked for more information 8th aug 16
-may bank statement
-Proof my child lived with me? (Baby is 17 months
And breastfed! I can't go to the bath room alone!)
Sent letters and photos !
-Proof of husband's contract.

Sent next day.
Approval letter and visa arrived today 16 July 16

I'm a brit, husband is Chinese.

Good luck to those applying.

[Amieli88]

Just giving my timeframe for visa application

Applied on 11th June 16
No received/Acknowledging letter.
Biometric asked for 20th July 16
Returned with biometrics 21st July 16

Asked for more information 8th aug 16
-may bank statement
-Proof my child lived with me? (Baby is 17 months
And breastfed! I can't go to the bath room alone!)
Sent letters and photos !
-Proof of husband's contract.

Sent next day.
Approval letter and visa arrived today 16 July 16

I'm a brit, husband is Chinese.

Good luck to those applying.

[mysteron69]

Hi Amieli88. We are in the same position. Applied around the same time you did, got asked for additional info (evidence of cohabitation since wedding which was a couple of weeks before!) a few days ago and sent it back (tracking says it was received by Sheffield 11th Aug). Now waiting for an answer.

Today is 8 weeks since fee was taken and also, coincidentally, the date they asked for the additional info to be sent back to them by. Hoping we'll get a decision by the end of the week. Straightforward application for FLR(M) from a fiancee visa.

[Brandon16]

Hey guys just want to share my wife's timeline on flr (M).
application posted : 24/06/16
Biometric letter :05/07/16
Biometric sent back : 11/07/16
Biometric permit approved and all document returned : today !! 17/07/16

It only took 7 Weeks! Thanks to this forum for helping me to calm down lol .

P.S No news from the home office means Good news

See you on ILR

[mysteron69]

Still no news. It was a postal application in the UK and biometrics were done on 24th June - 8 weeks tomorrow. Thought it would be straightforward considering we were switching from fiancee to spouse. Oh well, the wait continues.

[caspiancanwait]

Application sent: 18/06/2016
Application signed for: 21/06/2016
Payment taken: 23/06/2016
Acknowledgement letter dated: 27/06/206
Acknowledgement letter received: 29/06/2016
Biometrics letter dated: 30/06/2016
Biometrics letter received: 02/07/2016
Biometrics given: 06/07/2016
No further communication from UKBA
Approval letter and documents received: 13/08/2016
BRP received: 16/08/2016

I was a bit worried that I was going to be 9 days short of my 5 years for ILR, as my first FLR(M) was granted on 20/02/2014 and the new approval was granted on 08/11/2016. However when my BRP arrived, it is for 31 months rather than 30, so ends on 11/03/2016 instead of 11/02/2016! Next stop ILR!

[beckhamh]

I recently made an application for FLR (M) for my wife at Solihull on 25th July 2016 using premium services. The Decision could not be made on the same day as case worker requested for more documents. In response to the request, the required documents were posted to Solihull on 28th July 2013 via royal mail special delivery. Royal mail confirmed the delivery on 29th July 2016 9:15am to Solihull.

But since I sent further documents, there is no any response. I also called 0300 number this morning and they kept saying nothing they could do. Now it's 2 weeks. People says my premium service is gone and my application will join the queue of postal application. So my premium fee is under the water and I have to wait 8 weeks. All my flights and holidays has been cancelled. What a stupid premium service!

Anyway, I put down my timeline here:

premium appointment(application sent): 25th July 2016
Biometrics: 25th July 2016
Further documents submitted: 28th July 2016
Documents received by HO: 29th July 2016
Passports and BRP: waiting.....

update:

19Aug, I received all documents and a visa granted letter. However, I am still waiting the BRP card and that makes me to have to cancel the filght on 20Aug anyway. It is still a good news after all. It really depends on the caseworker. So, good luck all.

[yellow_hedgehog]

My timeline for my 1st application of FLR(M)

Application sent: 28/06/2016
Application signed for: 29/06/2016
Payment taken: 01/07/2016 - paid by credit card
Acknowledgement and Biometrics letter received: 12/07/2016
Biometrics given: 13/07/2016
No further communication from UKBA
Approval letter and documents received: 18/08/2016
BRP received: 19/08/2016

[mysteron69]

Still no news. Almost 10 weeks now since the application was received (postal UK) and 8 weeks since biometrics were done. I don't understand, people who applied after us are getting their approvals. Calling the 0300 number is a waste of time, they acknowledge they've gone over the service standard but can't give a date when a decision will be made. My wife's 6 month fiancee visa runs out at the end of this week

[Braaptastic]

Still no news. Almost 10 weeks now since the application was received (postal UK) and 8 weeks since biometrics were done. I don't understand, people who applied after us are getting their approvals. Calling the 0300 number is a waste of time, they acknowledge they've gone over the service standard but can't give a date when a decision will be made. My wife's 6 month fiancee visa runs out at the end of this week

I think my wife will be in a similar position, tomorrow will be 8 weeks since submission and it hasn't been processed yet. Another poster above has already received their BRP having submitted on the same day as us. Did the 0300 number tell you if you have any opportunities to complain as the service standards have been breached? or any other possible remedies?

[mysteron69]

Did the 0300 number tell you if you have any opportunities to complain as the service standards have been breached? or any other possible remedies?

Nope. I asked if my enquiry could be escalated and was told no we would just have to wait. It is so frustrating. They don't seem to understand or care that these are peoples lives, not just application forms.

[Braaptastic]

Did the 0300 number tell you if you have any opportunities to complain as the service standards have been breached? or any other possible remedies?

Nope. I asked if my enquiry could be escalated and was told no we would just have to wait. It is so frustrating. They don't seem to understand or care that these are peoples lives, not just application forms.

That's absolutely ridiculous, I hope it comes through soon. This is the complaints page: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisat ... -procedure

However I expect that the response would be along of lines of "thanks...we'll take that on board." There should be accountability if you publish firm timelines such as 8 weeks.

[mysteron69]

Thanks. I told them that their website says that if a decision can't be made within the 8 weeks they would send a letter explaining why and what would happen next. The person on the other end of the phone said we will probably get that letter this week. I'm not holding my breath

[Casa]

Still no news. Almost 10 weeks now since the application was received (postal UK) and 8 weeks since biometrics were done. I don't understand, people who applied after us are getting their approvals. Calling the 0300 number is a waste of time, they acknowledge they've gone over the service standard but can't give a date when a decision will be made. My wife's 6 month fiancee visa runs out at the end of this week

Your wife's legal status as a fiancee remains valid while the FLR(M) application is being processed. The main issue is that she will be unable to work until FLR(M) has been granted.

[mysteron69]

Your wife's legal status as a fiancee remains valid while the FLR(M) application is being processed. The main issue is that she will be unable to work until FLR(M) has been granted.

Thanks. She's not actually going to work, well at least not for the foreseeable future - she doesn't need to. What happens if they refuse after the current visa runs out? Will she have to return to Argentina and re-apply from there? Can we appeal even though her current visa might have run out by the time we get a decision (and assuming we are allowed to appeal)?

[Casa]

As I've already mentioned, your wife's visa doesn't expire while the application is being decided.

You should be given the right of appeal from within the UK in the event of a refusal, or you can re-apply (paying the fee again) submitting the relevant supporting evidence.

[mysteron69]

As I've already mentioned, your wife's visa doesn't expire while the application is being decided.

You should be given the right of appeal from within the UK in the event of a refusal, or you can re-apply (paying the fee again) submitting the relevant supporting evidence.

Hi. Sorry, I understand that, my questions were more about my wife's status in the event we get a negative decision after her current visa expires. I'm worried she will then be here illegally, and what the impact might be on any appeal we would want to lodge.

[Casa]

She would be covered by Section 3c while awaiting an appeal or pending an Administrative Review (AR).

Purpose of leave extended by section
3C Immigration Act 1971
The purpose of section 3C leave is to prevent a person who makes an in-time
application to extend their leave from becoming an overstayer while they are
awaiting a decision on that application and while any appeal or administrative review
they are entitled to is pending.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... ve-6_0.pdf

[Elle1987]

So here is our timeline so far.

FLRM received 2nd Aug.
Payment attempted to be taken 3rd Aug BANK REFUSED PAYMENT.
Letters received dated 10th of Aug confirming receipt, telling us bank denied payment and asking for alternative payment and requesting biometrics.
Bank seriously screamed at and payment resubmitted 22nd Aug, guaranteed to be delivered today before 1pm
Biometrics being submitted today 23rd

What an absolute ridiculous situation, we we're getting worried as the money hadn't been taken and the bank "aren't sure" why it was declined. Possibly fraud detection but they are doing an investigation. I called them a told them it would be coming out on the 1st.

Do you think this will slow everything down? My husband has a job in Italy on the 11th of October, am worried we won't get things back in time.

[lagg]

I recently made an application for FLR (M) for my wife at Solihull on 25th July 2016 using premium services. The Decision could not be made on the same day as case worker requested for more documents. In response to the request, the required documents were posted to Solihull on 28th July 2013 via royal mail special delivery. Royal mail confirmed the delivery on 29th July 2016 9:15am to Solihull.

But since I sent further documents, there is no any response. I also called 0300 number this morning and they kept saying nothing they could do. Now it's 2 weeks. People says my premium service is gone and my application will join the queue of postal application. So my premium fee is under the water and I have to wait 8 weeks. All my flights and holidays has been cancelled. What a stupid premium service!

Anyway, I put down my timeline here:

premium appointment(application sent): 25th July 2016
Biometrics: 25th July 2016
Further documents submitted: 28th July 2016
Documents received by HO: 29th July 2016
Passports and BRP: waiting.....

update:

19Aug, I received all documents and a visa granted letter. However, I am still waiting the BRP card and that makes me to have to cancel the filght on 20Aug anyway. It is still a good news after all. It really depends on the caseworker. So, good luck all.

Hi! did you get your BRP?