MissVanCityExpat wrote:Hi all,
I have yet another delayed application to add to the growing pile...
Visa: FLR(M) extension from within the UK
Application posted: 9th Feb
Confirmation of receipt of application letter: Dated 16 Feb
Biometrics: Taken on 21st Feb
Request for NHS Health Surcharge payment letter dated 16 Feb. Paid 21st Feb. (This was initially overlooked by me as it was newly implemented and I didn't need to pay it for the first 2.5 years of FLR(M).)
Letter from HO re: outstanding policy issues which may affect my application: Dated 21st March
Letter from HO re: exceptionally complex issues, with expected decision to be made on 27 June: Dated 9th May
Letter written to HO re: bringing the decision forward by two weeks due to holiday planned/paid for the previous year (travel date 10th June): Dated 15th May
Letter from HO re: on hold due to Supreme Court ruling: dated 15 June
My husband is British/my sponsor and he earns well over double the financial requirement and I am on £30k. We have no children, so we are calling BS on the hold on our application. Considering the fact that most people got the Supreme Court letter in May, and I have just received mine now, it looks like the HO may be even more behind than it appears.
I have lost a significant amount of money due to a missed holiday and I have also missed out on a very good job offer and pay rise due to the fact that I didn't have my visa in hand. I have had to take unpaid leave from work as I am trapped in a job I am desperate to leave and can't until I have proof I am legally entitled to work. All that to say, as I am sure everyone else is aware, that this delay is causing a fair amount of stress, missed opportunities and just generally ALL LIFE THINGS on hold.
My husband and I were thinking of going to the papers with the story - has anyone done this/considering this?
That is an horrendous situation to find yourself in. You have my sympathy. I know that EU citizens whose PRC applications are delayed in this manner can claim compensation under European Law. Not sure about non-EEA spouse but may be worth enquiring from a solicitor if you have not already done so.
In this case I think you should also contact your MP if you have gone past the maximum processing time threshold. You ought to ask what is the specific reason, explaining that you meet and exceed the income threshold and have no children so the ruling should not apply to your circumstances.
Many people here have proposed going to the media with their plight. Whilst I think the situation is deplorable, I would not expect any sympathy from a right-wing press and a general public with strong anti-immigration sentiment. Just look at the Brexit situation!!