UKVCAS has confirmed that from their perspective my biometrics and documents are submitted to UKVI and I need to contact UKVI for further updates. So my next attempt to know if UKVI has at least received my application and Biometrics and at what stage my application is -
Called UKVI number for ILR (
Telephone: 0300 123 2241):
https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside- ... -to-remain
- If the query is regarding an application affected due to COVID 19, call another number
(Telephone: 0800-6781767)- they do not have any information or access to any application tracking or status system.
- If the query is regarding an application made with less than 6 months, call gets disconnected.
- If the query is regarding an application that is over 6 months, the person has no access to any tracking or status system.
-- Instead the only way is to send a letter to the Home Ofice at the below address:
UKVI PO Box 3468, Sheffield, S3 8WA
-- There is no email ID that they have where an enquiry can be sent.
Based on another user's post in this sub-forum, I sent the email to
"
ApplyOnlineE-Support@homeoffice.gov.uk", that has only provided the below auto response:
T
hank you for your e-mail to the Apply Online E-Support Team.
Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic we are running a
limited service and your enquiry may not be answered
in the 24 hour Service Level Agreement.
This mailbox is only for technical support enquiries for applicants
applying online within the United Kingdom via GOV.UK. We aim to
respond within one working day.
We will not respond to technical enquires that relate to an entry clearance
application.
We do not provide: Immigration advice, acknowledgement receipt or
progress of applications, refunds, Sponsorship Management System,
British Citizenship and Nationality enquiries.
We will not respond to any non technical enquiries.
We do not deal with technical support for the new services offered by Sopra
Steria – Please contact https://www.ukvcas.co.uk
You can use the Assisted Digital Service to get help using the online form if
you do not feel confident using a computer or do not have access to one.
Useful Links:
Immigration health surcharge refunds: https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigrati ... on/refunds
Enquiries for visa applications made from outside the UK: https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk
Immigration information & guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisat ... mmigration
Sponsorship enquiries:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... s-helpdesk
https://www.gov.uk/government/collectio ... -educators
We take Security of your information seriously and in line with new data regulations we have updated our Privacy Information notice, you can find out more by going to GOV.UK and search ‘Personal information use in borders, immigration and citizenship’ or alternatively search under ‘Home Office - Personal information charter’.
Alternatively please use the links below:
The new Home Office Privacy Information Notice (PIN) https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... itizenship
If you would more information please also visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisat ... on-charter
Please do not reply to this auto response e-mail.
---------
My interpretation:
There is no transparency in the overall system, it has been designed to protect their inefficiencies from all possible avenues. There is no accountability, and always the stance of deniability. Other than the money factor regarding: application fee, expedite fee, appointment fee, document scanning fee, SMS fee, business to solicitors, which surely helps the economy, this system works perfectly to maintain the hostile environment and keep the control of the lives of immigrants.
For the immigrants, after spending our life's 5 years / 10 years or more under the umbrella of our employers with limited rights, what we want is freedom and have paid not just money in all the possible ways, but have spent irrecoverable time.
I guess it is a too much of an ask to have some kind of tracking system and home office can atleast demonstrate a genuine attempt to show some transparency in their system, but giving a "service".
The difference in days is 5 days additional (, although still within the continuous period requirement 180days rolling period, 450days overall etc). These dates were also included in the letter of support from my employer.
