EC approved - only 2 years

Hi All,

I have applied for EC with HSMP letter, dated 17 July, 2008 in Seoul, South Korea.
EC was granted, but for only 2 years.
I've completed VAF9 docs and wrote on my cover letter HSMP transitional arrangement and also paid the fee accordingly.
The new visas rules state it very clearly that EC is granted for 3 years.
Do I leave it like this or contact the Visa centre and inform them that it was supposed to be for 3 years. Please advise.

Thanks in advance for the assistance!
A'rie

Do I leave it like this or contact the Visa centre and inform them that it was supposed to be for 3 years.

Yes, you should contact them by phone or email and ask them if there is a mistake on their part. They will advise you the next steps.

Since you would have paid higher fees for EC, you should claim for 3 years long EC. it should be easily done, just contact them.

Yes, you should definitely contact them. It would be helpful if you can show them documentation or quote from an official source such as the UK Border Agency on the matter.

My understanding of what they wrote in the Tier 1 general guidance document is that if u are applying as a new applicant thru Tier 1, u will get initial visa for 3 years while u still get for 2yrs if u apply using the transition arrangement.i.e.Those with HSMP approval letter.
However, u don't loose anything by contacting the ECO to be sure.

Thanks for all your recommendations. I’ve sent an e-mail to UK Visas in Seoul on Friday morning. In my mail I referred to the UK Border website and to Immigration rule - part 6, which clearly states HSMP transitional holders also qualify for 3 years.
I got a call back from the UK Embassy, Seoul within an hour asking me to bring my passport in on Monday morning so that they can change the period to 3 years!

Glad I took your advice! Thanks for a great forum!
A’rie

Congratulations, A'rie! All the best to you!