UK visa application delay experiences

Sam1990 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:21 am

Razbi wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:18 am

Chischis12 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:03 am

Razbi wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 7:45 am

update...
Decision made on 19aug...waiting for passport collection email...But ky dependents are still waiting decision whyyyy

Mine as well. Decided on 19 aug, havnt got email for collection. Share ur timeline plz? I'm starting to worry that I havnt got the email till today

Its 19sept right?
hopw to get pp by monday

My decision was made on 15th september..still haven't got passport collection email from vfs..received sms from VFS saying that document was dispatched from BHC and is in transit on tuesday..

Razbi wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:23 am

Sam1990 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:21 am

Razbi wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:18 am

Chischis12 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:03 am

Mine as well. Decided on 19 aug, havnt got email for collection. Share ur timeline plz? I'm starting to worry that I havnt got the email till today

Its 19sept right?
hopw to get pp by monday

My decision was made on 15th september..still haven't got passport collection email from vfs..received sms from VFS saying that document was dispatched from BHC and is in transit on tuesday..

oh alright...you will get it soon..i hoping to get mine by monday...but i will call ukvi for my dependent's escalation..I cant leave my daughter behind:(

Chischis12 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 9:22 am

Razbi wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:23 am

Sam1990 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:21 am

Razbi wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:18 am

Its 19sept right?
hopw to get pp by monday

My decision was made on 15th september..still haven't got passport collection email from vfs..received sms from VFS saying that document was dispatched from BHC and is in transit on tuesday..

oh alright...you will get it soon..i hoping to get mine by monday...but i will call ukvi for my dependent's escalation..I cant leave my daughter behind:(

Yeah typo i mean 19. How to get pp by monday? I havnt had collection email. When is your course date and latest enrollment?

123qwerty wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 9:42 am

Seems like most who were waiting here received their decisions. It's getting quieter. I caved and called UKVI, still waiting a decision. Feeling worse than ever, shouldn't have bloody called.

@sam1990, congratulations! Hope you'll receive your passport this week.

Zed178 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 6:02 pm

Rondoali wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 4:56 pm

Zed178 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 4:40 pm

Rondoali wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 2:52 pm

Hey everyone!

As i mentioned earlier, I did not receive any mails or sms after by biometrics/interview was completed at the VFS Hyderabad, India centre on 12th September under priority. Today is the 8th working day. I had contacted my uni yeserterday regarding CAS status and they said its USED.

So today I called UKVI to enquire about everything. I asked why I did not receive any updates (not even acknowledgement mail) after my interview was done, the lady said it can happen and that my status is "awaiting decision". Then I said I applied under priority which means 3-5 days i should receive my decision to which she replied that we generally take 7-15 days maximum.

Now my question is, when my CAS status is used then that must mean a decision has been made right? Why did the lady then say still "awaiting decision".

Please someone give me an insight into this. I really worried as course start date is 25th Sept on my CAS. I have asked for an extension but i hope I receive it before 25th.

My CAS has been used since the beginning of September, and i haven't gotten my visa yet. CAS being used means a caseworker has started working on your case, they would either make a decision within two/three days or your case would be not straightforward.
Don't start worrying yet

Beginning of September? :O what happened after that?

So I should be expecting a decision within 2 3 working days? Hopefully it'll be straightforward. All my documents are genuine and perfect i think. I was thinking of calling them again on Friday but I dont know whether its worth calling. It hurts to pay so much for a single call even after paying for priority visa. What's you advice? How should I proceed from here?

We don't know what makes an application not straightforward. I thought mine was
I paid for priority but they told me it's not straightforward after 17 working days
Anyway, hopefully you will hear something by the end of this week. If you don't maybe give them a call or have your school email them.
Everyone's case is different so don't get discouraged by my scenario!

Chischis12 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 10:16 am

Is there any of you who still waiting decision since JULY?? Pls answer

Rondoali wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 11:15 am

Zed178 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 6:02 pm

Rondoali wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 4:56 pm

Zed178 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 4:40 pm

My CAS has been used since the beginning of September, and i haven't gotten my visa yet. CAS being used means a caseworker has started working on your case, they would either make a decision within two/three days or your case would be not straightforward.
Don't start worrying yet

Beginning of September? :O what happened after that?

So I should be expecting a decision within 2 3 working days? Hopefully it'll be straightforward. All my documents are genuine and perfect i think. I was thinking of calling them again on Friday but I dont know whether its worth calling. It hurts to pay so much for a single call even after paying for priority visa. What's you advice? How should I proceed from here?

We don't know what makes an application not straightforward. I thought mine was
I paid for priority but they told me it's not straightforward after 17 working days
Anyway, hopefully you will hear something by the end of this week. If you don't maybe give them a call or have your school email them.
Everyone's case is different so don't get discouraged by my scenario!

Damn I hope mine is straightforward. Im supposed to be travelling today
Which city did you apply from?
Your case is really disheartening. 17 days after paying for priority? That is shocking! Do you have any idea about your current status?

Sushant69 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 1:12 pm

I came after a long time as I was just waiting since 17th July for my Visa. It just got my Visa and it has been a horror. I missed a lot and hopefully it is a minor blip in the long run. So I just want to mention my timelines for anyone's who is still left from July.

Biometric : 17 July vfs mumbai
ECO : 27th July
Cas used : 31 August
Apology mail : 14 Sept
Not straightforward mail : 14 sept
Submit birth certificate : 14 sept
Received document mail : 18 sept
Processed visa mail : 20th sept
Passport received : 21st Sept
Visa date : 20th sept.

Hope this help however I do not think anybody would have been left from July.

Thank you to all of you who helped me to get through this ordeal. Hope it makes me better.

Zed178 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 12:49 pm

Rondoali wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 11:15 am

Zed178 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 6:02 pm

Rondoali wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 4:56 pm

Beginning of September? :O what happened after that?

So I should be expecting a decision within 2 3 working days? Hopefully it'll be straightforward. All my documents are genuine and perfect i think. I was thinking of calling them again on Friday but I dont know whether its worth calling. It hurts to pay so much for a single call even after paying for priority visa. What's you advice? How should I proceed from here?

We don't know what makes an application not straightforward. I thought mine was
I paid for priority but they told me it's not straightforward after 17 working days
Anyway, hopefully you will hear something by the end of this week. If you don't maybe give them a call or have your school email them.
Everyone's case is different so don't get discouraged by my scenario!

Damn I hope mine is straightforward. Im supposed to be travelling today
Which city did you apply from?
Your case is really disheartening. 17 days after paying for priority? That is shocking! Do you have any idea about your current status?

I applied from Istanbul, Turkey.
I just got an email from the VAC that a decision has been made super excited!
Trust me and have your school email or call them it is the best way!
Don't loose hope!

Razbi wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 9:53 am

Chischis12 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 9:22 am

Razbi wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:23 am

Sam1990 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:21 am

My decision was made on 15th september..still haven't got passport collection email from vfs..received sms from VFS saying that document was dispatched from BHC and is in transit on tuesday..

oh alright...you will get it soon..i hoping to get mine by monday...but i will call ukvi for my dependent's escalation..I cant leave my daughter behind:(

Yeah typo i mean 19. How to get pp by monday? I havnt had collection email. When is your course date and latest enrollment?

most of the fellows get their pp within 4 days after decision is made...thats an assumption may b i get it later...my course has already started on 18 and last date is 6 oct

Sushant69 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 1:12 pm

I came after a long time as I was just waiting since 17th July for my Visa. It just got my Visa and it has been a horror. I missed a lot and hopefully it is a minor blip in the long run. So I just want to mention my timelines for anyone's who is still left from July.

Biometric : 17 July vfs mumbai
ECO : 27th July
Cas used : 31 August
Apology mail : 14 Sept
Not straightforward mail : 14 sept
Submit birth certificate : 14 sept
Received document mail : 18 sept
Processed visa mail : 20th sept
Passport received : 21st Sept
Visa date : 20th sept.

Hope this help however I do not think anybody would have been left from July.

Thank you to all of you who helped me to get through this ordeal. Hope it makes me better.

Rondoali wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 2:57 pm

Zed178 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 12:49 pm

Rondoali wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 11:15 am

Zed178 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 6:02 pm

We don't know what makes an application not straightforward. I thought mine was
I paid for priority but they told me it's not straightforward after 17 working days
Anyway, hopefully you will hear something by the end of this week. If you don't maybe give them a call or have your school email them.
Everyone's case is different so don't get discouraged by my scenario!

Damn I hope mine is straightforward. Im supposed to be travelling today
Which city did you apply from?
Your case is really disheartening. 17 days after paying for priority? That is shocking! Do you have any idea about your current status?

I applied from Istanbul, Turkey.
I just got an email from the VAC that a decision has been made super excited!
Trust me and have your school email or call them it is the best way!
Don't loose hope!

Hey that's great news man! Hopefully you'll get it soon
Its 7th working day for me today. When i called UKVI yesterday they told 7-15 days it'll take and that my app is awaiting decision. So idk know whether to ask my uni to contact them as yet. Should I wait for a couple more days? Idk what to do next im already getting frustrated.

tariff214 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 7:19 am

mk21 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 7:52 pm

tariff214 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 2:40 pm

mk21 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 9:43 am

Hi,

This happened to me too. Here's my timeline:

3 August: Submitted my application
7 August: Went for my biometrics appointment
21 August: Got an email from the UKVI that my application is being prepared for consideration by an entry clearance officer
24 August: Got an email that I should re-scan two documents and send them through email
28 August: Got a call from VFS Global that I should come in the next day to re-scan all my documents again

I haven't heard anything about my application so far and my course starts in a couple of days. It has been 31 days now (7 weeks). I called the UKVI so many times (and wasted so much money) and my university called the UKVI as well and nothing happened. I applied for a standard (non-priority) because I actually believed their time estimations that a standard application takes 15-20 days.

I also don't understand why they asked me to re-scan all the documents I have already scanned during my biometrics appointment a month ago? And why did it take them that long to ask me to re-scan them?

Sorry to hear about your delay.. I also applied for standard non-priority service. I really wish I had applied for priority.

I have an update from today. I received an email from a different email ID (VisaSheffield@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk) asking for my documents again (fourth time, people!), as they did not find the email in their other inbox from the first time around (SheffieldDocsRequested.RestofWorld@fco.gsi.gov.uk). They have no documents linked to my application, and my visa status according to call center is still 'awaiting a decision'. I sent them a strongly worded email, and attached my documents again. This time I made sure to organize the documents in a better format. Perhaps that'll help with their incompetence. I have sent multiple requests that they confirm that they have received the documents, as that will give me some information on when they are actually prepared to make a decision on the application.

What university are you applying to? Mine have been fairly helpful, albeit a little slow at times.

I think the midweek productivity is hitting the UK today, as I received multiple emails from both my university and the Home Office after days of silence! Classic -you get what you want when you're not looking- scenario. Maybe you'll have better luck in the coming days too.

Thank you, I really hope we both hear good news soon!

That's the email they asked me to send the scanned documents to as well (SheffieldDocsRequested.RestofWorld@fco.gsi.gov.uk). I didn't receive any confirmation that they have received the documents so I called and then I was told that they do not respond to the email confirming that they received the scanned documents. I applied to Goldsmiths University, which university did you apply to? I'm not sure if I should call the university again to see if they can get in touch with the Home Office once more to rush them, or to just wait...

When you called to escalate the application, did they send you an email explaining what is happening with the application or update you? They told me after the escalation that I should receive an email with update on the progress of my application but nothing so far

So when I escalated, I basically only complained that way more than 15 days had passed and nothing was happening. They logged the complaint. When the Home Office emailed next, it was with indirect reference to the inquiries I had made over the phone. But I didn't get a separate email about escalation in particular, or the progress of my case, from UKVI or the call center. They do say they'll send an email, but I haven't gotten any direct ones. Overall escalation doesn't always result in beneficial outcomes.

One way I got to chase the documents being sent- which makes me very nervous as you are sending them a. yourself b. over email and c. to an address that doesn't reply/confirm- was by explaining to an immigration adviser at uni (SOAS, btw) that UKVI keeps losing my documents. They have colleagues at UKVI and it helps for the uni to be in the loop as they stay on top of your case, and discuss it with relevant people. But mostly you're at the mercy of the Home Office to contact you, even if the uni, home office and call center all have communicated with each other on your case.

I'm basically back to square one now. Sent my documents, got a confirmation that they were received and linked to my app. Was told that they were "prioritising applications and that a decision will be made on my application as soon as possible". fml.

mk21 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:46 pm

tariff214 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 7:19 am

mk21 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 7:52 pm

tariff214 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 2:40 pm

Sorry to hear about your delay.. I also applied for standard non-priority service. I really wish I had applied for priority.

I have an update from today. I received an email from a different email ID (VisaSheffield@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk) asking for my documents again (fourth time, people!), as they did not find the email in their other inbox from the first time around (SheffieldDocsRequested.RestofWorld@fco.gsi.gov.uk). They have no documents linked to my application, and my visa status according to call center is still 'awaiting a decision'. I sent them a strongly worded email, and attached my documents again. This time I made sure to organize the documents in a better format. Perhaps that'll help with their incompetence. I have sent multiple requests that they confirm that they have received the documents, as that will give me some information on when they are actually prepared to make a decision on the application.

What university are you applying to? Mine have been fairly helpful, albeit a little slow at times.

I think the midweek productivity is hitting the UK today, as I received multiple emails from both my university and the Home Office after days of silence! Classic -you get what you want when you're not looking- scenario. Maybe you'll have better luck in the coming days too.

Thank you, I really hope we both hear good news soon!

That's the email they asked me to send the scanned documents to as well (SheffieldDocsRequested.RestofWorld@fco.gsi.gov.uk). I didn't receive any confirmation that they have received the documents so I called and then I was told that they do not respond to the email confirming that they received the scanned documents. I applied to Goldsmiths University, which university did you apply to? I'm not sure if I should call the university again to see if they can get in touch with the Home Office once more to rush them, or to just wait...

When you called to escalate the application, did they send you an email explaining what is happening with the application or update you? They told me after the escalation that I should receive an email with update on the progress of my application but nothing so far

So when I escalated, I basically only complained that way more than 15 days had passed and nothing was happening. They logged the complaint. When the Home Office emailed next, it was with indirect reference to the inquiries I had made over the phone. But I didn't get a separate email about escalation in particular, or the progress of my case, from UKVI or the call center. They do say they'll send an email, but I haven't gotten any direct ones. Overall escalation doesn't always result in beneficial outcomes.

One way I got to chase the documents being sent- which makes me very nervous as you are sending them a. yourself b. over email and c. to an address that doesn't reply/confirm- was by explaining to an immigration adviser at uni (SOAS, btw) that UKVI keeps losing my documents. They have colleagues at UKVI and it helps for the uni to be in the loop as they stay on top of your case, and discuss it with relevant people. But mostly you're at the mercy of the Home Office to contact you, even if the uni, home office and call center all have communicated with each other on your case.

I'm basically back to square one now. Sent my documents, got a confirmation that they were received and linked to my app. Was told that they were "prioritising applications and that a decision will be made on my application as soon as possible". fml.

It is very nerve wracking to be left in the dark especially given that we have such a tight timeframe. I contacted the university today and they said they have received an update just this past Tuesday about my application which was that it's still being processed (which in my opinion is not really an update). About the escalation, I too never really got any email from them about it. I had doubts from the beginning about the whole escalation that it was a mechanism to perhaps make applicants just wait but deep down I'm wishing it can have an impact.

On the bright side, given how little we know about the system for processing the applications, who knows perhaps we will hear from them soon, even if you had submitted the missing documents recently. I certainly hope we do hear some good news either tomorrow or beginning of next week. I'll keep you posted about any updates!

tariff214 wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:33 am

mk21 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:46 pm

tariff214 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 7:19 am

mk21 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 20, 2017 7:52 pm

Thank you, I really hope we both hear good news soon!

That's the email they asked me to send the scanned documents to as well (SheffieldDocsRequested.RestofWorld@fco.gsi.gov.uk). I didn't receive any confirmation that they have received the documents so I called and then I was told that they do not respond to the email confirming that they received the scanned documents. I applied to Goldsmiths University, which university did you apply to? I'm not sure if I should call the university again to see if they can get in touch with the Home Office once more to rush them, or to just wait...

When you called to escalate the application, did they send you an email explaining what is happening with the application or update you? They told me after the escalation that I should receive an email with update on the progress of my application but nothing so far

So when I escalated, I basically only complained that way more than 15 days had passed and nothing was happening. They logged the complaint. When the Home Office emailed next, it was with indirect reference to the inquiries I had made over the phone. But I didn't get a separate email about escalation in particular, or the progress of my case, from UKVI or the call center. They do say they'll send an email, but I haven't gotten any direct ones. Overall escalation doesn't always result in beneficial outcomes.

One way I got to chase the documents being sent- which makes me very nervous as you are sending them a. yourself b. over email and c. to an address that doesn't reply/confirm- was by explaining to an immigration adviser at uni (SOAS, btw) that UKVI keeps losing my documents. They have colleagues at UKVI and it helps for the uni to be in the loop as they stay on top of your case, and discuss it with relevant people. But mostly you're at the mercy of the Home Office to contact you, even if the uni, home office and call center all have communicated with each other on your case.

I'm basically back to square one now. Sent my documents, got a confirmation that they were received and linked to my app. Was told that they were "prioritising applications and that a decision will be made on my application as soon as possible". fml.

It is very nerve wracking to be left in the dark especially given that we have such a tight timeframe. I contacted the university today and they said they have received an update just this past Tuesday about my application which was that it's still being processed (which in my opinion is not really an update). About the escalation, I too never really got any email from them about it. I had doubts from the beginning about the whole escalation that it was a mechanism to perhaps make applicants just wait but deep down I'm wishing it can have an impact.

On the bright side, given how little we know about the system for processing the applications, who knows perhaps we will hear from them soon, even if you had submitted the missing documents recently. I certainly hope we do hear some good news either tomorrow or beginning of next week. I'll keep you posted about any updates!

They made a decision! Got the email yesterday. Fingers crossed. Hope you get yours too.

Mugatiya26 wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 31, 2017 9:22 am

Called UKVI one last time and told them what I really thought of their visa process. The agent said she will re-escalate it and notify UKVI that it's urgent. However, Im sure I only ended up wasting more money.

Didisniles123 wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 22, 2017 10:02 am

Mugatiya26 wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 31, 2017 9:22 am

Called UKVI one last time and told them what I really thought of their visa process. The agent said she will re-escalate it and notify UKVI that it's urgent. However, Im sure I only ended up wasting more money.

Please what number did you use in contacting them. ?

Sam1990 wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 22, 2017 9:32 am

tariff214 wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:33 am

mk21 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:46 pm

tariff214 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 7:19 am

So when I escalated, I basically only complained that way more than 15 days had passed and nothing was happening. They logged the complaint. When the Home Office emailed next, it was with indirect reference to the inquiries I had made over the phone. But I didn't get a separate email about escalation in particular, or the progress of my case, from UKVI or the call center. They do say they'll send an email, but I haven't gotten any direct ones. Overall escalation doesn't always result in beneficial outcomes.

One way I got to chase the documents being sent- which makes me very nervous as you are sending them a. yourself b. over email and c. to an address that doesn't reply/confirm- was by explaining to an immigration adviser at uni (SOAS, btw) that UKVI keeps losing my documents. They have colleagues at UKVI and it helps for the uni to be in the loop as they stay on top of your case, and discuss it with relevant people. But mostly you're at the mercy of the Home Office to contact you, even if the uni, home office and call center all have communicated with each other on your case.

I'm basically back to square one now. Sent my documents, got a confirmation that they were received and linked to my app. Was told that they were "prioritising applications and that a decision will be made on my application as soon as possible". fml.

It is very nerve wracking to be left in the dark especially given that we have such a tight timeframe. I contacted the university today and they said they have received an update just this past Tuesday about my application which was that it's still being processed (which in my opinion is not really an update). About the escalation, I too never really got any email from them about it. I had doubts from the beginning about the whole escalation that it was a mechanism to perhaps make applicants just wait but deep down I'm wishing it can have an impact.

On the bright side, given how little we know about the system for processing the applications, who knows perhaps we will hear from them soon, even if you had submitted the missing documents recently. I certainly hope we do hear some good news either tomorrow or beginning of next week. I'll keep you posted about any updates!

They made a decision! Got the email yesterday. Fingers crossed. Hope you get yours too.

Congrats tariff214..can you please share what email you received

Zed178 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 6:24 pm

Rondoali wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 2:57 pm

Zed178 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 12:49 pm

Rondoali wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 21, 2017 11:15 am

Damn I hope mine is straightforward. Im supposed to be travelling today
Which city did you apply from?
Your case is really disheartening. 17 days after paying for priority? That is shocking! Do you have any idea about your current status?

I applied from Istanbul, Turkey.
I just got an email from the VAC that a decision has been made super excited!
Trust me and have your school email or call them it is the best way!
Don't loose hope!

Hey that's great news man! Hopefully you'll get it soon
Its 7th working day for me today. When i called UKVI yesterday they told 7-15 days it'll take and that my app is awaiting decision. So idk know whether to ask my uni to contact them as yet. Should I wait for a couple more days? Idk what to do next im already getting frustrated.

I think you should push them to email UKVI. Hopefully there would be a response after that!