Applied For SAR File Long Before
Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 12:31 pm
I have asked for specific documents under subject access request provision which is related to my first (in country) student visa extension. In August 2002, I was given entry clearance student visa until 31 October 2004. I applied for further leave to remain on 19 October 2004 by post. I received ackowledgement letter (approximately) on 26 October 2004 from UKBA. I received my passport on 19 November 2004 with new Visa issued on 17 November 2004. I understand that I made an in-time application and the visa gap between 31 October 2004 to 17 November 2004 is because of Home Office administrative and consideration process and should not affect the long residency as the postal application was made well before the visa expiry date.
The only problem is I do not have the UKBA ackowledgement letter for that particular extension or any postal receipt for that. This is why I applied to UKBA DPU for the copy of the ackowledgement letter and other relevant documents which is related to the first visa extension in October 2004 under the Subject Access Request provision. I didn't ask for the whole file because 1) I have evidence that all other extension applications were made on time. 2) I thought it will be easier and quicker for them to provide only those documents related to first extension application (which I clearly stated on my letter to DPU).
I also provided the relevant visa reference number along with attached photocopy of the first visa. I sent the letter with my passport copy, £10 postal order and a recent bank statement (as proof of my address) on 29 September 2011. UKBA DPU has sent an ackowledgement letter dated 14 October 2011 stating that the application and payment for SAR is under processing. And the requested documents will be processed within 40 calendar days and also not to contact them before 40 days.
I haven't yet received the requested documents though it's been more than 2 months since I have applied if I count from 29 Sep 2011 and 49 days if I count from 14 October 2011 (date of acknowledgement letter). The ackowledgement letter only holds a ref no, DPU's address and the fax number.
Please advice if I should I wait for another few days or try to contact them by fax as no phone number is given. Usually (as far Iknow) it takes 6-8 weeks but in my case i hoped that it would be a bit faster as I requested a specific document for a specific extension. I would highly appreciate advice from the senior members.
The only problem is I do not have the UKBA ackowledgement letter for that particular extension or any postal receipt for that. This is why I applied to UKBA DPU for the copy of the ackowledgement letter and other relevant documents which is related to the first visa extension in October 2004 under the Subject Access Request provision. I didn't ask for the whole file because 1) I have evidence that all other extension applications were made on time. 2) I thought it will be easier and quicker for them to provide only those documents related to first extension application (which I clearly stated on my letter to DPU).
I also provided the relevant visa reference number along with attached photocopy of the first visa. I sent the letter with my passport copy, £10 postal order and a recent bank statement (as proof of my address) on 29 September 2011. UKBA DPU has sent an ackowledgement letter dated 14 October 2011 stating that the application and payment for SAR is under processing. And the requested documents will be processed within 40 calendar days and also not to contact them before 40 days.
I haven't yet received the requested documents though it's been more than 2 months since I have applied if I count from 29 Sep 2011 and 49 days if I count from 14 October 2011 (date of acknowledgement letter). The ackowledgement letter only holds a ref no, DPU's address and the fax number.
Please advice if I should I wait for another few days or try to contact them by fax as no phone number is given. Usually (as far Iknow) it takes 6-8 weeks but in my case i hoped that it would be a bit faster as I requested a specific document for a specific extension. I would highly appreciate advice from the senior members.