sim43 wrote: ↑Wed May 02, 2018 8:39 am
Hi folks,
Thought I would join in with my timeline and a few odd particulars with my application.
I had intended to send it off back in 2016 but thanks to life getting in the way I only managed to send it off a couple weeks ago; as such, my references, photographs etc. are dated to 2016, but I didn't date or sign the final page until I sent it. I'm hoping that doesn't cause an issue, but the more I think about it the more worried I become.
As well, although Dad's identity and nationality is listed on my original full form birth certificate which I sent in accompaniment-- in order to support my case for my relationship I also included two signed court orders in a lawsuit between Mum & Dad (remember I mentioned life getting in the way? Yeah..
) These both mention my birth (my father's service getting my birth date incorrect, my mother's correcting it...) I sent these instead of his expired passport or birth certificate. I'm hoping those are strong enough, but I'm now pondering that perhaps they weaken my application.
Either way, my timeline is as follows:
2018-04-19 -> Application sent via Canada Post
2018-04-23 -> Ceremony fee charged to my credit card
-> Later that afternoon I receive an e-mail with a Case ID and a message that my application has been received and is being considered.
It's curious, the next step seems to be an enrollment of my biometrics but the nearest UK Visa Application Centre in a six hour drive away. It will be interesting to see how my application proceeds.
For those of you wishing to know how to get their documents back, I just emailed the UKVI here:
https://contact-ukvi.homeoffice.gov.uk/ ... ge/English with my inquiry they should respond in two business days. I'll let you know how it goes.
Update on my timeline, I received my invitation to enroll my biometrics on the 20th through email. I booked an appointment for the 23rd through VFSGlobal and... this really isn't negotiable it seems. Although us international applicants seem to be in a better position now than a few years earlier when applicants in here were left stranded this situation isn't really ideal, particularly for those of us in more rural areas. For me, this was a 12 hour trip, but worth it if it means I can start a new life.
The office itself was quite the enigma. I was greeted by a front desk and pointed towards security guards, who after some confusion and unfamiliarity ushered me into a comfortable waiting room. They were very unfamiliar with my situation, far more used to seeing visa applications, which made sense, I can't blame them.
My appointment was scheduled for noon-12:30, however I wasn't seen until nearer to quarter to 1. From that point I was taken slightly deeper into the building into a room which more closely resembled a closet. Two women were working very vigorously, one processing and arranging applications and the other taking biometrics of applicants. I felt rather bad for them, it was sweltering and this office space was smaller than a standard North American bedroom. There were two people ahead of me that were being processed for what I think were either permanent residencies or visas; I wasn't trying to be nosy, but privacy wasn't exactly an option in this space.
It was here where I ran into issues. The second operator asked for my username and password for VFS, which... I thought was strange, but I complied. She needed to print my proof of purchase. For some reason she couldn't login, and we had to come up with a solution. There was a spare computer which applicants were using for printing off shipping labels, I logged in there and printed my receipt. Crisis averted.
From there, there was an interminable wait while I watched her process my application, she was incredibly thorough making sure each number, character, each fold and crease in the paper was correct. I was rather nervous when it seemed she had some sort of issue and kept checking over either my barcode or enrollment number, but eventually I was asked for my photo and fingerprints. I was finished shortly after; around 14:00.
It was here where I suspect I lost my drivers license. The enrollment letter states that you have to provide a piece of ID and given some prior testimonies given here I took my ID out my wallet and took nothing other than my application and said ID in with me (this was dreadfully boring given the wait). Despite the operators thoroughness she never asked for it, and I suspect I foolishly left it on a table.
Either way, I've arrived home, and have just emailed the UKVI asking whether they have received my biometrics, and if they may return my documents.
Current timeline:
2018-04-19 -> Application sent via Canada Post
2018-04-23 -> Ceremony fee charged to my credit card
-> Later that afternoon I receive an e-mail with a Case ID and a message that my application has been received and is being considered.
2018-05-20 -> Invitation to enroll biometrics + Appointment booked with "local" VFSGlobal office
2018-05-23 -> Biometrics enrolled with VFSGlobal
2018-05-27 -> Requested document return from UKVI
Let's see how it goes. Personally, I'm very hopeful it seems like this is the point of acceptance but... we'll see.
