UKVCAS Super Priority Service

[Carifb]

Hi All,

Just wanted to share my visa timeline:

Application date: 02/08/2019
UKVCAS appointment: 05/08/2019
Decision received: 06/08/2019 at 3:19pm

All the best everyone.
Arif

[nikhil0381]

SET (M) timeline

30 July - Appointment booked at Croydon for next day.
31 July - 08:30 Appointment at Croydon and submit biometrics.
1 August - Immigration advisor receives “Exceptionally complicated” email and can’t make decision in 24 hours.
3 August - Gov’t right to work website states “no limit on staying in the UK”.
6 August - 10:00 Immigration advisor sends case officer a letter I wrote explaining why application is straightforward walking them through all the uploaded docs and how they meet the rules.
6 August - 11:30 receive email from case officer stating leave has been granted.

This application was for my wife and I am a UK citizen. I submitted two forms of evidence for the financial requirements, both non-employment rental income and cash savings. Both independently meet requirements. In the end 42 files were uploaded on the system. I used an immigration advisor as well.

In general I would advise the following:

1. It is summer holidays and expect decisions to be delayed. My friend deals with benefit claims and told me when staff go on holidays, staff numbers can go to 50% and nobody is brought in to replace them. Imagine is the same for here.
2. Case workers are normal people. If you want them to expedite your decision write a letter that walks them through your evidence in a really simple way. Point them to the rules where you satisfy the requirements. This is really important if you doing anything beyond showing them £62,500 in a bank account for six months on one bank statement and with a letter from the bank attesting this.

Regarding case workers, I had cash in a stocks and shares isa. These statements do not look anything like bank statements. I used this evidence previously on my wife’s previous renewal, when you got a decision within a few hours, and the case officer asked me to explain in detail why this met the rules as in her opinion stocks and shares isa couldn’t hold any cash savings. This is why it’s important to walk them through your evidence and make it clear what it refers to in the rules. This just seems sensible. I didn’t do it when the initial application was submitted as immigration advisor felt evidence was simple enough (it is if you know how to read portfolio statements!).

Also the the right to work website showed my wife had no limit to stay in the UK well before I sent the explanation letter to the case officer, so I am not sure if the decision was already made and the officer just didn’t email or that this check isn’t full proof of a decision being made.

Finally when we applied for the next day appointment, we never received a QR code for the appointment. After spending £50 on the premium helpline (as they were busy and cut us off) was finally told their IT system couldn’t cope with generating QR codes within 24 hours and we should just turn up for the appointment and explain that. Also after having taken all the originals to the appointment, they didn’t check any of them except for the passport.

[AlbanianKosovan]

Online Application date: 27/07/2019
UKVCAS appointment in Croydon: 06/08/2019 10:30am

No acknowledgement email from Home Office or UKVCAS following appointment and 24 hours has passed. Didn't even received appointment confirmation with QR code.

Both Home Office and UKVCAS should have my correct email as I received an email on 27/07/2019 saying to book an appointment for bio metrics and receive and I email every time I log into UKVCAS.

No change on Right to Work website.

Does anyone have the email address for the first application for Family Visa (spouse)? I have switched from DRL to Spouse visa.

[CR001]

Online Application date: 27/07/2019
UKVCAS appointment in Croydon: 06/08/2019 10:30am

No acknowledgement email from Home Office or UKVCAS following appointment and 24 hours has passed. Didn't even received appointment confirmation with QR code.

Both Home Office and UKVCAS should have my correct email as I received an email on 27/07/2019 saying to book an appointment for bio metrics and receive and I email every time I log into UKVCAS.

No change on Right to Work website.

Does anyone have the email address for the first application for Family Visa (spouse)? I have switched from DRL to Spouse visa.

You know your case is very complex. Super priority shouldn't be used for complex situations where extensive checks will likely be required, specifically falsely claiming you are another nationality and you have a criminal conviction and subsequent deporting process. So your long history of issues in the UK are likely going to cause a delay.

[AlbanianKosovan]

Online Application date: 27/07/2019
UKVCAS appointment in Croydon: 06/08/2019 10:30am

No acknowledgement email from Home Office or UKVCAS following appointment and 24 hours has passed. Didn't even received appointment confirmation with QR code.

Both Home Office and UKVCAS should have my correct email as I received an email on 27/07/2019 saying to book an appointment for bio metrics and receive and I email every time I log into UKVCAS.

No change on Right to Work website.

Does anyone have the email address for the first application for Family Visa (spouse)? I have switched from DRL to Spouse visa.

You know your case is very complex. Super priority shouldn't be used for complex situations where extensive checks will likely be required, specifically falsely claiming you are another nationality and you have a criminal conviction and subsequent deporting process. So your long history of issues in the UK are likely going to cause a delay.

I was advised by my solicitor to apply for using the super priority service due to details regarding my immigration history which I haven't spoken about on this forum. My question wasn't regarding my circumstances which I am fully aware of, my question was should I have at least received some correspondence regarding the application as my appointment was over 24 hours ago. It would be helpful if my question is answered and I am not rudely responded to with the mention of my previous immigration history.

[mrswow]

I still have not heard anything at all apart from the generic email the other day.

No idea whats happening. I'm not sure if the generic email counts as a reply to the escalation or if we can still call again in 5 working days to escalate it again.

[AlbanianKosovan]

@mrswow

I called for an escalation today as well at around 9 am. I called a call back at 14:00 saying my application is with a caseworker and in progress.

However, I mentioned I did not get any mail or post regarding why they passed the 24 hr mark. She then said they should have sent a mail and that it will be forwarded to the case worker.

Now I'm worried I will get the infamous "exceptionally complex" mail and the whole thing will be completely delayed.

Did you receive any correspondence since your biometrics??

Hello, where did you get the telephone number from? I will definitely get the exceptionally complex email but hadn't received a single email yet and had my biometrics appointment yesterday 10:30am. I didn't even receive an email confirming my appointment with the QR code. I was under the impression with the super priority service that you would received some sort of correspondence within 24 hours regards of the circumstances.

[AlbanianKosovan]

I just received

"I’m pleased to confirm that your application for leave to remain as a spouse has now been granted.
You will receive your decision letter and biometric residence permit (BRP) in due course and these will confirm your immigration status.
Thank you for using our super priority service."

What does this mean? Nothing changed on right to work site.

[mrswow]

I just received

"I’m pleased to confirm that your application for leave to remain as a spouse has now been granted.
You will receive your decision letter and biometric residence permit (BRP) in due course and these will confirm your immigration status.
Thank you for using our super priority service."

What does this mean? Nothing changed on right to work site.

It means your visa has been granted. Congratulations!.

Still no news here. The number i called was : 0300 123 2241

[AlbanianKosovan]

I just received

"I’m pleased to confirm that your application for leave to remain as a spouse has now been granted.
You will receive your decision letter and biometric residence permit (BRP) in due course and these will confirm your immigration status.
Thank you for using our super priority service."

What does this mean? Nothing changed on right to work site.

It means your visa has been granted. Congratulations!.

Still no news here. The number i called was : 0300 123 2241

Wow that's a shock! I was convinced it would be delayed/rejected!

I hope you hear something soon, It can drive you crazy waiting!

________________

Application date: 27/08/2019
English certificate exam: 30/07/2019
Documents fully uploaded: 06/08/2019
Certificate received: 06/08/2019
UKVCAS appointment: 06/08/2019 10:30am
Decision received via email: 07/08/2019 at 13:15pm

Does anyone know what happens now? Do I send my passport off for a visa to be put in and how long has everyone else's brp taken to arrive?

[Mishmish6969]

No news yet

[Lucky79]

Hi ,

I applied for ILR spouse settlement 5yrs routes.
Online submit on 12/7/19 and got appointment on 19/7/19 at 8:30 am Croydon super priority service . Recived call on same day that my passport has not been uploaded . So I was recall and got appointment on 24/7/19 . Frustrated I went back on 24/7/19 at 8:00 am Croydon. That I start waiting for call or email from HO no update came . Than I contact them on 1/8/19 and escalate they advice I will be contact soon but no luck yet . Now getting worried . Thanks to everyone who is in this form that’s help me that I m not alone .

[mrswow]

Hi ,

I applied for ILR spouse settlement 5yrs routes.
Online submit on 12/7/19 and got appointment on 19/7/19 at 8:30 am Croydon super priority service . Recived call on same day that my passport has not been uploaded . So I was recall and got appointment on 24/7/19 . Frustrated I went back on 24/7/19 at 8:00 am Croydon. That I start waiting for call or email from HO no update came . Than I contact them on 1/8/19 and escalate they advice I will be contact soon but no luck yet . Now getting worried . Thanks to everyone who is in this form that’s help me that I m not alone .

Thats a really long time lucky79

We attended biometrics on the 26th of July, super priority service. We called and had the issue escalated on 5th August. We got a generic email response that i posted above and since then nothing.

[Lucky79]

Thank you for contacting UKVI Contact Centre.

We aim to complete super priority visa applications by the end of next working day. However, where we are not able to do this we will complete the application as quickly as possible and issue a refund where UK Visas and Immigration or our commercial partner is responsible for the failure to meet the next day service standard.


Reply from home office on 1/8/19 and I call up today they said next escalation will be after 30 days which will be 2/9/19 waiting killing me .

[mrswow]

Thank you for contacting UKVI Contact Centre.

We aim to complete super priority visa applications by the end of next working day. However, where we are not able to do this we will complete the application as quickly as possible and issue a refund where UK Visas and Immigration or our commercial partner is responsible for the failure to meet the next day service standard.


Reply from home office on 1/8/19 and I call up today they said next escalation will be after 30 days which will be 2/9/19 waiting killing me .

very similar to the email I had.

I was told that if i have not heard anything in 5 working days i can call back to escalate again however as opposed to waiting 30 days.

[Mishmish6969]

Guys I got an email from my caseworker this morning:

Good afternoon,

Thank you for your FLR(AF) application. In order to fully assess your application I do require some further information.

Could you please scan a copy of your sponsor’s British passport and an official certificate for your degree. Please send these as soon as possible.

Once I receive these documents I will be able to make a decision on your application.

I sent back the above scans, so I hope I hear back something soon!! It’s end of the day today so don’t expect anything today. Relieved to know atleast it is with a caseworker but hopefully it doesn’t get delayed more

[Lucky79]

Good luck hope by tomorrow you receive good news

[Mishmish6969]

Good luck hope by tomorrow you receive good news

Thank you I hope you receive good news too!!

[mrswow]

Guys I got an email from my caseworker this morning:

Good afternoon,

Thank you for your FLR(AF) application. In order to fully assess your application I do require some further information.

Could you please scan a copy of your sponsor’s British passport and an official certificate for your degree. Please send these as soon as possible.

Once I receive these documents I will be able to make a decision on your application.

I sent back the above scans, so I hope I hear back something soon!! It’s end of the day today so don’t expect anything today. Relieved to know atleast it is with a caseworker but hopefully it doesn’t get delayed more

was this the first email you had after the escalation?

I got the generic email on the same day as escalation but have heard nothing since.

[Mishmish6969]

Guys I got an email from my caseworker this morning:

Good afternoon,

Thank you for your FLR(AF) application. In order to fully assess your application I do require some further information.

Could you please scan a copy of your sponsor’s British passport and an official certificate for your degree. Please send these as soon as possible.

Once I receive these documents I will be able to make a decision on your application.

I sent back the above scans, so I hope I hear back something soon!! It’s end of the day today so don’t expect anything today. Relieved to know atleast it is with a caseworker but hopefully it doesn’t get delayed more

was this the first email you had after the escalation?

I got the generic email on the same day as escalation but have heard nothing since.

No, I escalated on the same day that you did and received a call back on the same day and she said the case was in progress. Got this email today after that. Will update if I hear anything more but maybe they are moving things along!

[SSS2020]

Date application (online/postal) : 19/07/2019 (PBS dependent to ILR long residence)
Document received by HO/Uploaded through UKCVAS: 23/07/2019
Acknowledgement letter/email received (if applicable) : N/A
Biometric Letter/email received (if applicable) : N/A
Date of UKCVAS Appointment (if applicable) : 06/08/2019 Croydon Super priority service
Payment Debited: 25/07/2019
Complex Letter received (if applicable) : Received 07/08/2019. They said it will be delay for 3 months to check some of my submitted paper with other government department or agency. They expect to give decision by 7/11/2019.
Approval/Refusal Received: Waiting
BRP Card Received: Waiting

Please Note that I have two CCJ that I have forgotten to mention when I filled up the application form online. But I mention them on my cover letter and upload the court of acceptance letter too before UKCVAS Appointment.

I had Toeic in back 2012 which I have achieved myself, NO Proxy. After 2012, I had 3 successful extensions. One as a Tier 4 student and two as a PBS tier 4 dependent.

Just wondering what are they checking with other government departments or agency? As I have minimum papers in ILR.
IELTS Certificate,
Life in the UK
Marriage certificate
Baby Bath certificate
Job Letter
P60
Payslips
Court of judgement acceptance my payment plan letter.

Please reply anyone in same situation.

[mrswow]

Does anyone know the following?

so my husbands brp runs out on August 22nd. I know he is legally allowed to stay until we hear a decision. However i was wondering. If the application is for any reason refused and we hear after the 22nd does that mean that we only are able to appeal at that point or could we still reapply?

We still have not heard anything since the "generic" email on the 5th. The soonest we can escalate again is Monday the 12th. I can appreciate people go on holiday and there might be staff shortages but to have paid for super priority and heard nothing is a horrible horrible feeling.

Now im worrying about if its refused after the 22nd and if that means we cant re apply and are only left with the choice of appeal.

This whole thing is so unsettling. Waiting to find out if your family will be torn apart. I wouldnt wish this on anyone.

Praying we hear something soon.

[Mishmish6969]

Good news finally!! Got my decision letter today and it’s granted also got email apologising for the delay and about refund.

Fingers crossed BRP arrives soon. Good luck to you all!!! You are next!

[mrswow]

Good news finally!! Got my decision letter today and it’s granted also got email apologising for the delay and about refund.

Fingers crossed BRP arrives soon. Good luck to you all!!! You are next!

congrats!

I called again today and was told that the email i recieved means that they have not looked at my husbands yet. The lady on the phone was very informative, more so than the others. She told me that when a case gets escalated the escalation team still only have limited system access. They can see if a visa has been "decided" or "in progress" or "not yet with a case worker" - the emails sent out are indicitive of the stage of the process. The email we got she said means that my husbands visa is not yet with a case worker.

I asked her what could we do now and she said that they cant do anything more until 30 days has passed from the original date of escalation. She said all we can do right now is just wait.

I feel a bit lost.

[samrn1]

Good news finally!! Got my decision letter today and it’s granted also got email apologising for the delay and about refund.

Fingers crossed BRP arrives soon. Good luck to you all!!! You are next!

Congradulation

ours still on waiting since 12 July with Super Priority

I think some of these lovely caseworker are very lazy and slow.