Is it possible to purchase priority service AFTER submitting Application?

[lisajm29]

Hi,

Is it at all possible to purchase a priority service after submitting my application and going for my biometrics, I urgently need to leave the country and I obviously can't while waiting for my confirmation so I am wondering if I can pay to have it fast-tracked.

Nothing online says you can, so I suspect you can't.

I am living in the UK and have just submitted for my FRL Spouse Visa for the 2nd time.

Does anyone have to advise on what to do if you need to leave the country and have to wait for the confirmation...

Kind regards, Lisa

[CR001]

No you can't. It had to be purchased at the time if submitting.

[lisajm29]

Is there any advice on what to do if I need to leave the country while I wait?

[CR001]

You would likely have to withdraw your application and you would likely lose your fee paid. If your visa has expired or close to expiry when you leave, you won't be able to return to the UK until you apply for a new entry clearance visa.

What date did you apply and attend biometrics?

When does your current visa expire?

[lisajm29]

I attended my biometrics yesterday (25 September).

My Visa Expired on the 22 September.

I submitted my online application on the 10th of September.

The issue I am having is that the website says the following:

Off Topic

How long it takes
If you apply outside the UK a decision will usually be made within 12 weeks.

If you apply in the UK a decision will usually be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will usually be made:

by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday
2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend
Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

But the lady at the biometrics said "You will find out in 6 - 8 weeks from today (25-September)."

[CR001]

Yes, as your application is only valid once you enroll biometrics. If you don't enroll biometrics your application is rejected as invalid. So you have an 8 week wait if you applied using standard service. Note that it can take longer than 8 weeks. Also note that the UKCVAS staff are not Home Office employees and give generic indications.

[lisajm29]

And because my current Visa has now expired, I wouldn't be able to withdraw and resubmit?

[CR001]

You can withdraw, which then ends your Section 3C protection, meaning you are an overstayer. If you then try to resubmit, your case is not straightforward and you likely won't get a quick decision and would be put on the FLR(FP) 10 year route (4 x 2.5 year visas).

If you withdraw and leave the UK, you then apply again from abroad for entry clearance and start the whole 5 year (2 x 2.5 visas) process again from scratch.

[lisajm29]

I've been reading: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... -in-the-uk

and it sayings the following:

Date an application (or variation of an application) for leave to remain is made
34G. For the purposes of these rules, the date on which an application (or a variation of application in accordance with paragraph 34E is made is:
(1) where the paper application form is sent by post by Royal Mail, whether or not accompanied by a fee waiver request form, the date of posting as shown on the tracking information provided by Royal Mail or, if not tracked, by the postmark date on the envelope; or
(2) where the paper application form is sent by courier, or other postal services provider, the date on which it is delivered to the Home Office; or
(3) where the application is made via the online application process, and there is no request for a fee waiver, the date on which the online application is submitted; or
(4) where the online application includes a request for a fee waiver, the date on which the online request for a fee waiver is submitted, as long as the completed application for leave to remain is submitted within 10 days of the receipt of the decision on the fee waiver application.
(5) Notice of invalidity under paragraph 34G(4) will be given in writing and served in accordance with Appendix SN of these Rules.

The date the application is made via the online application process, does that not mean, the date I submitted my online application, not the date I completed my biometrics appointment?

[CR001]

Date of application is the date you submit and pay online yes and should be before visa expiry.

Note that your application only starts being processed and looked at once you enrol biometrics and ukcvas submits your supporting evidence electronically to ho.

[lisajm29]

The question is still, do the eight weeks begin counting from the date I submitted the application or the date I completed the biometric appointment?

Because it would be 10 weeks in that case in total if I consider the date I submitted the application online, to the two-week wait I had to get an appointment at the biometric...

I am trying to get clarity on this, as the GOV.UK website is misrepresenting the processing times if the decision is not actually being made until after I attend my biometric appointment.

And the website should read '...a decision will usually be made in 8 weeks from completing your biometric...' rather than '...a decision will usually be made in 8 weeks of your application...'

[varenyk54]

Hi Lisa,

Just wondering if you've had any progress with your application decision? I submitted mine on Sep 13, a few days after yours and am curious if you're still waiting. I've seen a few other people have posted 13-14 week waits in the timelines and I'm getting anxious because I have booked a holiday for early December.

[lisajm29]

Hi Lisa,

Just wondering if you've had any progress with your application decision? I submitted mine on Sep 13, a few days after yours and am curious if you're still waiting. I've seen a few other people have posted 13-14 week waits in the timelines and I'm getting anxious because I have booked a holiday for early December.

Hi Varenyk54
My decision letter came through dated on the 31st of October, letter arrived on the 5th of November. I did hassle the Home Office like crazy and also my MP did the same on my behalf.

Kind regards, Lisa