ICFN Travel Question

[dysar]

I am currently looking into changing employer on Tier 2 (General), and understand as part of this I'll receive an ICFN upon a successful application. I am going to apply in person at Croydon PEO, however the earliest date available at this stage is 23 June. Now, I also have a holiday booked for 3rd July.

My questions are:
- What is the current wait time for ICFN after an in-person application? As UKBA web guidance advises people to contact them if they haven't received it within 10 working days (I'll only have 7 - eek!)
- if I haven't received the ICFN card before the 3rd of July (which by all accounts sounds entirely possible), does this mean I wont be able to travel and will have to cancel the holiday?
- Or is there a way of travelling without the ICFN somehow?

Cheers,
D

[INSIDER]

I don't know about wait times but as to your question about travelling without the ICFN I will need to know your nationality. Or at least whether you are a visa or non-visa national.

[dysar]

Sorry, I am a New Zealander. Currently hold valid Tier 2 visa.

[INSIDER]

Helps that you are a non-visa national as you wont be denied boarding by the airline on your return to the UK.

When you arrive at Immigration just explain the position to them, if you have any correspondence regarding your application then this will help. The IO will do the necessary checks and provided your application was successful you should have no problems.

Obviously this process may result in you being delayed at the airport but I would guess this is a small inconvenience to pay compared to cancelling your holiday.

[dysar]

I agree. Well here's hoping, I'll be sure to post the outcome here.

[joh118]

I am currently looking into changing employer on Tier 2 (General), and understand as part of this I'll receive an ICFN upon a successful application. I am going to apply in person at Croydon PEO, however the earliest date available at this stage is 23 June. Now, I also have a holiday booked for 3rd July.

My questions are:
- What is the current wait time for ICFN after an in-person application? As UKBA web guidance advises people to contact them if they haven't received it within 10 working days (I'll only have 7 - eek!)
- if I haven't received the ICFN card before the 3rd of July (which by all accounts sounds entirely possible), does this mean I wont be able to travel and will have to cancel the holiday?
- Or is there a way of travelling without the ICFN somehow?

Cheers,
D

You get your ICFN on the same day for premium applications.

unless, of course there is any problems

[dysar]

Incorrect. See http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... _foreign_1

[temo]

Hi Dysar,

I am exactly in the same position, (changing employer, applying in person for Tier 2 and have a holiday booked)

- What is the current wait time for ICFN after an in-person application? As UKBA web guidance advises people to contact them if they haven't received it within 10 working days (I'll only have 7 - eek!)

I have an appointment on 21/5 and I booked my holiday on 31/5. I'll let you know how that works out with me, PM me around those dates in case I forget

- if I haven't received the ICFN card before the 3rd of July (which by all accounts sounds entirely possible), does this mean I wont be able to travel and will have to cancel the holiday?

- Or is there a way of travelling without the ICFN somehow?

The immigration team at my new employer told me that the cards can be delivered to their address and they will arrange for them to be couriered/posted to an address abroad. They did say its a bit cheeqy but can be arranged.

When I called the HO they said ICFNs are delivered to my home address and have to be delivered by hand and some sort of ID is required as a proof of identity. she also said its illegal to post/courier ICFNs abroad by someone else.... she also said that if I leave UK before receiving the ICFNs I'll have to apply for a new Tier 2 application from abroad.

(based on my expeince with the advices from HO its not consistent and I have the feeling the lady on the phone was having a bad day!)

If you give them a call and ask you might get different answer, please share that if you do.

I have a question that just came across my mind. Do I need any letter from my x-employer stating I'm no longer working for them? as my last day at the current employer is on 19/5 and my appointment is on 21/5 am afraid the the current employer won't be cancelling the WP straight away!


Good luck,
Timur