US Based Application Service Changes

[MissJo]

I don't know if this has been posted elsewhere but it's a blow to anyone who is on the verge of submitting a settlement visa by the looks of it...the new priority service isn't extended to settlement visas and will probably increase the processing time

The information can be found on the WorldBridge information website under the selection of the United States.

[John]

I don't know if this has been posted elsewhere but it's a blow to anyone who is on the verge of submitting a settlement visa by the looks of it...the new priority service isn't extended to settlement visas and will probably increase the processing time

But isn't it just a question of Worldbridge effectively moving into the field of the current expediters? Is there any evidence that the service being offered by such expediters is going to cease?

[MissJo]

I don't know if this has been posted elsewhere but it's a blow to anyone who is on the verge of submitting a settlement visa by the looks of it...the new priority service isn't extended to settlement visas and will probably increase the processing time

But isn't it just a question of Worldbridge effectively moving into the field of the current expediters? Is there any evidence that the service being offered by such expediters is going to cease?

Quite possibly but it's the fact that "settlement" visas are being excluded. Worldbridge still have on their website that expediters can be used, not sure if it's just a matter of time before that changes though and if it does the fact remains that settlement visas are excluded meaning more than likely delays on these being issued.
I've read elsewhere that it could mean as much as 2-3 months wait for these now :-/

[MissJo]

Ok after deliberating I thought I would contact one of the main expeditor's and ask them if their service could still be used for settlement visas and the answer was no. I've copied below what was said :-/

[Tina] Hello, how may I help you?
[Visitor] Hi, I had you bookmarked to use as an expeditor for my fiances visa to the UK later in the month, I've just read Worldbridge website and info on their priority services. Can you tell me if an expiditor will be allowed for a settlement visa later this month as they dont fall into the priority service for some reason?
[Tina] just a moment while I get that information
[Visitor] Thank you
[Tina] still looking for my confirmation just a moment more please
[Visitor] No worries
[Tina] okay Settlement visas are no going to be able to use this service after 06/01/2010 as they will be required to process directly and will take approximately 2 months for processing
[Visitor] Ok thanks for the confirmation, do you have any idea why they have done this and made it such a lengthy process? Seems very unfair that's all
[Tina] no I'm sorry I don't work with the consulate so I am not sure why
[Visitor] ok thanks for your help anyway, have a good day
[Tina] you too

I am gutted as we are applying in July and it looks like it will be September before its processed, that's 2 whole months of worrying and waiting and this is stressful enough