Scheduling in-person appointment

[coltranekoh]

Hi,
Just wondering how long would it normally take to arrange for an In Person application for ILR.
Cheers.

[lkpone]

There isn't really a concrete answer to your question - it could take 2 minutes on the phone if they have appointments, or it could take weeks searching online for an available slot

Although, having said that, I've noticed a few forum members have mentioned that UKBA are no longer taking phone appointments, so it seems your only bet is to search online, 6-8 weeks before you'd like an appointment (which can be no longer than 28 days before the expiry of your existing visa) and see if a slot is available.

[coltranekoh]

Thanks.
To make clearer (I know there is no concrete answer), I meant:
As you can only apply for ILR 28 days before expires, how long does it normally take to get an appointment?

[lkpone]

Answer is the same, I'm afraid

Everybody seems to have had different experiences - I was really lucky 2 years ago, I called up exactly 6 weeks before and got the exact appointment time and date that I wanted. This year, I searched online for ages before, but nothing was available for the day I wanted. Once 6 weeks before rolled around, I called up and had to make an appointment in Birmingham (my preference is Croydon), because there was absolutely nothing available, even that far in advance. A few days later I called back to ask about Croydon's availability and I got one on the day that I wanted it originally next week, even though online still showed as nothing available. It's really hit-and-miss.

I'd just suggest trying asap, as far in advance as possible (I think they show online appointments from 8 weeks before, although they never seem to be available that far in advance).

Good luck!

[coltranekoh]

Thanks again!
How did you search online? Do you have a link? Do you need to submit your application before you can search?

[lkpone]

Just go onto the UKBA website and search for 'appointment' and it brings up the link to the online appointment service. You have to register your details first, and you then receive an e-mail with your unique login and password.

No, you only fill the application form in and pay online (if you want to, not compulsory), you'd still need to take all your docs with you on the day.

[coltranekoh]

Cheers!
I am a bit confused here.
28 days before my 'leave to remain' expires = 15 January.
Can I book an appointment now for let's say 16 January?
Or I can only book an appointment on 15 January for later date (before visa expires)?

[coltranekoh]

Ah.... I see I can book an appointment now for mid January. D*mn, I never knew that!!!!
However, just checked online from mid january to end of january for all the offices, nothing available!!!!
I can not believe it!!!

[lkpone]

Argh, I know... it's really frustrating But just try back a few times a day and hopefully something will come up soon

[xyz123]

Ah.... I see I can book an appointment now for mid January. D*mn, I never knew that!!!!
However, just checked online from mid january to end of january for all the offices, nothing available!!!!
I can not believe it!!!

they release appointment 6 weeks in advance. so try next week. when we got out ILR two months ago there were literally tons and tons of appointments available. its a lot easier getting appointment online these days than it was may be 6-9 months ago.

[goldfish]

I have been looking for two weeks every day for appointments (all offices, all dates). I have never seen any available. Am I doing something wrong??

I don't need the appointment for a while yet but it would be reassuring to see that there are some available, even if they are too early for me.