General UK immigration & work permits; don't post job search or family related topics!
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Emma84
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by Emma84 » Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:53 am
I will be completing my ILR and posting it off around 14 January. I have travel plans to go to the Netherlands in mid-April. I can't seem to find any update as to how much backlog the HO has and long its taking them to process applications. Will they be able to process my application and send my passport back before mid-April?
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Dawie
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by Dawie » Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:57 am
Emma84 wrote:I will be completing my ILR and posting it off around 14 January. I have travel plans to go to the Netherlands in mid-April. I can't seem to find any update as to how much backlog the HO has and long its taking them to process applications. Will they be able to process my application and send my passport back before mid-April?
If you are in a hurry why not book an appointment at the Home Office and go in person? It may be more expensive, but if your application is straightforward your ILR will be granted immediately and you will only have to wait a few hours to get your passport back. Additionally you will not have to risk sending your documents by post.
Postal applications can take weeks to process.
In a few years time we'll look back on immigration control like we look back on American prohibition in the thirties - futile and counter-productive.
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Emma84
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by Emma84 » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:29 pm
Thanks Dawie. How far ahead to I need to call for an appointment as my ILR actually runs out on 8 February?
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Dawie
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by Dawie » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:45 pm
All the information you need is here:
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/ukresi ... tiontypes/
You are allowed to apply up to 28 days before your current leave expires, so I would call them as soon as possible to book an appointment. The number to call is on the web page above.
Remember that you have to have passed the Life in the UK test before you can apply.
In a few years time we'll look back on immigration control like we look back on American prohibition in the thirties - futile and counter-productive.
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VictoriaS
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by VictoriaS » Wed Jan 02, 2008 7:28 pm
If it is a straight forward application it will be done by mid April.
Victoria
Going..going...gone!
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SYH
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by SYH » Wed Jan 02, 2008 7:48 pm
VictoriaS wrote:If it is a straight forward application it will be done by mid April.
Victoria
That's for sure.
If it is straightforward, it might be even quicker and less hassle to go by post rathen trying to book an appt by phone as it is difficult to get those few appts available as everyone calls at 9 for those coveted spots. My app took 2 weeks for a positive decision to be made. For some reason, they just didn't mail it back for another 2 weeks
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ismangil
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by ismangil » Thu Jan 03, 2008 9:21 am
VictoriaS wrote:If it is a straight forward application it will be done by mid April.
Victoria
I can vouch for this. I took the post method (5 yrs HSMP) back on 18 Aug '07 and it was back in my hands on 5 Sept. in I think they have sensibly initiated separate queues for straightforward and 'other' cases.
What is your current status/the basis of your ILR?
Perry Ismangil
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Dawie
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by Dawie » Thu Jan 03, 2008 10:07 am
Personally I wouldn't send my documents by post. I know too many people whose passports and valuable documents have gone missing thanks to the uselessness of Royal Mail and the Home Office. Would you really entrust the delivery and safekeeping of your most valuable documents with two of the most inept government institutions around?
In a few years time we'll look back on immigration control like we look back on American prohibition in the thirties - futile and counter-productive.
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ismangil
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by ismangil » Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:17 pm
Dawie wrote:Personally I wouldn't send my documents by post. I know too many people whose passports and valuable documents have gone missing thanks to the uselessness of Royal Mail and the Home Office. Would you really entrust the delivery and safekeeping of your most valuable documents with two of the most inept government institutions around?
That is a good point. But what about things like citizenship application when there is no over the counter service?
Then we have no choice but to trust them...
Perry Ismangil
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Dawie
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by Dawie » Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:20 pm
You do not have to send original documents for your naturalisation application, certified copies will do.
In a few years time we'll look back on immigration control like we look back on American prohibition in the thirties - futile and counter-productive.
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ismangil
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by ismangil » Thu Jan 03, 2008 5:01 pm
Dawie wrote:You do not have to send original documents for your naturalisation application, certified copies will do.
Again, good point.
I'll shut up now.
OP: start calling!
Perry Ismangil
