Post
by excal » Mon Sep 11, 2017 7:53 pm
Hi everyone,
I have been following this thread and would like to share my experience in the hope it would help others.
I applied for Tier 4 from VFS Jakarta, paid for priority service. Timeline:
16th Aug : submitted documents and biometrics
17th Aug : received email from shefo, being prepared for consideration by ECO
27th Aug : got a call from VFS asking to re-scan my documents, did that the same day (it's a Sunday btw)
8th Sep : got passport collection email
11th Sep : passport collected with visa inside, dated 6th September
Document scanning: I brought originals and copies with me, but the officer asked to scan my copies only. The reason being she was afraid if the scanning process would damage my originals (i.e. jammed). I asked her twice to confirm if it's ok not to scan originals and twice she assured me. So, for those who are worried, I can say having the copies scanned is ok (from my experience, at least)
Rescanning: the lady who called me said "your docs might not be completely scanned (i.e. missing pages) so we are just making sure we have the complete version, just in case". I confronted the VFS officer why it would take them 10 days to realise those "missing scans", and if my 10 days wait had been in vain... all she could do was to put the responsibility on UKVI, with the classic "we are just an application centre". To make it worse, 3 days after I rescanned the docs, they sent me an email asking for (another) re-scan! I visited VFS and the officer said "nothing's wrong, your document is complete. Perhaps the system has just sent the email now". So, I think it's a good idea to always have your mobile on in case they call, as their system takes days to send an email.
Decision: I got no email from UKVI informing a decision had been made. On 8th Sep I called my university and they contacted the UKVI to ask about my application. Turns out a decision had been made and "your documents will be at the visa application soon". Hours later, I received the collection email from VFS (it was 10 PM!). It was a Friday, so I could only collect on the following Monday. The decision is dated 6th Sep, so took about 2 days to arrive (or for them to finally send me an email? I can't say)
I had a bad experience with VFS Jakarta. For my previous visa application, they did not send me any email (and I know at least 4 people who also experienced this). I emailed the enquiry service (it was free back then) and they confirmed a decision had been made. Then I came to VFS in person and asked them to check. They scanned my barcode and said "it's not here yet". I didn't give up, I asked them to look for it manually behind the counter and guess what? Plot twist. There was my passport, with the visa dated 5 days prior. Funny thing, technology.
It might not be the same everywhere, but at least for those applying in Jakarta, if you are sure a decision has been made but you haven't got collection email after 2 days, you might want to try paying VFS a visit. Just be nice and put on a smile and talk in a friendly tone. Even for my current application, I think the only reason I got the collection email (at 10 PM!) was because I called my university and they called UKVI. Or perhaps all this waiting game has made me cynical.
Good luck for everyone who are still waiting!
Took 14 working days in total, can't imagine how long it would have taken if I didn't apply for the priority service!