Just to be clear, this is a within UK application, switching from T1 E to Tier 2 dependent using priority postal service to be decided within 10 working days.
Background info: My current Tier 1 E visa expires in May 2018. My wife is on Tier 2 general visa expiring in 2019 and we recently got married in the UK on 16th November.
I decided to apply through Priority as I can't stand the wait. Was thinking using premium but the nearest slot was in Mid December.
Started the application process by following the online procedure. First sending the email for priority inclusion at 8:30 am and got the reply in the afternoon on the same day with a reference which is needed for the online application form.
Completely the form, paid the NHS fees and paid the application fees(bloody expensive) on 27th November and sent all documents(list below) with special delivery on 28th November. Tracking info indicated' delivered' on 29th Nov. Biometric information submitted on 28th as well by using the form downloaded online after completed the online application.
I was trying to track the status using the online checking service but none of my reference numbers was working, even the IHSXXXX or post office tracking number......
On 1st December, I received an email from the case officer. In the email, it said there was an error in collecting my biometric info, therefore, I need to enroll again in order for my application to be considered. However, HO had sent a letter to me with the fee-free sticker so I don't have to pay again. But 1st December was a Friday, earliest for the letter to arrive is 4th December which is a Monday....
Got the letter on Monday and enroll again the same day, a different post office of course.
Then the waiting begins again while keep checking the status with all sorts of reference number, still showing' not recognised'.
On Friday morning, 8th December, got a recorded delivery and it felt like a card. Yes, it was the new visa which was issued on 6th December, two days after re-enrollment. On the same day, all my documents were returned via special delivery from HO. Overall, the whole process completed and it took 7 working days in total.
Here is the list of documents I enclosed:
Compulsory documents:
1. my passport( new and old) as old visa was in old passport(the old visa was a sticker, not a BRP card)
2. two photos
3. Bank statement showing £630 saving for 90 days, dated within 30 days
4.police certificate
5.marriage certificate
Supporting documents:
1. wife passport and BRP card
2.police certificate
3.council tax bills showing our names on it
4. Employer letter
5. Payslip for last 3 months
6.A cover letter stating how we met and how our relationship goes and confirm marriage
All put in two separate folders labeled as "compulsory" and "supporting" documents.
That is all the documents, not a lot but very easy for the case officer to follow. My thought is that if we make case officers easy to follow logically, then they will make it easy for us.
I hope this helps for anyone who is trying to apply T2 dependent within UK regardless method of application.
Last but not the least, people often say that there is a high risk for dependent applicants if recently got married, in my case, it was 10 days in between. To be honest, I don't believe that as long as you are in a genuine relationship and you love the person you are marrying. Why would you be worried?
