UKVI Digital Changes, No PEO/PSCs from October 2018?

[loupiol]

Hi everybody!
Thanks everyone for their kind words.
Today was THE day.
I was indeed one of the lucky first ones to use the service.

I arrived 15min before my appointment. Waited in the waiting room that is filled with nice sofas.
There is self-service tea/coffee/light refreshments. That was quite enjoyable.
The case worker then invites you to a private cubicle where they take your biometrics.
They upload your documents if you haven't done it already.
Then they need to verify all your documents. After that, they send the application to the UKVI.
It took me about 1h30.

The staff are very helpful and patient. You can see they want to do well as today was their launch!
I hope the service stays as stellar as it was today.

@michali, I brought my originals and copies of my documents.
They used the originals and the copies in some instances for the uploads.
They also scanned every single page of my passport that wasn't blank!

I could have scanned and uploaded my documents myself but the people at Premium Service do it with you and they check each document one by one. So the scanning/follow-up/checking is one of the benefits of the service.
The only advantage of uploading them yourself is if you are constrained by time like you need to go back to the office ASAP. Then you don't want to lose time uploading the documents at the center.

Also for all those who are waiting for the enhanced centers (non premium), I think you need to upload the documents at home or pay a fee to do it at the center. I deduced this from the fact that document scanning is one of the services offered (see my former posts)... To be confirmed...

@boykingin, for the employers letter: my employer did not know the new system and simply addressed the letter to the old PSC... I don't think it's a problem...
@michali is right though, Sopria is a third party. I think best is to address to "whom it may concern" or UKVI.

Sopria does not a make a decision. So unlike with the PSC, you do not know on the spot if you are A-OK or NOPE. However (this is a good point), my case worker told me that as soon as he clicked that send button a case worker at UKVI would look at my application.

Now fingers crossed. Keep you posted!

[michali]

That is SO helpful! Thanks! I may be tempted to do it the same way as what you say is very encouraging. My concern is that my husband (well, both of us!) is elderly and so has loads of passports! I guess they will scan all of them! What about the sponsors passport? Do they scan all of that too?

Have you paid for the expedited service, ie next day decision or, is it eight days for a slightly lesser fee?

Thanks again! You have helped alleviate some of my concerns.

[FarHorizon]

Does anyone have any links or tips for booking via the new system that Sopra Steria is running? My first FLM (M) visa expires on 1 Dec. Started the process last month and have been trying to book a Premium Appointment for the last few weeks with no luck. Put it down to the new system being launched this month so started and completed an entirely new application yet it still links to the old booking system where there are no spots available. Any help appreciated. Thanks

[kayden636]

Hi everybody!
Thanks everyone for their kind words.
Today was THE day.
I was indeed one of the lucky first ones to use the service.

I arrived 15min before my appointment. Waited in the waiting room that is filled with nice sofas.
There is self-service tea/coffee/light refreshments. That was quite enjoyable.
The case worker then invites you to a private cubicle where they take your biometrics.
They upload your documents if you haven't done it already.
Then they need to verify all your documents. After that, they send the application to the UKVI.
It took me about 1h30.

The staff are very helpful and patient. You can see they want to do well as today was their launch!
I hope the service stays as stellar as it was today.

@michali, I brought my originals and copies of my documents.
They used the originals and the copies in some instances for the uploads.
They also scanned every single page of my passport that wasn't blank!

I could have scanned and uploaded my documents myself but the people at Premium Service do it with you and they check each document one by one. So the scanning/follow-up/checking is one of the benefits of the service.
The only advantage of uploading them yourself is if you are constrained by time like you need to go back to the office ASAP. Then you don't want to lose time uploading the documents at the center.

Also for all those who are waiting for the enhanced centers (non premium), I think you need to upload the documents at home or pay a fee to do it at the center. I deduced this from the fact that document scanning is one of the services offered (see my former posts)... To be confirmed...

@boykingin, for the employers letter: my employer did not know the new system and simply addressed the letter to the old PSC... I don't think it's a problem...
@michali is right though, Sopria is a third party. I think best is to address to "whom it may concern" or UKVI.

Sopria does not a make a decision. So unlike with the PSC, you do not know on the spot if you are A-OK or NOPE. However (this is a good point), my case worker told me that as soon as he clicked that send button a case worker at UKVI would look at my application.

Now fingers crossed. Keep you posted!

can you take extra doucoment like a cover note etc and give ukvcsa to upload ?

[michali]

Loupiol, we are bombarding g you with questions! You are a pioneer in this new process! I also need to know if you can upload extra documents. I think I heard there is an 'optional' documents section?

[allyf]

Loupiol, we are bombarding g you with questions! You are a pioneer in this new process! I also need to know if you can upload extra documents. I think I heard there is an 'optional' documents section?

Yes this is very exciting that finally someone has moved forward with the new process ! Loupiol so sorry for all the questions! Hope you don’t mind. I also am curious whether it was the expedited service that you asked for (next day service) as I really would like to know if the turnaround was actually 24 hours. Also, like Michali mentioned yesterday did your spouse’s documents need to be scanned ahead of time/ did they attend the meeting with you? Many thanks

[hw rose]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience!

[ScottyP]

Hey all - I'm new here - filling in the FLR(M) for my wife's extension of leave to remain (initial application completed in June 2016). Is there any news on when the FLR(M) online form will be updated to allow the Sopra Steria system? At the moment it just gives the option for standard and premium, with no premium appointments available at all (as usual!). I redid the form from scratch this eve to ensure it wasn't the case I was using an out of date online form - but still no luck with the new service choice. Wondering whether the new system applies for the FLR(M). It looked like it did from the list (any other leave to remain category), but I'm not sure. Cheers dudes

Hi swskum, my wife and I are in exactly the same boat and looking to get the FLR M done asap after her 30 months are up on 6th December. Ive also tried redoing the online form but still only gives postal option or premium service centre. Please could you share any news or updates you have with me and I will do the same?
Thanks
Scott

[FarHorizon]

Hey all - I'm new here - filling in the FLR(M) for my wife's extension of leave to remain (initial application completed in June 2016). Is there any news on when the FLR(M) online form will be updated to allow the Sopra Steria system? At the moment it just gives the option for standard and premium, with no premium appointments available at all (as usual!). I redid the form from scratch this eve to ensure it wasn't the case I was using an out of date online form - but still no luck with the new service choice. Wondering whether the new system applies for the FLR(M). It looked like it did from the list (any other leave to remain category), but I'm not sure. Cheers dudes

Hi swskum, my wife and I are in exactly the same boat and looking to get the FLR M done asap after her 30 months are up on 6th December. Ive also tried redoing the online form but still only gives postal option or premium service centre. Please could you share any news or updates you have with me and I will do the same?
Thanks
Scott

Hi Scotty P and Swskum - I was in the same situation with a extension of my FLR(M) but managed to luck out and book an appointment today for next week in Birmingham via the old system. Not before sending a very snotty letter to my immigration lawyer however. Apparently they're having a meeting tomorrow with senior consultants to try get some more info on the new system as they getting lots of complaints from clients. I'll report back any news. I also managed to get an email address for the HO applications support who I mailed asking how to book via the new system but waiting on a reply from them. It's applyonlinee-support@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk if you want to try. It's worth checking back on the old Premium Booking system, as frustrating as it is, in case there are cancellations. Good luck and I'll report back if I hear anything. Cheers

[allyf]

Hi everybody!
Thanks everyone for their kind words.
Today was THE day.
I was indeed one of the lucky first ones to use the service.

I arrived 15min before my appointment. Waited in the waiting room that is filled with nice sofas.
There is self-service tea/coffee/light refreshments. That was quite enjoyable.
The case worker then invites you to a private cubicle where they take your biometrics.
They upload your documents if you haven't done it already.
Then they need to verify all your documents. After that, they send the application to the UKVI.
It took me about 1h30.

The staff are very helpful and patient. You can see they want to do well as today was their launch!
I hope the service stays as stellar as it was today.

@michali, I brought my originals and copies of my documents.
They used the originals and the copies in some instances for the uploads.
They also scanned every single page of my passport that wasn't blank!

I could have scanned and uploaded my documents myself but the people at Premium Service do it with you and they check each document one by one. So the scanning/follow-up/checking is one of the benefits of the service.
The only advantage of uploading them yourself is if you are constrained by time like you need to go back to the office ASAP. Then you don't want to lose time uploading the documents at the center.

Also for all those who are waiting for the enhanced centers (non premium), I think you need to upload the documents at home or pay a fee to do it at the center. I deduced this from the fact that document scanning is one of the services offered (see my former posts)... To be confirmed...

@boykingin, for the employers letter: my employer did not know the new system and simply addressed the letter to the old PSC... I don't think it's a problem...
@michali is right though, Sopria is a third party. I think best is to address to "whom it may concern" or UKVI.

Sopria does not a make a decision. So unlike with the PSC, you do not know on the spot if you are A-OK or NOPE. However (this is a good point), my case worker told me that as soon as he clicked that send button a case worker at UKVI would look at my application.

Now fingers crossed. Keep you posted!

Hi loupiol hopefully you have heard back on your visa?

[michali]

I too am hoping to hear from Loupiol, particularly as there is another post on an applicant’s experience at the Birmingham Centre which did not go as smoothly as Loupiol's. In fact that applicant has not heard back from the HO even though he paid for the 24 hour decision.

[allyf]

I too am hoping to hear from Loupiol, particularly as there is another post on an applicant’s experience at the Birmingham Centre which did not go as smoothly as Loupiol's. In fact that applicant has not heard back from the HO even though he paid for the 24 hour decision.

Yes I have been following that thread too...really nervous now!

[loupiol]

can you take extra doucoment like a cover note etc and give ukvcsa to upload ?

Hi everyone,

Sorry for keeping everyone waiting. Work has been very busy.
I paid for super priority service which I think is the new expedited decision?
Unfortunately, it was not a next day decision...

I just got an email saying "A decision has been made, you will hear from us in 3-5 business days".
I am still waiting tomorrow will be day 4 since the appointment!
I am a little stressed out because this e-mail is not clear. They don't say if it's yes or no...

I will try and answer each post one by one.

@Kayden636, yes you can take extra documents to upload. There's an "Others" section, Education section (that is not in the checklist...).
So I added my degree and a proof of address.

@michali, they will scan everything (every single passport page even if it's 100000 pages) don't worry! You paid for this service, they have to do it for you. I don't know if they need the sponsor passport. Is it in your document checklist?
I didn't apply with my spouse who is European and doesn't need this but if you are applying with your spouse, the center will upload all your pages. Again, you paid for this!!

Keep you posted and I am going to stay hopeful!

[allyf]

can you take extra doucoment like a cover note etc and give ukvcsa to upload ?

Hi everyone,

Sorry for keeping everyone waiting. Work has been very busy.
I paid for super priority service which I think is the new expedited decision?
Unfortunately, it was not a next day decision...

I just got an email saying "A decision has been made, you will hear from us in 3-5 business days".
I am still waiting tomorrow will be day 4 since the appointment!
I am a little stressed out because this e-mail is not clear. They don't say if it's yes or no...

I will try and answer each post one by one.

@Kayden636, yes you can take extra documents to upload. There's an "Others" section, Education section (that is not in the checklist...).
So I added my degree and a proof of address.

@michali, they will scan everything (every single passport page even if it's 100000 pages) don't worry! You paid for this service, they have to do it for you. I don't know if they need the sponsor passport. Is it in your document checklist?
I didn't apply with my spouse who is European and doesn't need this but if you are applying with your spouse, the center will upload all your pages. Again, you paid for this!!

Keep you posted and I am going to stay hopeful!

Fingers crossed for tomorrow Loupiol!

[boykingin]

@loupiol - thanks for all the info you provided. Very useful for us who are in line to apply next.
My suspicion is that when they say they make a decision within 24 hours, they do not promise to let the applicant know the outcome right away. So like with postal applications, you may know only once you receive the documents by post. Just a guess - I dont have any inside info.
Anyways all the best for you @loupiol. My premium Lounge appointment is on Monday.

-John.

[ST2745]

Thanks Allyf I’ve been stressing so much since yesterday not sure if I should start applying with the new online application. I thought the changes apply from the 5th of November? No? Or have I just made that up

Please give us an update how you get on tomorrow.

My wife is in the same boat with her FLR(M) - PSC appointment booked in October with no online form, now unable to add an online form to the original application, and don't want to lose our PSC appointment. We're also just going to bring the old (most recent) version of the paper form and hope.

Would really appreciate hearing how you get on!

[michali]

can you take extra doucoment like a cover note etc and give ukvcsa to upload ?

Hi everyone,

Sorry for keeping everyone waiting. Work has been very busy.
I paid for super priority service which I think is the new expedited decision?
Unfortunately, it was not a next day decision...

I just got an email saying "A decision has been made, you will hear from us in 3-5 business days".
I am still waiting tomorrow will be day 4 since the appointment!
I am a little stressed out because this e-mail is not clear. They don't say if it's yes or no...

I will try and answer each post one by one.

@Kayden636, yes you can take extra documents to upload. There's an "Others" section, Education section (that is not in the checklist...).
So I added my degree and a proof of address.

@michali, they will scan everything (every single passport page even if it's 100000 pages) don't worry! You paid for this service, they have to do it for you. I don't know if they need the sponsor passport. Is it in your document checklist?
I didn't apply with my spouse who is European and doesn't need this but if you are applying with your spouse, the center will upload all your pages. Again, you paid for this!!

Keep you posted and I am going to stay hopeful!

Thanks, loupiol! I hope you get good news today or soon! So really not a 24 hour turnaround at all! Maybe they did not expect so many people to use the priority option! Thanks for the info. I will definitely choose the premium lounge I think. Do keep us updated. Your input is much appreciated.

[Zrj]

What were you applying for loupiol? It seems odd to take away the same day option for visas and ILR, but I wonder if citizenship applications will also be 3-5 days when they used to take months?

Also, did they say anything about not being able to travel while your application is being processed?

[srini2k2ch]

Hey all - I'm new here - filling in the FLR(M) for my wife's extension of leave to remain (initial application completed in June 2016). Is there any news on when the FLR(M) online form will be updated to allow the Sopra Steria system? At the moment it just gives the option for standard and premium, with no premium appointments available at all (as usual!). I redid the form from scratch this eve to ensure it wasn't the case I was using an out of date online form - but still no luck with the new service choice. Wondering whether the new system applies for the FLR(M). It looked like it did from the list (any other leave to remain category), but I'm not sure. Cheers dudes

Hello Sir,
I'm looking to book a premium appointment for FLR(M) for my wife's extension, her visa will be expired by 10th DEC2018. I'm trying from a few weeks but there are no slots can you please advise me any other way to book an appointment. I have gone through new service rules it seems to me FLR(M) is not included in the new service.

[srini2k2ch]

Hey all - I'm new here - filling in the FLR(M) for my wife's extension of leave to remain (initial application completed in June 2016). Is there any news on when the FLR(M) online form will be updated to allow the Sopra Steria system? At the moment it just gives the option for standard and premium, with no premium appointments available at all (as usual!). I redid the form from scratch this eve to ensure it wasn't the case I was using an out of date online form - but still no luck with the new service choice. Wondering whether the new system applies for the FLR(M). It looked like it did from the list (any other leave to remain category), but I'm not sure. Cheers dudes

Hi swskum, my wife and I are in exactly the same boat and looking to get the FLR M done asap after her 30 months are up on 6th December. Ive also tried redoing the online form but still only gives postal option or premium service centre. Please could you share any news or updates you have with me and I will do the same?
Thanks
Scott

Hi Scotty P and Swskum - I was in the same situation with a extension of my FLR(M) but managed to luck out and book an appointment today for next week in Birmingham via the old system. Not before sending a very snotty letter to my immigration lawyer however. Apparently they're having a meeting tomorrow with senior consultants to try get some more info on the new system as they getting lots of complaints from clients. I'll report back any news. I also managed to get an email address for the HO applications support who I mailed asking how to book via the new system but waiting on a reply from them. It's applyonlinee-support@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk if you want to try. It's worth checking back on the old Premium Booking system, as frustrating as it is, in case there are cancellations. Good luck and I'll report back if I hear anything. Cheers

Hi
Anyone, please help us how to book an appointment for FLR(M) premium service we are running out of time my wife' s visa will be expiring by 10th DEC2018 trying to book an appointment from few weeks but no luck and FLR(M) is not in new service either. Please advise me how to get hold an appointment or can we post the application before the expiry date?

[bizman]

Why don’t you use old form, I think it’s allowed until 29th of November

[allyf]

Hey all - I'm new here - filling in the FLR(M) for my wife's extension of leave to remain (initial application completed in June 2016). Is there any news on when the FLR(M) online form will be updated to allow the Sopra Steria system? At the moment it just gives the option for standard and premium, with no premium appointments available at all (as usual!). I redid the form from scratch this eve to ensure it wasn't the case I was using an out of date online form - but still no luck with the new service choice. Wondering whether the new system applies for the FLR(M). It looked like it did from the list (any other leave to remain category), but I'm not sure. Cheers dudes

Hi swskum, my wife and I are in exactly the same boat and looking to get the FLR M done asap after her 30 months are up on 6th December. Ive also tried redoing the online form but still only gives postal option or premium service centre. Please could you share any news or updates you have with me and I will do the same?
Thanks
Scott

Hi Scotty P and Swskum - I was in the same situation with a extension of my FLR(M) but managed to luck out and book an appointment today for next week in Birmingham via the old system. Not before sending a very snotty letter to my immigration lawyer however. Apparently they're having a meeting tomorrow with senior consultants to try get some more info on the new system as they getting lots of complaints from clients. I'll report back any news. I also managed to get an email address for the HO applications support who I mailed asking how to book via the new system but waiting on a reply from them. It's applyonlinee-support@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk if you want to try. It's worth checking back on the old Premium Booking system, as frustrating as it is, in case there are cancellations. Good luck and I'll report back if I hear anything. Cheers

Hi
Anyone, please help us how to book an appointment for FLR(M) premium service we are running out of time my wife' s visa will be expiring by 10th DEC2018 trying to book an appointment from few weeks but no luck and FLR(M) is not in new service either. Please advise me how to get hold an appointment or can we post the application before the expiry date?

I think you need to keep trying for premium service as there will be cancellations but you will have to check frequently. After the 29th if no appointment secured you will need to apply by post before visa expires. You will have over 10 days to send by post (do quickest service so HO receive before 10th

[loupiol]

Hi all,

Few updates, last weekend I got a letter with the decision.

It's POSITIVE. I am now settled!
Hiccup: the letter came without the BRP.

I am now waiting for the BRP to arrive.
This was also a bit messy.

They use DX and they don't tell you when the package will arrive.
It must be signed for (for obvious reasons). They tried sending it to me but I wasn't home.
Rescheduling is done online or by phone. You can either have it resent for free but must be at the location all day time slot 9am-5pm or pay an extra GBP 7 to have it sent in the morning or in the pm at your work location.
I can't take time off work again, so paid another GBP 7... *sigh*

@michali, how did your meeting go?

By the way, on my acceptance letter, it clearly stipulates in bold letters that one must not travel outside the UK without the BRP...

I hope my experience helps everybody. Let you know if I get the BRP smoothly.

[loupiol]

What were you applying for loupiol? It seems odd to take away the same day option for visas and ILR, but I wonder if citizenship applications will also be 3-5 days when they used to take months?

Also, did they say anything about not being able to travel while your application is being processed?

Yeah it is odd, but since Sopria are a third party they don't make the decision.
The e-mail I got telling me the decision was made didn't explicitly say if it was positive or negative. However, I guess you can call it that the 24h decision. You just don't now the actual outcome...

As for the turn around for the actual BRP, I guess I should have had it delivered to work in the first place to speedy up the process. It's been a little less than two weeks since I had my appointment...

[beginner]

Hey all - I'm new here - filling in the FLR(M) for my wife's extension of leave to remain (initial application completed in June 2016). Is there any news on when the FLR(M) online form will be updated to allow the Sopra Steria system? At the moment it just gives the option for standard and premium, with no premium appointments available at all (as usual!). I redid the form from scratch this eve to ensure it wasn't the case I was using an out of date online form - but still no luck with the new service choice. Wondering whether the new system applies for the FLR(M). It looked like it did from the list (any other leave to remain category), but I'm not sure. Cheers dudes

Hello Sir,
I'm looking to book a premium appointment for FLR(M) for my wife's extension, her visa will be expired by 10th DEC2018. I'm trying from a few weeks but there are no slots can you please advise me any other way to book an appointment. I have gone through new service rules it seems to me FLR(M) is not included in the new service.

Keep constantly checking for PSC appointments. Cancellations quite often appear but they disappear in seconds, so move quickly if you see anything. Over the past few weeks I've seen a number of short-notice appointments in Croydon (2, 3 or 4 working days in advance), and I only ever check during sensible hours (8am-10pm).

My understanding is that there is slightly less demand for last minute appointments at PSCs now that many visas are open to the new Sopra Steria system. Have hope!

You'd hope that the FLR(M) visa would move to the new system on or before 29th Nov (when the existing PSC system ends), but who knows.