Travelling while awaiting spouse visa decision

[taddo12]

Hello members, I was wondering if anyone could advise on the below.

Having waited 12 weeks for a spouse visa decision, my Japanese wife received the "Not Straightforward" email. As UKVI are in possession of her passport this effectively prevents her from travelling abroad. Our honeymoon has been booked for late January (we were naively expecting a result within 12 weeks from June) so our concern is that she won't be able to go.

Is it possible to ask for travel documents permitting her to leave the country if no decision is received by January?

Timeline so far:

Online Application completed: 10 June 2018
Biometrics taken: 14 June 2018, Tokyo
Confirmation of documents received from UKVI: 9th July 2018
"Not straightforward email": 4th Sept 2018

thanks very much

[ariamus]

We received the same email around a week before the 12 week period.

Then around a week after the 12 week period the decision was made and visa granted.

I think it’s common to receive such an email even if it’s a straightforward case - they might send that because they are approaching their service standards.

I would think you will hear back in good time for your January honeymoon

[taddo12]

Thanks very much for your response. Unfortunately this is a re-application after an initial refusal in Jan 2018, which is why we're being cautious.

[Londoner007]

Travelling especially abroad, whilst application is in progress and especially for a re-application, I would highly advise against.

[taddo12]

As predicted the result came only 2 days after... will know decision tomorrow. Thanks again