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Any POSITIVE Visa's granted in May?

Discussion in 'UK Visa and Immigration Help' started by Matt P, May 31, 2017.

  1. Mrs.Watson
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    Mrs.Watson Member

    I emailed them last May 2 and May 14. (I am also wondering the same thing because i paid priority visa) Sigh, hoping it will come out soon. I wanna move on LOL
  2. Mrs_Oggy
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    Mrs_Oggy Member

    @Mrs. Watson, oh right. Twice and never got a response from them. I'll update once they replied to me. It does get annoying putting putting our life on hold like we're in limbo, doesn't it? Nevertheless, I wish all of us the best of luck and I'm sure it will come out soon. *crossing my fingers (and toes)*
  3. Roseanne J
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    Roseanne J Active Member

    Hello @Matt P We've been keeping tabs on the "delay" in processing of settlement visas by the UKVI and it seems like applications from April 2017 were all put on hold regardless of their nature. I'm not sure if I understood correctly but did you mean that applications that were put on hold will be processed at the end of June? We plan aim to submit our application at the June and we are looking at using the priority service. I hope they will not be changing any rules soon as I know thr last revision was way back in July 2012. We are hoping that UKVI will start processing the applications sooner as surely they have a huge backlog now and a many applicants are anxiously waiting.
  4. Rob
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    Rob Member

    For all concerned. Take my advice. DO NOT USE ANY PRIORITY SERVICE OR GIVE THEM ANY MORE MONEY THAN YOU NEED TO. THEY ARE THERE TO STEAL YOUR MONEY.

    I sent an email Saturday 3rd June, I know it's a bit early but I called.
    The phone call was a very bad line,02034811736 (call it you will see how bad it is)
    The lady on the other end could not find the email via the id number sent in the email.
    She also could not locate my Wife's name.
    She did manage ( maybe?) to locate her via the GWF number.
    I was in Manila on 5th May, submitted papers to sheffield as the guy in Manila said even though they can scan better in Sheffield.( methinks he was being lazy in hindsight)
    They had the documents 16th May Special Delivery.
    They were returned to me 23rd May.

    The Lady on the phone said today. I don't think they have started processing yet.
    I wouldn't be able to tell you much if they did. (conclusion, DO NOT WASTE £1.27 per minute to be told nothing.)


    She informed that priority VISA should be done in 60 working days not 10 or 15.
    She also said if you hear nothing in 12 weeks.... Contact them.

    A friend of mine got theirs last year in around 9-12 working days.
    I like the rest of you are fuming!

    Also do not book priority appointment in Manila.
    We did got there 09:30... Told to return 15 mins before our time 11 am.
    When we got inside we had to queue up for a ticket even though we explained to 2 people that we have paid for priority appointment P2560. When we did finally get through we were told we would have to wait as we had missed the appointment.
    and "Why didn't we say something"
    We were seen at 12:15 eventually.

    So guys DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY.

    Also CFO

    Allow a DAY for that not 4 hours.

    Sorry to give you all bad news but,that's the truth.

    If anyone submitted in April MAy and gets a result, please let us know
    TIA


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  5. Numpters
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    Numpters Active Member

    I'm not sure but I don't think our delay has something to do with that court ruling. My bet is just on the Sheffield processing location change. And in case you missed it, sending an email inquiry will cost you money now. This could be because so many people were emailing the UKVI asking for updates about the delays and this is their mean-spirited attempt to get people to stop.
  6. bigmac
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    bigmac Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    you dont think its a political thing to show immigration is falling... ?
  7. Numpters
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    Numpters Active Member

    I can't tell if you're being sarcastic. Care to expound?
  8. bigmac
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    bigmac Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    well--maybe visa applications are being deliberately delayed to make it look like immigration numbers are falling ? we have the general election this week.
  9. Scotschap16
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    Scotschap16 Well-Known Member

    Personally, I think it's more likely a function of the public sector being starved of funds to adequately staff the processing service - and Government greed / indifference.
  10. Mrs_Oggy
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    Mrs_Oggy Member

    Finally got a response from the UKVI today. It says:

    Many thanks for UKVI and in response to your e-mails dated: June 02, 2017.

    I have tracked the status of your application and could not find any updates. This could be because your application was submitted recently or any details that you have provided were incorrect.
    If it is the former you may contact us at a later stage when our records have been updated. We will be happy to give you the current status of your application. If the information provided is incorrect or if the given GWF reference number is correct even then please provide following details:
    9-digit GWF number,
    D.O.B.,
    Name as appeared on passport,
    Country you have applied from,
    Date you made your application,
    Date of biometrics,
    Visa Category


    Alternatively, once the process has been completed and a decision has been made the visa application centre will be in contact as per process. Each application is subject to an individual assessment and processing times may vary, hence applicants are requested to be patient and wait for the processing to be completed.

    Please note that the onus is upo individual customers to ensure that they satisfy the requirements set out in the guidance material. The guidance material accompanies each and every application form. UK Visa and Immigration is not able to give, indicate or advise upon the outcome of any such application prior to it being given full and careful consideration.

    Directing you to the guidance material is the only advice we can give you. If you need any further help you should seek independent immigration advice. Immigration advisers can help you with immigration matters, including completion of forms and representing you at tribunals. The Officer of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) regulates immigration advisers, which means they must meet certain standards.

    Please see the link for an immigration advisors:
    https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser

    Regards,

    Adeel
  11. Numpters
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    Numpters Active Member

    Ah, thanks. It's an interesting angle, and very possible as well. From my POV at least, the UKVI moved their satellite operations back home for a reason, probably to save money, and they didn't plan things well. But thinking about it now - how this was all done in haste, to the point where there was no sign or warning even to the VFS - you could be right.
  12. Numpters
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    Numpters Active Member

    Unfortunately, this is just a standard email which means your application hasn't been touched for a while now. When an application is just sitting there for weeks, it "disappears" from their system, so they can't find any update about it.

    I know it's hard, but for everyone waiting, I advise you to stop counting for now. You can constantly ask for updates, but you're just going to get the same "no update" replies. You can involve your MP but they can't do anything of significance for now. (Though it's probably good to have a paper trail.)

    Thing is, there is likely a huge backlog at Sheffield right now - PRIORITY applications from different countries included - and there's nothing we can do for now since we can't get the ECOs to skip those applications just to get to ours.
  13. Roseanne J
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    Roseanne J Active Member

    Say the tb certificate expires before the application is touched by the ECO, could this be a ground for refusal?
  14. bigmac
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    bigmac Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    It would be most unfair if it did...TB test only valid for 6 months...visa decision can take 3. A very narrow timeframe.
  15. Brom27
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    Brom27 Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    No. As long as it's valid when the application was submitted.
  16. Mrs_Oggy
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    Mrs_Oggy Member

    @Numpters, I kinda knew that's what they will say. After providing the details they have requested, I got a response saying I should get a decision on my visa within 12 weeks. Nothing that I don't already know.

    I did ask/clarified if all applications are being put on hold. I'm still waiting for their response although I'm not expecting to get an answer regarding this matter. But hey atleast I tried. I might get an answer. LOL
  17. Roseanne J
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    Roseanne J Active Member

    That's what I thought also @Brom27 and @bigmac I just hope that the ECO will be considerate in case anything like this happens
  18. Numpters
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    Numpters Active Member

    There are applications currently on hold (for financial and dependants issues) and then there are applications delayed because they are being processed in Sheffield. Not all applications are on hold as I know some who got their visas recently. They submitted back in March though, so the backlog theory is very plausible. When did you submit your application?
  19. Rob
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    Rob Member

    HI guys ,
    This is the response to my email.

    My question was, I paid for priority VISA. Where is it...? In short.

    You will laugh at the reply! Even some of the links are page not found.

    So no they did not answer the question at all.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Also note it was cut and paste twice into the email!

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Please refer to the following link for further guidance on query being answered.

    http//www.gov.uk/thePlease refer to the following link for further guidance on query being answered.

    http//www.gov.uk/the
    https://www.gov.uk/visa-processing-times

    Please note the onus is upon individual customers to ensure that they satisfy the requirements set out in the guidance material.

    The guidance material accompanies each and every application form.

    UK Visas and Immigration prior to it being given full and careful consideration.

    Directing you to guidance material is the only advise we can give you. If you need any further help you should seek independent immigration advice.

    Immigration advisers can help you with immigration matters, including completion of forms and representing you at a tribunal.

    The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) regulates immigration advisers, which means they must meet certain standards.

    Please see the link below to find an immigration advisor:

    https://www.gov.uk/find-animmigration-advisor

    Yours faithfully,

    Seema

    Department

    UK Visas and Immigration


    Please note the onus is upon individual customers to ensure that they satisfy the requirements set out in the guidance material.

    The guidance material accompanies each and every application form.

    UK Visas and Immigration prior to it being given full and careful consideration.

    Directing you to guidance material is the only advise we can give you. If you need any further help you should seek independent immigration advice.

    Immigration advisers can help you with immigration matters, including completion of forms and representing you at a tribunal.

    The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) regulates immigration advisers, which means they must meet certain standards.

    Please see the link below to find an immigration advisor:

    https://www.gov.uk/find-animmigration-advisor

    Yours faithfully,

    Seema

    Department

    UK Visas and Immigration
    Last edited: Jun 8, 2017
  20. Matt P
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    Matt P Member

    Just some information passed on...

    I have been reading through another forum British Expats.com and chatting to a guy who's Aunt works in the Immigration Department. She said its in complete shambles. As of recently they have over 40,000 applications backed up. They are employing people from abroad who use to handle the cases to try and clear some. below is a quote from an email she sent him :

    This is an email I got from my aunt who knows all about the Sheffield visa department:

    "And yes then just send it all to Sheffield. Like I said, it's gonna be a good three months before it's decided as we are dealing with all settlement from everywhere in the world now but with no staff! Unfortunately I can't track it for you as I would get the sack (they monitor our activity!) but the service standard is 60 working days and we are working on day 60!

    You can pay an additional fee for priority service but it is quite a lot and still a long wait. You would be better spending the money on a holiday when she is finally here!"


    Happy reading. So even if with a priority its taking at least 60 working days...that puts me into the first week in July. Well all I can say is I hope they can manage that at least....
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