How long have you had to wait for a Visa decision?

My fiance's MP said that they will help chase this up for us, so there's that. But if I were you, I'd just stop counting. The 10-day rule doesn't apply to us. The VFS/UKVI screwed us up by not giving us complete and accurate information. We're actually looking at about 6-8 working weeks.

Wee update on Kris's (@inaroiles ) settlement (m) applications for her and 14 year old son. VFS appointment was 9 March (standard service).

Two days ago Kris got a call from Manila Embassy. Filipina official conducted 30 minute interview about her son's relationship with his father - how often he saw him - nature of contact - his attitude to son emigrating to UK - son's own opinion re coming over here. Also asked Kris about her relationship with him - they were never married and split when son was 1 year old. Asked how close he lived and how often he saw his son (very infrequently.)

Halfway through official switched to Tagalog and - strangely - repeatedly asked if Kris was nervous or relaxed during the call. Tried to catch her out too - as deliberately reversed a statement Kris had made - trying to flush out a rehearsed story I guess. Fortunately Kris noticed this and corrected the interviewer.

I mentioned in another thread I felt with hindsight we hadn't included enough info about the Father - it was really just one sentence stating he took no real interest in his son.

Hopefully the Embassy official was satisfied with Kris's response - at least it means the applications are being processed. Fingers crossed for positive outcome - and decision next week.

Gerry

Good job for @inaroiles to stay composed during the interview. I hope you finally get the good news soon Gerry, I really do. Keep us posted

X

Different department but part of my job involves me drafting replies to ministerial correspondence. You probably know this but constituency MP writes to Home Office minister. Letter / email ends up in official's inbox - usually with 2 week deadline for draft response to reach minister's "box" (email account). Minister considers and signs if content with suggested reply.

Cases can be fast-tracked and sometimes correspondence is marked "for official reply" - where the civil servant replies on behalf of the minister.

Even if you wrote to your MP today (and it was forwarded by their constituency office) I cannot see a reply in less than 3 weeks. There are just too many steps in the chain - including of course the case officer providing a summary of the application.

It must be galling to pay for an expedited service - and palpably not get one!

Hope you get positive decision soon.

Gerry

Many thanks G - Kris was unfazed - just surprised at the way the interview was conducted.

Will certainly keep everyone posted.

Regards.

Gerry

I've read many stories about that Gerry in the 'other' forum where the caller is trying to catch out the applicant whether he/she is lying. Was she expecting the call then? Good thing her phone was with her that time. A lot of horror stories about missing phone call from the Home Office.

Actually not expecting call. In fact Kris was spending a couple of days away from Bacoor in the province. Limited phone signal so missed first call - but was able to take the second.

Me and the wife are one of them stories , as i have posed elsewhere they emailed asking for alt contact numbers and we provided them and than they did not follow up and call them ,That was over a month ago and still no word on a decision,

I would look at the inquiry from the Embassy in a positive way if I was you Gerry, I would be thinking the Embassy has contacted me and I have addressed their questions and concerns in a satisfactory manner.

Your post will be good information for others following in your foot steps who are bringing children from a previous relationship to the UK, it shows you need to tie any loose ends up will the father of the child and provide as much information as possible.

I think the UKVI are being sensible in asking further questions, it shows they have the child's interest in mind.

I personally feel that our friend @bigmac will be getting his bottle out for you in the not too distant future

That's terrible. I hope you hear back from them. It would be a good indication if they call you again before having the decision.

Had there been an interview when I applied, I would've missed it and they might decline the visa for not answering the call as there is no signal where I live at all. It's far from civilization lol.

And I'd like to share a case from my friend who recently applied for her children in the Philippines. She's been here for 6 years (and a British passport holder already) and been away with her kids for so long but she is so devastated that their visa was refused.

The reason being, she included the true father of the kids in the application and stated she has sole responsibility of the kids but when the Home Office called the father he said that he is still seeing the kids and supporting them sometimes. When they received the decision, the refusal letter states that they still have shared responsibility with the kids so they are refusing the application.

Until now she's still upset about it. Very unfortunate. She should've told the ex husband that he is no longer supporting and seeing the kids. So it's good that @inaroiles said she has sole responsibility of her child and the father has nothing to fo with him anymore.

Fingers crossed for your Gerry.

Hope you hear positive news soon Matt.

Frightening story Glen(n) - does your friend think the father is looking for pay-off?

Thanks - we're both anxiously hopeful!

Cheers Tim - I look at this exactly as you do. Hopefully the official will have been satisfied with Kris's responses - and as you say a lesson to others to adequately address this issue when making application.

I (cautiously) look forward to @bigmac uncorking but Champers is a bit too dry for my palate -- prefer Asti - or better still a fine pint of Director's, London Pride or Fuller's ESB (just to emphasise my fondness for things English!

Thanks again - fingers crossed.

I think it was a genuine mistake Gerry. To be fair he is still seeing the kids, which is what he said to the Home Office as well. So the HO is trying to be fair in some senses. They thought if the kids will be in the UK then the father won't be able to see the kids anymore.

Sorry I wasn't trying to frighten you. I was trying to say it's a good thing she said she has sole responsibility with the kids which my friend failed to prove.

Glenn

Well Glenn - despite being far from civilisation you clearly managed to arm yourself with a very good education. #oldhead_youngshoulders.

i was only thinking this morning of what celebratory drink for you @Scotschap16 --single malt maybe--? do you have a preference ?

Thanks G - fully understand. And different circumstances to us so hopefully all will be well.

G