MERGED: Spouse Visa Issues with Sheffield +Spouse Visa Chat Thread.
 

I have personally found the threads useful, not just the timeline element, as someone like everyone else being able to discuss the timeline is useful and a great support during the most frustrating process of our lives. I am not sure if you moderators are still going through this process or have no idea how painful and heartbreaking it is, but I suggest you let people have their say here and not impose some DELETION threat, seeing just numbers is no use on its own but being able to add elements of info does and will make OUR lives easier....

Re: 2017 UK Spouse Visa Timelines Part II (TIMELINES ONLY)
 

Ii totally agree with you. Hence why I sent this email to the person who closed the thread: It's such a shame you closed the thread. It was very helpful to get all the messages sent relating to the spouse visa. It helped me reduce a lot of anxiety. We have a decision and would hopefully see if we got the visa in a few days. I hope this new thread helps as much as the old did others like me.[/QUOTE]

Re: 2017 UK Spouse Visa Timelines Part II (TIMELINES ONLY)
 

[/QUOTE]

I totally agree with you.

Re: 2017 UK Spouse Visa Timelines Part II (TIMELINES ONLY)
 

There is a whole forum in which to set up threads to discuss how the process is going for each of you - we've all been through it, we've all set up threads, we've all discussed the process.

The point of a thread purely for timelines is so that everyone can see at a glance what the expected time is. If you want to discuss stuff in more detail just start new threads and do just that, discuss!! That way it helps everyone - people have a quick view thread for timelines, and other posters have long discussion/chat/etc threads.

Re: 2017 UK Spouse Visa Timelines Part II (TIMELINES ONLY)
 

OK people.

As Pollyana correctly states , most everyone here on BE has been through emigration & visa processes some way or another. Moderators and myself included.

Really, I should simply delete the above posts and remind posters of BE Site Rule 15. However, as I have a little bit of free time this Sunday I will move the conversation into a thread of its own called Chat about UK Spouse Visa.

As has been noted by myself , other regulars & moderators and actually yourselves in the posts above, timeline threads can bring more angst to the posters in question because everyone's case is stand alone and different, which is why they are generally discouraged here on BE.

Please keep the timeline thread for timelines as per Jerseygirls example in her opening post. If anyone wishes to chat or discuss this visa further then start a new thread/topic or put into this chat thread.


Thank you

re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

Having to trawl through multiple threads is the most annoying thing about forums. Being able to follow one thread that we ALL found useful in the position we are all in just now seemed more beneficial, I think it should be for us to decide if it causes angst, we are ALL adults after all and do not need policing, I am disappointed that the moderation of this thread is such that the freedom for us to support each other in a way we feel is best for us, after all we are the ones going through it at the moment and know what we need. If someone feels it causes them issues they can simply stop reading it, simple.
If i started a thread would it be moderated to death or would we have freedom of speech ?

re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

What possible difference does it make if you do all your support-type chatting on this thread, or on the timeline one :blink: You're being bloody minded just for the sake of it. If you don't like the moderation of a site that is run by volunteers, don't use it - simple.

re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

Have you read any of the other threads on BE? If so you should see that they are not 'moderated to death' at all! There have always been a few threads in the Immigration forums which are kept strictly factual so that people just looking for facts can easily find what they want. But there are also thousands of treads that we have all started over the years which discuss every aspect of life - and most are never even read by the mods, never mind moderated by them, there's simply no need :)

Go on, take the plunge, start a thread discussing whatever problems you are having with the visa process....asking for whatever help you require.. ....whatever is stressing you out :)

re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

You're assuming that others found the first thread more beneficial - actually, you might find that lots that posted in it complained about it being taken over by chat, and not being kept to timelines, which was the whole point of it. People's questions were being ignored and lost in that thread. Your view is that it should have been kept, but others may well have disagreed and complained to the mods.

We don't take action unless it's necessary, BE is actually very fairly moderated and we only step in when needed. Remember that all the mods are volunteers, and give up their time on here to help others, and frankly I find your attitude towards a group of volunteers a bit odd (and assuming none of them have been through the same process as you.......I'm pretty sure every single one of us has waited for a visa for some country or other, that's what brought us to BE in the first place).

It's really not difficult, keep timelines only to that thread, and any other questions/chat, start new threads for, it seems to work fine in other country forums (see the US immi forum that JG gave a link to to show how it works). And please, do re-read the site rules (rule 15 in particular), any more moaning about mod actions and it will be deleted. If it is, then you can't really complain that would be being 'policed' when it's simply making sure you adhere to the site rules you agreed to when you signed up to BE.

HTH.

re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

I think what RichInna has said may have been taken a bit strongly. I had been reading the original thread since it started and didn't see anyone complain about the chat (it wasn't off topic) or say that they were upset because they had been given false hope. Yes I'm sure all or most of the moderators have been through the visa application process but how many have been through and experienced the delays that we are experiencing? This really is the hardest time some us us are experiencing thinking we would be with our husbands/wives within a few weeks and it is now months with no help from UKVI, for me it was also good to hear about people's experiences in contacting UKVI all on the same thread I have been reading from the start, instead of having to trawl through numerous threads to find an answer. I understand that it wasn't kept only to timelines like it maybe should have but I feel we created a community on that thread of people all going through the same thing in their lives. This is not an attack at anyone I am just telling the story from the other side of the computer.

re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

Most of them, trust me.
Don't assume that you are the only one to have had visa/migration issues. A few hours browsing on here will fill you in with the hassles some mods have had over the years, they are no different to anyone else. And many of us former mods have also had delays/holdups and gawd knows what as well. We know only to well what 'ordinary' posters go through - we've done it ourselves and we've helped out thousands of people over the years who have had issues and delays, not necessarily with UK migration but with other countries too. I know a lot of posters in the US forums have spent months or even years apart from their spouses while waiting for visas, and lately Australia has been ging the same way.

I've not read the original thread, but whatever was in it is irrelevant to the fact that a moderator has made a request to keep one thread to one thing and post other stuff elsewhere, its not unusual and its surely no great hassle. If there was a crowd of people posting and chatting on a previous tread just start a new one and they can all chat there :)

re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

People usually don't complain about other members on the open forum - if a post is reported, only the mods get that report, ditto PM's. We don't share what goes on behind the scenes for obvious reasons.

And yes, as Pollyana has said, mods have been through the same visa hassles as everybody else, some far more than them in fact - I can think of one mod that had about 2 years apart from her husband because he was from Iran, so subject to lengthy processing delays and he couldn't even visit her during that time.

re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

Ask for your money back.

re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

I am sorry that my effort to create a special space to chat has not been welcomed by some. It was done with the best of intentions .

As others have written, we all have our tales to tell.
Immigration rules were changed when my husband and I had just started our own application process for New Zealand and so there was concern and delay. We needed to apply & pay for a temp visa for my husband and I ended up by myself for several months, sleeping on a floor with a house to sell , my pets in boarding , our possessions already in a container waiting for the word go and all the usual guff whilst he flew away to the other wide of the world. To conserve funds he ended up in a mens bunk house with the contents of his suitcase. We were not the only ones . Of course this meant extra work load for the Immy staff, a back log and changes to their online website. It all made for a bit of a state of flux .
A few years later policy altered again and a new wave of people had the same sort of issues. They called their online support , concerns & application check and re-checks 'Immigration Finger Syndrome'. So you see, many of us have been through the same or similar issues.

I created this as the 'one thread' where those applying for this particular visa could talk to each other.

That made just two threads to check in on + any of those other threads about this particular UK visa started by other posters where hopefully folk also all pop in to support each other .

If you do not wish to use such a thread then that is fine.

The timeline thread however, any timeline thread, will remain as per any of the timeline threads we allow on BE, for timelines only. That is because there are those posters that prefer to check against such a list without having to work through chat.

Thank you.

Uk Spouse Visa issues with Sheffield 2017
 

Dear all

I wanted to create a thread where we can all (if you want) discuss your issues and worries, quite a few of us from previous threads have paid the priority service and have succumbed to the new and very slack service from Sheffield.

Feel free to vent off here and let your feelings out, we all need to have somewhere and someone to talk to and maybe the support of others will help you.

I for one have found previous threads helpful just reading your stories and problems and successes, so dont be shy get talking.

My wife and I applied 16th May paying the new extortionate priority fee (on top of the new visa fees) and was told by TLScontact it would be done in 10-15days max, now 37 working days and nothing, calls and emails have proven to be useless and inconsistent, so as it stands my wife and I are still apart, I needed surgery and had postponed it in the hopes she would be with me, no such luck. I had surgery 4 days ago and feel pretty down by all of this, Its not just the visa that hurts its the waiting the worry the stress, the extra unplanned financial burden the list goes on, but mostly missing someone so much and unable to see them.

I plan to email again this week and will let you know the response we get.

Rich

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

I had no idea you'd had all that trouble BEVS, what a pain in the proverbial :(

As for the other - it was good of you to create a thread for people to chat about having difficulties/delays with their visas, especially since the Immigration forums need to be kept tight so that others can easily search and find the info they're looking for.

Never mind, most people are appreciative of the time and effort moderators put in to providing a forum that has helped so many, not only steering them towards the right visa but also saving them from some very costly mistakes. And isn't it lovely when someone says 'thank you'!

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

I agree, I am sure we all grateful for having a forum on which we can ask questions, vent our frustrations and celebrate our own and others' successes. I certainly am! We all have our stories to tell and I doubt if anyone has gone through the visa process without stress to some degree. The patience and understanding of the mods and expert posters is something one should never take for granted.

re: MERGED: Spouse Visa Issues with Sheffield +Spouse Visa Chat Thread.
 

Hi Rich

We are in the same boat, paid priority still waiting +30 days, homeless and jobless relying on the kindness of friends and family while we wait to move as we thought we'd be gone 3 weeks ago, although fortunately we are still together in Australia not separated while we wait.

Our case was escalated in late June and I got an email saying I'd hear back from that escalation within 15 working days which would be tomorrow so if I don't hear I'll contact again and let you know how we go!!

Totally empathise with your situation - I found the reverse application (when I the Brit moved to Aus) infinitely better. Fewer "extra" costs, better communicated, easier to complete all in all a world apart from the British system. If the priority service was private people would be up in arms and refusing to pay for something they get no evidence actually gives them anything, but because we have no choice they take our money and we get no guarantees - it's a joke! The current times for Melbourne where we applied say 40% processed in 30 days so if we aren't making it into that number and we paid priority it makes me really sceptical that they really honour that at all - I tried to find out what proportion of people pay priority both by asking directly and through a freedom of information request and they refused to answer both....!

Fingers crossed for you, you hear soon!! 🤞🏼

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

Wow, I never said I wasn't grateful or appreciative I was just saying how it is from this side. How many people have posted on this thread compared to the timeline thread? Anyway I didn't say what I said to get attacked. I'm sure I will get attacked again for this post too.

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

Colesy, the post you made previously was a sensible and fair one and I meant to comment on it saying just that, sorry I didn't.

This waiting, waiting, waiting for a decision is absolutely horrible and probably one of the most stressful things any of us have ever done. While I'm sure that the Sheffield staff are doing their best, I'm still blinking in disbelief that the higher-ups thought they could bring all that off-shore processing back to the UK while not increasing staff levels and not advising that processing times would increase. Madness.

I hope you get good news really soon :thumbup:

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

I hope so too! I think what annoys me most is not the fact that there are delays but it's the fact there was no warning (and still isn't) the TLSContact site still states a 15 working day turn around for priority and the couple of times I have called UKVI they have not apologiesed and explained that there are delays. It annoys me most that they don't seem to be accepting there is a problem, I would rather they were just open and honest about the delays from the start then there would be much less panic. I guess it's a good way for them to get more money out of people calling and emailing for an update.

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

Yep, a 'we stuffed up and we're sorry' would go a long way about now. Also updating the processing times, that's probably even more important.

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

I agree, and also think hey should show processing times for both priority and non so that people can make a decision if it's worth it. I really could have done with an extra £600 right about now!

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

That's the only one I'm not sure about, showing the processing times for priority and standard. I suppose how quickly they get to the priority ones depends on how many people go that way, and they wouldn't know until they get them? You'll undoubtedly get yours processed more quickly than someone who applied from the same place at the same time, but didn't go priority. Not that that helps much when you're waiting weeks over the stated processing time, it's a right piss off.

I'll be applying for my further leave to remain spouse visa next year - I'm too scared to check how much they've gone up! Just as well I like it here :lol:

re: MERGED: Spouse Visa Issues with Sheffield +Spouse Visa Chat Thread.
 

Unfortunately, you may have to wait for around the 50th to 57th working day before it comes as that is the most common arrival time at present for most.

re: MERGED: Spouse Visa Issues with Sheffield +Spouse Visa Chat Thread.
 

Unfortunately, priority service doesn't count for much nowadays.

I think you should also expect your around the same, 50th working day before you get a response from them.

re: MERGED: Spouse Visa Issues with Sheffield +Spouse Visa Chat Thread.
 

Better than expected, we heard today decision has been made so escalating worked!! Obviously we don't know which way the decision went yet but we expect to get the paperwork soon.

For those interested this was our process:
- priority application made late May
- biometrics 3 days after online application form submitted
- less than 24 hours between biometrics appointment (where all our documents were scanned and sent) and email saying documents have been received in Sheffield
- after 17 working days from confirmation of receipt, we emailed to say the 15 day SLA for priority had not been met, in response we were asked to complete and return an escalation form which we did that same day (21 June)
- further emails confirmed we should hear back from the date of escalation within 15 working days (that was today)
- we emailed again today to say that 15 working days had passed since escalation and within 2 hours they replied saying a decision on our application has been made.

Total time 33 working days. Based on today's decision email it's now up to 10 working days until we receive paperwork confirming whether we have been accepted or not but we are hopeful :)

Clearly my husband's passport is still with UKVI in Melbourne given it took less than 24 hours to get the email from Sheffield confirming they'd received everything (a physical impossibility if it was actually posted) so we are optimistic it won't take the whole 10 days but we'll let you know!

re: MERGED: Spouse Visa Issues with Sheffield +Spouse Visa Chat Thread.
 

well , congratulations!! but how did you manage to escalate after 15 days as I've been told twice that they can only escalate after 60 days even though it's a priority application ?

re: MERGED: Spouse Visa Issues with Sheffield +Spouse Visa Chat Thread.
 

I'm not sure... I can't find the first email I sent I have a feeling it's because I used the online form. From memory I simply stated that they hadn't met their SLA for priority processing and that was disappointing given the website said 70% of applications were being processed in 15 days (which was true at the time but has since been updated) so we'd be expecting a refund if non-priority applications were getting approved ahead of ours.

This is the reply I got copied and pasted exactly:

"Thank you for contacting UK Visa and Immigration International enquiry service. Please accept our apologies for the delay in replying.

In regards to your query about the status of your application, your application is being considered and is currently awaiting approval. This was last updated 31st May. I understand this has taken more time than service level agreement therefore, I will need to escalate the matter. For me to do so can you please fill out the form below in order:

* Applicant's full name:
* GWF Reference number:
* IHS Reference number (if applicable):
* Place of submission (City&Country):
* Type of visa applied for:
* Date of biometrics:
* Nationality:
* Applicant's Email:
* Brief Reason for escalation:

Please note priority service does not guarantee that you will receive a decision within certain number of days. It only means that your application would be put in front of the queue. We aim to complete priority applications as soon as possible however it may get delayed due to several factors.

We have service levels. We aim to complete 90% of non-settlement applications within 3 weeks, 98% within 6 weeks and 100% within 12 weeks of the application date (where 1 week is 5 working days) and 95% of settlement applications within 12 weeks of the application date and 100% within 24 weeks of the application date (where 1 week is 5 working days).

Please note that 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 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 advisors 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 advisors, which means they must meet certain standards.

Please see the link below to find an immigration advisor:

https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser

Regards,

Nadia
UK Visas and Immigration"

re: MERGED: Spouse Visa Issues with Sheffield +Spouse Visa Chat Thread.
 

Agreed I have been told the same too! :thumbdown:

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

Hi my wife is currently applying from colombia for a spouse visa. She had her biometrics taken on 3 May 2017 in Bogota. We understand we must wait 60 working days. We are currently on day 45. However, she had not received any emails since. We thought she would get an email when a file handler has taken conduct ect. Is this normal not to hear anything since the appointment?

Thanks.

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

It's normal! We waited for 59 days

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

Hi I am hopeful this thread will work.

I reckon my wife is on day 58 today having received her confirmation email from Sheffield on 4 May. Please lord let's hear by Friday.

I start work on 3 August; I have no one to look after my 4 yo son. We left Bangkok mid May so I could get him into primary school and get settled befor my wife arrives. Any one here on day 58?

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

BBob. Please can you indicate when was Day 1 for you, was it

Date of online application ?
Date of handover docs and biometrics ?
Or
Date of receipt of documents in Sheffield?

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

I read that the backlog is extended the 60 days. Does anyone know if this is true? I am in the pooh. Starting work at the end of the month. No school. No child minder. Help please !

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

Having read other threads I reckon my wife is not day 58 at all. More like day 49 if counting from the Sheffield email receipt date.

This is killing me. My son misses his mum so so much.

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

It is on the timeline for spouse UK

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

Sorry I meant it is on the other timeline for spouse UK

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

Relax you would get a response within 60days. I know how it feels. Here is my timeline, but it's only a guide. Everyone case is different.
Spouse visa from Nigeria to the UK
We submitted the online application estimate date: 3rd April 2017
Visited VSA centre biometrics estimate date: 6th April 2017.
Confirmation application received @ vsa centre 7th April 2017.
Supporting docs sent to Sheffield 10th April 2017 received on the 11th April royal special delivery confirmation.
? Date likely changed to awaiting decision - estimate 25th of April 2017.
Decision made 6th of July 2017
Emailed received ready to pick passport 7th of July 2017
Visa approved Hubby collected his passport 10th July 2017.
Total of 59 days (11 weeks and 6 days for decision). GWF on traking visa online worked only on the 6th July 2017. Goodluck wishing everyone the best!

Re: Chat about UK Spouse Visa . - off topic posts re timeline v chat threads
 

Trying very hard to relax, but still no one can tell me what is day one.

Applied on-line and paid IHS 19 April

Biometrics 27 April

Email from Sheffield 4 May

Which is day one please, pretty please.