UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Aug 28th 2018, 3:39 pm
#601
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 110
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Country applying from: Azerbaijan
Type of visa applied for: Fiance Settlement Visa
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Non-Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: July 04th, 2018
Date Bio-metrics Taken: July 11th, 2018
Date Documents sent to Sheffield: July 13th, 2018 from the UK
Date Documents were Received in Sheffield: July 17th, 2018
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": July 26th, 2018
Decision Made Email: Waiting
Passport Returned: Waiting
Update:
39 BD - From Application - counting
34 BD - From Biometrics - counting
30 BD - From Documents Received - counting
Half of the wait done.
Type of visa applied for: Fiance Settlement Visa
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Non-Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: July 04th, 2018
Date Bio-metrics Taken: July 11th, 2018
Date Documents sent to Sheffield: July 13th, 2018 from the UK
Date Documents were Received in Sheffield: July 17th, 2018
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": July 26th, 2018
Decision Made Email: Waiting
Passport Returned: Waiting
Update:
39 BD - From Application - counting
34 BD - From Biometrics - counting
30 BD - From Documents Received - counting
Half of the wait done.
Aug 28th 2018, 3:45 pm
#602
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 5
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Country applying from: USA (NYC)
Type of visa applied for: Fiance Settlement Visa
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: June 15, 2018
Date Bio-metrics Taken: June 18, 2018
Date Documents sent to Sheffield: June 18, 2018 from the US
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": June 27, 2018
Decision Made Email: August 28
Passport Returned: Waiting
43 business days from ECO confirmation email, 50 business days from biometrics.
Type of visa applied for: Fiance Settlement Visa
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: June 15, 2018
Date Bio-metrics Taken: June 18, 2018
Date Documents sent to Sheffield: June 18, 2018 from the US
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": June 27, 2018
Decision Made Email: August 28
Passport Returned: Waiting
43 business days from ECO confirmation email, 50 business days from biometrics.
Aug 28th 2018, 3:48 pm
#603
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 4
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
UK SPOUSE SETTLEMENT
Application location: Senegal - Priority Paid
*58 working days for decision*
Online application: 29 May
Bio-metrics at VFS: 8 June (8 days from OA)
Docs submitted to Sheffield: 21 June (10 days since BD)
Signed delivery of docs: 21 June
*No acknowledgement emails received from UKVI*
Solicitor email inquiry: 19 July - awaiting a decision
Solicitor email requesting escalation: 19 July
*Call to UKVI: 23 July - the case wasn’t escalated - call centre staff escalated case for the first time - Quoted 15-20 working days for a response*
Letter to MP requesting assistance: 23 July
**Numerous phone calls and emails to UKVI ££££££££££££££££££££ - still awaiting decision**
Response from UKVI: 1 August - generic response
**Numerous phone calls and emails to UKVI ££££££££££££££££££££ - still awaiting decision**
Call to UKVI: 14 August (17 days after escalation) - still awaiting decision
Call to MP: 17 August (20 days after escalation) - no answer
Letter from MPs office with a generic UKVI letter attached: 20 August
Decision made email from UKVI via Solicitor: 23 August
Email to collect documents and passport from VFS: 27 August
Application location: Senegal - Priority Paid
*58 working days for decision*
Online application: 29 May
Bio-metrics at VFS: 8 June (8 days from OA)
Docs submitted to Sheffield: 21 June (10 days since BD)
Signed delivery of docs: 21 June
*No acknowledgement emails received from UKVI*
Solicitor email inquiry: 19 July - awaiting a decision
Solicitor email requesting escalation: 19 July
*Call to UKVI: 23 July - the case wasn’t escalated - call centre staff escalated case for the first time - Quoted 15-20 working days for a response*
Letter to MP requesting assistance: 23 July
**Numerous phone calls and emails to UKVI ££££££££££££££££££££ - still awaiting decision**
Response from UKVI: 1 August - generic response
**Numerous phone calls and emails to UKVI ££££££££££££££££££££ - still awaiting decision**
Call to UKVI: 14 August (17 days after escalation) - still awaiting decision
Call to MP: 17 August (20 days after escalation) - no answer
Letter from MPs office with a generic UKVI letter attached: 20 August
Decision made email from UKVI via Solicitor: 23 August
Email to collect documents and passport from VFS: 27 August
Passport collected with approved visa: 28 August (to travel within 30 days)
Total days from biometric: 58 Business Days
Total days from initial escalation: 27 Business
Last edited by Jerseygirl; Aug 28th 2018 at 4:46 pm.
Aug 28th 2018, 11:43 pm
#604
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 14
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Country applying from: Auckland, New Zealand
Type of visa applied for: Fiance Settlement Visa
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: 3 July 2018
Date Bio-metrics Taken: 6 July 2018
Date Documents received at Sheffield: 10 July 2018
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": 20 July 2018
Escalation: Never escalated
Decision Made Email: Never received
Passport Returned: 28 August 2018 - Approved!!!
37 business days from biometrics appt
Type of visa applied for: Fiance Settlement Visa
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: 3 July 2018
Date Bio-metrics Taken: 6 July 2018
Date Documents received at Sheffield: 10 July 2018
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": 20 July 2018
Escalation: Never escalated
Decision Made Email: Never received
Passport Returned: 28 August 2018 - Approved!!!
37 business days from biometrics appt
Aug 29th 2018, 3:11 am
#605
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 3
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Total WD: 30 and counting from Bio (1 bank holiday)
Aug 29th 2018, 10:13 am
#606
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 7
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Country applying from: Sydney, Australia
Type of visa applied for: Spouse Settlement Visa - Wife
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: 20 June 2018
Date Biometrics Taken: 26 June 2018
Date Documents were Received in Sheffield (tracking): 5 July
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": 12 July 2018
Documents received back from UKVI to UK Address: 16 July
Still waiting on a decision made email, text message and passport to be sent back.
---
30 days for priority processing has now passed.
Called UKVI today (costing 15 pounds). They have escalated the case, and said we can now wait for
a) 10 - 15 working days to received an email explaining why there is a delay and when we can expect a decision to be made, or
b) a decision will be made in that time and we will receive the passport
Decision Made Email: Waiting
Document and passport received: Waiting
Total Processing Time: 30 working days and counting...
Type of visa applied for: Spouse Settlement Visa - Wife
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: 20 June 2018
Date Biometrics Taken: 26 June 2018
Date Documents were Received in Sheffield (tracking): 5 July
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": 12 July 2018
Documents received back from UKVI to UK Address: 16 July
Still waiting on a decision made email, text message and passport to be sent back.
---
30 days for priority processing has now passed.
Called UKVI today (costing 15 pounds). They have escalated the case, and said we can now wait for
a) 10 - 15 working days to received an email explaining why there is a delay and when we can expect a decision to be made, or
b) a decision will be made in that time and we will receive the passport
Decision Made Email: Waiting
Document and passport received: Waiting
Total Processing Time: 30 working days and counting...
UPDATE:
Contacted MP, who were unable to get any further information from UKVI on why there is a delay, or when a decision will likely be made.
41 days, and counting, since biometrics as at 21.08.2018.
FINAL UPDATE:
Decision Made Email: 23 August 2018
Text message to say passport will be dispatched: 24 August 2018
Document and passport received: 27 August 2018
44 Working days since biometrics
Visa Approved
Aug 29th 2018, 11:59 am
#607
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 2
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Country applying from: Philippines (VFS Manila)
Type of visa applied for: Partner - Fiance (our wedding booked for 14th September 2018)
Priority/Non-Priority: Non Priority
Date online application submitted: 30th April, 2018
Date biometrics taken: 2nd May, 2018
Date documents set to UKVI: 3rd May 2018
Documents Returned: 16th May 2018
Response received confirming “application is being considered and is currently awaiting a decision.”: 10th June 2018
Email received "Unfortunately, the processing of your application has not been straightforward and we will be unable to decide your application within our customer service targets": 25th July 2018
Request to have application escalated (first time): 25th July 2018
Asked MP to contact Home Office on my behalf: 30th July 2018
MP contacted Home Office: 3rd August 2018
Asked MP to chase Home Office: 15th August 2018
Request to have application escalated (second time): 16th August 2018
Asked MP to chase Home Office (3rd time) : 23rd August 2018
Decision made email: None
Text Received: None
Date your visa was received: None
Total (so far) 79 business days from biometrics
Type of visa applied for: Partner - Fiance (our wedding booked for 14th September 2018)
Priority/Non-Priority: Non Priority
Date online application submitted: 30th April, 2018
Date biometrics taken: 2nd May, 2018
Date documents set to UKVI: 3rd May 2018
Documents Returned: 16th May 2018
Response received confirming “application is being considered and is currently awaiting a decision.”: 10th June 2018
Email received "Unfortunately, the processing of your application has not been straightforward and we will be unable to decide your application within our customer service targets": 25th July 2018
Request to have application escalated (first time): 25th July 2018
Asked MP to contact Home Office on my behalf: 30th July 2018
MP contacted Home Office: 3rd August 2018
Asked MP to chase Home Office: 15th August 2018
Request to have application escalated (second time): 16th August 2018
Asked MP to chase Home Office (3rd time) : 23rd August 2018
Decision made email: None
Text Received: None
Date your visa was received: None
Total (so far) 79 business days from biometrics
Decision made email: None
Text Received: 28th August 2018
(Email received from MP same day that decision had been made and visa granted)
Date your visa was received: 29th August 2018 - Approved!!!!!
Total 82 business days from biometrics
Aug 29th 2018, 12:26 pm
#608
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Application location: Osaka, Japan
Priority?: Priority paid
Bio-metrics and documents scanned at VFS: 27 April
Confirmation of receipt in Sheffield: 3 May
Documents returned: 17 May
ECO assigned mail: 18 May
Escalation: 15 June
Received reply that application has been delayed: 26 June
2nd Escalation: 26 June
3rd Escalation: 16 July
Automated over 60 days "not straightforward" reply: 19 July
Involved MP: 2 August
4th Escalation: 7 August
"Application Received from the post" mail: 28 August
Received passport with visa 29 August
Total working days from Biometrics = 86 working days
Priority?: Priority paid
Bio-metrics and documents scanned at VFS: 27 April
Confirmation of receipt in Sheffield: 3 May
Documents returned: 17 May
ECO assigned mail: 18 May
Escalation: 15 June
Received reply that application has been delayed: 26 June
2nd Escalation: 26 June
3rd Escalation: 16 July
Automated over 60 days "not straightforward" reply: 19 July
Involved MP: 2 August
4th Escalation: 7 August
"Application Received from the post" mail: 28 August
Received passport with visa 29 August
Total working days from Biometrics = 86 working days
Last edited by Jerseygirl; Aug 29th 2018 at 12:29 pm. Reason: Timelines only
Aug 29th 2018, 8:24 pm
#609
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 10
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Country applying from: Mexico City (VFS Global)
Type of visa applied for: Spouse Settlement Visa (HM Forces)
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Non-Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: June 29, 2018
Date Bio-metrics Taken: July 18, 2018
Email confirming documents received in Sheffield: Waiting.
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": Waiting
Documents Returned: Waiting
Decision Made Email: Waiting
Document and passport received: Waiting
Type of visa applied for: Spouse Settlement Visa (HM Forces)
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Non-Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: June 29, 2018
Date Bio-metrics Taken: July 18, 2018
Date scanned documents were forwarded to UKVI: July 18, 2018
Date Sheffield office contacted me to send sponsor's documents*: August 15, 2018 (20 Business days from appointment)
* Went to VFS Centre to ask for my documents to send them to Sheffield: August 15, 2018.
Date Documents were Received in Sheffield: August 28, 2018.Date Sheffield office contacted me to send sponsor's documents*: August 15, 2018 (20 Business days from appointment)
* Went to VFS Centre to ask for my documents to send them to Sheffield: August 15, 2018.
Email confirming documents received in Sheffield: Waiting.
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": Waiting
Documents Returned: Waiting
Decision Made Email: Waiting
Document and passport received: Waiting
Aug 30th 2018, 1:33 pm
#610
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2018
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 75
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Country applying from: Perth, Australia
Type of visa applied for: Spouse Settlement Visa (Wife)
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: 14 August 2018
Date Bio-metrics Taken: 16 August 2018
Date Documents received at Sheffield: 21 August 2018 (Royal Mail Tracking)
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": Waiting
Decision Made Email: Waiting
Passport Returned: Waiting
Type of visa applied for: Spouse Settlement Visa (Wife)
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: 14 August 2018
Date Bio-metrics Taken: 16 August 2018
Date Documents received at Sheffield: 21 August 2018 (Royal Mail Tracking)
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": Waiting
Decision Made Email: Waiting
Passport Returned: Waiting
Aug 30th 2018, 7:08 pm
#611
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 6
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Country applying from: Philippines (VFS Manilla)
Type of visa applied for: Fiancé Settlement Visa
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: 14th June 2018
Date Biometrics Taken: 19th June 2018
Date Documents were Received in Sheffield: 25th June 2018
Processing Email received: 10th July 2018
Escalated via UKVI Email: 31st July 2018
(Have also escalated via UKVI phone and MP caseworker)
"15 Working Days" UKVI response to escalation: 31st July 2018
Visa approved: 29th August (51st Working day)
Type of visa applied for: Fiancé Settlement Visa
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: 14th June 2018
Date Biometrics Taken: 19th June 2018
Date Documents were Received in Sheffield: 25th June 2018
Processing Email received: 10th July 2018
Escalated via UKVI Email: 31st July 2018
(Have also escalated via UKVI phone and MP caseworker)
"15 Working Days" UKVI response to escalation: 31st July 2018
Visa approved: 29th August (51st Working day)
Last edited by PandaBossUK; Aug 30th 2018 at 7:11 pm. Reason: Adding original timeline (was unable to edit original post)
Aug 31st 2018, 12:39 am
#612
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 8
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Country applying from: USA (Visa is coming to Orlando, Florida) but I applied from Michigan!
Type of visa applied for: Spouse Settlement Visa (Wife)
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Non-Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: June 14th, 2018
Date Bio-metrics Taken: July 23rd, 2018
Date Documents sent to Sheffield: July 23rd, 2018
Date Documents were Received in Sheffield: July 25th, 2018
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": June 25th, 2018
Escalation: Not done yet.
Decision Made Email: No
Total Processing Time: 26 working days!
Type of visa applied for: Spouse Settlement Visa (Wife)
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Non-Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: June 14th, 2018
Date Bio-metrics Taken: July 23rd, 2018
Date Documents sent to Sheffield: July 23rd, 2018
Date Documents were Received in Sheffield: July 25th, 2018
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": June 25th, 2018
Escalation: Not done yet.
Decision Made Email: No
Total Processing Time: 26 working days!
Aug 31st 2018, 12:40 pm
#613
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 39
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Country applying from: USA (Seattle) destination Scotland (Glasgow area)
Type of visa applied for: Spouse Settlement Visa
Visa Priority or Non Priority: NON-PRIORITY
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Citizenship - Sponsor UK/US (Naturalized), Applicant US
Stated Travel Date Oct 6th 2018 - copy of e-tickets provided
Financial proof used - Savings statements printed and stamped by bank officer
Relationship - Married 37 years, photos, shared bills, newspaper clippings
Accommodation - Confirmation of deposit made on purchase of apartment (copy)
English language - n/a (USA is exempt)
Tuberculosis - n/a (USA is exempt)
Primary Documents - ORIGINALS sent (unable to totally confirm if copies acceptable)
VFS Courier service used - YES
Other Notes - Included sponsor and applicant statements
2018-05-27 - Submitted Application Online, paid visa fee and NHS surcharge
2018-06-11 - Biometrics taken at Tukwilla WA (Took less than 10 minutes!)
2018-06-12 - Documents sent to Sheffield via VFS Courier from UPS store
2018-06-14 - Email received from UKVI - "Your application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer"
2018-08-28 - Email received from UKVI - "Documents have been dispatched"
2018-08-28 - Email received from UKVI - "A decision has been made" (?)
Total Days from documents received to "decision made" 75 business days - about 50?
Escalations / Requests for more info - NONE
UPS tracking does not show package in transit yet
Waiting for decision ...
Type of visa applied for: Spouse Settlement Visa
Visa Priority or Non Priority: NON-PRIORITY
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Citizenship - Sponsor UK/US (Naturalized), Applicant US
Stated Travel Date Oct 6th 2018 - copy of e-tickets provided
Financial proof used - Savings statements printed and stamped by bank officer
Relationship - Married 37 years, photos, shared bills, newspaper clippings
Accommodation - Confirmation of deposit made on purchase of apartment (copy)
English language - n/a (USA is exempt)
Tuberculosis - n/a (USA is exempt)
Primary Documents - ORIGINALS sent (unable to totally confirm if copies acceptable)
VFS Courier service used - YES
Other Notes - Included sponsor and applicant statements
2018-05-27 - Submitted Application Online, paid visa fee and NHS surcharge
2018-06-11 - Biometrics taken at Tukwilla WA (Took less than 10 minutes!)
2018-06-12 - Documents sent to Sheffield via VFS Courier from UPS store
2018-06-14 - Email received from UKVI - "Your application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer"
2018-08-28 - Email received from UKVI - "Documents have been dispatched"
2018-08-28 - Email received from UKVI - "A decision has been made" (?)
Total Days from documents received to "decision made" 75 business days - about 50?
Escalations / Requests for more info - NONE
UPS tracking does not show package in transit yet
Waiting for decision ...
Last edited by Jerseygirl; Aug 31st 2018 at 12:51 pm. Reason: CHAT REMOVED
Sep 1st 2018, 5:41 am
#614
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 3
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Spouse visa settlements from Tirana
priority
27 June biometric
decision made and ready to pick up passport 31 August (picking my passport mondey as they shut weekend don’t no the outcome yet ) 47 working days from biometric to reciving the passport at Tirana
priority
27 June biometric
decision made and ready to pick up passport 31 August (picking my passport mondey as they shut weekend don’t no the outcome yet ) 47 working days from biometric to reciving the passport at Tirana
Sep 3rd 2018, 1:04 pm
#615
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6
Re: UK Spouse Visa STRICTLY TIMELINES ONLY - NO CHAT
Country applying from: Doha, Qatar
Type of visa applied for: Spouse Settlement Visa
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: July 23rd, 2018
Date Bio-metrics Taken: July 30th, 2018
Date Documents sent to Sheffield: July 28th, 2018
Date Documents were Received in Sheffield: July 30th, 2018
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": August 8th, 2018
Escalation: Not done yet but, as it's reaching 30 working days, might be escalating soon
Decision Made Email: Pending
Total Processing Time: 23 BD since Biometrics
Type of visa applied for: Spouse Settlement Visa
Visa Priority or Non Priority: Priority
Office Location Processing Visa: Sheffield, UK
Date Application Submitted Online: July 23rd, 2018
Date Bio-metrics Taken: July 30th, 2018
Date Documents sent to Sheffield: July 28th, 2018
Date Documents were Received in Sheffield: July 30th, 2018
Email stating "Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer": August 8th, 2018
Escalation: Not done yet but, as it's reaching 30 working days, might be escalating soon
Decision Made Email: Pending
Total Processing Time: 23 BD since Biometrics
