VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
Jun 18th 2017, 9:57 pm
#31
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 40
Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
Hi,
Haven't heard anything yet unfortunately
as of next Tuesday it'll be 40 business days so I think you're looking at a longer timeline than 5-6 weeks. I am active on another forum and talked with someone who applied on March 29 in Toronto (priority as well) and they haven't heard anything yet either! I think at the moment the minimum might be the full 12 weeks sad to say.
As for your situation, I got a lot of advice from the other forum and it seems to be the understanding that they are now only sending copies from some places (Toronto included). I assume it's an initiative to cut down on time/cost of returning documents. My immigration specialist was also unaware of this but didn't seem concerned, more frustrated that it's not specified on the VFS website.
So hang tight, you may be in for a much longer wait than anticipated! I'll be contacting my MP to complain once I get there that they're taking huge amounts of money for priority and not delivering at all!
Haven't heard anything yet unfortunately
as of next Tuesday it'll be 40 business days so I think you're looking at a longer timeline than 5-6 weeks. I am active on another forum and talked with someone who applied on March 29 in Toronto (priority as well) and they haven't heard anything yet either! I think at the moment the minimum might be the full 12 weeks sad to say.As for your situation, I got a lot of advice from the other forum and it seems to be the understanding that they are now only sending copies from some places (Toronto included). I assume it's an initiative to cut down on time/cost of returning documents. My immigration specialist was also unaware of this but didn't seem concerned, more frustrated that it's not specified on the VFS website.
So hang tight, you may be in for a much longer wait than anticipated! I'll be contacting my MP to complain once I get there that they're taking huge amounts of money for priority and not delivering at all!
Out of curiosity what other forum are you on? Perusing them is basically my current life as I am all packed, ready to go at a moments notice, just checking my email on edge daily. I've called the new service, was absolutely useless, waste of £10. All the same, hopefully this week is the week!
Jun 19th 2017, 12:02 am
#32
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Posts: 17
Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
I was holding out hope for this week, but if someone is still waiting from March 29 from Toronto my hopes are feeling pretty dashed Out of curiosity what other forum are you on? Perusing them is basically my current life as I am all packed, ready to go at a moments notice, just checking my email on edge daily. I've called the new service, was absolutely useless, waste of £10. All the same, hopefully this week is the week!
Out of curiosity what other forum are you on? Perusing them is basically my current life as I am all packed, ready to go at a moments notice, just checking my email on edge daily. I've called the new service, was absolutely useless, waste of £10. All the same, hopefully this week is the week!I'm not sure what the holdup is, except for the fact that most people seem to be paying for priority and if that's the case then it's about as useful than not paying for it! I paid for the email service and it was similar, they told me there has yet to be a decision, but they did ask for additional info and said they could see if they could look into it further. I don't expect it to yield anything but if it does I'll let you know.
The expatforum just had a timeline post from a woman who applied priority from Ghana on April 2 and just got her visa. I know it's all different for different countries but I hope that means they're at least mostly into April applications now!
Jun 19th 2017, 12:54 pm
#33
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Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
I know how you feel, I really got my hopes up for the 30 day mark and when that came and went I had a bit of a breakdown. The other forum I'm on is expatforum.com, and they have a place specifically for those immigrating to the UK.
I'm not sure what the holdup is, except for the fact that most people seem to be paying for priority and if that's the case then it's about as useful than not paying for it! I paid for the email service and it was similar, they told me there has yet to be a decision, but they did ask for additional info and said they could see if they could look into it further. I don't expect it to yield anything but if it does I'll let you know.
The expatforum just had a timeline post from a woman who applied priority from Ghana on April 2 and just got her visa. I know it's all different for different countries but I hope that means they're at least mostly into April applications now!
I'm not sure what the holdup is, except for the fact that most people seem to be paying for priority and if that's the case then it's about as useful than not paying for it! I paid for the email service and it was similar, they told me there has yet to be a decision, but they did ask for additional info and said they could see if they could look into it further. I don't expect it to yield anything but if it does I'll let you know.
The expatforum just had a timeline post from a woman who applied priority from Ghana on April 2 and just got her visa. I know it's all different for different countries but I hope that means they're at least mostly into April applications now!
I've sadly come to realise that comparing applications from difference countries is pretty much useless. I've been following the UK Yankee forum for the past 2 months and almost everyone who applied in April has gotten theirs and is now in the UK, and a fair amount of May applicants as well. When the April priority application decisions started pouring in a few weeks ago I was feeling so positive that mine would be here any day now. But it seems like there is a huge disparity between Canadian and American applications after all.
I'm hoping beyond hope that mine comes through in the next week, as I have friends flying from Canada to the UK to stay with us. When I invited them back in March, I never dreamed I wouldn't be home by July 1st.
I'll definitely check out that other forum though, thanks! Seriously just clutching at straws at this point.
Jun 19th 2017, 5:35 pm
#34
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 29
Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
I had a similar experience at VFS India in Chennai. My application was massive, so I told them to scan it one section at a time and in the right order. They actually saw the size of it and said you should just courier it. I also found some cases where people had scanned their application through but got an email asking for originals later. So I couriered the whole thing to Sheffield.
Just to note, couriers don't deliver to the PO BOX address. Only Royal Mail does. This has not been disclosed to us. I was on the phone for an hour with VFS MUmbai trying to get a street address for Sheffield. There was one online but I wanted to be sure DHL could use that address it deliver. It was utterly confusing.
I don't trust the scanning process as people have found that the application has been scanned in the wrong order or pages have gone missing. This has led to refusals.
Just to note, couriers don't deliver to the PO BOX address. Only Royal Mail does. This has not been disclosed to us. I was on the phone for an hour with VFS MUmbai trying to get a street address for Sheffield. There was one online but I wanted to be sure DHL could use that address it deliver. It was utterly confusing.
I don't trust the scanning process as people have found that the application has been scanned in the wrong order or pages have gone missing. This has led to refusals.
Jun 19th 2017, 6:24 pm
#35
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Posts: 17
Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
Yeah I guess because there seems to be so many priority applications going in, the priority queue has lengthened exponentially. And with Sheffield seemingly focused on KPI's, once past the 30 day mark it's not a great sign.
I've sadly come to realise that comparing applications from difference countries is pretty much useless. I've been following the UK Yankee forum for the past 2 months and almost everyone who applied in April has gotten theirs and is now in the UK, and a fair amount of May applicants as well. When the April priority application decisions started pouring in a few weeks ago I was feeling so positive that mine would be here any day now. But it seems like there is a huge disparity between Canadian and American applications after all.
I'm hoping beyond hope that mine comes through in the next week, as I have friends flying from Canada to the UK to stay with us. When I invited them back in March, I never dreamed I wouldn't be home by July 1st.
I'll definitely check out that other forum though, thanks! Seriously just clutching at straws at this point.
I've sadly come to realise that comparing applications from difference countries is pretty much useless. I've been following the UK Yankee forum for the past 2 months and almost everyone who applied in April has gotten theirs and is now in the UK, and a fair amount of May applicants as well. When the April priority application decisions started pouring in a few weeks ago I was feeling so positive that mine would be here any day now. But it seems like there is a huge disparity between Canadian and American applications after all.
I'm hoping beyond hope that mine comes through in the next week, as I have friends flying from Canada to the UK to stay with us. When I invited them back in March, I never dreamed I wouldn't be home by July 1st.
I'll definitely check out that other forum though, thanks! Seriously just clutching at straws at this point.
I really hope you hear something this week! Please let me know if you do so I can hope mine isn't much farther behind!
Jun 28th 2017, 10:07 pm
#36
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 17
Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
Yeah I guess because there seems to be so many priority applications going in, the priority queue has lengthened exponentially. And with Sheffield seemingly focused on KPI's, once past the 30 day mark it's not a great sign.
I've sadly come to realise that comparing applications from difference countries is pretty much useless. I've been following the UK Yankee forum for the past 2 months and almost everyone who applied in April has gotten theirs and is now in the UK, and a fair amount of May applicants as well. When the April priority application decisions started pouring in a few weeks ago I was feeling so positive that mine would be here any day now. But it seems like there is a huge disparity between Canadian and American applications after all.
I'm hoping beyond hope that mine comes through in the next week, as I have friends flying from Canada to the UK to stay with us. When I invited them back in March, I never dreamed I wouldn't be home by July 1st.
I'll definitely check out that other forum though, thanks! Seriously just clutching at straws at this point.
I've sadly come to realise that comparing applications from difference countries is pretty much useless. I've been following the UK Yankee forum for the past 2 months and almost everyone who applied in April has gotten theirs and is now in the UK, and a fair amount of May applicants as well. When the April priority application decisions started pouring in a few weeks ago I was feeling so positive that mine would be here any day now. But it seems like there is a huge disparity between Canadian and American applications after all.
I'm hoping beyond hope that mine comes through in the next week, as I have friends flying from Canada to the UK to stay with us. When I invited them back in March, I never dreamed I wouldn't be home by July 1st.
I'll definitely check out that other forum though, thanks! Seriously just clutching at straws at this point.
Thought I would update you about the other Canadian applying from Toronto that I mentioned, who applied on March 29. They just got their visa today with the decision made email received on June 22. So for them it was 57 business days from date of biometrics to decision made email. It's good to know someone else's timeline from Toronto so thought you'd want to know, however I think this means you (or me) won't be hearing anything for another couple of weeks
Jun 29th 2017, 4:00 pm
#37
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 40
Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
Hey Shynes,
Thought I would update you about the other Canadian applying from Toronto that I mentioned, who applied on March 29. They just got their visa today with the decision made email received on June 22. So for them it was 57 business days from date of biometrics to decision made email. It's good to know someone else's timeline from Toronto so thought you'd want to know, however I think this means you (or me) won't be hearing anything for another couple of weeks
Thought I would update you about the other Canadian applying from Toronto that I mentioned, who applied on March 29. They just got their visa today with the decision made email received on June 22. So for them it was 57 business days from date of biometrics to decision made email. It's good to know someone else's timeline from Toronto so thought you'd want to know, however I think this means you (or me) won't be hearing anything for another couple of weeks
I will let you know as soon as my email arrives so you have another data point for when to expect yours! Fingers crossed asap
Jul 2nd 2017, 12:08 pm
#38
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 30
Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
Hi Folks,
I submitted my "Settlement - Wife" application + biometrics last week, on April 13th. Because there was no VAC near me I had to fly halfway across the country to Toronto to do this. I had put all my documents into a super organised pile of originals and separate pile of copies, as I had read online to do. I even had my husband fly over from the UK to hand deliver me the originals, and paid for priority processing.
Now what got me on high alert, is the VFS Global agent refused to accept any originals. She said they cannot accept any originals as they do not return them, only the primary passport. She turned away EVERYTHING original including: bank statements, payslips stamped by employer, letter from employer confirming employment, tenancy agreement, letter from landlord, contract of employment, my old cancelled passports, birth certificates, letter of intent from my husband, etc. Basically if it had a signature in ink, it was refused. My appointment, which I expected to take 30 minutes, took 3 hours, while she put all my originals in a discarded pile and ripped apart my copies, and charged me $38 to photocopy some of them.
Is this normal? Am I panicking unnecessarily? I swear everything I read online said I required the originals... I know that VFS Global is just outsourced, they don't have a hand in visa outcomes... was I misadvised? Help! x
I submitted my "Settlement - Wife" application + biometrics last week, on April 13th. Because there was no VAC near me I had to fly halfway across the country to Toronto to do this. I had put all my documents into a super organised pile of originals and separate pile of copies, as I had read online to do. I even had my husband fly over from the UK to hand deliver me the originals, and paid for priority processing.
Now what got me on high alert, is the VFS Global agent refused to accept any originals. She said they cannot accept any originals as they do not return them, only the primary passport. She turned away EVERYTHING original including: bank statements, payslips stamped by employer, letter from employer confirming employment, tenancy agreement, letter from landlord, contract of employment, my old cancelled passports, birth certificates, letter of intent from my husband, etc. Basically if it had a signature in ink, it was refused. My appointment, which I expected to take 30 minutes, took 3 hours, while she put all my originals in a discarded pile and ripped apart my copies, and charged me $38 to photocopy some of them.
Is this normal? Am I panicking unnecessarily? I swear everything I read online said I required the originals... I know that VFS Global is just outsourced, they don't have a hand in visa outcomes... was I misadvised? Help! x
Regarding all the other comments on timeframes there is definitely a backlog, having paid priority we still waiting beyond the 30 day mark. I totally understand I feel nervous too that after waiting so long if anything is missing or they need anything else that we could be waiting even longer. We are now homeless and my husband is jobless while we wait. Should have gone down the work sponsorship route had we known it was so delayed!!
Jul 2nd 2017, 4:40 pm
#39
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Posts: 17
Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
I wouldn't worry, we had the exactly the same experience applying from Melbourne Australia. They charged us $66 for scanning even though we had originals and copies of everything already to be sent. It seems to me just a great way for them to make more money, $$$ for priority processing, $ to email or call them - we went through the same process in reverse when I came to Australia (I'm the UK citizen my husband is Australian we're now returning to the UK together) and it was 100x smoother, easier and they don't charge you for every little thing and communicate reasonably and fairly about their timeframes. The whole UK system needs drastic improvement in comparison.
Regarding all the other comments on timeframes there is definitely a backlog, having paid priority we still waiting beyond the 30 day mark. I totally understand I feel nervous too that after waiting so long if anything is missing or they need anything else that we could be waiting even longer. We are now homeless and my husband is jobless while we wait. Should have gone down the work sponsorship route had we known it was so delayed!!
Regarding all the other comments on timeframes there is definitely a backlog, having paid priority we still waiting beyond the 30 day mark. I totally understand I feel nervous too that after waiting so long if anything is missing or they need anything else that we could be waiting even longer. We are now homeless and my husband is jobless while we wait. Should have gone down the work sponsorship route had we known it was so delayed!!
Hopefully you hear soon, the 60 day mark is quickly approaching and I'm getting all my hopes up that we'll know by then!
As for the work visa, I tried that a couple years ago and it's also a really long process! Unless of course you're in a profession that pays really well in the UK and your job is on the shortage occupation list, then it's much quicker but in my experience a work visa can take just as long, if not longer than the spouse visa!
Good luck and hopefully you hear soon!
Jul 12th 2017, 3:46 pm
#40
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Posts: 17
Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
Thanks for the update emu77! Definitely good to know, as I feel like every day I stalk my emails and when nothing shows up, I feel more and more despair. It's Day 51 for me today, so if they are indeed 100% complete within 60 days at least I know I'll have an email by July 12th at the latest. I could kick myself for applying in Toronto when I should have realised that all other VAC's in Canada have shorter processing times. Ah well, live and learn. Just wish I hadn't shelled out for priority as it's obviously not put us ahead of the game....
I will let you know as soon as my email arrives so you have another data point for when to expect yours! Fingers crossed asap
I will let you know as soon as my email arrives so you have another data point for when to expect yours! Fingers crossed asap
Any news?? Today is your day 60 so wanted to see if you've at least gotten a decision has been made email? I've been praying you've just been to busy/excited about your approved visa to update here!
Jul 12th 2017, 8:18 pm
#41
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Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
Keeping my fingers crossed it comes by Friday, and hopefully the same for yours!!
Jul 12th 2017, 9:48 pm
#42
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Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
Hey, have been thinking of you as well! I actually got an email yesterday- stating my application was "not straight forward" and they would be unable to process it within the 60 day target. However I've read elsewhere that this is a typical response which several people have gotten then received their decision within a couple days; essentially just a way for them to fob you off a little longer and not allow you to complain about wasting your money on priority. Oh my.
Keeping my fingers crossed it comes by Friday, and hopefully the same for yours!!
Keeping my fingers crossed it comes by Friday, and hopefully the same for yours!!
That's just so disappointing. I'm sorry you have to keep waiting, it's incredibly unfair! I'll wait anxiously to hear from you soon!
Jul 18th 2017, 4:17 pm
#43
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 17
Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
Hey, have been thinking of you as well! I actually got an email yesterday- stating my application was "not straight forward" and they would be unable to process it within the 60 day target. However I've read elsewhere that this is a typical response which several people have gotten then received their decision within a couple days; essentially just a way for them to fob you off a little longer and not allow you to complain about wasting your money on priority. Oh my.
Keeping my fingers crossed it comes by Friday, and hopefully the same for yours!!
Keeping my fingers crossed it comes by Friday, and hopefully the same for yours!!
Wanted to follow up with you to see if you've heard any news? Today is my day 60 and I have heard nothing, not even the "not straightforward" email. However, there is a way you can seem to check if a decision has been made on your application. If you use the tracker meant for applications sent from INSIDE the UK, it seems to work for overseas applications as long as a decision has been made on it. I checked mine today and it says Decided! I've read from other forum users it can still take 2-3 weeks+ before receiving anything but at least you'll know if something's happened! If you put your GWF number in and it says it's not recognized then you'll know it's still awaiting a decision.
This is the website: https://contact-ukvi.homeoffice.gov....heckvisastatus
Good luck, let me know how it goes if you use it!
Jul 18th 2017, 7:11 pm
#44
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 40
Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
Hey Shynes,
Wanted to follow up with you to see if you've heard any news? Today is my day 60 and I have heard nothing, not even the "not straightforward" email. However, there is a way you can seem to check if a decision has been made on your application. If you use the tracker meant for applications sent from INSIDE the UK, it seems to work for overseas applications as long as a decision has been made on it. I checked mine today and it says Decided! I've read from other forum users it can still take 2-3 weeks+ before receiving anything but at least you'll know if something's happened! If you put your GWF number in and it says it's not recognized then you'll know it's still awaiting a decision.
This is the website: https://contact-ukvi.homeoffice.gov....heckvisastatus
Good luck, let me know how it goes if you use it!
Wanted to follow up with you to see if you've heard any news? Today is my day 60 and I have heard nothing, not even the "not straightforward" email. However, there is a way you can seem to check if a decision has been made on your application. If you use the tracker meant for applications sent from INSIDE the UK, it seems to work for overseas applications as long as a decision has been made on it. I checked mine today and it says Decided! I've read from other forum users it can still take 2-3 weeks+ before receiving anything but at least you'll know if something's happened! If you put your GWF number in and it says it's not recognized then you'll know it's still awaiting a decision.
This is the website: https://contact-ukvi.homeoffice.gov....heckvisastatus
Good luck, let me know how it goes if you use it!
I have actually been checking that tracker almost daily since late May. Sadly it continues to say not recognised, so still awaiting a decision on my end. My husband has made an appointment with our MP to see if that'll make any difference. Until then, testing my patience.
Good luck with the home stretch! x
Jul 20th 2017, 3:52 pm
#45
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 17
Re: VFS Global Wouldn't Accept Originals??
So close! I shall keep my fingers crossed your email follows shortly and you'll be on your way
I have actually been checking that tracker almost daily since late May. Sadly it continues to say not recognised, so still awaiting a decision on my end. My husband has made an appointment with our MP to see if that'll make any difference. Until then, testing my patience.
Good luck with the home stretch! x
I have actually been checking that tracker almost daily since late May. Sadly it continues to say not recognised, so still awaiting a decision on my end. My husband has made an appointment with our MP to see if that'll make any difference. Until then, testing my patience.
Good luck with the home stretch! x
If you haven't already, definitely get in contact with your local MP, they are usually very willing to help and if you live outside of London you can generally get a quick reply!
Please keep me up to date on any news of yours, the UK could use all the Canadians it can get
