UKBA Premium Service - still offline

[2farapart]

Is there any other way to book appointments for Premium Service (FLR) than online? The UKBA online premium service booking has been down and there is no news on when it will be up. Indeed, only the date of the news changes (presumably automated): UK Border Agency | Premium service online appointment booking service in the UK unavailable.

Very frustrating because our application is ready and we're aware that it takes several weeks to secure an appointment. No advice on the page other than a "don't phone us" request. :\

[AnAmericanInScotland]

I've been watching that page, too, 2Far, it's not the only link that is wonky on the site, every time I try to read pages that are geared towards applications from within the UK I find several 'broken' links on the pages.

Makes me wonder if there are tech issues due to changes being made on the site? I know from past experience with IT that sometimes changes cause glitches. Maybe an upload of a new form? Who knows, so I just keep checking.

Eventually it will be sorted. I hope they post something to explain the glitch, though.

[manny.j]

Originally Posted by 2farapart

Is there any other way to book appointments for Premium Service (FLR) than online? The UKBA online premium service booking has been down and there is no news on when it will be up. Indeed, only the date of the news changes (presumably automated): UK Border Agency | Premium service online appointment booking service in the UK unavailable.

Very frustrating because our application is ready and we're aware that it takes several weeks to secure an appointment. No advice on the page other than a "don't phone us" request. :\

FYI it is back online again. I just booked an appointment for my wife

[2farapart]

Thank you!

We just booked ours now! Great! The site is still glitchy and was unable to accept our online application or payment (more errors) but the confirmation says we can print out the application and pay on the day. We're just glad we got an appointment.

[AnAmericanInScotland]

Looks as though it's back down again, and they are asking that people do not telephone for appointments.

I noticed this morning that there are new Set(M) forms and Guidance Notes posted (dated 4/2012 as opposed to the previous 7/2011) but a check of the other sections relating to the Set(M) are still dated Nov 11, and Aug 10.

I wrote earlier that I've seen IT teams hit glitches when making large amounts of updates, and am thinking the current continued glitches to do with online applications within the UK may be due to updating going and seeing the new forms for the Set(M) make me think I may be correct.

ETA: for those applying on the Set(M)-stay calm, it doesn't look as though there were the massive changes we were worrying about.

OTOH, don't stop checking just because those forms and new guidance notes don't seem to show any changes from my reading this morning! The more eyes we can get watching for changes means more eyes catching what others may miss.

I couldn't find anything on maintenance other than ILR applicants must be able to prove financial ability to provide without access to public funds. I may not be looking in the right place.

[Dylan-is-Caths]

I managed to book an appointment this morning, however, I could not submit my application nor pay. It did say that I could bring this and pay at the apt however, This is still the premium day service correct? (I asked for that)

This whole process is nerve wracking to say the least. Sites going down...Oh My.

[Angelng929]

Hiya, I was booked the appointment on line and submit the hand written form and paid at the appointment on Tuesday.

[AnAmericanInScotland]

The online application feature for applicants inside the UK has been going in and out of service for the past few days. It works for a few hours, then drops for a few hours, then is back on-since the 23rd or 24th. No explanation, just an apology for the inconvenience, and the request to keep checking the site instead of telephoning for an appointment.

Personally I think IT over there is in the middle of updates, that is what always glitched the works at my former employer.

@Angelng929, I think that is why you have been having to wait for an answer despite attending a face-to-face premium appointment.

[Angelng929]

Originally Posted by AnAmericanInScotland

The online application feature for applicants inside the UK has been going in and out of service for the past few days. It works for a few hours, then drops for a few hours, then is back on-since the 23rd or 24th. No explanation, just an apology for the inconvenience, and the request to keep checking the site instead of telephoning for an appointment.

Personally I think IT over there is in the middle of updates, that is what always glitched the works at my former employer.

@Angelng929, I think that is why you have been having to wait for an answer despite attending a face-to-face premium appointment.

oh no.....i did tried to click the 'next' button on the website when I booked the appointment but idnt went through to the online form so I print them out and fill it very neatly.....damn!

[AnAmericanInScotland]

Originally Posted by Angelng929

oh no.....i did tried to click the 'next' button on the website when I booked the appointment but idnt went through to the online form so I print them out and fill it very neatly.....damn!

I think the tech issues are completely on their end. You went to your appointment with all of your paperwork-and they accepted everything, and then when they tried to get your determination they hit the same tech issues wall.

It's not you, it's everyone applying inside the UK, and I am sure they are working feverishly to get it sorted as quickly as possible-I will be very, very surprised if you don't hear something from them by Friday afternoon or Monday at the latest!