US citizen, UK spouse visa steps - Page 3

laffylou · #21 (**permalink**) 1st October 2009, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peppera-ann-

I will defo be sending in the extras-not as much as some- I am just worried about the intro letters...what is too much info???
Laffylou! keep us updated! would be interesting to see if sending in just the requested stuff gets it approved-and if its faster!

I will keep you updated--you do the same! Good luck.

Minuvweyna · #22 (**permalink**) 1st October 2009, 10:32 AM

Hi all,

I know that many of us, myself included, want to map out exactly what we have to do from spousal visa through to citizenship, but we are in an odd period at the moment. A new points based system for citizenship is going live in July 2011, and the details are not completely available. From what I can interpret, however, it means that for those of us applying for spousal visas, either right now or at a later date, ILR no longer exists. It will be gone before we get to that 2 year mark in order to apply for it.

What information that is available can be found here, and I suggest we all keep an eye on developments. UK Border Agency | Earning the right to stay - a new points test for citizenship , UK Border Agency | Earning the right to British citizenship , UK Border Agency | Transitional arrangements for earned citizenship

I urge no one to panic or get too worried, as it does not seem that citizenship necessarily will take any longer to achieve, though it may require a bit of extra volunteer work and the fees may also be raised. Obviously, no one is thrilled to hear about higher fees, but until they release information about the new fee structure, we have no idea how much higher if really at all, so we'll just have to wait.

Those that have ILR by the time the new program goes active will be assumed to have permanent residency, and nothing should change for them. Those that have applied before the new system will also be able to get ILR and thus permanent residency. They also plan to let those that have come in under the Highly Skilled Migrants program continue as normal.

Hope this is of some use to everyone.

Best wishes,
Elizabeth

peppera-ann- · #23 (**permalink**) 1st October 2009, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minuvweyna

Hi all,

I know that many of us, myself included, want to map out exactly what we have to do from spousal visa through to citizenship, but we are in an odd period at the moment. A new points based system for citizenship is going live in July 2011, and the details are not completely available. From what I can interpret, however, it means that for those of us applying for spousal visas, either right now or at a later date, ILR no longer exists. It will be gone before we get to that 2 year mark in order to apply for it.

What information that is available can be found here, and I suggest we all keep an eye on developments. UK Border Agency | Earning the right to stay - a new points test for citizenship , UK Border Agency | Earning the right to British citizenship , UK Border Agency | Transitional arrangements for earned citizenship

I urge no one to panic or get too worried, as it does not seem that citizenship necessarily will take any longer to achieve, though it may require a bit of extra volunteer work and the fees may also be raised. Obviously, no one is thrilled to hear about higher fees, but until they release information about the new fee structure, we have no idea how much higher if really at all, so we'll just have to wait.

Those that have ILR by the time the new program goes active will be assumed to have permanent residency, and nothing should change for them. Those that have applied before the new system will also be able to get ILR and thus permanent residency. They also plan to let those that have come in under the Highly Skilled Migrants program continue as normal.

Hope this is of some use to everyone.

Best wishes,
Elizabeth

Thanks for keeping us updated!!!

JoBeth08 · #24 (**permalink**) 6th October 2009, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babystace806

Thank you for your message. I still haven't heard anything. I did hear that there's been delays at the Chicago Consulate because of an IT system upgrade they performed at the end of August for about 6 business days. Still concerned though. Hopefully I'll hear something soon. I'm really missing my husband. Have you heard any word yet on yours?....

I've been worried too! I was told in the email that I got from the Consulate, stating that they received and opened my application package, that it could take up to 12 weeks to be processed, and it has been 12 weeks since I received that email.

It's been a discouraging process for my husband and myself.
When it hit the 12 week mark and I still hadn't heard from them, I started to email my congressman, senator, etc.. about the situation, appealing for their help and advice. (haven't heard from any of them yet either.)
I know what you mean about missing your husband!! I wonder if we could send in a collaborative complaint..?

thegirl · #25 (**permalink**) 6th October 2009, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoBeth08

I've been worried too! I was told in the email that I got from the Consulate, stating that they received and opened my application package, that it could take up to 12 weeks to be processed, and it has been 12 weeks since I received that email.

It's been a discouraging process for my husband and myself.
When it hit the 12 week mark and I still hadn't heard from them, I started to email my congressman, senator, etc.. about the situation, appealing for their help and advice. (haven't heard from any of them yet either.)
I know what you mean about missing your husband!! I wonder if we could send in a collaborative complaint..?

I hit the 12 week mark today, so i decided to email and fax the British Consulate (my application was sent to LA) with the situation in hopes of getting some info...at first they said they hadnt even started reviewing my package but then 2hrs later I got an email saying i'd been approved! hooorah!

Maybe that will work for other people who have been waiting the 60+ working days like i was? give 'em a kick in the rear!

JoBeth08 · #26 (**permalink**) 6th October 2009, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegirl

I hit the 12 week mark today, so i decided to email and fax the British Consulate (my application was sent to LA) with the situation in hopes of getting some info...at first they said they hadnt even started reviewing my package but then 2hrs later I got an email saying i'd been approved! hooorah!

Maybe that will work for other people who have been waiting the 60+ working days like i was? give 'em a kick in the rear!

Wow! Yay! Congrats! What did you fax them? just a question concerning the status and why it was taking so long? I will definitely try that.

My application was sent to LA as well. What email, fax number did you use???

thegirl · #27 (**permalink**) 6th October 2009, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoBeth08

Wow! Yay! Congrats! What did you fax them? just a question concerning the status and why it was taking so long? I will definitely try that.

My application was sent to LA as well. What email, fax number did you use???

this is their number: 1 (310) 481-2960
email: mail@britishconsulatela.com

I just tried to be really professional and polite so they wouldnt get annoyed and blow me off. said that it'd been 60 days and i wanted to make sure my application wasnt lost or had missing information and if they could give me anything, that i'd really appreciate it.

I also made sure to include my phone number, email and that GWF reference number they give you..to make it as easy as possible for them to get in contact.

Good luck! I definitely feel your pain..this process has been hell.