Post your UK visa timeline here!

[laffylou]

Originally Posted by peppera-ann-

ah. ok ! thank you for replying. I am so happy for you!!!!
It seems pretty cut and dry... phew!
may i ask, did you have a lot in savings?

Thank you!!

And it was cut and dry. I began to worry after I submitted my packet because I came to this forum and realized that everyone else submitted soooooooooo much additional information (photos, travel itineraries, ticket stubs, etc.) and we only gave them what they asked for because we didn't want to piss them off with tons of extras.

We did/do not have a lot in savings. I make a decent salary and gave them that information, obviously, but no....I don't have a large savings. My husband has a bit of money invested but it isn't like we could live off of it for a year without jobs or anything.

So....don't worry. It isn't like they only accept rich people into the country! I think they just want honest people that aren't trying to take advantage of the system...and if that is the case, I would imagine it would be quite obvious to them.

[peppera-ann-]

Originally Posted by laffylou

Thank you!!

And it was cut and dry. I began to worry after I submitted my packet because I came to this forum and realized that everyone else submitted soooooooooo much additional information (photos, travel itineraries, ticket stubs, etc.) and we only gave them what they asked for because we didn't want to piss them off with tons of extras.

We did/do not have a lot in savings. I make a decent salary and gave them that information, obviously, but no....I don't have a large savings. My husband has a bit of money invested but it isn't like we could live off of it for a year without jobs or anything.

So....don't worry. It isn't like they only accept rich people into the country! I think they just want honest people that aren't trying to take advantage of the system...and if that is the case, I would imagine it would be quite obvious to them.

well *sigh* thanks so much again.

[Gwyinivere]

Country applying from: USA
Type of visa applied for: Spousal Visa
Date application submitted (online or in person): Submitted Online September Monday Sept 14, 2009
Date biometrics taken: Friday, September 18, 2009
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: September 22, 2009
Office location processing your visa: Chicago
Projected timeline given: Projected Wait Time According to Email--50 days
Date your visa was received: Still Waiting!!!

Hi Everyone, I'm a newbie. I'm also on Business Day 22 of waiting for my spousal visa. I'm getting really scared that maybe I've done something wrong (Though I did kind of troll these forums before I submitted my application for handy tips!).
Things I'm worried about : I wasn't able to send a Certified Copy of my Husband's UK Passport, just a regular photocopy, but I was able to send his Long Birth Certificate. I wonder if this is what's holding things up?
Also, I bought a Plane ticket...this was before I got the email from the Chicago Consulate saying that they'd recieved my application, which also mentioned that you shouldn't do that! Ugh....
Anyway, nice to find a community like this one

[laffylou]

Originally Posted by Gwyinivere

Country applying from: USA
Type of visa applied for: Spousal Visa
Date application submitted (online or in person): Submitted Online September Monday Sept 14, 2009
Date biometrics taken: Friday, September 18, 2009
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: September 22, 2009
Office location processing your visa: Chicago
Projected timeline given: Projected Wait Time According to Email--50 days
Date your visa was received: Still Waiting!!!

Hi Everyone, I'm a newbie. I'm also on Business Day 22 of waiting for my spousal visa. I'm getting really scared that maybe I've done something wrong (Though I did kind of troll these forums before I submitted my application for handy tips!).
Things I'm worried about : I wasn't able to send a Certified Copy of my Husband's UK Passport, just a regular photocopy, but I was able to send his Long Birth Certificate. I wonder if this is what's holding things up?
Also, I bought a Plane ticket...this was before I got the email from the Chicago Consulate saying that they'd recieved my application, which also mentioned that you shouldn't do that! Ugh....
Anyway, nice to find a community like this one

I know it's very nerve-wracking, but try not to worry! Mine was processed through Chicago in 29 business days (make sure you count the days they're off--they get both US and UK holidays off, I think). I also did not have a "certified" copy of my husband's UK passport, but a normal photocopy did the job. I didn't even think about sending in his birth certificate--good on you for doing that!

On day 27, I received an email asking for a few more documents. I provided those documents via fax on day 29, and found out 10 minutes later that I was approved. I know it's difficult to not over-think it and worry, but I'm sure it'll be fine!

Oh, and you can call the Chicago Consulate and request that your visa be expedited if you are set to travel on a certain date. I'm not sure if there's a fee.

Best of luck!!

[Gwyinivere]

Originally Posted by laffylou

I know it's very nerve-wracking, but try not to worry! Mine was processed through Chicago in 29 business days (make sure you count the days they're off--they get both US and UK holidays off, I think). I also did not have a "certified" copy of my husband's UK passport, but a normal photocopy did the job. I didn't even think about sending in his birth certificate--good on you for doing that!

On day 27, I received an email asking for a few more documents. I provided those documents via fax on day 29, and found out 10 minutes later that I was approved. I know it's difficult to not over-think it and worry, but I'm sure it'll be fine!

Oh, and you can call the Chicago Consulate and request that your visa be expedited if you are set to travel on a certain date. I'm not sure if there's a fee.

Best of luck!!

Thanks so much for your support!!!

But actually, I should have posted this last week... The day after my original posting, I recieved my email!! Yesterday I got my parcel from UPS!!!

Yay! I have my Visa!!! So, all in all, processing was 23 days. I'm really lucky I think, since I've heard a lot of people having to wait longer, or provide them with extra documents.

The only bad thing was that since I thought I had to provide them with plane tickets/intent to join my husband, they have made my Visa valid from December 1, so I can't leave until then. But that's okay, lots to do between now and then!

[peppera-ann-]

Originally Posted by Gwyinivere

Thanks so much for your support!!!

But actually, I should have posted this last week... The day after my original posting, I recieved my email!! Yesterday I got my parcel from UPS!!!

Yay! I have my Visa!!! So, all in all, processing was 23 days. I'm really lucky I think, since I've heard a lot of people having to wait longer, or provide them with extra documents.

The only bad thing was that since I thought I had to provide them with plane tickets/intent to join my husband, they have made my Visa valid from December 1, so I can't leave until then. But that's okay, lots to do between now and then!

congratulations!!!!!!! did you send it off your self or use an agency?

[Gwyinivere]

Originally Posted by peppera-ann-

congratulations!!!!!!! did you send it off your self or use an agency?

I sent it off myself.

I had wanted to use an agency; however, my husband disagreed. In the end we ended up just doing it by ourselves to save money!

[Movin2UK]

Thanks for posting this thread. Reading some of them make me feel and reading some makes me really nervous

I just sent off my application and documents yesterday. Only been one day. Hope I get there soon. I am scheduled to take an exam first of January so that I can practice there.

I'm assuming I should be getting an email from them soon. I'll post my progress when I know.

[Geebug820]

Please list the following:
Country applying from: USA
Type of visa applied for: Spouse
Date application submitted (online or in person): Online on October 20, 2009
Date biometrics taken: A week later October 27, 2009
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: November 2, 2009
Office location processing your visa: Chicago Consulate
Projected timeline given: Used a Visa Agent 2 to 3 days.
Date your visa was received: Got it via Fed Ex November 6, 2009

So excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If anyone has any questions or concerns about using a visa agent to expedite their visa feel free to ask me. It was a very interesting process, I didn't even receive a confirmation from the consulate saying they had received my application, all of that stuff was handled by the agent. I certainly would recommend everyone trying to get their spouse/settlement visa to have it expedited by an agent, it was worth every penny!!!

[Movin2UK]

Originally Posted by Geebug820

Please list the following:
Country applying from: USA
Type of visa applied for: Spouse
Date application submitted (online or in person): Online on October 20, 2009
Date biometrics taken: A week later October 27, 2009
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: November 2, 2009
Office location processing your visa: Chicago Consulate
Projected timeline given: Used a Visa Agent 2 to 3 days.
Date your visa was received: Got it via Fed Ex November 6, 2009

So excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If anyone has any questions or concerns about using a visa agent to expedite their visa feel free to ask me. It was a very interesting process, I didn't even receive a confirmation from the consulate saying they had received my application, all of that stuff was handled by the agent. I certainly would recommend everyone trying to get their spouse/settlement visa to have it expedited by an agent, it was worth every penny!!!

Wow - that's great! Gives me hope - I used a visa agent and Chicago office sent me my confirmation email on Thursday. Hope I get mine as quick as you. Question - what is the date stamped on your visa - the date they processed it or the date you said on your application that you wanted to go to the UK?

Thanks