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#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hello all!

I can't seem to find a thread where only UK visa-seekers can post and update their visa processing timeline so I thought it may be useful to start one to share info.

Please list the following:
Country applying from:
Type of visa applied for:
Date application submitted (online or in person):
Date biometrics taken:
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office:
Office location processing your visa:
Projected timeline given:
Date your visa was received:

Thanks!

Moderator Message

This thread is for timelines ONLY.

Please use the template above as a guide and only post in this format so it is easy to read.

Please ask your questions on the general forum. Off topic comments or questions will be removed.

If you want to discuss the visa processing procedure or congratulate someone please use this thread:

https://www.expatforum.com/expats/b...complain-commiserate-congratulate-thread.html
 
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G
#208 · (Edited)
Country applying from: USA
Type of visa applied for: Settlement Visa (Leave To Enter for probationary 27 mos)
Date application submitted (online): 21st April
Date biometrics taken: 25th April
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: 2nd May
Date confirmation of receipt of documents by UKBA: 4th May
Office location processing your visa: New York
Projected timeline given: 28 days, later upped to 33 :eek:
Date your visa was received - awaiting determination
 
#217 ·
Country applying from: USA
Type of visa applied for: Settlement
Date application submitted (online or in person): Online
Date biometrics taken: May 05, 2011
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: May 09, 2011 (Because package was sent overnight through the weekend.)
Office location processing your visa: NY
Projected timeline given: 2-15 days
Date your visa was received: May 17, 2011

Summarily, my wife and I met each other via the internet in October 2010. We met in February for 3.5 weeks and decided on a permanent setting for ourselves. We married one day before she had to fly back home to the UK. I didn't even have a passport at the time.

As soon as she arrived back in the UK, we began putting things together for the settlement application. This, along with the time it took to apply/receive my passport, took about a month. After careful review, everything was mailed and expedited. Not careful enough it seems, as I forgot to photocopy my passport!

Anyhow, it was granted and I'm soon on my way! :)
 
#223 ·
Settlement Visa UK - Update Sydney

Country applying from: Australia
Type of visa applied for: Settlement Visa
Date application submitted (online or in person): 5th April - Online
Date biometrics taken: 21st April
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: 27th April (stated delivered from Australia post that it was delivered but have not received confirmation email)
Arrived in Manila: 3/5 (called hotline to confirm they received it they advised received in Manila)
Office location processing your visa: Manilla
Projected timeline given: 6 - 12 weeks - only took 3 weeks
Date your visa was received: 23rd May!!!!

YAY!!! I leave next Wed 1/6 :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Just some info from my visa as I called the hotline twice.

No confirmation email is sent anymore
also a generic email is sent once your visa has been processed whether it has been approved or not, you have to wait to find the result when your passport arrives
 
G
#224 ·
Country applying from: Australia
Type of visa applied for: Settlement Visa
Date application submitted (online or in person): 5th April - Online
Date biometrics taken: 21st April
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: 27th April (stated delivered from Australia post that it was delivered but have not received confirmation email)
Arrived in Manila: 3/5 (called hotline to confirm they received it they advised received in Manila)
Office location processing your visa: Manilla
Projected timeline given: 6 - 12 weeks - only took 3 weeks
Date your visa was received: 23rd May!!!!

YAY!!! I leave next Wed 1/6 :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Just some info from my visa as I called the hotline twice.

No confirmation email is sent anymore
also a generic email is sent once your visa has been processed whether it has been approved or not, you have to wait to find the result when your passport arrives
WooHoo, congrats, and enjoy your trip to your new home!
 
#228 ·
Hi guys,

I'm a little confused about the process from Aus...

Do they or do they not send an emailing confirming that they've received the application in Manila...?

If not, I guess I can stop checking my email account every 30 seconds!

Also, we didn't include anything to do with our flights as I only saw the instruction to hold off on booking until the visa is processed...

We've shown about 20,000 GBP in savings there and another $A10,000 here - will that be enough to show we can afford our flights and support ourselves?

Thank you!
 
#230 ·
Hey there

From what I understand, I don't think they do send a confirmation that they have received your application, they only send you an email informing you once your application has been processed (although you then have to wait to receive your documents back before you know the actual outcome). Alternatively, if they require additional information from you, they will email (which obviously indicates that they have received your application!)

I did read an earlier post on this thread from another Aussie applicant who mentioned that they called the U.K. Border Agency (on the Australian premium rate line) to check that their application had reached Manila. You could try that or, you could try calling the processing office in Manila? As I got an email from them this morning, I have their number (it was in the email signature): +63 2 858 2398. Note, they are only open from 8am-3pm local time (which is currently 10am-5pm Sydney time).

Good luck, hope this helps.
 
#229 · (Edited)
Additional Documentation requested

Country applying from: Australia
Type of visa applied for: Settlement
Date application submitted (online or in person): Online
Date biometrics taken: May 16, 2011
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: May 18, 2011
Office location processing your visa: Sydney (but all Australian applications are sent to the visa processing office in the Phillipines)
Projected timeline given: N/A (I am not sure how to obtain this information?)
Date your visa was received:

Hi All,

This is my first time posting here but I thought it might help out other people in the same situation as us.

I have applied for a UK settlement visa and sent all my documentation off last week. Our situation is that my British husband and I were married in Sydney, Australia back in 2007 (although we were both living in the UK at the time - I was on the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)) and returned to the UK and continued living there for another 2.5 years. We then decided to move to Sydney (for a year or so) for a change and as such came to Sydney in April 2010. We've now been here over a year but are planning a permanent return to the UK. Our plan is for me to go ahead of my husband (ideally in early July) to set up our flat (we still own our flat in London) and look for a job. In the meantime, my husband will remain in Sydney and continue to work to ensure that we are still generating an income. We do, however, plan for him to join me in London no later than September.

I am a lawyer (albeit finance, not migration) and scoured through the application requirements to put together the best possible package of documents. We also included a covering letter including the explanation I just provided above. In addition to the online application form (stamped by the Biometrics officer) we included all original documents and a very detailed index of all the supporting evidence we were providing, and clearly labelled each document accordingly.

Despite all this, we got an email from the processing centre requesting details of my husband's arrival in the U.K. (i.e. in September). As the U.K. Border Agency clearly instructs you not to make firm travel plans until you've received an outcome on your application, we weren't sure whether we should book his ticket or not. We did notice, however, that the prices were going up every day and so luckily, we made the executive decision that we would go ahead and book and pay for his ticket. We figured that if my application is not successful, he will still use the ticket to return to the U.K. and visit family and friends and then return to Australia. If we are lucky and our application is successful however, he will still use the outbound portion, but will either just let the return portion of the ticket go unused or we'll move it to another time when we are coming back to Australia to visit family and friends, and just buy a one way ticket back to the U.K. then. Anyway, thank goodness we did that because we had the E-Ticket Receipt & Itinerary as well as a copy of our credit card transactions to show that we have booked and paid his flight. This is what I sent to the visa processing centre in response to their email this morning. Again, I sent a covering letter explaining why we have booked a return ticket for him and not just a one way.

Sorry for this long and convoluted post but I hope that it will help anyone else in a similar situation - when we were applying, we couldn't find any details for people in a similar situation to us (i.e. applicant getting to U.K. before their sponsor). Anyway, fingers crossed that the Entry Clearance Officer is now satisfied that our application is genuine etc. I really hope to get my visa soon so we can get on with our plans!

Cheers
 
#231 ·
Country applying from: Australia
Type of visa applied for: Settlement
Date application submitted (online or in person): Online
Date biometrics taken: May 16, 2011
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: May 18, 2011
Office location processing your visa: Sydney (but all Australian applications are sent to the visa processing office in the Phillipines)
Projected timeline given: N/A (I am not sure how to obtain this information?)
Date your visa was received:

Hi All,

This is my first time posting here but I thought it might help out other people in the same situation as us.

I have applied for a UK settlement visa and sent all my documentation off last week. Our situation is that my British husband and I were married in Sydney, Australia back in 2007 (although we were both living in the UK at the time - I was on the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)) and returned to the UK and continued living there for another 2.5 years. We then decided to move to Sydney (for a year or so) for a change and as such came to Sydney in April 2010. We've now been here over a year but are planning a permanent return to the UK. Our plan is for me to go ahead of my husband (ideally in early July) to set up our flat (we still own our flat in London) and look for a job. In the meantime, my husband will remain in Sydney and continue to work to ensure that we are still generating an income. We do, however, plan for him to join me in London no later than September.

I am a lawyer (albeit finance, not migration) and scoured through the application requirements to put together the best possible package of documents. We also included a covering letter including the explanation I just provided above. In addition to the online application form (stamped by the Biometrics officer) we included all original documents and a very detailed index of all the supporting evidence we were providing, and clearly labelled each document accordingly.

Despite all this, we got an email from the processing centre requesting details of my husband's arrival in the U.K. (i.e. in September). As the U.K. Border Agency clearly instructs you not to make firm travel plans until you've received an outcome on your application, we weren't sure whether we should book his ticket or not. We did notice, however, that the prices were going up every day and so luckily, we made the executive decision that we would go ahead and book and pay for his ticket. We figured that if my application is not successful, he will still use the ticket to return to the U.K. and visit family and friends and then return to Australia. If we are lucky and our application is successful however, he will still use the outbound portion, but will either just let the return portion of the ticket go unused or we'll move it to another time when we are coming back to Australia to visit family and friends, and just buy a one way ticket back to the U.K. then. Anyway, thank goodness we did that because we had the E-Ticket Receipt & Itinerary as well as a copy of our credit card transactions to show that we have booked and paid his flight. This is what I sent to the visa processing centre in response to their email this morning. Again, I sent a covering letter explaining why we have booked a return ticket for him and not just a one way.

Sorry for this long and convoluted post but I hope that it will help anyone else in a similar situation - when we were applying, we couldn't find any details for people in a similar situation to us (i.e. applicant getting to U.K. before their sponsor). Anyway, fingers crossed that the Entry Clearance Officer is now satisfied that our application is genuine etc. I really hope to get my visa soon so we can get on with our plans!

Cheers
I'm still not sure if you needed to book and pay for your husband's plane ticket, as UKBA advise you not to finalise your travel plans before your visa is issued. I think they asked for confirmation to ensure that you are both going to UK as a couple (living together permanently), and not for your husband to stay behind in Australia for the foreseeable future, as that would breach a settlement visa condition (joining British spouse in UK). The fact that you are proposing to get to UK two months in advance just raised their suspicions. I suppose you could have booked an expensive flexible ticket which can then be cashed if you change your plans or visa isn't issued. Normally all they ask is details of proposed travel, such as flight you hope to take but not yet paid for. But then again, if you waited longer, you might end up paying more. It's possible for you to have paid a little more than the rock bottom price which allows you some flexibility, like changing flight details at a supplementary charge (say £100).
Hope you get your visa soon.
 
#233 ·
Country applying from: USA
Type of visa applied for: Tier Two Intercompany Transfer
Date application submitted (online or in person): May 9, 2011
Date biometrics taken: May 17, 2011
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: Courier received docs on May 19, 2011
Office location processing your visa: UK Border Agency New York
Projected timeline given: 5 business days but then the biometric system went down and messed that all up.
Date your visa was received: Email from courier on May 25th saying that 5 visas had been issued, but that we would have to redo biometrics for our 5 year old as his fingerprints were lost during the system outage. Awaiting return of docs today so that we can re-fingerprint him tomorrow. :juggle:
 
#237 ·
Country applying from: USA
Type of visa applied for: Tier Five
Date application submitted (online or in person): May 1, 2011
Date biometrics taken: May 13, 2011
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: Courier received docs on May 20, 2011
Office location processing your visa: UK Border Agency New York
Projected timeline given: 10 Business Days
Date your visa was received: ...still hoping

They posted some news recently about some biometrics data being lost (as some people above me), so I'm really hoping that doesn't include me. It's been 6 business days, so technically, I shouldn't complain...except my flight is in a week and a half.. *sigh*
 
#239 ·
You are in the time frame that was given for the outages, but we got notification that our son's data could not be recovered on May 20th. Hopefully that means if you haven't heard by now they didn't lose yours. ;)

Good Luck! We had our son's biometrics redone on Friday and overnighted everything back to New York today, so hopefully we will have his visa by the end of the week.
 
#242 ·
So sorry, my visa was finally issued on June 1, and arrived the next day.


Country applying from: USA
Type of visa applied for: Tier Five
Date application submitted (online or in person): May 1, 2011
Date biometrics taken: May 13, 2011
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: Courier received docs on May 20, 2011
Office location processing your visa: UK Border Agency New York
Projected timeline given: 10 Business Days
Date your visa was received: June 1, 2011 (7 business days total)
 
#243 ·
Hey thats ok.... I did biometrics on the 20th of May and we had some priority payment problems.... my solicitor who filed the online app. didnt pay the $300 for the settlement visa. only paid $150. so after we got that settled it wasnt until the 31st I got an email giving me the 15 day timeline! Congrats tho!!!!:cool:
 
#244 · (Edited)
Country applying from: Australia
Type of visa applied for: Fiance Settlement Visa
Date application submitted (online or in person): 16 May 2011
Date biometrics taken: Monday 23 May 2011
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: Arrived in Sydney GPO Box on Tuesday 24 May 2011 (it is then redirected to Manilla so I believe it arrived on Thursday 26 May 2011
Office location processing your visa: Manilla, Philippines
Projected timeline given: 4-6 Weeks from our Immigration Specialists (8-10 weeks on the UKBA website)
Date your visa was received: Thursday 9 June 2011 (OMG OMG OMG)

I'm so unbelievable ecstatic at the moment as I received it ahead of time. YAY. :)

I was wondering if anyone has any advise, the start date of the Visa says 29 June 2011, I'm wanting to arrive ASAP lol I've been away from my Fiance for 2 months now :( Is there any chance of going to the UKBA early?

Any help would be great x
 
#246 ·
Country applying from: USA
Type of visa applied for: Settlement - Spouse
Date application submitted (online or in person): Friday June 3rd 2011
Date biometrics taken: Monday June 6th
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: Delivered by USPS on Tuesday June 7th
Office location processing your visa: UK Border Agency New York
Projected timeline given: 15 Business Days
Date your visa was received: "Your UK visa has been issued" mail received today June 10th 2011 - should be with me tomorrow :)
 
#253 ·
Country applying from:Bangladesh
Type of visa applied for:Fiance
Date application submitted (online or in person):april 22th
Date biometrics taken:April 27th
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: June 11th
Office location processing your visa:Dhaka
Projected timeline given: 30-45 business days
Date your visa was received: still waiting! its been 60+ days
 
G
#254 · (Edited)
Country applying from:Bangladesh
Type of visa applied for:Fiance
Date application submitted (online or in person):april 22th
Date biometrics taken:April 27th
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: June 11th
Office location processing your visa: Dhaka
Projected timeline given: 30-45 business days
Date your visa was received: still waiting! its been 60+ days
Cowboy, remember to count those days as business or working days-bank, local holiday, and weekend days (usually) don't count.

Plus, your post says the UKBA has only had your documentation since 11th June-that's only a few days ago. Even if they've had it since 11th May (more in keeping with your online submission, and your biometrics appointment times and dates listed in the post), you're still only at 27 or so days (depends on how many local holidays your UKBA office observes).

When did you send the supporting documents, and when did the UKBA office acknowledge receipt? That date of acknowledged receipt is the start date for your countdown, and remember, holidays and weekend days are NOT part of the count.
 
#255 ·
Country applying from:USA
Type of visa applied for:Spouse
Date application submitted (online):June 8, 2011
Date biometrics taken:June 13
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: June 15th
Office location processing your visa: New York, NY
Projected timeline given: 15 days (we paid for priority service)
Date your visa was received: We got the email the NEXT DAY (June 16) and my docs and passport with the new visa arrived the following day (June 17) via UPS
:clap2:
:clap2:
:clap2:
 
#256 ·
My Timeline

May'84 Arrived Prestwick - Working Holiday for six months. IO likes my face and says I can stay for a year!

June'84. Croydon. Indefinate Leave to Remain as grandparents are British. Took about half an hour.
Nowadays, apparently, you have to leave the country to change your visa status. What a nuisance that must be!!

Mid 90's Northern Ireland - British citizenship in the post. It was no big deal really. Just applied and voila there it was.

Mid 90's British Passport - no more loser queue for me. No more questions - just flash and go.

Returned to Canada. Never
 
#257 ·
cant help checking the email every five mins,

Country applying from:Australia
Type of visa applied for:settlement(civil partner)
Date application submitted (online or in person): 9/6/2011
Date biometrics taken:14/6/2011
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: posted 14/6/2011 from melbourne received in manila 20/6/2011( called the hotline)
Office location processing your visa:canberra and transfered to the processing hub in manila
Projected timeline given:95% in 6 weeks
Date your visa was received: not yet

Fingers crossed!
 
#352 ·
Here is some update

The application was refused on 23rd of June 2011 and we received the refusal statement on 28th of June saying lack of evidence for living together for more than 2 years

Appeal sent on 2nd of July and comfirmation for receipt of appeal on 7th of July.

on 26th August 2011 Received the email request of pastport saying the refusal decision was overturned by the ECM but it didn't say the visa was issued but the ECO will give further consideration. WTF!
 
#258 ·
Anyone has the experience calling to the ukba canberra to check the application status. I called two days ago to check whether Manila processing hub has received my application or not. Got conformation yesterday. Wondering its worthy calling again to check the result since they listed on website the ukba Canberra doesnt suggest call to enquiry the result which will delay the process.
 
#259 ·
Hi All,
I wish I had found this forum before I sent in my settlement visa application!! Lots of great information on here.

The NYC embassy received my visa application yesterday (June 29) but I have still not heard about any projected timeline on processing times. Can anyone please share their experience on how long it took before they got an email?

Also, I have read about people submitting their application with priority and paying $300 extra. I was never given that option when I was filling out my application online. Is this feature only available if you use an agent?

Many thanks!
-Jay
 
G
#260 ·
On the confirmation email from NYC UKBA, you will probably receive it today or Monday, and it will contain a couple of links. One will be to the timeline page, so bookmark it as you will be using that at least three times a day, LOL!

The other link will be to pages regarding frequently asked questions, you may already have it bookmarked as you prepared to make your application.

On the priority thing, when WorldBridge redirected you to the actual application page to fill out and submit your application online, they neglected to tell you that you should return to the WorldBridge services page and pay for the priority service. It happened to me, too, and I waited 27 business days for my settlement visa-drove me mad, and then became a problem when I really needed to get back to the UK owing to a health concern for my UKC husband! Luckily the visa came through a couple of days after the emergency developed, and I was home with him right away after that!

Currently on the timeline page, all visa types are taking 12 business days-when I made my application in late April-early May, the timeline was 28, 31, 21, and then 33 business days :eek:

YMMV, but since you know they have your app and supporting documents, you should hear something soon one way or another regarding a determination because the timeline is 12 business days.
 
#261 ·
Thank you! I read about your story on another thread and am very glad that everything worked out for you.

Q - Where do you see the 12 business days? I went to the UKBA site and saw the May 2011 processing times for USA. 51% of the settlement visa apps were processed in 15 days, 99% in 60 days.
 
#265 ·
Hi Everyone,

I applied for my UK settlement Visa on 24th May 2011 with biometrics submitted on the same day from Dubai, UAE. Till now I haven't heard anything from UKBA. What is the normal timeline to get the Visa for UK.
About a quarter of 34 settlement applications submitted in May were processed in 10 business days (about 2 weeks) and most of the rest within 30 days (6 weeks). So all being well, you should hear from them soon.
 
#269 ·
Adding my details which I will edit once I know more.

Country applying from: USA
Type of visa applied for: Settlement (Fiance)
Date application submitted (online or in person): June 22 (done online)
Date biometrics taken: June 27
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: June 29
Office location processing your visa: NYC
Projected timeline given: N/A
Date your visa was received: N/A

I was informed on July 4 that the package containing my UK visa application was opened and my supporting documents were organized in preparation for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer.
 
#272 ·
Pheeww!

Country applying from: USA
Type of visa applied for: Settlement
Date application submitted (online or in person): June 29 2011 (online)
Date biometrics taken: July 5
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: Sent out July 6, received July 7 (I sent it FedEx overnight)
Office location processing your visa: I live in Los Angeles, but had it sent to New York for Priority Service
Projected timeline given: 15 days
Date your visa was received: July 8 ... Yes, it took ONE day!!!

I opted to pay for Settlement Priority Service for $300 more.. but seriously it was worth it for me. Instead of possibly waiting a few months, I waited 24 hours. I feel like I can breathe finally. Today's Friday, so I'm assuming my passport will be back to me on Monday or Tuesday.

I was pretty sure my application was straightforward, but you never know. There were little question marks like I didn't have 6 months of my husband's payslips (just the last 4mos) and bank statements (just the last 1), but I made sure everything else was detailed and clear. Any questions on my process, just ask, I couldn't have done it without this forum so I am happy to help!

Here I come UK!!!
:plane:
 
#273 ·
Country applying from: USA
Type of visa applied for: Settlement
Date application submitted (online or in person): June 29 2011 (online)
Date biometrics taken: July 5
Date documentation was received by UK Border Agency office: Sent out July 6, received July 7 (I sent it FedEx overnight)
Office location processing your visa: I live in Los Angeles, but had it sent to New York for Priority Service
Projected timeline given: 15 days
Date your visa was received: July 8 ... Yes, it took ONE day!!!

I opted to pay for Settlement Priority Service for $300 more.. but seriously it was worth it for me. Instead of possibly waiting a few months, I waited 24 hours. I feel like I can breathe finally. Today's Friday, so I'm assuming my passport will be back to me on Monday or Tuesday.

I was pretty sure my application was straightforward, but you never know. There were little question marks like I didn't have 6 months of my husband's payslips (just the last 4mos) and bank statements (just the last 1), but I made sure everything else was detailed and clear. Any questions on my process, just ask, I couldn't have done it without this forum so I am happy to help!

Here I come UK!!!
:plane:
Let me correct myself: Application received on July 7, & I received an email saying my app was accepted on July 8.
 
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