[EnglandHopeful]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum, but it's really helpful. Nice to see so much information in one spot.

I'm applying for a settlement visa, my husband is already in England. I've filled out the online application and have had my biometric data done. I have not yet mailed in my supporting documents. Is it too late to pay for expedited service or could I still do it through WorldBank since I haven't mailed in the supporting documents?

We're supposed to have a wedding reception on April 15th and my husband is worried that I might not get my passport back in time and thinks that I should just go on my visit visa and return to the US afterwards and apply again for my visa then. I'd really like to avoid wasting the application fee that I've already paid though. If my visa does not make it back in say a week before I'm supposed to travel could I somehow cancel it and get my passport back?

I'd appreciate any advice that you guys might have for me!

 

[Joppa]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum, but it's really helpful. Nice to see so much information in one spot.

I'm applying for a settlement visa, my husband is already in England. I've filled out the online application and have had my biometric data done. I have not yet mailed in my supporting documents. Is it too late to pay for expedited service or could I still do it through WorldBank since I haven't mailed in the supporting documents?

You can if you like, but since it's only taking 3 days to process most applications, it's probably not worth the extra $300 for priority.

We're supposed to have a wedding reception on April 15th and my husband is worried that I might not get my passport back in time and thinks that I should just go on my visit visa and return to the US afterwards and apply again for my visa then. I'd really like to avoid wasting the application fee that I've already paid though. If my visa does not make it back in say a week before I'm supposed to travel could I somehow cancel it and get my passport back?

Since you have already applied and paid and did your biometrics, it's best just to let the application stand and run its course. Hopefully it will be approved and you get your passport back within a week of sending in your supporting documents. It's possible that your case attracts extra processing time and you won't get your passport back in time, in which case you have to withdraw your application in order to get your passport back and lose all your fees. They do warn applicants not to book a non-cancellable travel before getting your visa, and this is the risk you have taken, but I hope it doesn't come to that.

 

[EnglandHopeful]

Wow, thanks for such a speedy reply! I will go ahead and mail in my documents and hope that it gets back in time. We purchased the tickets way in advance and didn't realize our mistake until we start filling out the application. Really happy to hear that worst case scenario I could withdraw my application and still travel on my visit visa. Didn't want to outright lose the fees without at least trying to get the visa!

 

[Joppa]

Wow, thanks for such a speedy reply! I will go ahead and mail in my documents and hope that it gets back in time. We purchased the tickets way in advance and didn't realize our mistake until we start filling out the application. Really happy to hear that worst case scenario I could withdraw my application and still travel on my visit visa. Didn't want to outright lose the fees without at least trying to get the visa!

Provided your application meets all the requirements, and you supply all needed documents, there is no reason why it shouldn't be processed as per the timescale given. Things that can really hold up your application include adverse immigration history such as refused visas or being denied entry to UK, which has to be investigated by being referred to caseworking section in London. This can easily take several weeks. But if there is no such record, and you meet the three main criteria of genuine, durable relationship, adequate maintenance (finance) and suitable accommodation, you have little to worry about.