Hi Blues, I was in a similar situation as yourself. I sent in an application out of country and didn't get a reference number. I sent an email to hsmp.workpermits@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk with my contact details and when I believed that they received the application. I got an email back the next da...

I'm appying out of country and I had my documents couriered. They were delivered on Dec 6th 12:17pm. I paid by credit card and I haven't received an email with a reference number yet.

I'll hang on a little bit more. Any advice if I don't hear something soon?