Applying 29th Jan 2021. How long before they return Australian passports used as identity? (Not that we can go anywhere at the moment. Well they still have mine and I sent my application in June last year. I think they're all sitting at home on furlough. Personally, I don't care too much as I bet w...

Hi Jeda, Well phoned them a week ago. Finally got a response. What a fat waste of time and money. I got a slightly modified version of the previous e-mail saying that it may take longer than six months because of covid-19 and blah blah and basically don't bother contacting them again. No acknowledg...

I was wondering the same re validating my ID for UK passport as I'm in Australia. I know lots of Brits here but most don't have the occupations listed to qualify to verify my ID. I was going to ask my cousin's lawyer in UK to do it but looks like I can use an Aussie with the appropriate occupation. ...

Hi Mick

That's different - I was given a link to enrol in Biometrics - I guess it depends which country you're in. I'm in Oz so it was via VFS office in Perth.

Hope you get enrolled very soon.

I know this process is a patience tester.....

Cheerio
Jeda

Hi David oh no... I've got free calls on my mobile so easy for me to call. Don't suppose you're in Perth in the northern suburbs by any chance??? If so, you could use my phone. Also, check that this number is the one that does charge you that amount. I called another number and they wanted my credit...

Hi Bodi Are you in Australia? I really have no idea why it's taking so long. Try calling them on +44 300 123 2253. Call from 8am UK time - I can't remember what time they open - it may be 8:30am. When I have called in the past, they were very helpful. Is your application straight forward ie Mum born...

Hi Ballet Yes I didn't want to send it in and I even phoned them prior to ask do I have to and won't a certified copy do but they said no, it may delay it and it's up to the case officer if they accept a copy or not. Shame they just can't say a straight yes or no. However, Australia is in total lock...

Yes here's hoping - we get more info from each other here than the Home Office! I'm in no rush but it's just nice to know what's going on.

Hi Mick

That's great! Thanks for letting me know.
I'll let you know when I hear more from the Home Office - sounds like times are in line with pre covid processing.
All the best
Jeda

Hi Mick
Yes I agree - verify docs and send them back but they clearly like to hold onto them.
Let me know when you receive your biometrics letter.
Cheers
Jeda

Hi Mick Sorry for the delay in my response to your questions. My timeline is below and it seems it's roughly on time as per pre covid applications. In fact, when I went for the Biometrics, they said they were receiving only half the amount of people coming in for visas and biometrics. It seems many ...

Hi Ballet
Good to hear that your friend's biometrics are on time. Mine too, so it seems (so far) that it's business as usual with regards to timelines.
Cheers
Jeda

Hi Dave

I've just got my biometrics appointment letter. How long ago did you receive yours?

Hope you had further progression in your application.

Cheers
Jeda

Thanks for your response Dave. I suspected this was going to be the case. I'm also presuming that I won't hear anything about my application until next year. When you do hear anything further, would you mind posting in the forum please. I hope your application goes smoothly, even if it is slow. Jeda

Hi Everyone I'm in Australia Has anyone recently submitted their UKM application during the Covid crisis? Just wondering if there are huge delays or are things still flowing along? I want to submit my application but concerned I could wait a year to get my passport and other documents back from them...