I am the lucky holder of an Residence Card, issued in August 2009 following a nine-month wait and extended wrangling with the UKBA. However, my passport is now almost full and I need a new one. I had wanted to submit a brand new passport to the UKBA last year to avoid this problem, but seeing as the...
Good luck all of you - persistence pays, and luck as well. I think processing times are just luck. That's all. I don't believe that anyone who sent their application in 2008 got it back within 2-3 weeks, no matter how thorough they were or what country they are from. There's just a huge backlog and ...
The only people who have the answer to the Schengen question must be those that have experienced it for themselves. I'm a non-visa national so I can move freely in the EU - I don't know the situation for others, although I have a Colombian friend who is resident in the UK (EEA2) and still needs a Sc...
Thanks Eric - I don't know about clever though, I was just desperate. I only had another month to come up with legitimate immigration paperwork according to the terms of my contract, and really didn't want to lose my job. It just popped into my head, and it seems to have struck a chord with them.
I too am glad for the people that get their cards so quickly, but this is just so unfair on those waiting in line for over a year, and unable to work. If I were still one of the unlucky ones waiting, I would be tempted to withdraw my application completely and resubmit it! Sharmarina, my suggestion ...
Rodrigo - so sorry to hear you have been waiting that long. It is totally outrageous. See also: http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=43032 Steps: 1) Complain to NWCSU via email (details are given on link). 2) Complain to local MP. 3) Complain to EU Solvit. A really important thing is to ...
I am almost certain that there is some level of institutional bias in assessing the applications, whether it is conscious or not. However, I also think that it is just mainly rotten luck for all of us who submitted applications in 2008 - this seems to have been the absolute worst time for delays. I ...
I too am perplexed by all these figures, and by the fact that some lucky applicants are receiving their RCs in record times, whilst others have been waiting 12 months or more, with barely a whisper of reply from the HO and a barrage of bureaucracy and indifference every time they try to complain. It...
Potentially of interest: Freedom of Information Request regarding EEA2 service levels: http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/service_levels_for_eea2_applicat Queries answered in UK parliament: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090601/text/90601w0038.htm This is what struck...
Kuka - definitely phone HO again and let them know that you haven't received a follow up since the first letter. Ask them to note it down on your case file and try and get them to say they'll look into it. Remember the name of the person that you speak with for future reference. I would suggest foll...
Maybe they really are improving the service - when you finally do get through to someone, if you have a legitimate complaint they are much better disposed to actually helping you. The last two times I called, they put me on hold while they spoke to a manager, and when I demanded a yes or no answer a...
Hi everyone - I just wanted to share with you the truly momentous news that the Home Office has reversed their original decision on my case (EEA2 Residence Card application rejected due to non-submission of documents by specified deadline) and have just called to tell me that they've issued me with ...
Hi Augusto, My advice is start complaining now. If your six months is nearly up, then call the horrendous HO helpline and start asking for your case ID. You have the right to complain that HO has exceeded EU legal time limits once HO has taken more than six months to assess your case - this is 6 mon...
Hi Photogirl - well done and congratulations on your good luck. I truly hope your case is the new precedent for the Home Office and that they are now going to start issuing all RCs within three weeks (won't hold my breath). IMHO this is how long it should take, if they were adequately staffed and ha...
Faisal, I agree it is very confusing as to how to fill out the EEA2 residence card application form. Make sure to read through all the notes on page 2 (Section 6: Completing the form). My understanding is that it is the non-EEA national that applies using this form. Please, if the description below ...
Omar - this is terrible. What an appalling way to welcome people to the UK. What really gets me is that you and your wife have the RIGHT to be here! The Home Office is infringing on your right for freedom of movement within the EU by not resolving your case. I will PM you with some more information ...
OmarA - what is happening with your case now? Have you heard anything further or got any correspondence from the Home Office? Do you have a Case ID and a caseworker? Do you need their fax number? Please PM me. Have you had responses from SOLVIT or from your local MP? I am having the most frustrating...
Also a good idea to include details about how you keep in touch when you are apart. Now that I remember there is some extremely long form with 100 questions that you have to fill out as part of the application - I think you do this online first, and then get the biometrics appointment, and then subm...
Hi visatouk, I did indeed send my visa application to Canberra. Don't forget that you also need to have your biometrics data taken before you send off your visa application. Usually it's possible to get an appointment for this at short notice. Keep a record of absolutely everything that you send the...
Hi visatouk - take my word for it, processing times are two months - I sent mine through in August last year and received it back in October. They tell you not to apply until three months before you are due to leave, and also tell you not to make travel arrangements until you get your visa; but of c...
Hi visatouk, don't worry too much about the separation period of 6 months. My partner had been living in the UK as his main address for over a year by the time I applied for my family permit in Canberra. It didn't matter as we first moved in together years before that and had managed 'long distance'...
