Post
by ribena » Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:35 am
Hi all
BHC oversea does more damage than helping us. Probably their real mission is stopping ppl from getting into UK rather than in.
Just to share with you/everyone what had happened to us during the application and appeal. Sorry.. long post..
Nov07-Feb08 - Emailing/phone BHC & VFS to enquire which documents required.research on forums. Before we submit the application, we sent the final list of docs to BHC to verify everything is in order. we have the ok from them.
Nov07 - Initial enquire with VFS for unmarried partner, we were told we must get married or else we can't apply for EEA FP. rude staff and doesn't let us explain further. lodge a formal complaint to BHC/HO and it was picked up by BHC.
15 Feb08- Went to VFS to submit application. Only my bank statements weren't recent enough. got that sort out and VFS officer is satisfy with the docs provided along with our own add. docs. received a call from VFS officer saying I need to attend interview the following week.I called VFS back to enquire if I need to bring further docs. I was told No.
21 Feb08- Waited 2 hours plus before called in. Was asked unreasonable questions, was asked to provide proof of this and that on the spot. ECO wasn't being very polite etc. After 20 mins of grilling, she said she can't make the decision the same day and it will be in a day or two. Nothing happened.
25 Feb08- Trying to reach the ECO Assist. with no luck. Husband sent an email saying we need to know asap as he has urgent travel.
26 Feb08- BHC called us to say "decision has been made'. When I asked whether it's good or bad news, they said they don't know.
27 Feb08- Picked up 'decision' at VFS. Application was rejected. refused under national immigration 281 .something..( can't recall)
Reasons:
- my hb doesn't enquire for a job is uk (actually he did but i didn't know) and no proof of his job qualification(s) during application nor was I able to produce during the interview. Coz we were not asked for it!
- single deposit of fund (when i tried to explain, i was crudely cut off). We transfered the bank from his a/c 1 to a/c 2 as per BHC advice.
- they can't determine whether my friend actually own the property (this was not mention at all during the interview). Again, the BHC advice us that a letter from friend saying their willingness to let us stay will do. refusal letter stated they want to at least see tenancy agreement or house deed/mortgage.
Using the previous complain, we lodge another complain on we were't told up front by BHC, being mislead on information or not getting any at all.
28 Feb08- Sent in appeal at the BHC guard house. We use directive 2004/38/EC to refute the national immigration and appeal was done point by point. apparently appeal need to be in 3 copies but of course we were not informed of this (what else is new, even VFS doesn't know that, i called to check). Guard refused to accept my appeal. Request to speak to someone inside. Same thing I was told. No 3 copies, they will not accept.
I was told by the guard and someone inside that there should be a piece of paper saying appeal to be done in 28 days and 3 copies. obviously someone forgot to attach that together with my refusal letter. I argued that this is not my problem as it is your staff that is incompetence in their work. And that I will not be punished and bullied for someone's fault. Demand to speak to his supervisor. That someone inside have the cheek to tell me that is my responsibility to check online for appeal procedure. Which I replied by telling him off how can he assume I am computer illiterate. If BHc can't even give us correct information, where else would I get my info from? VFS is not much of a help either.
We are from another state and we were not familiar with the area and no proper access to computer as well.
Finally after much of 'stand off', they accepted my appeal. That someone inside was also rude and not helpful. I don't like the tone of his voice as if they are sitting on same throne, all high and mighty.
10 Mar08- received a call from BHC saying we won. was told to hand over my passport with a letter saying our next traveling date.
12 Mar08- Picked up my passport with EEA FP from VFS office.
We hope once we are in the UK, EEA2 is all we need to do and can finally take a rest from all this. Been dealing with immi for the past 3 years.