**** COVID19 and UKVCAS Appointments **** (ONLY discuss here)

[Ameline]

A general observation, I have not seen even a single SET(LR) approved since the COVID pandemic. Is this route really at the bottom of the list priority-wise?
I can only assume that HO is just hoping that many people will just go away or withdraw their applications. There can not be any other reasons because SET(LR) is straightforward and the documents to check are very few too (unlike other routes, where they have to check tax statements, HMRC records, leave authorisations from several employers etc)...

This is not true, we have seen quite few ones approved. You might be looking at the wrong Timeline Thread which says Set (O) Set (F) Set (M) and not SET (LR). However, SET (LR) seem to be the slowest one in getting decisions.

[CULLINAN]

@mumofmini

You did what best you could do. You went for a dual submission also. However, note, every case is different. You may think your case is very straightforward but HO has to do their own checks. Your decision will be made only after all checks are completed. There is no guarantee that dual submission will result in a faster decision. It has worked for many but not all.

[TuM1010]

Hi everyone hope you are all well,i wanted to know anyone that has given biometrics around 8th Sept received a decision.I am still waiting for a decision for my husband he applied on june 15 set M.

I applied SET (M) 22nd June and done biometrics on 15th Sept, still waiting

Seems like there taking their time with SET (M) applicants my husband had his biometrics done on 8th Sept

I submitted biometric on 10th Sept with SET (O) as a dependent. Still waiting...

[kiss300]

A general observation, I have not seen even a single SET(LR) approved since the COVID pandemic. Is this route really at the bottom of the list priority-wise?
I can only assume that HO is just hoping that many people will just go away or withdraw their applications. There can not be any other reasons because SET(LR) is straightforward and the documents to check are very few too (unlike other routes, where they have to check tax statements, HMRC records, leave authorisations from several employers etc)...

Shout it louder. I am in the same boat. I don't understand why it is not progressing as much as the others SET(O). It is clearly not fair taking into account how we are all paying the same amount of money.

[ecaaext]

Hi Guys,

I wanted to provide an update on my timeline

Applied for ECAA Extension with Dependant : Ankara Agreement
Application form sent : 15/07/2020
Docs uploaded to UKVCAS : 6/08/2020
Appointment Location : Croydon - Free 8/09/2020 ( Biometric - Finger Print)
Decision : waiting.........

[CULLINAN]

Shout it louder. I am in the same boat. I don't understand why it is not progressing as much as the others SET(O). It is clearly not fair taking into account how we are all paying the same amount of money.

Talk about being fair? Many applicants from March-July are still waiting. You only applied in August.

[kiss300]

Shout it louder. I am in the same boat. I don't understand why it is not progressing as much as the others SET(O). It is clearly not fair taking into account how we are all paying the same amount of money.

Talk about being fair? Many applicants from March-July are still waiting. You only applied in August.

Well, it's not fair on them too. Specifically, knowing how people who applied in August on SET (O) are getting theirs before them. Not fair at all.

We need to face the fact that people who have applied under SET(O) have seen a quicker turnaround. I agree that not all the people who have applied under SET (LR) are here, however, those who are here compared with SET(O) are not seeing much lesser progress.

[CULLINAN]

@Kiss300

The standard processing time is 6 months for most categories. You can not compare your own application to anyone else’s timeline. Every case is different and processed on its own merits. Its not like one size fits all scenario. Anyways, I hope you get your decision soon.

[poper]

To put things to perspective, when you look at the approval timeframes, I feel UKVI is only processing April/May SET(LR) applicants now. The last two approvals reported on this forum have been May applicants.

Whereas, for SET(O) while there may be a minority of April/May applicants still waiting for a decision, September applicants have already started receiving decisions.

The backlog for SET(LR) application appears much longer. I understand HO have a 6 months SLA for standard route applications.
I am mentally preparing myself that my wait will enter 2021 given that I applied only end of August.
We cannot do anything other than hoping for more case workers prioritizing SET(LR) applications.

[kiss300]

@Kiss300

The standard processing time is 6 months for most categories. You can not compare your own application to anyone else’s timeline. Every case is different and processed on its own merits. It's not like one size fits all scenario. Anyways, I hope you get your decision soon.

I totally get you but if we are looking at statistics on here it is clear that SET LR are not winning.
Yes- hope to get my decision soon and so to all who are waiting.

[CULLINAN]

@Kiss300

I would say anyone who is getting quicker results or winning as you mention, let it be whichever category; SET(O), LR, M etc, HO thinks (read: HO thinks) their applications are straight forward and enquiries are completed quicker than others. Thats it. Almost everyone will hear soon or within standard processing time.
The applications/timelines mentioned on this forum is a very low proportion of what HO gets in reality.
I hope everyone gets quicker decisions.

[CULLINAN]

I would suggest:

Anyone (March - July) who has been waiting for a decision over 3/4 weeks after submitting biometrics via IDV app from 17th Aug onwards should test their luck via the appointment dual submission. There is no guarantee it will work for all but may work for you. Best if you look for a free appointment to save some money.

[dannyjjj]

Is there any way to take the already submitted application out of the solicitor's hands and register it for myself? Could UKVCAS help with that? My solicitor is extremely unresponsive, sometimes taking weeks to reply. I should have heard from UKVCAS by now (and maybe I have, who knows), but my solicitor is silent. I'm almost in despair.

[CULLINAN]

Is there any way to take the already submitted application out of the solicitor's hands and register it for myself? Could UKVCAS help with that? My solicitor is extremely unresponsive, sometimes taking weeks to reply. I should have heard from UKVCAS by now (and maybe I have, who knows), but my solicitor is silent. I'm almost in despair.

That is entirely up to what kind of an agreement you have with your solicitor. UKVCAS has nothing to do with it. You may want to speak with your solicitor and cancel your agreement/pay the dues, get the log in details and handle your case on your own then. Note the official correspondence will still go to the solicitor unless you take steps to change the correspondence address with UKVI, obviously with solicitor’s consent.

[Dekedaba]

I would suggest:

Anyone (March - July) who has been waiting for a decision over 3/4 weeks after submitting biometrics via IDV app from 17th Aug onwards should test their luck via the appointment dual submission. There is no guarantee it will work for all but may work for you. Best if you look for a free appointment to save some money.

I saw your post a couple of days back and I have also followed in your footsteps. Miraculously got a free appointment when I checked yesterday for Monday the 28th of September at Lansdowne Road. I submitted my application on 22 June and IDV app submission on 28 August for ILR Set M.

[CULLINAN]

I would suggest:

Anyone (March - July) who has been waiting for a decision over 3/4 weeks after submitting biometrics via IDV app from 17th Aug onwards should test their luck via the appointment dual submission. There is no guarantee it will work for all but may work for you. Best if you look for a free appointment to save some money.

I saw your post a couple of days back and I have also followed in your footsteps. Miraculously got a free appointment when I checked yesterday for Monday the 28th of September at Lansdowne Road. I submitted my application on 22 June and IDV app submission on 28 August for ILR Set M.

I have exactly similar dates like yours. The only difference is I am not an ILR applicant. Good luck.

[dannyjjj]

CULLINAN, Thank you for your reply. I don't see how it's possible to get the login details from my solicitor given they are generally non-collaborative and not replying to my queries, so I was hoping it would be possible to achieve via UKVI/UKVCAS and proceed with my application on my own. Obviously I would pay my dues and notify the solicitor about the agreement cancellation, but at least my application would not depend on them anymore. Apparently it is not possible so I still 100% depend on them and am practically screwed Biggest mistake to apply through them.

[CULLINAN]

CULLINAN, Thank you for your reply. I don't see how it's possible to get the login details from my solicitor given they are generally non-collaborative and not replying to my queries, so I was hoping it would be possible to achieve via
UKVI/UKVCAS and proceed with my application. Obviously I would pay my dues and notify the solicitor about the agreement cancellation, but at least my application would not depend on them anymore. Apparently it is not possible so I still 100% depend on them and am practically screwed Biggest mistake to apply through them.

Many applicants have been screwed by solicitors. Maybe other applicants who dealt with the same can help you further.... Good luck.

[Pat01]

I would suggest:

Anyone (March - July) who has been waiting for a decision over 3/4 weeks after submitting biometrics via IDV app from 17th Aug onwards should test their luck via the appointment dual submission. There is no guarantee it will work for all but may work for you. Best if you look for a free appointment to save some money.

That seems a very sound suggestion to me. I applied for SET(M) on 1st May, uploaded and submitted all required evidence in July. I used the IDV app to provide biometrics on Thur 27th August (that's 4 weeks ago tomorrow) but have still heard nothing, nada, zilch.

Today I attended the Croydon (Lansdowne Road) UKVCAS centre and submitted my biometrics in person (free appointment) as I have simply lost faith in the IDV app.

The wait is exasperating!

[ndn123]

Hello,

I am in dire need of some advice. I applied for ILR Set (O) on September 14th and just got the email to use the IDV app or book an appointment, via my solicitor. I am eager for the fastest route as I am in a predicament job wise. However, my solicitor cannot find any appointments available anywhere before October 5th. Is anyone else able to see other appointments near London/Cambridge before then?

My biggest question is whether I should submit biometrics via the app (eligible for re-use) or book an appointment 2 weeks away?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Given your dire urgency, submit via the app now and book the earliest appointment and go for dual submission.
Although i do not see any advantage for dual submission for Sep applicants. But I would advise you to book an appointment instead or go for dual submission.

Also note, there is no guarantee that the above will result in a faster decision. But given the reports, the above is the best track you can choose if you are in dire urgency from your end.

Thank you very much! I have taken your advice and used the app today and also booked an appointment.

[CULLINAN]

Good luck Pat01. Hope you get a quick decision now. Keep us posted.

[CULLINAN]

Good luck @ndn123. What date did you manage to secure an appointment? Free/paid?

[stonelove]

Good luck @ndn123. What date did you manage to secure an appointment? Free/paid?

Hi @Cullinan I did so but it has not worked, SET (M) Application on the 28/05/2020 Biometrics on the 21/08/2020 Used the App but still waiting like you said and to all waiting as long as it has not gone pass the UKVI service standard we all have to wait. If no decisions have been made after their 6 months service standard times then we can start to make noise and escalate further. if any March 2020 applicants are still waiting the I suggest to write to UKVI using the Sheffield address, contact your MP and also call the UKVI contact center, when we get to October and any April 2020 Applicants are still waiting for a decision do the follow the same procedures as the March applicant. Unless you need an urgent decision such as a Family bereavement and you need to travel outside the UK or any other urgent matters that with evidence that requires a faster decision then there is no point contacting UKVI because doing so will only trigger a standard response, lets all be patient and wait.

[CULLINAN]

Its always best to keep checking the booking system during the day and especially after 12 midnight. Check different city postcodes. Not sure why but Croydon Lansdowne have had the best availability through out amongst all other centres.

Sometimes there are cancellations and you maybe lucky to secure an early free or cheaper appointment.

Obviously, if you already have booked an appointment you can not access the system unless you cancel first.

But if you cancel, you will be at the mercy of new availability at that point in time so its not advised.

[CULLINAN]

@stonelove

I agree with what you said.

Did you go only for an appointment on 21/8?

As I said, there is no guarantee for a quicker decision on any biometrics submission route.

However, there is no harm, if someone (March - July) wants to test their luck via dual submission having waited for over 3/4 weeks after IDV submission. Again, no guarantee but may work. If dual submission does not work either, wait patiently till you meet the service standard before contacting/involving HO/MP.