Variation application question

[bolagoldfish]

Hi both, sorry to attach to the thread but I am in exactly the same situation!

I lodged my new (varied) application in at 7.30pm on 02/11/2023 and at the time the UKVI helpline said I did not need to re-do a biometric appointment. My original, incorrect, application was made back in May 2023. This morning I found out (through a nagging doubt which I re-checked) that I do in fact need to re-sit a biometric appointment. I've now frantically booked this appointment first thing on 08/01/2024 (I uploaded all updated supporting docs back in November). That's exactly 45 working days from submission on 02/11!

Q: The guidelines say within 45 working days from submission. Does that include day 45, and/or the fact that I submitted on the evening of 02/11 exclude that day? A bit stressed about it all! Especially given I keep getting conflicting information from the UKVI helpline.

Also, can you confirm whether a varied application waiting period (around 6 months) is based on original application date in May or whether I go back to the start of the queue from the new application in November?

Many thanks.

[bolagoldfish]

Apologies, I post to the wrong thread... This is the correct one.
For reference, I stupidly applied for ILR on basis of Private Life (May 2023) and made new application for the correct 5-year partner route in November.

[zimba]

There is no official UKVI helpline. What you get is an outsourced third-party phone line that dishes out incorrect advice regularly. A variation is just another totally separate application, so you need to book an appointment as usual. It will be treated just like any other FRESH application but your lawful stay will continue. You should be alright

[bolagoldfish]

Thanks so much Zimba. I’m cutting it v fine! Do you know if the waiting period (processing turnaround) is based on original app or new app? I wish I came across this site earlier, lots of great advice!

[zimba]

Thanks so much Zimba. I’m cutting it v fine! Do you know if the waiting period (processing turnaround) is based on original app or new app? I wish I came across this site earlier, lots of great advice!

As I said, this is treated as a NEW application so it has its own processing timeframe

[bolagoldfish]

I just noticed you said that, apologies. Finally do you know when they process the refund on original app? After decision on 2nd or some time after 2nd application? Regards.

[zimba]

I just noticed you said that, apologies. Finally do you know when they process the refund on original app? After decision on 2nd or some time after 2nd application? Regards.

Refunds are often given automatically after you get the decision on your 2nd application

[bolagoldfish]

Thanks so much. Last one! I presume the clock starts ticking on processing time the date the 2nd app was submitted & paid for and not date of the biometric appt? Hopefully the last 8-9 weeks since my 2nd app is not lost!

[zimba]

Thanks so much. Last one! I presume the clock starts ticking on processing time the date the 2nd app was submitted & paid for and not date of the biometric appt? Hopefully the last 8-9 weeks since my 2nd app is not lost!

Each application has its own processing time which starts from AFTER you enrol your biometrics for this application. Your submission date is irrelevant in this instance

[BuffaloJax]

Thanks so much. Last one! I presume the clock starts ticking on processing time the date the 2nd app was submitted & paid for and not date of the biometric appt? Hopefully the last 8-9 weeks since my 2nd app is not lost!

Hello,

I found this out within the variation guidelines (pg 24-26). So in essence, if you made your application in time, the original date will stand, provided the variance isn’t for your dependent(s) as there are exceptions.

I hope this helps. All the best for you and fingers crossed it comes in soon.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... pdf#page24

[zimba]

Thanks so much. Last one! I presume the clock starts ticking on processing time the date the 2nd app was submitted & paid for and not date of the biometric appt? Hopefully the last 8-9 weeks since my 2nd app is not lost!

Hello,

I found this out within the variation guidelines (pg 24-26). So in essence, if you made your application in time, the original date will stand, provided the variance isn’t for your dependent(s) as there are exceptions.

I hope this helps. All the best for you and fingers crossed it comes in soon.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... pdf#page24

Note this has nothing to do with the processing speed of an application.

[bolagoldfish]

Thanks Buffalo. I did read that however as Zimba has said, it appears to be a fresh application. I'm hoping the application is expedited (but it's only a hope).

Once I eventually had the biometric appt. the home office emailed me to quote the standard 6 month turnaround (from date of 2nd application submission). This was an auto-generated email. So, it could be any time really!

Good luck with your application!