Application Timeline
Eligibility criteria: (5yr Tier 2 + 1yr ILR, IELTS test)
Method of application: Online
Date of receipt by UKVI: 5 Sep 2023
Date of debit of fees: 5 Sep 2023
Date of receipt of acknowledgement (biometrics): 27 Sep 2023
Date of receipt of approval: 4 Mar 2024 HO Atlas email
Date of Ceremony: pending Council's contact
Other Updates: Emailed FNE on 22 Jan 2024, after observing many applicants posting approval emails around the same time as mine on the forum. Received a reply 18 days later on 9 Feb 2024, stating that the application is still within the timeframe, with no further update provided. No additional inquiries were made afterwards.
Got approved about 5.3 months after the biometrics, within timeframe, so jolly good!!!
I believe the main reason for the extra time may be the English language, which stems from an issue in my initial Tier 2 application in 2017. At that time, the Home Office introduced the Secure English Language Test (SELT) around 2015-17 (?), rendering my IELTS test taken in 2015 invalid for the Tier 2 application. Consequently, I had to retake the IELTS test in 2017 and used that score for my Tier 2 visa application.
Upon reviewing my application form for this Tier 2 visa, I noticed that I inadvertently included the old IELTS test number instead of the new one. However, I am confident that I uploaded the correct, newer IELTS certificate with my Tier 2 visa application. To address this discrepancy, I provided a cover letter explaining the situation and attached both IELTS test certificates in my naturalisation application.
This complication likely requires additional time for the caseworkers to access and review archived documents from my previous applications, thus contributing to the extra time.
If your application is causing you anxiety, I hope my timeline provides some relief. Remember, sometimes waiting is the hardest part. If there's no news, it is good news. Let's stay patient and hopeful.