I received the reply below when I asked about timelines for acknowledgement letters:
From: IND Public Enquiries [mailto:
UKBApublicenquiries@UKBA.gsi.gov.uk]
Sent: 26 January 2011 13:28
To: Goldfish
Subject: RE: FAQ
Dear Goldfish,
Thank you for your enquiry.
Please be advised that normally acknowledgement letters are sent out once the payment is processed. However UK Border Agency does not have any timescales between the the time the payment is taken and the acknowledgement letters sent out.
Yours sincerely,
Amrit Haria
Immigration Group
UK Border Agency
If you intend to reply to this e-mail please ensure that you re-send all the information from your original enquiry.
________________________________________
From: goldfish
Sent: 24 January 2011 17:21
To: IND Public Enquiries
Subject: FAQ
Hi there,
I have applied for an extension of my Tier 1 (HSMP) visa. Are acknowledgement letters still by Border Agency sent stating that the application has been received? If so, how long after payment is deducted should the letter arrive?
Thanks,
Goldfish