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Dear all,Echo721 wrote:Hello everyone,
I posted my application on 23/2/2012 and hit the 6-month mark on 22/8/2012. So I called 0870 606 7766 in the morning of 22/8/2012. I got through via ‘return of documents’ option after waiting for 14 minutes which was shorter than expected. The lady on the phone told me to call again on the next day because I was one day early to check my application status and she wouldn’t be able to see the information in her system yet. I asked if I could request my boyfriend’s driving license back. She typed my reference number into the system and said that in their system my application date was actually 22/2/2012 hence to save me calling back again, she could tell me that my application was still being processed. So I guess they might have registered the date that I signed on the form in their system. She submitted my request of return of document in their system and said that it would be dealt with by another team based on how urgent my reason was. It would take 20 working days to the request to be processed. And I could only query this once the 20-day period had passed.
It sounded very busy in the background. She said they did answer calls all the time, but because of the large volume of calls, unfortunately some callers ended up waiting for a long time. She was quite friendly and helpful, but did sound a bit stressed as well and it was only 10 o’clock in the morning.
I haven’t heard anything from them yet since the phone call. So I guess I’ll just have to wait. Fingers crossed.
UnKindBAst wrote:New to the forum,
Applied 19 march
Acknowledgement letter 27 March
Biometric 2 April
Speedy service and then things went downhill, still waiting for my documents.
Life's become a hell, could not work for a month due to Olympics and i not having my passport.
Had recently requested my sponsors passport back and the lazy caseworker, perhaps blind and dumb, send a wrong passport.
no wonder our applications getting delayed, i only hope all my valuable documents still exist.
Thanks Essexbessexb wrote:Yes this is possible, we did it, although the UKBA do not make it clear that you can do this. My wife had a job offer and needed her passport and visa back, so we called them up and they said they could return the documents without withdrawing the application. Turns out that they this sped up the whole process and instead of just returning the documents, they returned them all and issued her visa! It's definitely worth a try, just make sure that the person you speak to the on the phone is clear you just want the non sponsor's passport/visa back for a job interview or whatever and that you do not wish to withdraw the application. Might be worth taking their name too incase something goes wrong.kshah wrote:
I am thinking to ask for return of my wife's passport , without withdrawing my wife's application. Will they allow me to do that ? Atleast by doing this, she could atleast register with employment agencies ? Do you have any idea about this ?
Wow, I don't even know what to say after reading those two freedom of information requests. Our lives are completely on hold - my husband can't work, study or even volunteer. We can't start a family or move out of my mum's as we can't afford it on one salary. We were keeping ourselves upbeat with the thought that at least we were more than three months through the processing time. If the processing time starts once biometrics are submitted, after waiting nine weeks for that letter, we are actually only a month into our wait.mrsclc78 wrote:http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p ... ing-311921
I love how they assume I'm a dude.
They give the most vague answers possible, and I've given up trying to understand how they operate. It sounds like they put applications in order of application date ONCE biometrics are done, which makes sense. What I still don't understand is why the straightforward applications are stuck behind the complex ones, but I don't really want to write them another question and wait another 2 months for a reply. Why isn't there one team for straightforward apps, cranking those out, and another for the ones that require additional paperwork, checks, etc.? But then, how long is a piece of string?
I'm more interested in the answers to this one (http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p ... s_for_flrm) now, because the author brings up so many good points.
Unsurprising how they didn't even apologise to me for being well beyond the legal date by which they were required to reply. If they can't answer these questions in time, that says a lot for their lack of respect for the actual applications.
I'm still not sure if they count the time from the application day as the entire processing time or not. The wording is all so unclear and nothing, not even their own website, seems to be be consistent. Every time I've called I've gotten a different story. Some people out there seem to be getting theirs within a few months, and others, 9+ months with no rhyme or reason. I think it's basically a lottery, and you *could* get it any time. Or it could be awhile. I'm in a similar position, and now with three family members' struggling health-wise back home, I'm more frustrated than ever.Dsin wrote:Wow, I don't even know what to say after reading those two freedom of information requests. Our lives are completely on hold - my husband can't work, study or even volunteer. We can't start a family or move out of my mum's as we can't afford it on one salary. We were keeping ourselves upbeat with the thought that at least we were more than three months through the processing time. If the processing time starts once biometrics are submitted, after waiting nine weeks for that letter, we are actually only a month into our wait.mrsclc78 wrote:http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p ... ing-311921
I love how they assume I'm a dude.
They give the most vague answers possible, and I've given up trying to understand how they operate. It sounds like they put applications in order of application date ONCE biometrics are done, which makes sense. What I still don't understand is why the straightforward applications are stuck behind the complex ones, but I don't really want to write them another question and wait another 2 months for a reply. Why isn't there one team for straightforward apps, cranking those out, and another for the ones that require additional paperwork, checks, etc.? But then, how long is a piece of string?
I'm more interested in the answers to this one (http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p ... s_for_flrm) now, because the author brings up so many good points.
Unsurprising how they didn't even apologise to me for being well beyond the legal date by which they were required to reply. If they can't answer these questions in time, that says a lot for their lack of respect for the actual applications.
Wow, that's all I can say (accompanied by a rather large sigh....)
It's very hard to be waiting like this when there is no clear indication of how long the wait may be and the answers from the UKBA constantly contradict the previous information given. If your family members' health deteriorates further, can you contact them under the compassionate emergency thing and ask them to hurry up?mrsclc78 wrote:I'm still not sure if they count the time from the application day as the entire processing time or not. The wording is all so unclear and nothing, not even their own website, seems to be be consistent. Every time I've called I've gotten a different story. Some people out there seem to be getting theirs within a few months, and others, 9+ months with no rhyme or reason. I think it's basically a lottery, and you *could* get it any time. Or it could be awhile. I'm in a similar position, and now with three family members' struggling health-wise back home, I'm more frustrated than ever.Dsin wrote:Wow, I don't even know what to say after reading those two freedom of information requests. Our lives are completely on hold - my husband can't work, study or even volunteer. We can't start a family or move out of my mum's as we can't afford it on one salary. We were keeping ourselves upbeat with the thought that at least we were more than three months through the processing time. If the processing time starts once biometrics are submitted, after waiting nine weeks for that letter, we are actually only a month into our wait.mrsclc78 wrote:http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p ... ing-311921
I love how they assume I'm a dude.
They give the most vague answers possible, and I've given up trying to understand how they operate. It sounds like they put applications in order of application date ONCE biometrics are done, which makes sense. What I still don't understand is why the straightforward applications are stuck behind the complex ones, but I don't really want to write them another question and wait another 2 months for a reply. Why isn't there one team for straightforward apps, cranking those out, and another for the ones that require additional paperwork, checks, etc.? But then, how long is a piece of string?
I'm more interested in the answers to this one (http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p ... s_for_flrm) now, because the author brings up so many good points.
Unsurprising how they didn't even apologise to me for being well beyond the legal date by which they were required to reply. If they can't answer these questions in time, that says a lot for their lack of respect for the actual applications.
Wow, that's all I can say (accompanied by a rather large sigh....)
Interesting recent updates. What this confirms is that it's a matter of luck, with the odds very much stacked against the majority of applicants. While we applied over 2 months now, it has hardly been 2 weeks since we submitted biometrics. And at this rate there could be a lot more waiting...mrsclc78 wrote:http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p ... ing-311921
I love how they assume I'm a dude.
They give the most vague answers possible, and I've given up trying to understand how they operate. It sounds like they put applications in order of application date ONCE biometrics are done, which makes sense. What I still don't understand is why the straightforward applications are stuck behind the complex ones, but I don't really want to write them another question and wait another 2 months for a reply. Why isn't there one team for straightforward apps, cranking those out, and another for the ones that require additional paperwork, checks, etc.? But then, how long is a piece of string?
I'm more interested in the answers to this one (http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p ... s_for_flrm) now, because the author brings up so many good points.
Unsurprising how they didn't even apologise to me for being well beyond the legal date by which they were required to reply. If they can't answer these questions in time, that says a lot for their lack of respect for the actual applications.
No way. You BRP is a proof of your immigration status. If you don't have it you can't prove what is going on with you, and they would never let you back in the country. It would just be against the law.TnT-FreaK wrote:mrsclc78 wrote:http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p ... ing-311921
Is it possible for UKBA to return the applicant's passport back for travel purposes without withdrawing the application? Maybe that could be a suggestion to our MPs, so that when UKBA comes to our application they can request our passports back. This will avoid a lot of pain to both the applicant and UKBA with a million applicants chasing them every day.
Thanks for confirming. So I'll probably wait for 2 months post biometrics and take a decision then. They are lots of negatives for withdrawing an application, besides the money, the new rules would apply which means instead of 2 years for an ILR it will take 5 years.badger111 wrote:TnT-FreaK wrote:No way. You BRP is a proof of your immigration status. If you don't have it you can't prove what is going on with you, and they would never let you back in the country. It would just be against the law.mrsclc78 wrote:http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p ... ing-311921
Is it possible for UKBA to return the applicant's passport back for travel purposes without withdrawing the application? Maybe that could be a suggestion to our MPs, so that when UKBA comes to our application they can request our passports back. This will avoid a lot of pain to both the applicant and UKBA with a million applicants chasing them every day.
For example, they are considering someone's application, that person goes to it's domestic country, commits a crime, comes back to the UK, and gets BRP. That is just one of the examples of why that would never be possible.
I have been waiting 27 weeks...
There is one solution for you though. I presume you still have fiancee visa valid? Well if you do, and if you can afford it, withdraw your application, and re-apply again using premium service. I would do the same, but my fiancee visa has expired so I won't do that. Trust me, I know it seems expensive, but in the end it will be much cheaper the waiting for over 6 months.
When was your visa issued? If you got your fiancee visa before 9 July than you will still be under old rules. I know that for a fact, because my friend's partner who got here from Taiwan got his fiancee visa in June, applied for enter to leave here after 9 July, but was still under old rules. It all depends on when your fiancee visa was issued.TnT-FreaK wrote:badger111 wrote:Thanks for confirming. So I'll probably wait for 2 months post biometrics and take a decision then. They are lots of negatives for withdrawing an application, besides the money, the new rules would apply which means instead of 2 years for an ILR it will take 5 years.TnT-FreaK wrote:No way. You BRP is a proof of your immigration status. If you don't have it you can't prove what is going on with you, and they would never let you back in the country. It would just be against the law.mrsclc78 wrote:http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p ... ing-311921
Is it possible for UKBA to return the applicant's passport back for travel purposes without withdrawing the application? Maybe that could be a suggestion to our MPs, so that when UKBA comes to our application they can request our passports back. This will avoid a lot of pain to both the applicant and UKBA with a million applicants chasing them every day.
For example, they are considering someone's application, that person goes to it's domestic country, commits a crime, comes back to the UK, and gets BRP. That is just one of the examples of why that would never be possible.
I have been waiting 27 weeks...
There is one solution for you though. I presume you still have fiancee visa valid? Well if you do, and if you can afford it, withdraw your application, and re-apply again using premium service. I would do the same, but my fiancee visa has expired so I won't do that. Trust me, I know it seems expensive, but in the end it will be much cheaper the waiting for over 6 months.
Decisions, decisions ... There is more risk to manage in dealing with UKBA than in investing in the stock market. Only 10 weeks wait so far.
TnT-FreaK my timeline is similar to yours and I have not even received a biometrics letter. I phoned the 087 number yesterday and got nowhere. I am on an ICT Tier 2 at the moment and she attempted to look something up on the system using that information but really got nowhere. She said you have to just wait.....TnT-FreaK wrote:badger111 wrote:Thanks for confirming. So I'll probably wait for 2 months post biometrics and take a decision then. They are lots of negatives for withdrawing an application, besides the money, the new rules would apply which means instead of 2 years for an ILR it will take 5 years.TnT-FreaK wrote:No way. You BRP is a proof of your immigration status. If you don't have it you can't prove what is going on with you, and they would never let you back in the country. It would just be against the law.mrsclc78 wrote:http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/p ... ing-311921
Is it possible for UKBA to return the applicant's passport back for travel purposes without withdrawing the application? Maybe that could be a suggestion to our MPs, so that when UKBA comes to our application they can request our passports back. This will avoid a lot of pain to both the applicant and UKBA with a million applicants chasing them every day.
For example, they are considering someone's application, that person goes to it's domestic country, commits a crime, comes back to the UK, and gets BRP. That is just one of the examples of why that would never be possible.
I have been waiting 27 weeks...
There is one solution for you though. I presume you still have fiancee visa valid? Well if you do, and if you can afford it, withdraw your application, and re-apply again using premium service. I would do the same, but my fiancee visa has expired so I won't do that. Trust me, I know it seems expensive, but in the end it will be much cheaper the waiting for over 6 months.
Decisions, decisions ... There is more risk to manage in dealing with UKBA than in investing in the stock market. Only 10 weeks wait so far.
hi davidalowrie, thanks for the reply. By the way have you heard anything from your MP yet?davidalowrie wrote:I contacted my MP yesterday. My timeline is 6 months 16 days today, so anything over 6 months wait I would suggest doing the same.Still.Waiting wrote:Its been 5 months now and nothing from UKBA. Can anyone tell me when is the right time to contact your MP?
I got a reply that stated that the MP was sorry to hear I had been waiting so long and that they had contacted the UKBA and I would hopefully get a reply in the next couple of days. So I'm still waiting.Still.Waiting wrote:hi davidalowrie, thanks for the reply. By the way have you heard anything from your MP yet?davidalowrie wrote:I contacted my MP yesterday. My timeline is 6 months 16 days today, so anything over 6 months wait I would suggest doing the same.Still.Waiting wrote:Its been 5 months now and nothing from UKBA. Can anyone tell me when is the right time to contact your MP?
kshah wrote:
Thanks Essexb
Can I ask, after how many weeks of submitting your application, did you ask for wife's passport back, were you closer to six months deadline and what reason did you give to them ?
Did they readily agree to return your wife's passport or you have to convince them and did they gave you any reference ?
Regards
essexb, thanks for continuing to share your information after you've received everything back successfully!essexb wrote: We requested the passport around 2 months after submitting the application and the UKBA were actually the ones who mentioned that we could request the non-sponsors documents back (as long as they were not for travel), so they didn't need convincing at all. It's definitely something that they can do. They didn't give a reference and we stupidly didn't take anyone's name, so there was a week or 2 where we were very anxious, but happy to say it all worked out. Just see the timeline below.
My time line is :
docs sent : 28th June
ack letter : dated 7th july
Requested docs back: 23rd Aug
Bio letter : 24th Aug
Docs returned : 31st Aug
BRP arrived: 4th Sept