I posted my ILR application in mid october 2012. A few weeks ago, I sent a fax to the liverpool casework department requesting them to process my application as soon as possible as it had been over 8 months ! They replied a week later stating that there was an incredible back log and that I would have to wait for my turn....
Yes my husband applied in October 2012 as well so timescale is the same. We wrote an email to Rob Whiteman's office weeks ago after fruitless calls to Croydon helpline. Got reply today from someone from this email address
FurtherNationalityEnquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk and it basically went around in circles again apologising for the delay which could be due to an extraordinary high demand for their services and directing us back to the Croydon unhelpful line. This is what it said at the end...
"Enquiries into applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain are extensive and varied and can sometimes take longer than anticipated to complete. Some of the enquiries are completed by external agencies on our behalf. I am sorry that it is taking longer than our average waiting time to process, some applications may take longer, depending on the nature of the enquiries to be carried out. We will notify your husband of the outcome once our enquiries are complete.
In recent months the number of applications for both temporary and indefinite leave has been higher than anticipated. The Home Office has service improvement plans in place and it expects that performance in all areas of permanent migration (settlement, European casework and nationality) will be back within service standard shortly.
The Home Office has increased the numbers of staff in both temporary and permanent migration to improve its productivity and is overseeing the improvement plans to ensure that progress in reducing waiting times remains on track.
Should you require further advice or information about your husband’s immigration matter, you may wish to contact Croydon Contact Centre 0870 606 7766."
I already complained to my MLA about 1 month ago. He forwarded my email to the Secretary of State here and asked her to speak directly with Theresa May to expedite my husband's case but even the MLA got no response. Seems useless no matter what we try to do!
Keep in contact and we'll let you know as soon as we hear anything.
It is soul destroying I know. I am a British Citizen born and bred here and have paid taxes for 26 years. I despair of my own country, really. It's shameful.
Good luck x
