Any updates from recent applicants?

So excited to finally write this post - got my fiance visa in the mail today!!

Timeline:
9/19/14 - Online application submitted/Priority bought
9/22/14 - Biometrics
9/29/14 - Application in Sheffield according to UPS
9/30/14 - Confirmation email from Sheffield
10/8/14 - Decision email from Sheffield
10/14/14 - Visa in hand!!!

A couple things for future applicants...
1) I forgot to send photocopies of everything, but it wasn't an issue. I've received all the originals back.

2) I sent all my documents to my fiance in London so he could add in his stuff and send it to Sheffield. He divided everything into sections and put each section into plastic wallets. I've seen it advised against here, but each section remained intact and in the plastic wallets in the return package. The officer even flipped my passport to the new visa page, and in its own wallet, so I could see it immediately.

3) I started a UPS account, created a return label online, printed it out, and included it in the stack of documents for my application. They used this label to send all my documents back with no issue. I know there's been a lot of confusion over this process, with the new rule about Fedex and everything. I hope this helps!

And finally, I just want to thank everyone on this board. It is such a great resource - I definitely would have been rejected without all the advice from here.

tvegas13,

Wow! Congratulations! 

That gives me great hope for a fast turnaround- UKVI got my documents this morning, according to UPS.

I got my confirmation email just now, one day after delivery by UPS.  

edited: Sheffield addressed my issue

Hello Everyone,

Hoping someone can help a bit. I submitted my electronic application for settlement fiancee visa 19 September, completed biometrics 30 Sept, posted to Sheffield 3 October, and received notification from UPS that my application and documents were delivered 6 October. However, I have yet to receive and email from Sheffield acknowledging the receipt of my application. I did not use priority, so maybe things are just a bit backed up.

First, let me state I made the mistake of working with a lawyer representative who has listed their email address in my application as the contact email, so I am dependent on them to tell me whether or not any communication has been made.

Does anyone know if waiting 7 business days and not receiving a email notification that my application has arrived is something I should be concerned about?

(I really should have saved myself the expense of the lawyer and used this forum - you all have been much more informative and accurate throughout.)

M

All your emails will be going to your lawyer.  Unfortunately unless your lawyer updates you, you will be in the dark. 

Rest assured if your tracking shows it arrived, UKVI have it.

Re: the Fedex situation, how have people who already applied with Fedex solved the issue?

I was not aware of the Fedex problem, so sent documents using them on October 14th.

I am going to call Sheffield this morning, but for those people affected by this how did you solve the problem?

Thanks

Hi there,

My spouse settlement timeline:


* On line application - 29/09/2014
* Biometrics - 02/10/2014
* Application sent to Sheffield (confirmed by courier, delivered at 09:00) - 09/10/2014
* Email received from (VISAINFO.SHEFO@fco.gov.uk) "Your application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer" - 09/10/2014

Is this the automated email that everyone receives???

---

Dear Visa Customer,

The package containing your UK visa application has been received at the visa processing centre in Sheffield, UK.  Your application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer.

Please note that if you have lodged your application in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago or Nigeria you must ensure that your UK sponsor has sent all relevant supporting documentation to the visa section in Sheffield.  We will not start to assess your application until we are in receipt of these.

As a priority customer your application will be placed in front of the queue and assessed ahead of other non-priority visa applications.  As indicated in the terms of service, the amount paid for the priority service, as well as the visa fees, is not refundable if the visa application is refused or if the decision is delayed.

Please note that UKVI aims to complete settlement applications within 12 weeks of the application date.  If it is not possible to complete your application within this timeframe a member of our team will contact you to explain why.  Please note that you are advised NOT to purchase flight tickets until you have secured a visa for travel to the UK.

We regret that we are unable to respond to enquiries asking about the status of any application.  Staff at Embassies, visa processing centres and visa application centres cannot assist with visa enquiries.  Should you have a question, you can contact our international visa enquiry service.  You may also wish to view the current processing times for applications made in your country.

Further information is also available on the UK visas and immigration website.

This email is automated.  Please do not reply as any email sent to this address will not be read.

SeekTheTruth,


That's the exact same one I received yesterday.

Yeah, that looks familiar.

Thanks.

Just to mention, I'm also a priority customer.

In all the blog reading I've done, I'm sure I read a more specific response from UKVI to an applicant who was a priority customer!

gatowales- I guess you and I have very similar timelines and you're also a priority customer, so thats reassuring.

millerNE23- I also had my rubbish lawyer assist me Anyhows, our emails were also provided in the application under "applicant' and "sponsor"
They did email the "applicant" regardless of the lawyers details, it may be a bit slower due to not being priority, all the best!

As a priority customer your application will be placed in front of the queue and assessed ahead of other non-priority visa applications.  As indicated in the terms of service, the amount paid for the priority service, as well as the visa fees, is not refundable if the visa application is refused or if the decision is delayed.

In all the blog reading I've done, I'm sure I read a more specific response from UKVI to an applicant who was a priority customer!

Well, the e-mail does acknowledge that your application is being processed with priority service.  That's about as specific as these generated e-mails get.

For my spousal visa application I just received this email:

 A decision has been made on your UK visa application.  Your application will be despatched shortly from the visa processing centre in Sheffield, UK.

...Should I assume that is a good sign? It would be helpful if it said "you have been successful" 

For my spousal visa application I just received this email:

 A decision has been made on your UK visa application.  Your application will be despatched shortly from the visa processing centre in Sheffield, UK.

...Should I assume that is a good sign? It would be helpful if it said "you have been successful" 

It's the same standard email that everyone gets - could be a good or a bad sign... you won't know until you get the passport back.

They don't tell you what the decision is, they just tell you that they have made one.

Thanks! I'm going to assume good (positive thinking). I'll be sure to update when I receive the passport.