Isle of Man Immigration

I was surprised to find the following on the Isle of Man Government website regarding immigration: 

Q. So how do I apply?

A.  Applications from foreign nationals to live on the Isle of Man should be made to the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to wherever you normally live. The Embassy will deal with the preliminary processing of the application and send it to the Isle of Man for a decision to be made.

Q.  How long does it take?

A.  It varies, but applicants are advised to allow at least 6 months for applications to be dealt with. However, straightforward cases can sometimes be dealt with in a few weeks. If you are planning to apply for entry clearance you should ask the office you will be dealing with how long it is likely to take to process your application. You should tell them that you want to live in the Isle of Man. 


The web address is:  http://www.gov.im/infocentre/faqs/import.gov?menuid=10167&page=cso/immigrationfaqs.xml


Am planning to go to the NY office in early May to apply for my fiance visa, but this comes as quite a surprise.  We'd seen the immigration office in the IOM last November, explaining our situation and she never mentioned this.  If this is accurate, it's going to become a real problem for me.  Any thoughts out there?  Thanks. 

Ellen

I would call them and make them clarify this..it could just be there for bureaucracy I think it is pretty straightforward!

Thanks, MeShell.  Frank is going to call them on Monday.  I'm going to call NY then too.  But am impatient for an answer!  Feel SO close, yet SO far. 

I know you do darlin!!

I can't wait for you to get back over here!

Any thoughts out there?  Thanks. 

IOM applications (even though they are EU) are handled by the British consulate in accordance with a treaty that goes back some considerable way - and depending upon the discretion of the ECO, they are referred onward to Manx Immigration.   Some cases are mandatory referrals, others not, hence the difference in the time estimates.  There was a rule change earlier this year closing up some loopholes in the CTA.

If they think a referral isn't necessary, then will be a formality type of thing - maybe a week or so.  If your case is not straight forward, then you're in it for long haul. 

Thanks Garry.  Think I will move up the time when I'd planned to make the appointment.  My case should be straightforward, so will try to stay optimistic! 

Went to the NY office last Thursday, had a great experience with an extremely helpful and pleasant young woman, and received my Visa today by Fed Ex!  Am very happy!

Think the key to this whole experience is to be prepared.