priority

How exactly does one read the processing times on the UK gov website? Are those processing times for priority or just all in general? I'm mailing my documents out tonight, so I'm assuming Sheffield should have them by Tuesday, what are my chances of actually being there by July 20th? I've read that priority is currently taking 5-8 weeks, is that from time the package gets to Sheffield and then back to your door? I'm exempt from the financial requirement, so I don't know if that makes a difference in the processing times? I'm just very anxious because I was just informed that for reasons not my own, I need to move by the end of this month and I can't exactly sign a lease for an apartment if I'll be gone a month from then.

How exactly does one read the processing times on the UK gov website? Are those processing times for priority or just all in general? I'm mailing my documents out tonight, so I'm assuming Sheffield should have them by Tuesday, what are my chances of actually being there by July 20th? I've read that priority is currently taking 5-8 weeks, is that from time the package gets to Sheffield and then back to your door? I'm exempt from the financial requirement, so I don't know if that makes a difference in the processing times? I'm just very anxious because I was just informed that for reasons not my own, I need to move by the end of this month and I can't exactly sign a lease for an apartment if I'll be gone a month from then

I could be wrong but I believe the processing times have not been updated on their website. Priority is currently taking 5+ weeks for most of them(us) but Sheffield seems to have started finally clearing the backlog. They received my app April 26th and I have not heard anything. The time is calculated from when Sheffield receives it to when you get an approval email. It takes an additional 3 days to get your documents back and that's if they don't sit on it.

I would say to be very cautiously optimistic about July 20th. I would suggest a back up plan in place if possible. I expect the processing times will slow down again due to summer rush. Some of the other veterans will be able to share more knowledge.

Thank you kateaz04, I really appreciate it. I also meant that I have to be it the end of June, not this month lol. I'm currently trying to figure out things. My family here keep asking me "what happens if you're rejected" which is really stressing me out. I know this makes me sound conceited, but rejection isn't an option, hence why I researched this for years before making the application. My son and husband are my world

Thank you kateaz04, I really appreciate it. I also meant that I have to be it the end of June, not this month lol. I'm currently trying to figure out things. My family here keep asking me "what happens if you're rejected" which is really stressing me out. I know this makes me sound conceited, but rejection isn't an option, hence why I researched this for years before making the application. My son and husband are my world

I help when I can despite that fact that I do feel like there are more experienced members that know much more than I do.
Once your app is sent, it's out of your hands. Not stressing is easier said than done because I'm currently trying not to, so I understand. But if you're worried about rejection you will never have a moment of rest. So tell them to zip it and cross that bridge if/when you come to it. No one plans for a rejection but unfortunately it does happen occasionally. I believe about 95-98% of visas get approval (not sure the exact figure) but I think that goes for all visa types from the US. Again this is where the more experienced members will be able to give you more specific info!
Good luck to you and hang in there. We're here if you need to vent!

It's a nerve wracking process, but just keep a few things in mind:

1. DON'T RUSH. Applying costs a fortune. Do not rush into the process in the hopes of saving a day or two. You may forget something critical and get rejected (and lose all your money).

2. LISTEN TO ADVICE. But advice of people who know, not your mom's cousin's daughter who once watched a TV show on England. Post your questions here, try to keep it on your own unique thread (so we can see all of your info in one place), and post a list of your documents (without identifying info) as you collect them so the experienced ones can advise you.

3. Apply for your transfer of residence NOW. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-transfer-of-residence-tor-relief-tor01%20

It will take 2-4 weeks to get approved, possibly more. And it's valid for 12 months.

Good luck!

Thank you AV. I actually just sent everything out today. What is the transfer of residence for? I thought that was only for if people were shipping things over? If I was in the UK from October'16- March '17, did that mean my items were not in my possession for the past 6 consecutive months? I would like to ship my guitar over

Thank you AV. I actually just sent everything out today. What is the transfer of residence for? I thought that was only for if people were shipping things over? If I was in the UK from October'16- March '17, did that mean my items were not in my possession for the past 6 consecutive months? I would like to ship my guitar over

Ohhhhh sorry I should have specified that it's for anything that won't go on the plane with you. I visited the UK for 3 months last winter, but I still qualify for the ToR because I maintained a residence in the US. I think being in the UK only matters if you establish residence there, which you haven't.

Lol that's ok AV. Thank you for bringing that to my attention, as I wasn't even aware of it. If I fill it out and get rejected for the visa, is there anything I have to do, like let them know?

Plan for the visa to take at least six weeks to process with priority.  It's impossible for us to predict processing time a this year due to changes in Sheffield.  Hope for the best and plan for the worst.  Processing times are calculated from when Sheffield sends the email saying your application is being prepared for processing (usually within 2-3 business days of it arriving) until the decision is made (allow 3 days for return shipping).

While you may be exempt from the £18,600 requirement there is still a financial requirement to be met.  No one is actually exempt from meeting *a* financial requirement.  The application will take no less time to process.  The reality is even a complicated application doesn't take more than a few man hours to process.  99% of your applications wait time will be waiting for someone to pick your file up.

Lol that's ok AV. Thank you for bringing that to my attention, as I wasn't even aware of it. If I fill it out and get rejected for the visa, is there anything I have to do, like let them know?

Not at all. It's valid for 12 months, remember. So even if you don't get accepted for a visa the first time around, odds are it will still be valid by the second application.

And right now, since waits seem to be getting longer and longer, I'd suggest allowing at least two months for priority processing. Definitely don't book any flights until you have a visa!

Thank you all for your replies. Do any of you know if it's true that if they contact a person because of non payment of a child ihs (due to the website error) and ask for payment if that is really a100% acceptance because they wouldn't ask for the payment if we're rejected? I don't want to get my hopes up if they contact me for it.

Thank you all for your replies. Do any of you know if it's true that if they contact a person because of non payment of a child ihs (due to the website error) and ask for payment if that is really a100% acceptance because they wouldn't ask for the payment if we're rejected? I don't want to get my hopes up if they contact me for it.

Yes, that's true. They will not contact you for payment if the application is refused, they will if it has been accepted. 

Awesome, I look forward to that call/email/letter. I know they'll tell me, but how long will I have to pay that?