spousal visa was approved-- my timeline and experience in case it can help you

Hi everyone,

I've been reading lots of helpful info on this board for months and hope that I can provide assistance to anyone in need based on my own experience.  My spousal visa was approved the day after it arrived at the British Consulate in NY, and they sent it back to me overnight mail.

My timeline is as follows:
Aug 06 - met husband, a UK citizen and resident of England
June 08 - got engaged after about 14 visits back and forth between London and NJ
March 09 - got married
March 26, completed online application and scheduled biometrics
April 1, completed biometrics
April 3, sent spousal visa application via fed ex 2nd day delivery to NY British Consulate
April 7, received email confirming receipt of spousal visa application
April 8,received email confirming spousal visa was approved and would be sent to me via overnight UPS
April 9, received passport containing spousal visa, as well as ALL original documents submitted, photos, wedding announcement and invitation, etc.  They also honored the entry date I requested (which I requested in a cover letter and in stickers on the fed ex box and binder containing my application materials-- I gave notice to my job and need to pack, so I need a few weeks). 

Note-- the spousal visa is good for 2 years plus three months, I want to arrive as close to my entry date as possible and use the grace period later on if needed for applying for FLR.

If you are interested in how I arranged my info, the contents page, our documentation of a legitimate relationship, etc. just drop me a line and I'm happy to share with you.  I was a nervous wreck despite having a straightforward application, and was surprised how easy it was.

I arrive in London in one month, and will be taking driving lessons straight away-- let that be a warning to all of you on the road! 

Amy

Thanks for sharing.

Note-- the spousal visa is good for 2 years plus three months, I want to arrive as close to my entry date as possible and use the grace period later on if needed for applying for FLR.

Just to point out, as of today, at the end of your qualifying period for a spousal visa you would actually apply for settlement (ILR), though this is likely to change once you reach this point and instead will likely apply for Probationary Citizenship.

Doh-- thanks for clearing that up!  I thought it was ILR now and then FLR.  How confusing. 

Congratulations on the visa.    I'm about to apply for a spousal visa at the NY consulate in a few weeks, so I'm really glad they're not backed up at the moment.

Congrats I'll be putting mine through LA in May/June, depending on when I can get my biometrics sorted since by the time I get married I'll have all my paperwork sorted. I don't think I'll be able to do it in time to fly out with him though But I'm just shooting for a somewhat smooth approval, and I'm fully willing to offer a sacrifice if need be.

I may need to PM you at some point just to double check all my stuff--it's turning out to be pretty straightforward, but I'm a nervous nelly anyways

HOORAY!!! Congrats to you both!