Spouse visa in Chicago

Hi,

I'm probably just being impatient but was wondering if anyone had any experiences that could put my mind at rest... My husband applied for a spousal visa from Chicago which they say they started processing on July 31st. We are still waiting. Is that unusual?

thanks

Catherine

My spousal visa application reached Chicago on the morning of August 15th, but it took them 9 working days before they opened it. I got a confirmation e-mail last night stating that I should allow them 10 working days to process it, and if it is deemed non-straightforward, 15.

It shouldnt be taking them this long to make a decision on yours, regardless of how swamped they are. The consensus right now is that it should take about 20 working days to process and be completed, give or take a couple days.

If they say they started processing it July 31st then you are right at your 20 Business day mark.. but I am unaware of how long after that constitutes being able to try to reach them somehow to check on the status...?  I think that 20 Business days is what they 'try' to do.. it is not a guarantee.  Maybe somebody else here will know when you are actually allowed to try to contact them to check on the status?

Does 20 working days mean 20 working days from the date they received your application or from the date they emailed you?

I believe from the date that they send you the E-Mail saying it has been received... however I know that not everybody gets that 'received' E-Mail so maybe it means from the date it is delivered to the Consulate.   

Would there be any point in me faxing them a letter enquiring about the status of my application? Tomorrow will be the 20th working day that they've had it, but not the 20th day since they've sent me an email. :S

I'm supposed to start a job in the UK on Monday. *sigh*

Does 20 working days mean 20 working days from the date they received your application or from the date they emailed you?

This is a good question, because Im actually not at my home, Im staying with my sister in New York, and I cant afford to keep living here if its going to be another month until I get my visa. Im sure Im not alone when I say that the British Consulate could not have found a poorer way to handle the visa application process. Making it unable for one to gain information such as wait times, and more importantly the status of your application!

I am really curious as to why they have to leave you in the dark the entire time about it. I feel that I have a right to know the status of my application and shouldnt have to sit around waiting the entire time. This messes everything up when youre making a huge move in your life, with family, friends, your current job, finances. Its pretty much an embarassement to them if you ask me.

And yet after all that, I sit here and wait like everyone else.

There are many here that feel exactly what you are going thru I know it is hard but believe me it could be a lot worse!  My husband's Immigration from the UK to the US was the worst and it took THREE YEARS for us to finally get a Green Card in hand.  That was bad.

I know it's hard just know that it will get all worked out and they are working hard, from what I have read on here this time of year is very busy for them.

My fingers are crossed for you guys!! 

Nope, you can't fax them and ask about the progress of your application. You just have to wait. I'm in the same boat too (along with a few others) waiting in the UK for FLR's and ILR's. It's just a waiting game at the moment.