Anyone know current T1 processesing times in Chicago?

I'm an American who is now doing all the research I should have done before sending in my Tier 1 (General) application.

Rookie mistakes aside, I wanted to know if anyone knew how long the Chicago Consulate General is taking to process visas?  I got an email on Oct. 28th saying that it would take 3-10 business days to complete my application.  It's now the middle of November and as I travel internationally on a regular basis, I feel a wee bit naked without my passport.

I quickly discovered that the consulate does not accept status inquiries by phone, email, or in person.  The security guard told me at the consulate told me that they were a little backed up and I wondered if anyone had any more information.

In addition to all this visa business, I also have a European holiday booked for Christmas time and I am wondering if I'll have my passport back by then...

Any help would be appreciated.  Cheers.

It has been taking a while... I know that is entirely subjective, but ever since the biometrics debacle in early October, things have slowed down considerably and we don't have the details as to why.

Did you use a courier?  I am assuming the way you phrased it, you haven't.  Non-couried applications seems to be taking quite a bit longer then expected.

The sometimes response to e-mail status enquiries, especially the Chicago consulate, but it is the only thing they respond to (no phone or in person as you found out).

Hang in there IowaJohn. And please keep us posted. I know it's nail-biting.

I applied on October 29th to the Chicago consulate, Tier 1.  The courier told me that it would be about a week, and it's now been three, although the courier called me last week and let me know that the T1 applications were backed up, so that's likely the reason for the delay.

FYI - Here's an update:

Based on advice from the consulate security guard, I sent a letter (snail mail) to "Visa Section Manager" on Nov. 17 asking about my application.  On Nov. 20 I received a phone call from a very nice person at the consulate stating that she'd gotten my letter, was sorry for the delay, that they had one more check to do and she would most likely post it Nov. 21.

I'll update again when I get the thing in my hand

Hi guys came across this thread. Am in the same boat.  Been waiting for over 1 calender month!!!  Does anyone have any updated on the EC Tier 1 situation in chicago.  It seems like the LA consulate is quicker vs chicago and ny?  IowaJohn im guessing you still havent received it yet (which you should have based on your last post?) Goodluck to all hopefully we all get it sooner than later

40 calendar days and counting. Same thing, Tier 1, Chicago. It's good to know I'm not the only one waiting for so long, however I wish I could explain it to my UK employer...

Hi gus...i hear you....your a week ahead of me in the wait.  Same thing, how can you explain it without them getting mad?  What kills me is some people around the same time were getting it done in 1 day. Did you use a courier service? Im guessing you have a standard application no dependents etc?....regardless im not sure why theyre taking so long. I just would like an update of some sort...i dont mind waiting but this seems endless you know? Website says 10 -12 days? LoL Lets keep this updated as we hear news....hopefully youll hear soon!

These should start moving though the system pretty quickly this week and next. ECOs have been prepping for T2 and 5, as well as other well documented issues.

That said, unless you read the Policy Guidance here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/tier1generalguidance.pdf and have satisfied yourself that each piece of evidence you have submitted qualifies as a Specified Document as they are described in this document you may find the application will be refused. There is quite simply no room for discretion with all PBS apps, no deferring for other documents. The ECO must make a decision on what is before him, and if you've not provided what is asked for, the application will be refused, but hopefully it will be explicitly clear why, and how you may address this in a future application. Don't waste your time submitting a request for an Admin Review if it was your fault. Just learn from your mistake and submit a new application. 

These should start moving though the system pretty quickly this week and next. ECOs have been prepping for T2 and 5, as well as other well documented issues.

Tannersarms, I appreciate your optimisim and you seem to be speaking from a posistion of knowledge, though ever since the Bio debackle in October we have seen applications grind to a halt.  I don't know if it is a backlog that is insurmountable, preparations for T2/T5 or what, but something has gone a bit astray.  At the end of the day, this is starting to have a serious impact on people and their lives.  So I will attempt to remain optimistic, but the reports continue to file in that things are going at a snails pace.

hey tannersams...good positive thoughts...but like kitsonik said I have been waiting 7 months for this whole thing to be over and done with.  What makes you thing this week and next will be quick? Just curious, I know they have been in training for T2 and T5 launch add that to the biometrics mess....which i believe has been fixed? Anyone know if thats true?  Regardless, it seems chicago is real slow...LA and NY are doing better but who knows, its case by case.  Im really tired of the wait.  Im sure all of you are.   Im being patient but its hard, when you have loved ones waiting for you on the other side!

Just curious, I know they have been in training for T2 and T5 launch add that to the biometrics mess....which i believe has been fixed? Anyone know if thats true? 

We believe it is, yes.  We haven't heard of any signficant outages, though the whole works still seems to be gummed up for some reason.

Hmmmm, I was expecting an update to this thread today from the OP......

Update:  12 hours ago UPS delivered my Tier 1 visa!

That brings the final timeline to:

Oct. 24 - Visa application material UPS'd to Chicago consulate
Oct. 28 - Received email saying they had my application
Nov. 17 - Mailed a letter to the "Visa Section Manager" asking about the status of my application
Nov. 20 - Got a very polite call from the visa section saying they were waiting on "one more check"
Dec. 4 - Received email saying I'd been approved
Dec. 5 - My passport and documents arrived at my home via UPS
Dec. 9 - Me on a flight to sunny Glasgow.

I also wanted to add that the person I emailed/talked on the phone with was extremely polite and patient with my pestering.  She was the epitome of customer service. 

Just thought that should be said.