[Merged]: Assorted ilak Questions

I would add that the incorrect information was actually given by a solicitor she hired to help her with immigration.  Almost everyone is given bad information at some time or another.  Not everyone overstays four years.

If your legal advisor is telling you that you're ok to stay while he or she deals with your case, it's a little different.  At least in my eyes.  Maybe it doesn't amount to much with the HO, but it definitely seems a bit more sympathetic to me.

Your visa won't take three months if you use a courier to deliver your application. People with straight forward applications are getting approved within 48 hours with a courier, but I'd expect it might take yours a bit longer with the circumstances previously discussed.  Still though, using a courier should shave off quite a bit of time.

I have noooo idea how to write this apology letter regarding my Overstay... has anyone done this before....or have examples??

Basically, I know I need to include my apology, briefly state why the overstay happened thru those 4 years, ect. Also stating what Garry said previously... that during this time...

[1] I did not work
[2] I did not use the NHS or otherwise rely upon public funds

Did you not visit the doctor at all in 4 years in the uk? 

This is plausable.   I haven't seen a doctor since 1998.


Vicky

This is plausable.   I haven't seen a doctor since 1998.


Vicky

 I haven't been since 2001, except to my dentist, who is my cousin.

I was talking to my friend about my upcoming move, and I told her " I'm so happy! I'm allowed to get sick again!!"

 (I pretty much almost kicked the bucket once from avoiding going to the doctor for lack of insurance, I am quite excited about the prospect of health being a right rather than a responsibility)

I keep threadjacking. Sorry.

This is plausable.   I haven't seen a doctor since 1998.


Vicky

Really? But surely there are preventative things that would be worth doing? Like smear tests or getting your cholesterol measured, or your blood pressure, these things can be silent killers even in people who appear fit and healthy. 

What about an eye test? Has the OP not had an eye test for 4 years? Even though you *pay* for your eye test it's NHS subsidized (in most instances).

This is plausable.   I haven't seen a doctor since 1998.


Vicky

No smear test?  No birth control?  I'm not a fan of going to the doctor but I go because it's in my best interest to go.

Did you not visit the doctor at all in 4 years in the uk? 

Particularly as she has an NHS card.  I know this doesn't necessarily mean she did but I have not known many people to register for the NHS without a need.

This is plausable.   I haven't seen a doctor since 1998.


Vicky

Since 2001, I've only gone for my girlie stuff.

"My intention was to apply for this visa before going back, but it just didn't work out like that and I never had my passport scanned. I was aware it would be scanned and I could have been refused entry then, but the immigration officer never looked into it. Surely, that can't be my fault. It would be hers."

I would curtail this way of thinking. You got lucky. If they miss something when they let you in, its still your fault they had something to miss in the first place. Getting let in and that adding complication to an already complicated situation is still all on you, not the officer that let you in. If you're in a situation in which you're aware you could be refused entry that sort of lends itself to deception despite your protestations that you would never do such a thing. I think you just never thought of it from that perspective. That said, it all sounds very positive in your favor according to Vicky and I wish you the best of luck. I hope you get to be reunited with your UK family soon.

Hi Becca,

Thanks for replying :-) I hope the courier shakes time off for it to be granted in the end and not refused!!

That would be nice and well worth it 

Hope so....

Where the courier shaves off time is in the fact that they hand deliver the application to the consulate, and it then gets put on top of the pile over the ones that came in through regular mail or FedEx and such. Mine was turned around in 24 hours or so, but like Becca said since they need to look things up, it might take a little longer with your app--but it might not take as long as it might otherwise if you don't use one. For me it was well worth the money just to have the quick turnaround and it helped being in contact with someone that was down in LA who could keep me up to date with things.

Since you're in PA, you'll be using the LA consulate--it definitely doesn't hurt to call around to a few expediters and see what they can do for you, if you have the money and can spare it.

Thank you fo the replys...

No I didn't visit a doctor for 4 years... anytime I had a problem I went to Emergency. But nothing major... I didn't need a doctor, I take pretty good care of myself 

Regardless of what happened with my overstay, it all happened with me not knowing the correct Immigration Laws, so like you all know I seeked a Lawyer, who advised me wrong, (or thought he could get me settlement!) but I think he was out there for his money. If I was given the correct advise, I would have returned home then, and everything would have been done the proper way and at this time I would have been in UK good & happy.

Hopefully all will be well.

Thank you Vicky for all your support. I trust your advice. 

Hi Kittenfish, thanks for the quick reply....

I was told by Washington British Embassy that my application will be dealt with at New York Consulate. Being that that's closest to me, only 2-3 hours away.

L.A is really far

 

Visa applications from PA used to go to NY I think, but then they switched it to LA sometime within the last year or so. They really don't decide it based on geography, which is why you have to be really careful when filling out your online application when they ask you what state you live in. A few friends of mine from here and livejournal are from PA and had to send all of their stuff off to LA within the last couple months  

From the WorldBridge website (I won't link it since their links are wonky):

States Covered by Los Angeles Office

The UK Border Agency at the British Consulate-General in Los Angeles covers the states of Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington State and Wyoming.

And additionally Guam and the Trust Territory of The Pacific