NEW - WITH SOME QUESTIONS.

Hello guys! I just happened to stumble on this site and it has been most helpful!

I have just applied for a settlement visa to join my partner in the UK. We have lived together for over two years here in the US.... and fall into all of the other categories that are required for this VISA.

I just shipped off my application yesterday - and very nervous about the outcome. When should I expect to hear something from the consulate in NY? We have signed a lease for a flat which begins September 1st. Should I be concerned that I won't be sorted with the visa by then?

Thanks for any advice.

John

You should hear something by then - I spoke with someone in the consulate in NY today because I'm shipping off my application to them tomorrow and I am looking to go join my husband on a flight out on 7 September, they told me that the standard waiting time for an approval by post is usually no more than two weeks after they interview you and your other half.

Good luck with it all and let us know how it goes, especially me because I'm nervous about sending mine in tomorrow and would love to hear how yours goes!!

x x x - Missy 

...the standard waiting time for an approval by post is usually no more than two weeks after they interview you and your other half.

And don't freak out...9 times out of 10 the interview is over the phone.  And most people don't have to do one anyway...or at least most people I know who've been through the process.

Good luck!   

Got it! 

It only took the New York office about a week to process!

Hints:

1. Speak to the same officer, if possible, regarding all of your questions. I found that by the time I sent my application they were well versed in my case.

2. Send everything possible to document your case.  I sent everything that I read the website suggested - plus what they suggested might be needed in a possible interview.

Best of Luck to everyone else.

Congrats hun and good luck!!!

I'm still waiting to hear about mine  hope I won't be waiting much longer.

x x x - Missy 

How exciting!!!  I hope some day soon we'll be in the same position!  I can't believe I'm wanting to get back to the UK so bad!  So I guess I'd have to send old hubby over there first before we even apply for this thing right?  We've been married over five years so hopefully we won't have any trouble getting the visa.  I just love to hear when things work out, it just gets me so excited for our future! 

THanks for the congrats everyone

One more question....

can anyone tell me what to expect in immigration when I arrive in the UK?

It'll be smooth sailing...they just ask standard questions 'Name, Passport, Tickets...' give them all that they'll look through it search for the page with the visa on it (i'd stick your tickets in where they'll see it when they turn to that page) they'll ask you who your staying with and good luck your on your way.

That's all they did when my mate got her visa and went that way.

x x x

THanks for the congrats everyone

One more question....

can anyone tell me what to expect in immigration when I arrive in the UK?

Congratulations John!  I bet it's a huge weight off your shoulders to have your visa now!

When I first entered the UK with my visa, the lady simply asked, "You're coming in as a wife?"  "Yes." "Where's your husband?"  "Standing behind you."  I started calling over to him but the lady said she didn't need to see or speak with him and she stamped my visa and said "Welcome to the UK." 

I reckon you won't have any problems. 

Congratulations!  Glad to hear it went so smoothly and quickly!

Is your partner already in the UK, or are you moving over together?