Visa processing rant...

Okay, I'm sorry, but I need to rant, and I'm sure this is going to come off snotty to some of you, and for that I apologize.

I have literally driven myself insane waiting for this visa to be processed. Most of the time I am sad, and my heart just feels split in two. I haven't seen my husband-to-be since April 15. My luck is horrible...I draw the "slowest" of the three consulates, and I just happened to apply in the 15 day window where NO priority processing was allowed. I have had to watch people post their approvals from other consulates, and of course, theirs was processed in 15-20 business days unexpedited. I am on business day 27 and my email box remains empty.

The response has mostly been, "Hey, be happy for them, it's not their fault that yours is taking longer." Sure, I AM happy for them, but I want to SHARE in the happiness. The other responses have basically been pessimistic...hey, tough luck you got Los Angeles, be prepared for a long wait! Aww, too bad!

The irony is the data. Out of the three, LA has the best long-term processing statistics. 97% in 30 days, 100% in 60 days. The Chicago and NY consulates have lower percentages for 30/60 days. And yet people are telling me I can expect a 3-6 month wait. What, is the consulate's data "suspect?" Or what, my case is just SO out of the ordinary that I'm an exception? (I can't see how this would be true, but whatever.)

Forgive me if I sound pretty hacked off. I guess I am. This is my LIFE on hold here, and it has been for three months now, and the LAST thing I want to hear is that it's going to be another three months.

I'm sorry things worked out so that you ended up on the "bad" side of all of this. I hope you hear good news soon about your visa.

I am really sorry the process is taking so long for you and I think you have every right to be frustrated and upset.  It's really unfair the way this all worked with UK Immigration with that 15 day window.  It's really crappy to be at the mercy of the Consulate as far as the timeline for starting your life.  My fiance was last here at the beginning of April also, which seems like ages ago now.  Really hoping you get good news quickly!

Everyday, I check UKY specifically to see if you've received yours too, because I know we were on the same time-line.  So sorry that it's taking so long.  I know how you feel because I felt that way too.  Carrie, your visa is on the way. Any day now. I just know it.   (((hugs)))

Thanks for the nice thoughts Mandaree and equestrianerd. I guess having someone feel sympathy for me doesn't make the visa process faster, but it does make me feel a little bit better, so I do appreciate it.

And LadyV, our situations were/are so similar that I felt a bit of a kinship over it, haha! I have to say, as much as I am frustrated, I am very happy that your visa got approved and you don't have to put all your plans on hold. I am very excited for you. And I hope you're right and it's coming soon. My fiance, my mom, and my friends all say it's going to happen in days. But my gut is telling me it's going to be a while yet.

Sorry to hear you're having to wait so long . It's unfortunate that it took them 16 days to introduce the priority processing service for settlement visas.

The irony is the data. Out of the three, LA has the best long-term processing statistics. 97% in 30 days, 100% in 60 days. The Chicago and NY consulates have lower percentages for 30/60 days. And yet people are telling me I can expect a 3-6 month wait. What, is the consulate's data "suspect?" Or what, my case is just SO out of the ordinary that I'm an exception? (I can't see how this would be true, but whatever.)

Personally, I tend to take visa processing stats with a pinch of salt... when I applied for my 2 latest US visas, each time the processing data on the website said that the visa types I was applying for had a 4-day wait for interview appointments. When I called to make the appointment, the earliest date I could get was 2 months away (which is why they recommend applying for a visa up to 4 months before you need to travel)!

Everyday, I check UKY specifically to see if you've received yours too, because I know we were on the same time-line.

Same here.  I remember how upsetting it was for you to unfortunately fall into that window where they didn't have priority services nor did they allow expediters, and whenever I'm online I take a look at your signature to see if you've heard any good news. 

*hugs*

I haven't applied for a visa yet, but I do understand the feeling of being separated from your partner (probably most of us on UKY do).  It sucks.  It sucks big time.  Ever since my husband went back to England mid-June, I've been horribly sad and depressed and it's really hard knowing that I'm not moving until November.  I'm missing him terribly.  So at least about that, I can completely sympathize, and if you ever want to rant about it, as I'm in the same position, totally feel free to PM me if you need to.  *more hugs*

I hope you'll get wonderful news soon, and since LadyV got her visa recently and she didn't have an opportunity to use priority service, yours might be just around the corner!  I'll keep thinking good thoughts for you! 

Carrie, my heart goes out to you and I can't begin to imagine how you feel having got to the 27th business day...we're on the 6th business day and it's KILLING me.

I was one of the fortunate ones who managed to pay for the priority but then I realised this morning I have made a stupid mistake on the application form (I posted a thread about it in the visa section) and I am all churned up and feel even more sick to the stomach.

I REALLY hope you get the good news soon *hug*

I understand completely how you feel. I just went through a four + month wait for my ILR while I watched so many others get theirs in just a few weeks time.  I applied as a bereaved spouse and as such didn't have to show financial support or even bank records.  All I had to do was submit the death certificate.  I went into it thinking it would be much quicker than those that had to show those things.  It was really hard to be happy for them even though I wanted to be. 
The whole immigration process is hard on everyone and the waiting is the most difficult.  I know it doesn't help for someone to say be patient.  But that's really all you can be.  It WILL happen and you WILL be here eventually.  One day it will be all behind you and you'll be looking back on it as just a memory.  Just try to stay busy until then.

Sorry to hear you're having to wait so long . It's unfortunate that it took them 16 days to introduce the priority processing service for settlement visas.

Personally, I tend to take visa processing stats with a pinch of salt... when I applied for my 2 latest US visas, each time the processing data on the website said that the visa types I was applying for had a 4-day wait for interview appointments. When I called to make the appointment, the earliest date I could get was 2 months away (which is why they recommend applying for a visa up to 4 months before you need to travel)!

I understand what you are saying Ksand, but the data is the one thing I look at that seems black and white to me. Either they processed 97% of the applications in 30 days, or they didn't. What would be the motive for manipulating the data? I would have applied four months in advance, but who knew that the independent expediter for $100 that had been around long before I was applying would suddenly be yanked away from me?

MissJo, I'm a wreck, and that's about the only way to describe it. I am fully in despair mode, and my poor fiance keeps trying to stay positive and be patient with me, but I'm practically in tears every day now and he doesn't know how to help. It's not the processing wait that's killing me, it's that it's been three months since I've seen him and I would sell my soul to just have him hug me again.  (I saw your post, I wouldn't worry too much about it. It seems like an easy mistake to make and the rest of your documents have your info on it...I think you'll be ok!)

I just miss him. I just want to be with him again. I don't care about anything else. I would have paid $1000 to priority process. I just wasn't given the CHANCE, and that is what frustrates me more than anything.

Do you have any family or friends you could vent to?  Whenever I start feeling like I'm despairing, I call my mom, and with her magical powers of being a mother, she is usually always able to help me feel a little better.  Any friends you could do stuff with, to take your mind off things?  Perhaps catch a movie with them one night, go out to dinner, or something similar?  I usually feel better when I'm around friends and family - even though they're not my husband, they're still people I love and care about (and who love and care about me too), and physically being able to hang out with them always seems to take the edge off my sadness a little bit.  Perhaps it might help you feel better too?

Just think - this will be the last time you'll have to be separated for lengthy periods without seeing each other.  Once you get over this hurdle, that's it - you'll be together!  So, even though it's wrenching, it's the last time you'll have to do it.

Good advice Aquila!

Eye on the prize, Carrie.  I know it's difficult but you just have to do what you can to keep busy and know that it will happen eventually.  I am sure it won't be another 3 months so just take a deep breath, vent when you need to and know that this is the last time you'll have to go through this.

We're here for you! 

I usually feel better when I'm around friends and family - even though they're not my husband, they're still people I love and care about (and who love and care about me too), and physically being able to hang out with them always seems to take the edge off my sadness a little bit.  Perhaps it might help you feel better too?

Therin lies the rub. I live in Washington. All of my family is in Texas. If I were living in Texas right now this would be 10 times easier. I call my mom on the phone often, and that is the best I can do, but it is a poor substitute for actually being with her. The majority of my "friends" here are fairweather friends. The good friends I had were all in Texas. So yes, very helpful ideas, I just wish they applied to my situation.

( and you're supposed to fly out in just over two weeks?

Good luck!  Hopefully you'll hear something soon.