UK Visa Settlement Processing Time

Hey everyone!!  I've been reading along for the past week and finally decided I'd post my timeline (and waiting time-line). 

I applied for my daughter (4 years) and myself - Aug 31...online
Biometrics done - September 7th
Fedex overnight - September 8th (they signed for it)
Received email saying they have rec apps - September 8
New York Consulate

We didn't know about priority applications until I found this site and they had already sent an email saying they received the app......I was so sad about that!

I even put everything neatly in a binder, clear sheet protectors and table of contents!!
I couldn't believe how much stuff I sent them.

So looks like my Fiance and I (and my daughter) are playing the waiting game like many others are....I just have a long wait to go being we have only been waiting for 5 bus days . 

Keep the faith here...26 days and counting! Had word from the shippers that our stuff has left Long Beach...with luck John will be here before it all...after all it must take a while to get down to the Panama canal and then back up again! Otherwise i will be left with all the unpacking and the house is already pretty full as my adult son has moved home too! what a start to our married life here!
Gil

I am on processing day 33 (almost 7 weeks), New York Consulate!!!! I am hoping to hear something very soon!  Good luck to everyone waiting!!!

Welcome! We are on day 30 now.........I hope it goes smoothly and quickly for you!

Thanks everyone for the warm Welcome !!  Simon (my fiance) will be here in NC next Friday for 10 days...I can hardly wait to see him again!!  Hopefully next time we see him after that, will be on our way to Deal, UK to be with him. 

This site has helped so much already. 
Hugz

Hey there!  I have a question to all those people going over to the UK as fiancee's...I wanted to know information on health insurance and where to look into purchasing it while I'm living there as a non-UK Resident.  Would I need to look into getting Cobra insurance after resigning from my job in the US?

Also, would I need to keep my car insurance with Nationwide Insurance that I have here in the states while I'm obtaining my residency.  (for the time I won't be a UK resident yet).

If anyone can lead me in the correct direction on these questions I would appreciate so so much!!

Thanks so much again!
Nikki

Hope you get to keep that flight date, Sylvia! Tickets are pricey right now for sure.

Maybe we'll see each other in the air! 

I'm working on the shipping & parting with belongings now, closing accounts, seeing every Dr I can think of,  etc... I'm feeling overwhelmed.

Hope everyone hears something soon!

Hehe EmmJayye.  We could clink some celebratory glasses of champagne in the sky! 

I received the email from the consulate this morning saying my application is in process.  That's good news ... now waaaaaaiting.

Good luck with all your transition stuff.  It can be overwhelming and also exhilirating!

Where will you be living?

Hey there!  I have a question to all those people going over to the UK as fiancee's...I wanted to know information on health insurance and where to look into purchasing it while I'm living there as a non-UK Resident.  Would I need to look into getting Cobra insurance after resigning from my job in the US?

Also, would I need to keep my car insurance with Nationwide Insurance that I have here in the states while I'm obtaining my residency.  (for the time I won't be a UK resident yet).

Once you enter the UK you're a UK resident.

As a fiancee you're entitiled to full free NHS coverage. You just need to register with a GP when you arrive -- probably be best to register where your fiance is registered.

If you're going to be driving in the UK you need to have UK car insurance. Again, the day you enter the UK you're a resident of this country (you live here) so if you intend to drive you need to be covered on a UK based policy.

Awww Cheers for the reply on the insurance issues! 

Have a WONDERFUL day everyone!
Nikki

I feel silly for needing to ask this...what is ILR? And who does the Life in the UK test apply to? I mean, who has to take it? My husband is the UK native and I've gone along with what he's told me I need to do, and those are completely new ones on me! I hope he didn't miss out on something during his research...

I feel silly for needing to ask this...what is ILR? And who does the Life in the UK test apply to? I mean, who has to take it? My husband is the UK native and I've gone along with what he's told me I need to do, and those are completely new ones on me! I hope he didn't miss out on something during his research...

ILR is 'Indefinite Leave to Remain'. It is the next visa once you've been resident in the UK for 2 years on a spousal visa. All ILR applicants must take & pass the Life in the UK test (except under certian circumstances due to age/disability or if your spouse has passed away).

This page details the requirements for those who have been resident for 2 years on a spouse visa or FLR(M) in order to be eligible to ILR: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/settlement/applicationtypes/applicationformset(m)/


If you have been married for 4+ years and have lived together OUTSIDE the UK for those years you may qualify for ILE (Indifinite Leave to Enter) HOWEVER, you must have taken & passed the Life in the UK test in order to qualify. This option will mean you'll never have to apply for another UK visa again (with one exception).

Hi, does that mean when I get my visa it should automatically be ILR since we have been married and living in the USA for 7 years? I have not taken my test but I thought they would give me it pending the test once I was there and you can not take it unless you are in the UK. I ope I don't have to go through this all again in 2 years time!

Hi, does that mean when I get my visa it should automatically be ILR since we have been married and living in the USA for 7 years? I have not taken my test but I thought they would give me it pending the test once I was there and you can not take it unless you are in the UK. I ope I don't have to go through this all again in 2 years time!

No it won't be because you've not taken & passed the test.

IF you're lucky you may get a LLE with the 'KOL Req' endorsement. But if you did not request the endorsement when you applied most likely you won't receive it. If this is the case & it's not there you might be able to contact the Consulate and request the visa to be amended to include the endorsement, that way when you get to the UK you can take and pass the test and then apply for ILR immediately without having to wait the 2 years residence.

Thank you WebyJ, he did mention about there being more steps 2 years from now, he just never used the ILR terms or anything. I feel better now knowing