UK Visa Settlement Processing Time

so i am within my rights to do that and complain - they are not going to take even longer because of that?!

every day i think - okay guys come on enough is enough

Hi! I just wanted to send out my support to all of you who are still waiting. I got my visa approval a few weeks ago (after 44 business days in LA) and I checked this site thinking a bunch of you old timers (Nickiboo, Dukespecial, Mrs Colgan, Kathryn) would have your visas by now. Sad to see that's not the case yet. My heart goes out to you all, I know how hard the wait is.

As for the heated discussion about priority, I completely agree with Lamuella. I also felt bitterness towards priority applications. I never said anything here because I never blamed the applicant, but I do believe that the system is flawed. I think that is clear by the amount of people on here who missed priority and gladly would have paid for it.

I don't think anyone is attacking people who paid for priority. It is extremely frustrating and heart wrenching to watch others get processed in a matter of days, while you're on week 8 or 9 with absolutely no news. I completely understand the need to vent here.

And to say that those of us who missed priority did not do enough research is ridiculous. I spent months researching and putting together my application, only for the priority option to silently pop up a week before I completed my application. It is not well advertised, it is hidden in some corner of the Worldbridge website, not even on the UKBA website, and until the priority service is clearly available as an option when you pay for the visa, people are going to carry on complaining because it is unfair.

I remember you Thanks for your well-wishes!

That's exactly what I think - I don't think anyone blames the applicants, but from what we can see, the system itself seems flawed. And it might not be, but we really have nothing to go on.

I just had a look around processing time standards for last year. Between July-September of 2009, 588 settlement applications were processed (if I am correct in interpreting that it says "total per qtr" to mean how many in those 3 months) and in looking for this year, 97 were done in July, 52 in august...well below last year! Or so I would assume, if I have read the numbers correctly...and these are for New York by the way. So it seems like customer service standards should be a little better this year, though it did say that previous to April 2010 standards were different. Anybody know what they used to be?

I'll admit, I did know there was a priority option, but I did not use it, because I am on a budget, and when checking the processing times, they had May listed in August (a little late updating, if I'm allowed to say) and it seemed like the turn-around would be fairly quick. I did not foresee the massive influx of student visas coming, again my own fault.

But that doesn't mean I don't miss my husband. I am 21, and still living in my parental home. Just about ready to start making my own life now, and yes I'm stressed out with the waiting. There's lots of reasons why, lots of speculating, and none of us really know what's going on. But people, live and let live. Someone wants to vent, I'm sorry it offends you, but it does mean you're allowed to counter-vent without repercussions. We all have separate situations, and we all think we deserve a fair system, but "fair" is subjective, so let's stop the fighting. We're all here to support eachother. We may feel jealousy or angst or sadness, but we're allowed to. So are the happy people. We all want to move on in life, so let's wish those who have done so well, and empathise with those who haven't yet. I really am starting to feel that it will be a matter of "when" I get my answer, as opposed to "if" I get a yes answer, which has helped in my own thinking. I don't feel as stressed out about it. That's not to say I expect a yes, but it helps myself to think that way so I don't get an ulcer with all the worrying. I really do wish everyone the best of luck, and I really am glad to know so many of us have stopped feeling alone. We're in this together

Just think... we all could be doing it the other way around and waiting on American visas.   We would be overjoyed to get a visa in as little as 60 days. 

Though I am only on working day 8, I feel for everyone going through the process and waiting an age and a day to receive word on the status of their application. While I definitely envy those who were able to purchase the priority service, I wouldn't wish this wait on anyone. I'm glad that they were able to have such a quick turnaround, and only wish I could have the same. I do get frustrated as well, when I see someone get their visa in a couple days, while still seeing people like nikki, dukes, and kathryn waiting ever-so-anxiously for theirs. It gives me little hope that I'll be with my husband by Christmas, but I just need to remember... after this is done, I've got the rest of forever with my man. No more waiting, no more what-ifs (well, until it comes time to go for ILR or whatever that new thing is they're going to be doing).

I check back at least five times a day to see if anyone has any good news, and it makes me very sad - not for myself, but for those still waiting - to not see anything. I've got quite a wait ahead of me still, but I sincerely wish the best for everyone going past working day 30. I hope you hear something soon!

P.S. Thank you to WebyJ and Transpondia for their knowledge about processing and current goings-on. Second-hand news/updates from the consulate or related agencies is better than no news/updates at all! Your insight is greatly appreciated - by me at the very least (though I'm sure it's appreciated by everyone).

Just think... we all could be doing it the other way around and waiting on American visas.   We would be overjoyed to get a visa in as little as 60 days. 

Ugh. That's true

bookwormfaery, which consulate are you waiting on? And since the huge number of student visa applications (someone referenced 1500 of those a few posts back) have been all or mostly worked through by this point, it seems hopeful that we'll start seeing some movement soon.

Hi everyone,

New to the forums. My questions is basically to find out if I am filling out the right visa form or not. I've contacted WorldBridge and they sent me the Settlement Forms so I want to make sure that I am filing the right stuff.

Basically, I am an American citizen and so is my wife but she also has an Irish Passport. Based on her Irish citizenship we are moving to the UK and I want to get a job and have residence there as well.

I've mentioned all this to WorldBridge and they sent me the settlement forms to fill out but I wanted to double check here with you guys to see if I am filling the right documentation because we've done this 3,5 years ago and never ended up going and I for some reason remember that the form were different or something but I might be wrong, who knows.

Anyways, I'd appreciate if someone can let me know.

Thanks in advance,

Dogan

As with most everyone waiting an extended period of time, I'm with the NY consulate. But, it's understandable that they have more of a backlog than the Chicago or LA consulates, since they take in South & Central America, too (if my research is correct, anyway). Still, I miss my husband, so any wait is frustrating (as you all probably understand all too well).

Hi everyone,

New to the forums. My questions is basically to find out if I am filling out the right visa form or not. I've contacted WorldBridge and they sent me the Settlement Forms so I want to make sure that I am filing the right stuff.

Basically, I am an American citizen and so is my wife but she also has an Irish Passport. Based on her Irish citizenship we are moving to the UK and I want to get a job and have residence there as well.

I've mentioned all this to WorldBridge and they sent me the settlement forms to fill out but I wanted to double check here with you guys to see if I am filling the right documentation because we've done this 3,5 years ago and never ended up going and I for some reason remember that the form were different or something but I might be wrong, who knows.

Anyways, I'd appreciate if someone can let me know.

Thanks in advance,

Dogan

You have the fortunate situation that you can apply under the EEA Rules - which is completely free - because your wife is an Irish Passport holder. The only items you will need to supply is your passport, her Irish Passport, a letter from her stating that you will live with her in the UK, what category she is exercising her treaty rights under and proof of that if she has lived in the UK for more than 3 months.

Unfortnately there are no physical forms to fill out as they're all online & submitted online.

Here are the EEA Rules you can apply under: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf18eeaswissnationals#22711207 and http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/ecg/eunationalsschemes/eeafamilypermit

The online application site: http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx

Step by Step on how to make & submit your application: https://www.visainfoservices.com/Pages/Welcome.aspx (select United States from the Drop Down Menu & then 'How do I apply' from the menu on the left).

Just think... we all could be doing it the other way around and waiting on American visas.   We would be overjoyed to get a visa in as little as 60 days. 

I'm in the middle of this with my husbands US visa. It took 16 weeks to just get the Petition approved - and we've not started the actual visa application yet. So we've probably got another 16 weeks to go.

You have the fortunate situation that you can apply under the EEA Rules - which is completely free - because your wife is an Irish Passport holder. The only items you will need to supply is your passport, her Irish Passport, a letter from her stating that you will live with her in the UK, what category she is exercising her treaty rights under and proof of that if she has lived in the UK for more than 3 months.

Unfortnately there are no physical forms to fill out as they're all online & submitted online.

Here are the EEA Rules you can apply under: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf18eeaswissnationals#22711207 and http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/ecg/eunationalsschemes/eeafamilypermit

The online application site: http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx

Step by Step on how to make & submit your application: https://www.visainfoservices.com/Pages/Welcome.aspx (select United States from the Drop Down Menu & then 'How do I apply' from the menu on the left).

Thanks a lot WebyJ. I think I am on the right track. I have already started the online process and saved it a few days ago. I just need to fill in some more parts and submit it. I had a question about that too, right at the end of the online application there is a part where it says Signature. Obviously you can't sign it. Do I just put my initials?

Thnx again

I'm in the middle of this with my husbands US visa. It took 16 weeks to just get the Petition approved - and we've not started the actual visa application yet. So we've probably got another 16 weeks to go.

Yeah, I recall you saying that you're doing DCF right?  And isn't that even considered expedited as it's a filing directly at a US Consulate? (could have sworn I heard that somewhere)  And still, 16 weeks for the Petition alone...that's 112 calender days!

Best wishes; hoping for a speedy application process for you!    

Thanks a lot WebyJ. I think I am on the right track. I have already started the online process and saved it a few days ago. I just need to fill in some more parts and submit it. I had a question about that too, right at the end of the online application there is a part where it says Signature. Obviously you can't sign it. Do I just put my initials?

Thnx again

Make sure that you've selected the proper application. The purpose of application would have been 'EEA/Swiss Family Member' and the Type of Application would have been 'Family Member of an EEA National'. If you have made a different selection your application will not be done properly and you'll need to start your application over again. Also if you started your application more than 7 days ago it will have been removed from the system and you will need to start over.

The portion for your signature you will physically sign when you print off the application once you schedule your biometrics appointment & submit the form online. Once you attend biometrics you will then physically mail (preferably through FedEx or UPS - something that is insured & tracked) your application, biometrics sheet, passports, marriage certificate & your wifes letter to the Consulate for processing.


Edited to add: you can also use the priority application service for $150 as an EEA application is not a 'settlement' visa and you can expect a turn around of about 2 days once your application arrives at the Consulate. You can find more on the service at the WorldBridge website - just select United States from the drop down menu and then 'Additional Services' from the menu on the left.

Make sure that you've selected the proper application. The purpose of application would have been 'EEA/Swiss Family Member' and the Type of Application would have been 'Family Member of an EEA National'. If you have made a different selection your application will not be done properly and you'll need to start your application over again. Also if you started your application more than 7 days ago it will have been removed from the system and you will need to start over.

The portion for your signature you will physically sign when you print off the application once you schedule your biometrics appointment & submit the form online. Once you attend biometrics you will then physically mail (preferably through FedEx or UPS - something that is insured & tracked) your application, biometrics sheet, passports, marriage certificate & your wifes letter to the Consulate for processing.


Edited to add: you can also use the priority application service for $150 as an EEA application is not a 'settlement' visa and you can expect a turn around of about 2 days once your application arrives at the Consulate. You can find more on the service at the WorldBridge website - just select United States from the drop down menu and then 'Additional Services' from the menu on the left.

Well, i am not sure if I am in the right application, because on that link you sent, it just says Apply Now and once you click on it, a windows pops up and that's it. Am I mistaken?

Make sure that you've selected the proper application. The purpose of application would have been 'EEA/Swiss Family Member' and the Type of Application would have been 'Family Member of an EEA National'. If you have made a different selection your application will not be done properly and you'll need to start your application over again. Also if you started your application more than 7 days ago it will have been removed from the system and you will need to start over.

The portion for your signature you will physically sign when you print off the application once you schedule your biometrics appointment & submit the form online. Once you attend biometrics you will then physically mail (preferably through FedEx or UPS - something that is insured & tracked) your application, biometrics sheet, passports, marriage certificate & your wifes letter to the Consulate for processing.


Edited to add: you can also use the priority application service for $150 as an EEA application is not a 'settlement' visa and you can expect a turn around of about 2 days once your application arrives at the Consulate. You can find more on the service at the WorldBridge website - just select United States from the drop down menu and then 'Additional Services' from the menu on the left.

Ok got it, I was doing it wrong obviously.I was filing under settlement. Thanks so much. I will refill the whole thing now.

What do you think we should write on that letter btw?