UK Visa Settlement Processing Time

Still amazed about dublin.  What do you mean enter illegally; are you stipulating someone will book their ticket via dublin, leave the airport in ireland and hop on a raft over to england or something?  It's amazing.  It's also amazing that there's no mention of that anywhere.  See now, what would the world do without WebyJ, ksand, et al.

Also, am I correct to assume that the British Consulates will be closed next week for Columbus day? (don't know how it works for consulates).

No, it's just that there is no passport control between Ireland and the UK, so whether you come by plane or ferry or train or car, there is no UKBA presence to check you in. It's considered a back door into the UK, and they don't publicise it because unscrupulous people who didn't already know about it will then find out.

The best part is even after the long wait it seems like there is so much to get sorted in so little time!

Totally agree with you, Duke. Even after 5 weeks of waiting, when the approval came I felt like I had a super long 'To Do' list and such a short time to tackle it! It's amazing how many things you really couldn't do until you officially received the visa. I hope you and your fiancee wrap up all your loose ends with no added stress and that the transition into UK life goes smoothly

Nickiboo... if you don't hear anything this week, I'm going to start annoying the consulate myself on your behalf!!!   It won't be necessary though... because you *WILL* get that email this week!! Positive thoughts!!

No, it's just that there is no passport control between Ireland and the UK, so whether you come by plane or ferry or train or car, there is no UKBA presence to check you in. It's considered a back door into the UK, and they don't publicise it because unscrupulous people who didn't already know about it will then find out.

NOTED!  does this mean that after I get my visa i should NEVER fly aer lingus in as I'm not a brit? or just for that first flight back?

Remember that once you attend your biometrics, you have 14 calender days to get all your documents to the Consulate, so make sure you have them all ready to go.  I'm not sure about NYC (and you may want to check), but it may take some time before you can get your marriage certificate - it took me 2 weeks to get a copy of mine.  So, if there will be a delay in getting your marriage certificate, you may need to hold off on applying


Thank you for your response...that was quick!

i do know and understand the complete process in how to apply along with the rules and regulations...only because of this forum:) we're getting married at City Hall, where you get your certificate immediately following the ceremony...so there will be no need to wait to apply - unless of course, i'm not able to schedule my biometrics sooner than later! my inquiry is to find out how long people in NY are having to wait for an opening to have their biometrics and is there a better centre to use (i.e. Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, etc.)...any answers, anyone?

Just a note on this, I'm sure it varies from state to state, but in Florida once you marry at City Hall or the Court House, the clerk would normally keep the marriage certificate after signing it and send it in to the Recording Office. Then you would normally get your marriage license in about a week. It's normally whomever married you is the one to send in the marriage license. However, I just asked the clerk (I was married at the court house last week!!!!) if I could take the license to the Recording Office myself since I needed it as quickly as possible. It was no problem, I took the license myself, waited about 5 minutes in the Recording Office (I got 4 certified copies), I think the first copy was free and then I paid $3 each for the others, and got my license

i'm sending positive thoughts to the consulate today for nikiboo!!!!!! hopefully today is the day!!!

Just a note on this, I'm sure it varies from state to state, but in Florida once you marry at City Hall or the Court House, the clerk would normally keep the marriage certificate after signing it and send it in to the Recording Office. Then you would normally get your marriage license in about a week. It's normally whomever married you is the one to send in the marriage license. However, I just asked the clerk (I was married at the court house last week!!!!) if I could take the license to the Recording Office myself since I needed it as quickly as possible. It was no problem, I took the license myself, waited about 5 minutes in the Recording Office (I got 4 certified copies), I think the first copy was free and then I paid $3 each for the others, and got my license

tedibear20,
you're probably correct - i'm sure it varies from State to State, but on the NYC city clerks office website, it states: 'Certificate of Marriage Registration'

A Certificate of Marriage Registration is the official documentation of your wedding that lists the date, time, location, Marriage Officiant's name and title, and any changes in surname.
If you get married in the City Clerk's office, you will receive your Certificate of Marriage Registration at the conclusion of the ceremony.

so i'll be safe on this end of things...keeping my fingers crossed on the rest:)

Thanks Tedibear and Emmjayye and everybody else.  It means a lot!  

I would like to note that I do not have a straightforward application, so I am just praying that it is taking longer to double check everything!! Previously I had an application to the Home Office refused (post study work). I am, as well as my lawyer, 110% that I included everything plus more in my application. Everything was notorized or original copies. This wait is awful, boohoo  

And my wait continues, day 47.

A Certificate of Marriage Registration is the official documentation of your wedding that lists the date, time, location, Marriage Officiant's name and title, and any changes in surname.
If you get married in the City Clerk's office, you will receive your Certificate of Marriage Registration at the conclusion of the ceremony.

If so, then you'll be good to go. 

Congrats again! 

Nicki - if you don't mind me asking, why wasn't yours straightforward? I'm kind of hazy what people mean when they say that and relating it to my own application. My husband was married before and had 2 kids in that marriage, I haven't been married myself and have no children. Would that make mine not straightforward? That's the only complication I could think of anyways.

If so, then you'll be good to go. 

Congrats again! 

Agreed! Was just putting it out there for anyone who's county clerk situation is like mine! You don't always have to wait if they want to send it to you, you can always take it to the appropriate offices yourself

I received all my paperwork back today from the consulate, I checked over the details on the visa, everything seems to be in order. It seems like the printer was a little off, not everything is lined up correctly, but that shouldn't be a problem, correct? Also, not everything came back in my packet...my bank statements for one. Should I be worried/upset about where those ended up?? Everything of my husband's financials came back, and he is the UK citizen. Other stuff, included printouts of e-mail inboxes didn't come back, but I'm not too concerned with that. I didn't realise not all papers would come back, I just want to know if that's normal. If they shredded things, fine, but I honestly do not want my bank statements in the wrong hands!

I received all my paperwork back today from the consulate, I checked over the details on the visa, everything seems to be in order. It seems like the printer was a little off, not everything is lined up correctly, but that shouldn't be a problem, correct?

That's fine.  There was a thread a while back about that happening to others.  As long as the information is all there and accurate, you're good to go.  

ETA - My visa is the same way too; not all the info is exactly lined up.

ETA 2 - It was in the visa errors thread here:  http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=57518.0

Also, not everything came back in my packet...my bank statements for one. Should I be worried/upset about where those ended up?? Everything of my husband's financials came back, and he is the UK citizen. Other stuff, included printouts of e-mail inboxes didn't come back, but I'm not too concerned with that. I didn't realise not all papers would come back, I just want to know if that's normal. If they shredded things, fine, but I honestly do not want my bank statements in the wrong hands!

Not everything is returned to you.

Anything specifically addressed to the ECOs will not returned.  Nor will the application or biometrics sheet.  For me, they also kept the contact records we submitted, and I am vaguely recalling that they also kept the certified copies of my sponsor's passport and birth certificate.

Also, am I correct to assume that the British Consulates will be closed next week for Columbus day? (don't know how it works for consulates).

Anybody know if this is true?

shoot, i answered my own question    yes they are closed. bummer!

http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/other-locations/ny/about-our-consulate-general/public-holidays

there's a list of the holidays they're closed on for 2010.

edit: i forgot to say, that's for the NY consulate!