UK Visa Settlement Processing Time

"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."

My bank statements aren't addressed to the ECO's though...my bank sends me bank statements, I keep them for my records with the IRS, etc. I sent statements since the beginning of this year, I didn't know I wasn't going to get them back...I feel like that's not right. I figured the application and biometrics wouldn't, cos those pertain to the visa and consulate only, I don't need those further down the line in life. People have always told me to retain bank records for 7 years in case of audit...I am now missing a chunk of time because they were not returned to me?

Tedibear but it would only be close on monday the 11th right ? not the whole week ? :-?

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!

MLS - you can always request those statements from your bank, so getting them isn't a problem. i understand why you'd be worried about them falling into the wrong hands, but if you think about it, they already have your social security number, your passport number, your birth certificate, etc. etc. kind of freaky how pegged the government has you now lol 

Teddy but it would only be close on monday the 11th right ? not the whole week ? :-?

Nope it's just that day, Columbus Day. I think most banks and government offices are closed that day anyways. Plus if you look at the link I had posted, it lists day by day, not chunks of time. Like for Thanksgiving it lists the 25 and 26 as separate closed days, not from this day to this day.

Nicki - if you don't mind me asking, why wasn't yours straightforward?

Hi Tedibear,

This past June I had an application to the Home Office refused. As a postgraduate student in the UK, I was entitled to a two year work visa.  The Home Office did not grant me the visa, on the basis that I had used one year previously which then forfeited my entitlement to the second year.  This came as a surprise to me and in a panic I left the country four days after I received my letter from the Home Office.

After speaking with an immigration solicitor in London, I then found out that since my boyfriend and I have been living together akin to marriage for the past four years, that I could apply for an unmarried partner visa. We wanted to get married but not rush it since our lives we so busy with work and school.  My story in a bubble.

Tedibear, I do not know if your circumstances make your situation more complicated. Sorry I do not know too much on the ins and outs on immigration. I am sure someone should know on here??? Can someone help Tedibear out?

Yesterday around 3:10pm eastern time I got an email stating they needed more information sent...I knew I sent the information but in a panic I rushed home from work to track down the information yet again and send it to them.  As I was doing thins, I get an email an hour later stating their apologies but they have reviewed the information and they do not need any additional information.

So, would I be safe to say this means they are looking at my application??  Also, I read that for straight-forward apps it takes around 45 minutes to go through...I know there is no guarantee however I'm wondering if there is a chance now that I can receive an email today???

Hi Tedibear,

This past June I had an application to the Home Office refused. As a postgraduate student in the UK, I was entitled to a two year work visa.  The Home Office did not grant me the visa, on the basis that I had used one year previously which then forfeited my entitlement to the second year.  This came as a surprise to me and in a panic I left the country four days after I received my letter from the Home Office.

wow nicki i'm so sorry to hear about your difficulties  knowing that now, i'm sure they're only taking the extra time reviewing yours because of that earlier refusal. how great that you could find a way to be together though! i'm hoping for the best for you!

Nickiboo.... You could apply for an unmarried visa. Is you boyfriend an EEA National or a British Citizen. ?

Hi Tedibear,

This past June I had an application to the Home Office refused. As a postgraduate student in the UK, I was entitled to a two year work visa.  The Home Office did not grant me the visa, on the basis that I had used one year previously which then forfeited my entitlement to the second year.  This came as a surprise to me and in a panic I left the country four days after I received my letter from the Home Office.

After speaking with an immigration solicitor in London, I then found out that since my boyfriend and I have been living together akin to marriage for the past four years, that I could apply for an unmarried partner visa. We wanted to get married but not rush it since our lives we so busy with work and school.  My story in a bubble.

Tedibear, I do not know if your circumstances make your situation more complicated. Sorry I do not know too much on the ins and outs on immigration. I am sure someone should know on here??? Can someone help Tedibear out?

Nickiboo.... You could apply for an unmarried visa. Is you boyfriend an EEA National or a British Citizen. ?

i believe she did apply for an unmarried partner visa, is that what you mean?

Mmmm from what I understood on her post she is asking if she could apply for an unmarried partner visa.. but maybe I didn't get it right.

i believe she did apply for an unmarried partner visa, is that what you mean?

Mmmm from what I understood on her post she is asking if she could apply for an unmarried partner visa.. but maybe I didn't get it right.

her work visa was denied, but her application for unmarried partner visa is underway right now! i hope everything works out nickiboo!!

Thanks for clarifying Tedi. I'm on day 9 after submitting my EEA Family permit. A little stress out too  !!

her work visa was denied, but her application for unmarried partner visa is underway right now! i hope everything works out nickiboo!!

Not everything is returned to you.

Anything specifically addressed to the ECOs will not returned.

We received back everything addressed to the ECOs. The only items not returned were the application form and biometrics sheet.

Andy

We received back everything addressed to the ECOs. The only items not returned were the application form and biometrics sheet.

Andy

Hmm.  Seems to be rather variable what is and isn't returned then.

Thanks for clarifying Tedi. I'm on day 9 after submitting my EEA Family permit. A little stress out too  !!

aww i know how you feel. i'm overnighting my wife settlement visa (priority) this thursday and i'm a big ball of nerves! best of luck to you!!

Hmm.  Seems to be rather variable what is and isn't returned then.

i was under the impression like everyone else that they only keep what's addressed to the ECO's, but it doesn't seem to be that way in every case. gah this whole process is so unnerving!!!