Any updates from recent applicants?

I would say those visas have been granted and I hope they have, but obviously you still have to wait and find out. I think if there's a VAF or REF number, usually in the subject line, it means the visa's been granted as that, simply, is the visa number. And if the visa hasn't been granted then the applicant needs a way to contact the relevant authorities which is what the contact email address would be for. This is speculation, but it makes perfect sense. Some people say all the emails are generic (although they're not even that as they vary around the world) but I think that's only for confidentiality and privacy purposes. UKBA can say they didn't say anything explicitly or even implicitly about what the decision was, but that doesn't mean there can't be some practical differences between yay or nay emails.

Well, 98% of applications from the U.S. are approved and you definitely get a reference number for every application.  I would analyse the emails too much.  If you tick the boxes and supply evidence showing you meet the requirements, you get the visa.

I'm not sure you do get a reference number for each application. From what I've heard I've never known a refusal to get a VAF or REF number, they get referred to their original GWF number, precisely because the VAF/REF number is the visa number. Can't be 100% certain but that's going on what I've heard personally.

I'm not sure you do get a reference number for each application. From what I've heard I've never known a refusal to get a VAF or REF number, they get referred to their original GWF number, precisely because the VAF/REF number is the visa number. Can't be 100% certain but that's going on what I've heard personally.

I definitely don't think that's true.  Having applied in country by post before, I have received a Home Office reference number.... Before my application has even been decided. (Simply confirming receipt of the application comes with a reference number).  I genuinely believe every application is assigned a number whether approved or not. 

Plus I wouldn't want to mislead anyone thinking their visa has or hasn't been approved based on that.  It's simple enough that if you meet the requirements and demonstrate that, you are approved.

I'm not sure you do get a reference number for each application. From what I've heard I've never known a refusal to get a VAF or REF number, they get referred to their original GWF number, precisely because the VAF/REF number is the visa number. Can't be 100% certain but that's going on what I've heard personally.

A few years ago I applied for a T2 ICT Visa, the first one was unsuccessful and the second one was successful and I had a VAF/Reference number for both. I agree that it is just a way for them to track all of the applications, regardless if it is successful or not.

Is there any others that are still waiting on their visa other than me and my wife that put their visa's in before 2015? And if so, were you refused entry into the uk? Just curious...

My email said the same thing.  It is going to be a long weekend, our envelope is to be delivered on Monday before 10:30am and according to the tracking it has arrived in Philadelphia.  Cant even keep busy this weekend as we have another blizard coming Saterday and Sunday so we will be housebound..

Mine email was exactly like both of yours and mine is also scheduled for the same time on Monday!  I am half excited, half very nervous!!!

Hi Kezzie and Heather, have you been tracking your package?  Mine has been sitting waiting for customs clearance since 7am Saturday morning. grrrrrrrr!!!    I'm not sure if that means it's in Kentucky?  I think that's the main UPS hub.  So anyway, I'm not getting my package today.... 


So my update is that Sheffield failed to put a customs clearance form on my package and it can't continue movement through the system until I fill out some form or other and get contacted by UPS.

Hi Kezzie and Heather, have you been tracking your package?  Mine has been sitting waiting for customs clearance since 7am Saturday morning. grrrrrrrr!!!    I'm not sure if that means it's in Kentucky?  I think that's the main UPS hub.  So anyway, I'm not getting my package today.... 


So my update is that Sheffield failed to put a customs clearance form on my package and it can't continue movement through the system until I fill out some form or other and get contacted by UPS.

Oh no, sorry to hear that Alixandrite! Hopefully it won't be delayed too long! At least it is in the U.S.

Yup, I have been tracking it religiously and it currently says it is out for delivery. My package was in Kentucky for a long time too! I assume Valentine's Day didn't help delivery times.

I went from being angry that it could take so long to clear customs, to a massive ball of tears.  How could they do that? How could they not provide the information? 

Good luck Heather!

Oh no, sorry to hear that Alixandrite! Hopefully it won't be delayed too long! At least it is in the U.S.

Yup, I have been tracking it religiously and it currently says it is out for delivery. My package was in Kentucky for a long time too! I assume Valentine's Day didn't help delivery times.

Its just arrived... WE ARE APPROVED

Congratulations!

I went from being angry that it could take so long to clear customs, to a massive ball of tears.  How could they do that? How could they not provide the information? 

Good luck Heather!

Aw, hang in there! Mistakes happen, but I understand how frustrating it can be!

And mine just arrived...we are approved as well!!!! Time to book an airline ticket!

Congratulations Kezzie!

Congratulations also Heather!!

Sorry to hear your packet has been delayed Alixandrite, I hope you get it soon.  Congrats Heather.  I have just booked our flights, we leave on April 20th. I was surprised how little they kept from the papers we sent the only photocopys they kept was one of our marriage certificate and one of my divorce decree.  All the other photocopys were returned along with the originals including our bank statements and letters from SSA about our pensions. I also sent two passport photos and they returned one of them.

Sorry to hear your packet has been delayed Alixandrite, I hope you get it soon.  Congrats Heather.  I have just booked our flights, we leave on April 20th. I was surprised how little they kept from the papers we sent the only photocopys they kept was one of our marriage certificate and one of my divorce decree.  All the other photocopys were returned along with the originals including our bank statements and letters from SSA about our pensions. I also sent two passport photos and they returned one of them.

Thank you ladies!  I was actually concerned about that because I didn't include copies, just kept a copy for myself because I didn't have to do that when I applied for my T2 ICT visa a few years about.  They returned everything though, so I am glad I didn't include the copies... I can't imagine how much more shipping would have been!

Congrats you guys!! I'm still waiting to hear something. Hopefully they don't take long.

Alexandrite. So sorry!! Keep your chin up though, I'm sure they can work with you to get it all sorted.