Any updates from recent applicants?

That said, it's more stressful than either of us had anticipated, and we'd rather be "back together" ASAP! I can't handle the idea of it taking 12 weeks or something to be decided.

Thoughts? Thanks!

I think you have already answered your question.....go priority.

Agreed.  Unfortunately it seems that the times on the website are completely misleading.   If you apply Jan-early April I think priority may be optional, but any time May-September I think unfortunately it's more or less mandatory.

Agreed.  Unfortunately it seems that the times on the website are completely misleading.   If you apply Jan-early April I think priority may be optional, but any time May-September I think unfortunately it's more or less mandatory.

Honestly, it really can change at any time - yes, there are generally times of the year when it's busier and processing times are longer (usually July-September and December around Christmas time), but there's no guarantee it will be faster or slower at any particular time of the year.

It just depends how many people mail their applications in at the same time. And often, the best way to get an idea of current processing times is to look at what people are posting here on UK-Y and on other forums, rather than looking at the UKVI processing times (which are vague and not all that helpful).

I think you have already answered your question.....go priority.

I will totally go priority from the beginning. Not sure how long you are willing to wait but I just recently upgraded to priority after waiting 8 weeks now and I am still waiting with no response from VFS global or the UKVI! So frustrating!


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Claudia, how long have you been waiting to hear from VFS Global? I upgraded over the weekend and expected some kind of automated confirmation email (I know they're closed on weekends). It's Monday now and still no confirmation email. I tried getting my pdf receipt off their website too but this didn't work as their system doesn't allow me to add an apostrophe to my last name.... so I can't look up anything. It's weird because I had no issues with the apostrophe when I actually applied for priority. Irish last name problems.

I was really hoping Sheffield would have the confirmation of my priority by today. At this point my patience is wearing pretty thin.

Karlee, I found my receipt in my internet downloads and they emailed it to me. I hope that helps. When we upgraded we sent an email to the address listed in this thread with our delivery tracking numbers, gaf number and name and attached the receipt. I could be forgetting something now but I followed the email template someone here was kind enough to post.

Thanks for the info, how long did it take you to receive the email with receipt?

Thanks for the info, how long did it take you to receive the email with receipt?

the email with the receipt from VFS global is almost instant right after the payment is complete to your email used in their website. However I sent or forward the receipt of priority payment to the UKVI on Wednesday 15th just got and automatic reply from them but no acknowledgment of the priority upgrade. Just email VFS global and this is their response:

 Thank you for your e-mail.
 
We understand your concern; however, VFS Global only manages the online payment gateway for priority visas. We do not manage the visa application process and do not have any control over the processing timelines. All deliveries and dispatches are handled by the UKVI Consulate and we do not have any control or access over any application, documents etc.
 
 
Please contact the UK Consulate through the link provided below:
 
https://ukvi-international.faq-help.com/
 
I am getting so tired of this people just keep throwing the ball at each other and nobody takes responsibility of anything. So far the worst process I ever had to go through


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From what I read on here it seems like most people don't get confirmation of their priority upgrade from Sheffield, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Yeah, I never got an email from VFS... I realize it hasn't been long since I purchased priority but I have emailed their helpline anyways asking for my receipt.

I agree, it is the worst. Between the huge summer delay (which I didn't anticipate at all), UKVI making an error on my application and sending it back to my husband earlier this month, having to resend it, basically being forced to pay priority as our application wasn't getting anywhere, and now this (among other little things) the process just seems to keep throwing me curveballs. We married on April 17th and I haven't seen my husband since April 23rd. It should not be this difficult.

Edit: Got my priority receipt late this afternoon. They explained they had to take out the apostrophe in my last name, since that was causing an issue. Will email to Sheffield tonight along with the form.

From what I read on here it seems like most people don't get confirmation of their priority upgrade from Sheffield, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Yeah, I never got an email from VFS... I realize it hasn't been long since I purchased priority but I have emailed their helpline anyways asking for my receipt.

I agree, it is the worst. Between the huge summer delay (which I didn't anticipate at all), UKVI making an error on my application and sending it back to my husband earlier this month, having to resend it, basically being forced to pay priority as our application wasn't getting anywhere, and now this (among other little things) the process just seems to keep throwing me curveballs. We married on April 17th and I haven't seen my husband since April 23rd. It should not be this difficult.

Edit: Got my priority receipt late this afternoon. They explained they had to take out the apostrophe in my last name, since that was causing an issue. Will email to Sheffield tonight along with the form.

I'm so glad! Hopefully this will be faster now with no more bumps!



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My question is if VFS global only takes the payment how or what do they do to let the  UKVI know I paid for priority? Obviously me emailing Sheffield with a copy of the receipt didn't get anywhere other than an automatic reply... I agree with you karlee this whole process has been a nightmare! Haven't seen my husband since the end of May when he had to go back to England after his 90 days expired. I am so ready for this waiting time to be over.


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VFS is nothing more than a website where you can purchase a service offered by Sheffield.

You are the one who lets UKVI know you paid priority - either by writing it on your package and including the receipt if you buy it before you mail the application, or by emailing the receipt to them if you purchase it afterwards.

As long as you email it to them they should process it priority, regardless of what kind of reply you got. The email address they tell you to send it to on the VFS site is actually the NYC consulate, so if you haven't I would also email it to the Sheffield email address, which is a few pages back in this thread (I'm on my iPod and can't find it right now).


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VFS is nothing more than a website where you can purchase a service offered by Sheffield.

You are the one who lets UKVI know you paid priority - either by writing it on your package and including the receipt if you buy it before you mail the application, or by emailing the receipt to them if you purchase it afterwards.

As long as you email it to them they should process it priority, regardless of what kind of reply you got. The email address they tell you to send it to on the VFS site is actually the NYC consulate, so if you haven't I would also email it to the Sheffield email address, which is a few pages back in this thread (I'm on my iPod and can't find it right now).


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As usual thanks so much ksand24. I totally understand and I did email the Sheffield office. I am just running out of patience here and thought upgrading to priority will make a difference but still nothing


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Hi Claudia,

 I'd recommend contacting vfs at

ukvi.feedback.usa@vfshelpline.com

and mention that you paid for and sent the upgrade and have received no response.

VFS replied to me within 24 hours, followed up with Sheffield and then emailed a second time to confirm the upgrade.

Best of luck - it's a very stressful situation, but I'm sure you'll get resolution soon

Hi Claudia,

 I'd recommend contacting vfs at

ukvi.feedback.usa@vfshelpline.com

and mention that you paid for and sent the upgrade and have received no response.

VFS replied to me within 24 hours, followed up with Sheffield and then emailed a second time to confirm the upgrade.

Best of luck - it's a very stressful situation, but I'm sure you'll get resolution soon

Thanks I will try to email them and hopefully find out if they received the upgrade. Thanks again sdt99


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