Any updates from recent applicants?

A VAF number is given in the confirmation email that the UKVI Sheffield Office sends when they have received your application. The number is in the subject line and it should start by saying 'Your Visa Application: VAF ######'

Sorry...I misread. I am applying to the NY office for a student visa (non settlement) so I suppose VAF is for settlement and GWB is for non settlement? Idk

I got an AWB number and never a VAF number on do bought priority. Does it make a difference? They dont specifically ask for a VAF number on the instructions?

I sent the AWB number to them. Just upgraded though and I feel a bit better!!

Charm, when did you apply? Someone just said someone applied in April and is STILL waiting?! That makes me so nervous!! I can't cope with 6 months of waiting and being at my parents house!!!!!!

My application was sent in (without priority) to New York (I am non settlement) on July 19

I got an email saying my package was opened and placed in line for review on July 21

I upgraded today and emailed the UKVI New York my receipt about two hours ago

I have seen someplace that it takes like 2-3 days for the UKVI to link the priority receipt to my application. Then on their website, it says something like within five business days after receipt is linked. But, not everyone is uniform.

That April case must be a special one!

My plan is to contact someone at the UKVI if I haven't heard anything two weeks from today. 

Got my spousal visa this morning  Longest, most stressful wait of my life, but so glad the hard work and patience paid off. Things are very busy in summer (which I didn't know before applying), and if you're considering upgrading to priority, do it. It's a lot of money but if I didn't do it I'd still be a nervous, waiting wreck. It's worth the peace of mind and being able to quickly get to the UK to be with your loved one. Good luck to everyone still waiting!

Double checking my visa, it states that it's valid from 7/22/15-7/22/20. I thought spousal visas were only valid for 2 1/2 years?

Here is my detailed timeline, in case it helps anyone. UKVI made a silly mistake with my package earlier this month, so my timeline is probably longer than most  :

5/28/15 Applied online
6/2/15 Biometrics, mailed package to husband in England for the addition of his documents
6/8/15 Husband forwarded package to Sheffield
6/10/15 Package arrived in Sheffield per Royal Mail tracking. No confirmation email
7/3/15 Package incorrectly mailed back to husband (appeared as though the person sorting through the packages saw that mine came from within the UK, and assumed I meant to apply for FLR so it was sent back)
7/7/15 UKVI acknowledged their error and advised husband to resend package
7/9/15 Package arrived (again....) in Sheffield per RM tracking
7/11/15 Confirmation email
7/19/15 Priority upgrade
7/20/15 Emailed Sheffield my priority receipt. No confirmation of upgrade
7/27/15 Decision made email
7/29/15 Spousal visa arrived via UPS

Double checking my visa, it states that it's valid from 7/22/15-7/22/20. I thought spousal visas were only valid for 2 1/2 years?

Yes, it should only be valid for either 33 months or for 30 days under the new BRP rollout scheme (people seem to be getting a mixture of both at the moment).

I don't think there are any visas (that I can think of) that are issued for 5 years right off the bat. What does it actually say on your visa in terms of visa type etc.?

Sounds to me like it has been issued incorrectly with the wrong dates - I would email UKVI at Sheffield to ask them to check if it's correct or not. If not, you'll probably have to send it back to them to get it corrected (they should instruct you on how to do this and who to address it to).

As frustrating as it is, you need to get any possible errors sorted before you arrive in the UK because if it's not corrected it could cause problems when you apply for future visas and it's much more difficult to correct a mistake from inside the UK later down the line than it is to do it now (it should only take a few days at most to sort it out).

P.S. Forgot to say congratulations on getting the visa!

It reads spouse/CP under visa type. Everything looks fine, but I was unsure of the five years. Thanks for the advice!

Hi Guys,

Trying to do the priority upgrade (already sent in my application, it's being shown as "received" by Sheffield but now that I'm trying to do this, it's giving me an error! Can someone post specific steps for this process??

Would be greatly appreciated!!

sorry, my husband used his email!! Just got it upgraded!!! Come on visa!!!!

So I posted a whine a little while ago and then deleted it because I felt stupid always complaining.
Like magic, when I accepted the situation at hand, I got the email. 


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That's great news.   I'm sure you'll let us know when the visa comes through.

That's great news.   I'm sure you'll let us know when the visa comes through.

Just came on to say, yes! I've got mine finally!
I will post a new thread in the next few days  a list of what documents we used under category F to qualify.  Thank you all for your patience and wisdom and experience and for going through it with me


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Just came on to say, yes! I've got mine finally!
I will post a new thread in the next few days  a list of what documents we used under category F to qualify.  Thank you all for your patience and wisdom and experience and for going through it with me


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so happy for you the waiting is over!!


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Thanks Claudia! And a day ahead of my deadline. Now I can give notice and move forward.
Karlee!congrats! I'm glad it's over and I hope that end date is sorted on your visa or that it's a consolation prize for the trouble hahaha wouldn't that be nice?

Congratulations to karlee and pandapops!


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YAY Pandapops!

For the other asker, I paid the priority upgrade, emailed UKIV Sheffield that Wednesday, and got an email on Friday saying my decision was in the mail.  So I guess I got lucky.  That same week, someone else was told by UKIV that they were not allowed to retroactively upgrade. Sounds like people need more training.  They also issued me an old style passport visa when I should have been issued a new 30 window one...but hey.  I've got it now, my flight is TUESDAY!!!!! and I can't complain.

Now to just make sure all my ducks are in a row!

I'm glad it's over and I hope that end date is sorted on your visa or that it's a consolation prize for the trouble hahaha wouldn't that be nice?

Right?! Glad you got yours too after the issues with the lease!

Congratulations to everyone who has just received visas!