Any updates from recent applicants?

Hi Guys....more clarity on the second passport option.

My husband (a brit) spoke with two immigration lawyers in Sheffield and they both confirmed that traveling to the UK on the secondary passport would not affect the current application in process. They are two separate numbers and are not linked in the system.

Additionally, he spoke with two boarder agents and their management to confirm that traveling in a secondary passport would not be linked by the systems in Sheffield with the airport immigration officers..

There is no electronic link between the passports and what they see at the airport system according to 5 sources.

We're going to give it a shot if this thing isn't here by next week. I'm sure everyone will be curious to know the outcome.

Hopefully the visa will come through before then...and think me a fool all you like, but I think it's worth a shot. Worst case, we'll go to Paris and meetup there.

Additionally, we're due to be back in the US by mid-September at the latest  so I technically would be visiting for a few weeks before leaving again.

Put in another inquiry with them today as I've heard nothing regarding the requested documentation I submitted on Friday of last week.

Oh cruel twist of fate...last night I dreamt I had the email about about a decision...but it wasn't there. Totally brutal waiting.....

Just an update that we received the acknowledgement email today. Now trying to stay calm!!

Any recent applicants from the US that are applying priority for their spouse visa? I am interested in hearing any timelines! My husband and I will be applying the last week of this month and plan to apply priority straightaway.

Any recent applicants from the US that are applying priority for their spouse visa? I am interested in hearing any timelines! My husband and I will be applying the last week of this month and plan to apply priority straightaway.

Yes, mine's a priority spouse visa. Timeline is in my signature!

Yes, mine's a priority spouse visa. Timeline is in my signature!

Thanks! I noticed yours earlier. I hope you hear something soon! Ours is a very straightforward case, so I am hoping it goes through very quickly. Running out of patience these days haha 

Still no news..other than an email responding to my inquiry stating the visa was being processed. They didn't answer my question if the documentation had been matched up with application, per the ICO's request.

The wait continues....

Thanks! I noticed yours earlier. I hope you hear something soon! Ours is a very straightforward case, so I am hoping it goes through very quickly. Running out of patience these days haha 

Thanks, and I understand about the patience - the waiting can be so tough! Hope the application goes smoothly for you.

Yay Jess! Very exciting! I'm sure you're relieved

Thank you! I am, it's so much nicer to be able to move along with booking flights and giving people firm dates.

Hope you hear back soon. It really stinks that they didn't respond to the specific questions they asked about the additional documents sent.

This whole service is shameful.

It's messing with people's lives.  Outrageously costly for some, which is fine, if that's the way it has to be, but then the customer should be kept up to date on every little step of the way. 

This idea of leaving people guessing is atrocious.

Here's a good example:

I paid and emailed Sheffield for retrospective priority on Aug 4. Still haven't heard anything.  Used the email form to ask about the status of the application. No status updates, but I can escalate the case.

So I complete the details and email a request to escalate the case.  This is the response back:

Thank you for contacting the UK Visas and Immigration Enquiry Services.

Please accept my sincere apology for the inconvenience you are having in
regards to your application.

With regards to your query, please visit
https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre

Please note: Your visa application will be assessed and decided by the
British High Commission. Our staff at the UK Visas and Immigration
international enquiry service do not assess. Visa Application Centre will
contact you once a decision has been made or, if necessary, while your
application is being considered.

However, you may find it useful to visit
https://www.gov.uk/visas-immigration

You can E-Mail us back with your details by visiting the following link (
https://ukvi-international.faq-help.com/), select appropriate country,
click next and then select ‘E-Mail form’ and complete as instructed.

Kind regards,
Abhijit P.
UK Visas and Immigration International Enquiry Service

What exactly does that tell me?  I don't know if the case is being escalated or not.  I don't know if they're suggesting our application doesn't even exist or not. 

It tells you nothing.  UKVI isn't exactly known for being efficient and responsive.  The lack of transparency during the application process is appalling.

I really don't have any advice for you.  Try to keep busy with other things.  Unfortunately unless they acknowledge the priority upgrade, it's impossible to know if they've moved it from the non-priority queue to the priority one.  And they don't usually acknowledge the retrospective upgrade...      (One of the reasons we recommend not upgrading after the fact on this board, as it's not guaranteed your application will be treated as priority).

Try to keep busy.  Enjoy your time you have with your family and friends.  And eat Chick-fil-a.  I would do pretty much anything to have a Chick-fil-a sandwich for lunch today!

It tells you nothing.  UKVI isn't exactly known for being efficient and responsive.  The lack of transparency during the application process is appalling.

I really don't have any advice for you.  Try to keep busy with other things.  Unfortunately unless they acknowledge the priority upgrade, it's impossible to know if they've moved it from the non-priority queue to the priority one.  And they don't usually acknowledge the retrospective upgrade...      (One of the reasons we recommend not upgrading after the fact on this board, as it's not guaranteed your application will be treated as priority).

Try to keep busy.  Enjoy your time you have with your family and friends.  And eat Chick-fil-a.  I would do pretty much anything to have a Chick-fil-a sandwich for lunch today!

Nope, understood, and yes will be making the most of everything.

It's just astonishing how bad a system can be.  Immigration services should be ashamed of itself.

Nope, understood, and yes will be making the most of everything.

It's just astonishing how bad a system can be.  Immigration services should be ashamed of itself.

It is astonishing.  Unfortunately you (and me) have many more years of dealing with UKVI (or whatever their name that year is) until we can show them a special finger.  Until then, try to keep up with the ever-changing rules and restrictions.

Still nothing!! What is taking so long!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Still nothing!! What is taking so long!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That is odd.  Usually when you provide the missing documents, it's an almost instant "decision made" email.  I'm wondering if you are one of the "lucky" (sarcastic) few that simply didn't get the email and the passport with visa will just show up on your doorstep.  Have you checked your tracking info to see if the package is in transit?

Is your flight tonight still?