Any updates from recent applicants?

Pertinent, pieces of, information are missing from my email inquiry requesting an update on status - What does this mean exactly.. Is it with an ECO or waiting to get to one of them?? =pppp

"Thank you for your email.
 
Your application is still awaiting consideration from one of our Entry Clearance Officers.  This is due to the large amount of Settlement applications we have received.  I cannot at this time give you an accurate estimate for when the application will be completed, however it will likely take several more weeks."

Paid $3000 for this.. and they need another 1000 USD$ for priority? LOOOOl....?

03 24 2014 - Expedition service paid & Supporting docs sent out
03 26 2014 - Email processing started rcvd
4 11 2014 - Requested update on the status of our application
4 24 2014 - Requested update on the status of our application
*Did not pay priority

Pertinent, pieces of, information are missing from my email inquiry requesting an update on status - What does this mean exactly.. Is it with an ECO or waiting to get to one of them?? =pppp

It's basically a generic email that they send to everyone. They don't generally give out detailed information tailored to your application, since a) they don't have time to do that, and b) you're not supposed to be able to enquire about it anyway.

As I said in my reply to another poster above, who received a similar email, I believe it means that the application is still waiting in line and has not been given to an ECO yet.

P.S. If you didn't pay for priority, then what's the expedition service you paid for? The only way to expedite a visa application is to pay the $510 per application for the priority service (or $300 as it was when you mailed your application). So if you paid a visa company to 'expedite' your application, this won't have done anything to speed up the processing time, as the priority service also has to be purchased as well.

Yes, lots of action happening today.

This morning I paid for priority so either today or Monday it'll move its way to a new pile. I'm not sure who it was that said it, but priority processing is $510 per application, not $1000. I think when people say expedited they are referring to how it was shipped. I paid $150 to have my application overnight priority mail via FedEx to and from England.

Oh wow! Loads of new priority upgrades.
I'm sure they are wondering why a massive amount of emails and upgrades have come thru!

In my email, I explained about the forum and that I received info via other applicants on how to upgrade. I didn't want to barge in and demand an update on my application status because that's counterproductive at this point, so instead I provided a few factual observations and then asked if it was worth upgrading and what would be the estimated time difference. If you are thorough and ask DIRECT questions, they'll give you direct answers. If you keep emailing them just asking for an update they can't do anything for you because they're not the ones physically holding your application anymore.

Additionally, when I first applied they sent me an email saying I forgot a document and that when I fill it out and email it back to use a certain code in my reply field (it's individualized so I can't share it), but that's how they decipher between emails that pertain to pending applications and general inquiries. If you were missing CRITICAL documents, they would've told you as soon as it arrived. I'm sorry I forgot to mention this earlier, but if they need something from you they would've asked you when it was first opened or they will come looking for you while they're reviewing it. These days, 99% of things can be emailed. I'd like to believe that they are logical folks who would not deny your visa if they needed a copy of something you could email them in 90 seconds.

WOW. Ok. So. They move very fast in that office. I received a confirmation e-mail that I was switched to priority and about an hour later I received an e-mail from an ECO asking for additional documents. When they need documents (which clearly I suck at providing them... I gave everything I had and the kitchen sink, too!), they'll ask you for it in an e-mail.

WOW. Ok. So. They move very fast in that office. I received a confirmation e-mail that I was switched to priority and about an hour later I received an e-mail from an ECO asking for additional documents. When they need documents (which clearly I suck at providing them... I gave everything I had and the kitchen sink, too!), they'll ask you for it in an e-mail.

*Sometimes*.  Unfortunately it is very inconsistent if they ask for additional documents or refuse based on missing documents.  We've had members asked for a document and then another refused for neglecting to include the exact same document.   . But glad to see it's moving for you.  Asking for additional documents means your application is on someone's desk!   

NatCatCole, when you added priority to you application what exactly did you include in your email? I'm seriously considering adding it now as I received word that I'm still A FEW WEEKS from even being considered despite my application being received 2 months ago


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Also, when you select your country of residence then the visa type (settlement?) when you go to choose "Visa Application Center" it shows New York as the only option...? Is this correct?


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Nerves have kicked in full force ... Per my UPS tracking number my package is here in Las Vegas ... Because of all the shipping problems we've had it's going directly to the UPS store I shipped it out from, so now I am waiting for them to call to go pick it up ...

- FutureMrsHandy ... If you could swing it, I would totally add the priority (knowing you now can after the fact) ... My heart hurts for you guy's... I understand my wait time was for a completely different reason & just knowing it was processed and on it's way back, waiting for it was hard enough for me ....


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How exciting! I can only imagine how you be feeling!(: hope it's in there!!

And thanks, I'm going to speak to my fiancé as soon as he gets home about it because he's the one forking out all the money for it! Lol


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Additionally, when I first applied they sent me an email saying I forgot a document and that when I fill it out and email it back to use a certain code in my reply field (it's individualized so I can't share it), but that's how they decipher between emails that pertain to pending applications and general inquiries. If you were missing CRITICAL documents, they would've told you as soon as it arrived. I'm sorry I forgot to mention this earlier, but if they need something from you they would've asked you when it was first opened or they will come looking for you while they're reviewing it. These days, 99% of things can be emailed. I'd like to believe that they are logical folks who would not deny your visa if they needed a copy of something you could email them in 90 seconds.

Hopefully the ECOs in Sheffield work differently to how the ECOs did in NY.  There were massive differences in how applications were treated when they were processed in NY.  Some people were contacted about missing documents and given an opportunity to submit what was lacking, and others had their applications outright refused and had to re-apply.

NMF I'm so excited for you!
FutureMrsHandy, I would consider it too if money isn't a problem.

We decided to add it definitely, but I need to know exactly what I should  include in the email to them... And do I email the same email address that I've been contacting? So many questions!


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Also I am not sure which visa category to choose, I applied for a fiancé visa, and of the two I would believe to fit my application (settlement or special visitor- marriage) only have New York as an option as the visa application center


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