2017 Timeline

Jan and Feb are good times to apply because they are outside the holiday rush. More people apply in the summer because it is a more convenient time to apply... which means it is busy for Sheffield and applications take longer to process.

Also, March and April are pretty good times to apply, as are October and November.

However, from May to about September, it can take much longer and also late November and December are busy due to people trying to move before Christmas.

Normal processing times outside busy periods is about 2-5 days for priority and 1-2 weeks for non-priority... and the most likely time of year to get these times is around Jan/Feb. March may still be okay, but things will start to slow down more as we approach the summer season, so you may be waiting more like 1-2 weeks priority and 3-4 weeks non-priority approaching April.

From May onwards it usually becomes maybe 3-4 weeks priority and 2-3 months non-priority.


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Jan and Feb are good times to apply because they are outside the holiday rush. More people apply in the summer because it is a more convenient time to apply... which means it is busy for Sheffield and applications take longer to process.

Also, March and April are pretty good times to apply, as are October and November.

However, from May to about September, it can take much longer and also late November and December are busy due to people trying to move before Christmas.

Normal processing times outside busy periods is about 2-5 days for priority and 1-2 weeks for non-priority... and the most likely time of year to get these times is around Jan/Feb. March may still be okay, but things will start to slow down more as we approach the summer season, so you may be waiting more like 1-2 weeks priority and 3-4 weeks non-priority approaching April.

From May onwards it usually becomes maybe 3-4 weeks priority and 2-3 months non-priority.


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Thank you for explaining! This makes perfect sense and has confirmed my urgency to get back to the US and apply asap. Thanks again!

Finally, an update to our timeline ( translate drunken janitor sobered up )

Married: December 1 2016
Application: January 8 2017
Biometrics appointment: January 11 2017
Shipped to Sheffield: January 11 2017
Confirmation  email January 18 2017
Janitor on bender until........
Decision email: Thursday February 23 2017

Tracking says here by Monday....please let it be approved!

Yeah!!!! Sending lots of good vibes your way!!!!

Finally, an update to our timeline ( translate drunken janitor sobered up )

Married: December 1 2016
Application: January 8 2017
Biometrics appointment: January 11 2017
Shipped to Sheffield: January 11 2017
Confirmation  email January 18 2017
Janitor on bender until........
Decision email: Thursday February 23 2017

Tracking says here by Monday....please let it be approved!

That is great news! Yes, be approved !!


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Fingers crossed for you Rick!

update on my timeline...

Online Application Date: January 29
Biometrics in VT: February 16th.
Application Posted: February 17th. (estimated arrival by 12 pm on Monday) 
Got email saying application in... but docs hadn't been received February 18th
Documents arrived: February 20th at 8:15 am
Decision Email: February 24th


Flipping out thats a really fast decision right?!?!?! Hope that means its ok? Has anyone ever called for their decision before?
Thanks everyone for the support. If I cant call ill be a basket case all weekend

Flipping out thats a really fast decision right?!?!?! Hope that means its ok? Has anyone ever called for their decision before?
Thanks everyone for the support. If I cant call ill be a basket case all weekend

It's pretty normal for this time of year . The actual application only takes a couple of hours to process and make a decision on, so most of the processing time is your application waiting in line to be picked up. When they aren't that busy (i.e. Jan-Deb), you'll see priority application decisions made in 1-2 days, and non-priority in about 1 week.

It's not possible to call for the decision though - you won't find out until you receive your passport and documents back.

However, a fast decision usually means an approval, because if they were going to refuse, they would spend a lot more time going over your documents in detail, looking for any way you might still qualify, possibly requesting more information from you, before they make a decision.

Congrats on getting your decision quickly. Now we both just wait as ksand24 said. Ugh!

I shouldn't complain Rick, you've had it so much worse! heres hoping we are on planes really soon!!!

Hopefully the waiting is about over and we can be with our loved ones VERY soon!

I applied for my spousal settlement visa online. I attended my biometrics appointment last Wednesday and sent my application via courier last Friday evening. My application was received in Sheffield those past Monday. I never received a confirmation email it had been received though.  However, I received an email this morning that a decision had been made and a second email with tracking (we paid for round-trip courier but not priority).

My husband and I have been together 8 years and married for just over 4 but my mother was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's shortly after our marriage so I stayed in the US to care for her. My brother and I admitted her to memory care in December. I explained multiple times why there was such a gap between between the marriage and my application. I included for relationship proof 10 flight itineraries where we have traveled back and forth to see one another, about 6 pictures ranging from our first meeting to our wedding pictures and one from my visit over following the wedding. We were married in Glasgow so I already went through this process in a small way to get my marriage visa. I didn't include chats or emails but I did include the email receipt that showed the card written to me when my husband once sent me roses.

The only thing I'm nervous about is that we didn't immediately file for the visa because of my mom, which I explained in like 3 different places.

I'm afraid to be too hopeful but I feel in my bones I've been approved. Going by how long it took them to get my application I expect my package back Monday. This will be the longest weekend of my life!

I never received a confirmation email it had been received though.  However, I received an email this morning that a decision had been made and a second email with tracking (we paid for round-trip courier but not priority).

Don't worry, not everyone receives the confirmation email - the 'decision made' and tracking emails are the important ones .

I explained multiple times why there was such a gap between between the marriage and my application.

Really, there's no need to explain multiple times. Just explain it once and include evidence of regular contact while you have been apart (which it sounds like you did) . It's perfectly fine/normal to have to spend some time apart before applying for the visa.

The only thing I'm nervous about is that we didn't immediately file for the visa because of my mom, which I explained in like 3 different places.

That really isn't an issue at all and as long as you show regular contact between you, since the wedding, it won't affect the application in any way.

Some people have had to spend years apart after getting married, because they haven't been able to qualify for the visa right away and have had to wait until they meet the requirements.

The only requirements are that you are legally married and that your relationship is genuine (shown by providing your marriage certificate and evidence of regular contact).

I'm afraid to be too hopeful but I feel in my bones I've been approved. Going by how long it took them to get my application I expect my package back Monday. This will be the longest weekend of my life!

In general, the faster the decision, the more likely it's an approval .

It sounds like non-priority applications are being processed really quickly right now too (you're the second person to have a decision in less than a week) .

Do you have any idea on when tracking updates? There is no update yet but emails said dispatched.

Do you have any idea on when tracking updates? There is no update yet but emails said dispatched.

It depends on when the UPS people pick up the package and scan it in. The email being sent just means the visa has been processed and is ready to be dispatched.

It may be another few hours or so before it is actually picked up by UPS... I imagine it'll be around 4 or 5 pm UK time (it's 2:20pm now) if they pick it up today.