FLR (M) Processing Times

Hello,

I'm new to the forum, but I'm starting to panic and could really use some reassurance.

I sent through my FLR (M) application from inside the UK on December 17th. I received the acknowledgement letter and invitation to enrol my biometrics on the 21st, and I enrolled my biometrics on the 30th. I've had zero contact since then and Saturday makes eight weeks since I applied. Should I be worried? I've had two student Tier 4 visas prior to this and had no issues.

I guess my main question is : should I contact them?

8 weeks is the standard processing time and they are generally very good at sticking to that.  I'd add on an extra 10 days or so due to the holidays and the delay in enrolling your biometrics.  I'd be very surprised if you didn't have your BRP in the next two weeks or so.  And there really isn't anyone to contact...

I'm in the same boat as you although mine didn't get sent out until the 12th of January. and because I sent my FLR (M) renewal recorded delivery, they received it the very next day on the 13th of January. It took them 6 days. I received my acknowledgement letter and invitation for my biometrics on the 23rd of January which we took on the 28th of January.

Is the 13th or the 23rd considered the date for them to have the 8weeks to respond by?

It's not the day they sign for it as nothing usually happens. I went from the day we saw the payment go through. As that meant someone was actually doing something with it.

It took over a week to get the biometric invitation after the payment was processed last time.

Thanks Lyonaria!

So I still have yet to receive any sort of contact and we're approaching ten weeks.

I spoke with UK visas & immigration on 09/02 and they advised a letter was sent to my address on 08/02. They also advised that if I don't receive that letter by 16/02 (which I haven't) to send them a letter in the post chasing it. They gave me the address for the team processing my application. I sent a letter on Friday, but still have yet to have had any contact.

What should our next steps be? Waiting is killing us.

So I still have yet to receive any sort of contact and we're approaching ten weeks.

I spoke with UK visas & immigration on 09/02 and they advised a letter was sent to my address on 08/02. They also advised that if I don't receive that letter by 16/02 (which I haven't) to send them a letter in the post chasing it. They gave me the address for the team processing my application. I sent a letter on Friday, but still have yet to have had any contact.

What should our next steps be? Waiting is killing us.

You could try contacting your MP.  Do you know why they sending you a letter?  Usually after biometrics the next contact is receiving your documents back and BRP (which will be delivered by DX).

They didn't tell me why they were sending the letter, no. Should I be worried?

Also - does DX require a signature?

They didn't tell me why they were sending the letter, no. Should I be worried?

Also - does DX require a signature?

If you called and spoke to the generic hotline that you pay for, I wouldn't worry.  They are full of misinformation and I wouldn't believe anything they say anyways.

DX is *supposed* to require a signature.  But it very much depends on the driver.  Some require ID to release the BRP.  Others shove it through the mailslot without knocking.

Okay, that's a relief. Why are they even there if they don't actually have any answers?!

Thank you by the way. I'm hoping it's just been delayed because of the holidays.

Okay, that's a relief. Why are they even there if they don't actually have any answers?!

Thank you by the way. I'm hoping it's just been delayed because of the holidays.

I haven't a clue!  The unbelievably inaccurate information they gave me is what led me to find this forum.   

I'll add my experience, since I've just done the same renewal.

2016/12/22- Mailed spousal renewal- FLR(M) (non-priority)
2016/12/28- Arrival confirmation and request for biometrics
2017/02/11- Visa approved (no "decision made" email- date on BRP card)
2017/02/15- BRP card and documents arrived separately  (both required ID and signature)

I don't want to worry you any further, just providing you with more info.
Hope you hear soon
Best of luck

Just an FYI.
They don't send emails for any visas applied for within the UK. It's entirely by post. Which is quaint and old fashioned. And annoying as all get out.

Today makes 10 weeks and still, nothing. We're terrible at waiting so I called Visas and UK immigration (even though I know they don't have any actual information) and they just said it's still being considered. Are we expected to wait indefinitely?

We have plans to move to Manchester in May and I'm worried this will prevent that from happening. Is there anything other than contacting our MP that I can do to move it forward? It's ridiculous how they mess with people's lives and seem to care less.                           

That's bureaucracy for you. The Brits do love thier queues and taking their time with things.

It's really weird that you got your invitation to biometrics but not the letter. Is it possible that you left some paperwork out that they need to finish processing your application? They do everything by post for these in-country applications I've noticed, i'very always assumed it was because they want to keep things as clinical as possible.