May timeline

So hilariously after posting on the April timeline this morning to just see whether in country FLR (m) applications were taking longer than the 8 weeks out of interest I've got home to a missed delivery from DX - here's hoping they don't deliver tomorrow whilst I'm out at the doctors!

Im so happy to see this post!  We applied on the 11th and got his bios done on the 22nd i think it was. Let us know if its just documents returned or the whole shabang!

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Who knows how they order it all (not sure they know?!) But if you haven't heard within next two weeks or so (within current priority processing times), then you could expect to hear within the following four weeks or so, and by then you should definitely have heard back from the MP, and they will help you.

On a different note - I love Chicago! I had never been to America before Jan 2015. I suddenly needed to write a love story - as one does! And it needed to be set in Chicago. Naturally... So I crowd funded a trip there to write my novel. And I stood barefoot in the snow at the Bean, cos I'm a little crazy. I haven't published my novel, but I did meet my wife within the year, and she lives two hours from Chicago. We took a picture at the Bean on our wedding day. So treasure your extra days in Chicago for me will you please?

Awww, that is so cute and as the wife of an aspiring author, I appreciate the backstory. Perhaps you'll revisit the idea and the Midwest again. And barefoot in the Chicago winter let alone snow? You're certainly brave. I've been going back and forth between eating healthy and then chowing down on all the American junk food I can get my hands on.

Hi chaitealatte,

I wondered about this as well. I too got my email early this morning and just checked my UPS tracking info. It was picked up at 4:58 pm UK time. Have you checked your return tracking number?

Oh you're right I just checked it and it's shipped!!!!! I am so happy and excited!!!!

Awww, that is so cute and as the wife of an aspiring author, I appreciate the backstory. Perhaps you'll revisit the idea and the Midwest again. And barefoot in the Chicago winter let alone snow? You're certainly brave. I've been going back and forth between eating healthy and then chowing down on all the American junk food I can get my hands on.

Yep - we both lost weight and were eating healthier then as the visa process has gone on... and on... and on... the junk food has been winning in both continents Lol Yeah I expect I'll start writing again once she's here. Chicago in the snow - so cool - well so cold I guess, but the frozen lake and bright blue skies and that city skyline - magical. Thanks for reminding me about romance!

Thanks for this. I've tried to keep my other half calm with the below information!

The May applications are now in full swing. Seen a lot get processed this week alone so hopefully by next week we'll get that email.

The check your visa function still is showing as unrecognised for us so keeping fingers crossed!

Seems like a good time to post some consolidated statements of what we've learned for anyone new or anyone flapping.   Feel free to add to this.

1) The helpline has never ever given anyone on this forum any useful advice or tangible individual estimates on completion dates.
2) Only one application is really out of whack with the averages (feel v. bad for missizz!) 
3) No-one's application has been lost despite sometimes incomplete email receipts for documents received etc. .
4) Only one application was filed in the Regular pile instead of Priority, this was remedied.
5) Only one application had incorrect missing documents info sent, this was remedied pronto.
6) Averages remain: March 20.25 Business Days + April 28.75 Business Days.
7) Retrospective upgrades to priority seem to be accepted and implemented despite no official confirmation.
8 ) Each month a handful of applications are done very quickly, possibly to favourably weight Home Office official numbers.
9) The check your visa status function on the website is unreliable and there is insufficient evidence of a definitive correlation to Decision emails.

If you look at the trend it would be reasonable (at this time) to expect the remaining May and June Priority applications to take 35-43 Business Days. 

The Decision process itself is acceptably solid, reliable and robust despite a complete lack of expectation management and flow of information/updates. 

Hope this helps someone,  MM.

Im so happy to see this post!  We applied on the 11th and got his bios done on the 22nd i think it was. Let us know if its just documents returned or the whole shabang!

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I'll let you know assuming I'm in for the redelivery tomorrow! FYI though - I've been randomly using the checker with our IHS number and it's still showing 'Awaiting a Decision' so I don't put much faith in that thing at all!

I'll let you know assuming I'm in for the redelivery tomorrow! FYI though - I've been randomly using the checker with our IHS number and it's still showing 'Awaiting a Decision' so I don't put much faith in that thing at all!

Theres a checker for flmr? Can you post me the link please. Good luck

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Theres a checker for flmr? Can you post me the link please. Good luck

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The online checker mentioned above is actually supposed to just be for FLR and ILR applications and not fiance/spousal visas, so you just use the checker that everyone is talking about:
https://contact-ukvi.homeoffice.gov.uk/app/visa_application/checkvisastatus

There isn't officially an online checker for out-of-country applications yet, but everyone has just been experimenting with the in-country one to see if it gives them any information... sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't.

Oh you're right I just checked it and it's shipped!!!!! I am so happy and excited!!!!

I'm so glad    It will be soon now!

The online checker mentioned above is actually supposed to just be for FLR and ILR applications and not fiance/spousal visas, so you just use the checker that everyone is talking about:
https://contact-ukvi.homeoffice.gov.uk/app/visa_application/checkvisastatus

There isn't officially an online checker for out-of-country applications yet, but everyone has just been experimenting with the in-country one to see if it gives them any information... sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't.

Awaiting decision as of the 18th May!

Thank you

Used his IHS number!

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So luckily I was in for the redlivery - we received my husbands BRP in the letter! No documents or passport etc yet just the BRP but I am so glad that arrived first! Best birthday present (my birthday) ever! Haha! BRP is dated as being issued on 26th June

So luckily I was in for the redlivery - we received my husbands BRP in the letter! No documents or passport etc yet just the BRP but I am so glad that arrived first! Best birthday present (my birthday) ever! Haha! BRP is dated as being issued on 26th June

So glad for you

So luckily I was in for the redlivery - we received my husbands BRP in the letter! No documents or passport etc yet just the BRP but I am so glad that arrived first! Best birthday present (my birthday) ever! Haha! BRP is dated as being issued on 26th June

Woot!  Congratulations Sez! 

Has anyone received their passports back on a Saturday or Sunday or is it only week days the delivery happens ?

Has anyone received their passports back on a Saturday or Sunday or is it only week days the delivery happens ?

Only if you have purchased a Saturday delivery service.  The VFS option does not include Saturday delivery.