Settlement Gold Premium Service Appointment

Yes, it is now illegal to rent to someone who does not have permission, in the form of the correct visa, to live in the U.K.

Oh dear, well we were perfectly honest about our circumstances. I explained that my Visa application had been sent off but not approved. We were told it wouldn't be a problem for me to sign the lease anyway. I think it's technically provisional and if/when my Visa is eventually approved, I'll furnish a copy for their records. It's already signed now, so I hope this doesn't cause issues down the road 

Oh dear, well we were perfectly honest about our circumstances. I explained that my Visa application had been sent off but not approved. We were told it wouldn't be a problem for me to sign the lease anyway. I think it's technically provisional and if/when my Visa is eventually approved, I'll furnish a copy for their records. It's already signed now, so I hope this doesn't cause issues down the road 

No, it’s their problem, not yours! 

Oh dear, well we were perfectly honest about our circumstances. I explained that my Visa application had been sent off but not approved. We were told it wouldn't be a problem for me to sign the lease anyway. I think it's technically provisional and if/when my Visa is eventually approved, I'll furnish a copy for their records. It's already signed now, so I hope this doesn't cause issues down the road 

As larrabee said, it's not your problem. It's the landlord who could get into trouble. They may need to prove to UKVI that they checked your right to rent (which must be done in the 28 days before the tenancy starts) and if they can't, or if they are found to be renting to someone without permission to live in the UK, they can face an unlimited fine (though it's usually £3,000 for private tenants) and potentially up to 5 years in prison.

Oh dear, well we were perfectly honest about our circumstances. I explained that my Visa application had been sent off but not approved. We were told it wouldn't be a problem for me to sign the lease anyway. I think it's technically provisional and if/when my Visa is eventually approved, I'll furnish a copy for their records. It's already signed now, so I hope this doesn't cause issues down the road 

As everyone said, it's their problem, not yours.  But very naughty of them.  Hopefully they are good landlords (certainly could be, just never a good sign when they don't do things legally). 

OMG that’s amazing!!!!! I would be over the moon if it happened in a week. You just made my day.

I think priority being worth it is dependant on the time of year. Last year because of a glitch with vfs  I couldnt get my priority. Worked out though because I applied in January and it took a week from the date my documents were received in Sheffield to holding my visa in my hands. It’s a total chancing game. February if I remember last year wasn’t much more than a week or two non priority and a few days priority!

I’m sorry that is quite frustrating. Maybe bc it is a new service, you could attempt to get some sort of refund since the service failed to deliver on its promises. Probably a long shot, but may as well try. Hopefully the decision comes anyway now.

Just checking in here - still no email. Counting from the day after I got my documents received email and the UK bank holidays, I'm at 20 business days. I was quoted 4 - 6 weeks several times by VFS and this Thursday will mark 5 weeks. Here's hoping they get it done in that time. I never imagined it would take this long or that I'd be hoping it would ONLY take the crazy maximum they quoted me.

Based on what the service has been like for me so far, and what I've received in exchange for the extra $600 over what I would have paid with standard priority, I would absolutely not recommend anyone using the Gold Premium Service.

Dani and FLgator86, I cannot believe that you guys haven't heard anything. I have been following this thread religiously to see if either of you have had any updates. I really feel for you both and I hate that you two were guinea pigs for this service. I really wish that there were a way for you to get your money back for this "gold" service. I am hoping to hear soon and I'm not even priority, I can't imagine what you're going through.

I’m sorry that is quite frustrating. Maybe bc it is a new service, you could attempt to get some sort of refund since the service failed to deliver on its promises. Probably a long shot, but may as well try. Hopefully the decision comes anyway now.

It's always worth asking.  I managed to get a refund on the priority fee for my ILR.  Due to a series of errors following a IT issue, my application and the ordering of my BRP were essentially forgotten about.  I was the 9th person in the door on the day of my appointment, and one of the last people to leave the building.  It was only when I continually pressed customer services to find out what was going on that they eventually came out and gave me the letter saying I had been approved for ILR.  Subsequently, my BRP was never ordered, and I escalated that issue quickly as I needed to travel for work (which I why I made a same day appointment).  I emailed what was then UKBA (it was 2013) saying I had paid for a service I did not receive, and I would like a refund of my premium fee.  They responded agreeing with me, and I received a cheque in the post a couple of weeks later.
It is definitely worth arguing your case for a refund of the fee.  Just make sure it is strong.

Just returned from the UK and landed in New Jersey, where it's a balmy 16°F...

Switched on my phone and this came through:

A decision has been made on your UK Visa application.

The Premium Application Centre will contact you directly with further guidance regarding the return of your decision.

If anyone contacts you advising that your application is still under consideration or that they can influence the outcome of your application in any way, they cannot - please report any such approach to VisaSheffield@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.

You should not expect to receive any further emails from this office.

I counted 25 business days for a decision...

@Dani1983 - I know it's early in Seattle... Any news on your end??

Fingers crossed it's an approval!!!

Just returned from the UK and landed in New Jersey, where it's a balmy 16°F...

Switched on my phone and this came through:

I counted 25 business days for a decision...

@Dani1983 - I know it's early in Seattle... Any news on your end??

Fingers crossed it's an approval!!!

Wahooooooo!!!!!

Just returned from the UK and landed in New Jersey, where it's a balmy 16°F...

Switched on my phone and this came through:

I counted 25 business days for a decision...

@Dani1983 - I know it's early in Seattle... Any news on your end??

Fingers crossed it's an approval!!!

Great news - and perfect timing too!

Fingers crossed for good news .

Oooh, movement!  I really really hope it's good news!  A cautious congratulations!

(You should still demand a refund, as there was no "gold standard" service provided!)

Just returned from the UK and landed in New Jersey, where it's a balmy 16°F...

Switched on my phone and this came through:

I counted 25 business days for a decision...

@Dani1983 - I know it's early in Seattle... Any news on your end??

Fingers crossed it's an approval!!!

OH THANK GOODNESS! This has made my day! 

Dani, you’re next!

(You should still demand a refund, as there was no "gold standard" service provided!)

Yeah, I would definitely try for a refund - or at the very least, make a complaint.

It seems you got nothing more than regular priority service (or perhaps even less than that), and it doesn't sound like you got all the 'services' the Gold claimed to provide... so you basically spent an extra $700 just to keep your passport.

Just returned from the UK and landed in New Jersey, where it's a balmy 16°F...

Switched on my phone and this came through:

I counted 25 business days for a decision...

@Dani1983 - I know it's early in Seattle... Any news on your end??

Fingers crossed it's an approval!!!

Woooooooo!!! I'm so glad at least one of you have heard back. I was just thinking "another week and no one on this board has heard anything!". When do you find out if it's an approval? And do you have to take your passport back into them or mail it to the UK?