Hi y'all,
Just want to share my experience at the Premium Processing Center in Cardiff on 1/25/2018. This is my first FLR(M) and my first in the UK after the initial fiance visa (with all the thanks owed to this forum).
Our application was pretty straightforward with most paperwork recycled from the fiance visa application (with the exception of the financial proof - which needed updating to the last 28 days).
The appointment was at 8.50 am. The application center is located on the main road leading into downtown - it's pretty hard to miss, with the home office banner promptly displayed on top.
We got through security and went upstairs into the main application receiving/processing area where there seems to be only one person working. He promptly greeted us and sat down with us to go over all the paperwork. He went through a checklist of all the most important documents and asked me to pull them out (passports, marriage certificate, divorce decree, photos, application). I had my paperwork divided into six different folders: application, applicant, sponsor, finance, accommodation, and relationship. He went through each section and what's included. I explained that I've only been here for 2.5 months and have not had the chance to collect the full required number of proof of residency. He immediately acknowledged that this happens and is something they're familiar with.
Afterward, he handed us an information leaflet detailing all the steps in the process (it also states that they aim to process within 2.5 hours of check-in). We then went on to the waiting room area, where there were sofas, a TV, vending machines. All electronics were allowed (as long as you don't take photos - though I don't know how they can enforce this
)
After about 45 minutes, I was called for biometrics. And after two hours, we were called back to the processing station where we were told our application was successful
A few things I've noticed:
1. Even though we paid extra to get in early, there seems to be only one person there to receive the application, and the center doesn't seem to get going until around 9.30 am, when more workers started coming in.
2. There seems to be a bit of stop and start with biometrics. I was called about 10 minutes after the previous person, but there was a gap of about 30 minutes between me and the next person. This might be due to the fact that they seemed understaffed. There were a lot of staff switching around between rooms/stations.
3. There were a few people being called in for questioning though I'm not sure what kind of applications they have.
Overall, it was a pleasant experience. All the staff we interacted with were really friendly and courteous, and very willing to answer questions.
