Hi all, just wondering if anyone can offer me some advice on my current situation. I've already called a law firm for advice but they advised me to call the UK Visas and Immigration line - which I have tried but I cannot get through. I also tried the US embassy but they would only speak to people travelling TO the USA.
So, I'm currently on a 6 month Marriage/Fiance visa which is valid until the 25th July. I married my now Wife on June 01 - thanks to Covid delays. Now I wish to switch to a 2.5y Family visa while I'm still in the UK.
Me and my Wife are currently living with her mother who is kindly helping us get on our feet (my wife is on PIP as she has severe anxiety/panic attacks), so we have gone around in circles trying to get proof of address. Earlier this month I decided to apply for a provisional driving license as I have no other options for proof of address. As part of the application I had to send my passport as proof of ID and it was clearly stated on the official GOV site that I would get it back within a week - though it did warn on the application not to send in my passport if I needed it in the next month, which I didn't. However, after tracking my license progress, it still says it's awaiting my application even though I know it was delivered because I sent it and paid extra for next day/tracking. After looking on their social media I'm seeing swathes of people complaining that they haven't received anything back in several weeks/months, with staff replying that it could now take 6+ weeks due to Covid.
I obviously cannot afford to wait this long, not only because I need time to apply for my next visa while I'm here, but because if, worst case scenario, I have to return home due to my visa expiring, I will not have a passport.
Does anyone have any advice for me? What are my options?
Thanks in advance.