Waiting time for UK Visa - ILTR

black sheep
Junior Member



Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 11
Location: UK

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:42 am

 

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Hi,

Thanks to those who answered my question regarding the Life in the UK test. I went, I quizzed, I passed. Thus, comes to my next question. How long was it before your application for ILTR (specifically, if possible) was approved and visa with passports returned?

You see, I've sent in my application for ILTR (Indefinite Leave to Remain with my unmarried partner) in mid-July. For travel reasons I had to send his passport by separate Special Delivery on the 4th August.

Here's the tricky part: We are booked to go to Spain for two weeks holiday at the beginning of September. ome of you may be shaking your head but this could not be avoided for two reasons.

1) We have got use of my partner's parents' place over in Spain but they want us specifically to go by that date.

2) Work had wanted me to book my holidays sooner rather than later as well.

I didn't mind either as we haven't had a holiday together in two years but now I'm getting worried that my visa may not arrive in time. The Home Office is supposed to be processing it - I've received a letter shortly after sending my application saying it has been turned over to a case unit. And as far as I know it must be a straightforward application because I have not heard from them in regards to any questions or problems.

But there is a matter of the waiting time according to the UK Border Agency website. What cases make up the decision for 70% of postal applications within 20 working days and which ones make up 90% of postal applications within 70 working days? I don't want to assume, but really hope that I fall into that first part.

They don't want anyone calling to enquire. Btw. I had sent a letter with my partner's passport explaining that booking a holiday could not be avoided.

Just so people know, I'm not taking the application lightly but I will also be gutted if I can't have my holiday as it's been ages. If anyone can shed some light how long theirs took and/or give some advice on what to do if anything?
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Whoever said Vancouver rains all the time has never been to Bath.

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watsonstephen
New Member



Joined: 27 Oct 2008
Posts: 1
Location: London

Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 6:49 am

 

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Hi there,
just wondering how long this took in the end for your ILTR to come through? We're in the same boat and have been waiting 6 weeks now.
Cheers!

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black sheep
Junior Member



Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 11
Location: UK

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 11:25 am

 

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Hi!

Hmm, my application was at the Home Office for about 5 1/2 weeks. But I have a feeling the actual process took less than 20 days.

To explain a bit: It may have been because they were waiting to receive my partner's passport (due to a trip to france he had to go to). When I sent my application I enclosed a letter stating this and stating when I would be able to send it, which I did, about three weeks after I sent the application.

I also got some very helpful tips from someone at the Home Office on how to word the letter, specific information I needed to give when I send the passport, and where to send it to, because if you have to send them additional information it needs to go to a different address than where you sent the application; apparently quite a few people aren't aware of that.

Hope that helps.
ps. let me know when you get yours!
_________________
Whoever said Vancouver rains all the time has never been to Bath.

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