Requesting passports back

[neelima.kovi24]

Hello,

I have applied for Teir-1 general extension on March 31st 2010 and a letter of receipt of the application is sent from UK Border Agency on April 2nd 2010 but the Border Agancy have not taken a decision till now. Its nearly 4 months since I have submitted my application.

Last week I have submitted a letter requesting to expedite my application so that I can visit my father who is in serious health condition but the UK Border Agency sent a letter that they cannot process the application immediately and I can withdraw the application if I want to travel immediately.

Can some one help me in letting me know what can I do in this situation to speed up my application process. Its 4 months since I submitted the application and still my application is awaiting decision, so is there anything that I can do. Can I meet my local MP of Hampshire and get a letter to speed up the process?


Thanks,
Neil

[geriatrix]

I am afraid such decisions (whether to entertain such requests) are completely UKBA's discretion. Did you send any documentary evidence of your father's ill-health and that your visit was necessary, given the circumstances? Or just wrote to them about the situation without providing any evidence?

If you did not submit any evidence earlier, consider doing so now afresh and hope that UKBA reconsiders their stand .. in view of evidence presented.



regards

[neelima.kovi24]

Thankyou very much for the reply.
I have submitted the medical certificate from the hospital my father is taking treatment, a supporting letter form my employer as evidence and they understand the sittuation but UKBA informed that they can consider the applications only in order. But the applications that were sent on March 31st 2010 were dealt in the week starting April 12th 2010 itself.

Will subcribing in http://www.hsmpforumltd.com/index.html by paying a fee of £50 will help me in getting any advice?

[geriatrix]

It is entirely up to you if you wish to subscribe to another forum and seek advice.

People who think highly of the said organisation will suggest you do, and people who haven't seen any help coming their way will suggest you not to waste 50 quids. At the end of the day, your choice & your decision!

This said, AFAIK UKBA is under no legal obligation to treat your application any urgently - even in your circumstances.




regards

[neelima.kovi24]

thankyou very much for the reply.

I think I have no other go except to wait and if not withdraw my application.

[geriatrix]

Meant to include this in the initial response, but forgot!

It will do you no harm to get your MP involved - given your circumstances and also that the 14 weeks deadline is almost over! Worst case nothing will help but if his intervention works you may get your leave and passports back quicker. I believe MPs intervention does add some weight specially when complaining about service standards of UKBA.


regards

[neelima.kovi24]

Is there an SLA that Teir 1 general application should be processed in 14 weeks as I didnt find anything as such in the UKBA website.

It is only that UKBA will not give status on my application upon calling the public enquiries number, until 14 weeks completion from the date of submission. But even though I called after 14weeks they just informed that it is still under process and cannot give a date when they would complete the process.

[geriatrix]

SLA is an agreement. Do you sign one with UKBA before sending an application?

There are customer service standards, service targets and delivery standards, all decided by UKBA and have the same legal standing as you making a promise.


regards

[neelima.kovi24]

sorry I didnt sign any SLA but just wanted to check with you whether there is a service target set to 14 weeks for procssing of teir 1 general by UKBA.