Sheffield Visa Section - EEA FAMILY PERMIT

[Bollox]

Hello Mihai

Priority service doesn't guarantee you fast outcome on ur application. I have applied through priority services. Only difference is you get priority in visa application appointment. So if you thinking to cancel this application and apply using priority service then it's a waste.

Good luck to you

[Bollox]

We should do something together. I mean UK is sill in EU at least till marts 2019 and rules haven't changed. Lots of cases are straight forward and should be given FP very fast.

Hello

Yes we should all get in touch with pro EU MPs and should also consider taking UKVI to the court. They are playing with our future and violating our right to family.
Please feel free to throw in your ideas. We need collective action.

Hello guys,

I think a first step could be to talk to the medias. Nowadays people tend to react when their public image is at stake.

We could gather some stories and try to get in touch with a newspaper. You all have seen the case of the two adopted kids of an NHS surgeon and his british wife right ? HO reacted quickly and now they have a decision.

Cheers

Hello Hachel

I think this is good idea. But newspapers will only be interested if any of us have compelling reasons like that US doc case. If any how we can find out how many of us waiting like this then that could interest newspapers.

Regards

[Bollox]

Hi again, after i check my account where i make my application i notice that my status changed from Completed to In Active and none of the buttons are clickable like before. I did some research on many forums and i found this comment : "You should login into the visa4uk website where's you apply for the visa and at the bottom where it normally says completed if it says in active then I guess they've started on the case". It give me a bit of hope now, so i will wait a bit more. I also pay for mail to see what they will say about my visa, maybe i get some good news. I will tell you if something happens. Best of luck to all
Applicant:
M******* R******
Reference:
GWF043******
Travel Date:
15 May 2017
Application Started:
31 Mar 2017
Status:
In Active
Next Step:
Other
Family Member of an EEA National
Application Completed
Declaration Signed
Book Appointment
Pay for Application
Register at Commercial Partner
Print Application

Hello Mihai
That "In Active" status means you cannot do anything about that application on that portal. It is not connected with UKVI and it is not related with your application status. After some time the application on VISA4UK becomes in active. When you in process of filling the application form, the status says INCOMPLETE and when it's submitted it says COMPLETE and after some time (I think 3 months) It changes to IN ACTIVE.
regards

[Alexkowalski87]

Hehehaha, when you applied, did you get an email at all?

[Alexkowalski87]

Just thought I would update regarding my situation!

Hubby finally recieved his passport on the 10th of April. They issued the EEA FP to him on the 5th of April (Thank God!) Phew! All that stress was defo worth it.


I would say just keep on waiting because with us they did not even contact us with regards to anything to do with the application form. We just kept on waiting - a sickening wait!


If you have sumbitted everything they have asked for and haven't, including financials you will be in a better situation. We included just about everything!

I hope you guys recieve happy news!

Hehehaha did you receive an email at all after applying to an EEA?

[Enka2018]

Hii all,

I would also take them to the court, let me know who would like to add to me.

[Osh_Ferns]

Hello Everyone,

After a long stressful wait of almost 4 and half months
I finally received an email on the 89th day i.e on 16th Aug
from VFS to come and collect the passport was
so nervous thinking about what the result is going to be
but by the grace of God I got it in1st attempt only.
Finally got the visa stamped.

Here's my timeline:

Applied Mumbai North VFS in India.

Application submitted online: 31st March 2017
Biometrics submitted at Visa Centre: 07th April 2017
Sheffield received process email: 09th April 2017
"Not straightforward" email: 20th April 2017
1st Escalation made on 6th June 2017
2nd Escalation made on 19th July 2017
3rd Escalation made on 8th Aug 2017 ( Recd. the below mail)

("Thank you for your enquiry

I have referred your details to the EEA team with a request for them to finalise your application as soon as possible. Please note we cannot guarantee a timescale.

If you have any further enquiries, please visit our website at www.GOV.UK

Kind Regards

UKVI Contact Centre Service - UK Decision Making Centre
www.GOV.UK ")

Application decided: 10th Aug 2017

Picked up passport from VFS: 18th July 2017

Wishing good luck to all those who are waiting for
the reply.

[Enka2018]

Congratulations Thank you for information wish u all the best:)

[Tufail101]

Hello Everyone,

After a long stressful wait of almost 4 and half months
I finally received an email on the 89th day i.e on 16th Aug
from VFS to come and collect the passport was
so nervous thinking about what the result is going to be
but by the grace of God I got it in1st attempt only.
Finally got the visa stamped.

Here's my timeline:

Applied Mumbai North VFS in India.

Application submitted online: 31st March 2017
Biometrics submitted at Visa Centre: 07th April 2017
Sheffield received process email: 09th April 2017
"Not straightforward" email: 20th April 2017
1st Escalation made on 6th June 2017
2nd Escalation made on 19th July 2017
3rd Escalation made on 8th Aug 2017 ( Recd. the below mail)

("Thank you for your enquiry

I have referred your details to the EEA team with a request for them to finalise your application as soon as possible. Please note we cannot guarantee a timescale.

If you have any further enquiries, please visit our website at http://www.GOV.UK

Kind Regards

UKVI Contact Centre Service - UK Decision Making Centre
http://www.GOV.UK ")

Application decided: 10th Aug 2017

Picked up passport from VFS: 18th July 2017

Wishing good luck to all those who are waiting for
the reply.

congratulations !

[KID1413]

Hello Everyone,

After a long stressful wait of almost 4 and half months
I finally received an email on the 89th day i.e on 16th Aug
from VFS to come and collect the passport was
so nervous thinking about what the result is going to be
but by the grace of God I got it in1st attempt only.
Finally got the visa stamped.

Here's my timeline:

Applied Mumbai North VFS in India.

Application submitted online: 31st March 2017
Biometrics submitted at Visa Centre: 07th April 2017
Sheffield received process email: 09th April 2017
"Not straightforward" email: 20th April 2017
1st Escalation made on 6th June 2017
2nd Escalation made on 19th July 2017
3rd Escalation made on 8th Aug 2017 ( Recd. the below mail)

("Thank you for your enquiry

I have referred your details to the EEA team with a request for them to finalise your application as soon as possible. Please note we cannot guarantee a timescale.

If you have any further enquiries, please visit our website at http://www.GOV.UK

Kind Regards

UKVI Contact Centre Service - UK Decision Making Centre
http://www.GOV.UK ")

Application decided: 10th Aug 2017

Picked up passport from VFS: 18th July 2017

Wishing good luck to all those who are waiting for
the reply.

Congratulations!

How many times can you actually "escalate"? They say they should reply you within 15 working days so you actually had to call them again when you didn't hear from them? You escalate by calling or emailing them?

[Osh_Ferns]

Hello Everyone,

After a long stressful wait of almost 4 and half months
I finally received an email on the 89th day i.e on 16th Aug
from VFS to come and collect the passport was
so nervous thinking about what the result is going to be
but by the grace of God I got it in1st attempt only.
Finally got the visa stamped.

Here's my timeline:

Applied Mumbai North VFS in India.

Application submitted online: 31st March 2017
Biometrics submitted at Visa Centre: 07th April 2017
Sheffield received process email: 09th April 2017
"Not straightforward" email: 20th April 2017
1st Escalation made on 6th June 2017
2nd Escalation made on 19th July 2017
3rd Escalation made on 8th Aug 2017 ( Recd. the below mail)

("Thank you for your enquiry

I have referred your details to the EEA team with a request for them to finalise your application as soon as possible. Please note we cannot guarantee a timescale.

If you have any further enquiries, please visit our website at http://www.GOV.UK

Kind Regards

UKVI Contact Centre Service - UK Decision Making Centre
http://www.GOV.UK ")

Application decided: 10th Aug 2017

Picked up passport from VFS: 18th July 2017

Wishing good luck to all those who are waiting for
the reply.

Congratulations!

How many times can you actually "escalate"? They say they should reply you within 15 working days so you actually had to call them again when you didn't hear from them? You escalate by calling or emailing them?

Hi Kid,

When my husband escalated the matter for the
1st time I didn't receive any mail confirmation saying
that the matter has been escalated so, he gave them a
call again ( i.e 2nd time ) wherein they asked him some basic
details like from where she applied, passport no., DOB etc.
and she also said within 15 working days if you don't
receive any reply then pls do callback again. I waited
for 15 days but didn't get any revert so he gave a call again
( i.e 3rd time ) for enquiring about the status so that
lady who attended him 1st apologised for so much of delay in giving the decision which was like strange...coz mostly they r
rude in giving replies. But then she said tat this time it's
not me who's escalating your matter but my manager and
the matter was escalated for the 3rd time. One day after
the escalation date I recd the mail from them which I have specified in my previous post. Then directly after this mail
I recd the mail from VFS ( " Your processed visa application was received at the UK Visa Application Centre . If a courier service was purchased from VFS, your processed visa application will be delivered to the chosen address. If not, the documents can be collected from the centre during the designated passport collection times." ) and today I went and collected my passport
with stamp. Basically you shuld just keep your followup's on
and emailing them is waste of time instead you shuld call them till you don't get the response i.e. after 15 working days.

[Osh_Ferns]

Hello Everyone,

After a long stressful wait of almost 4 and half months
I finally received an email on the 89th day i.e on 16th Aug
from VFS to come and collect the passport was
so nervous thinking about what the result is going to be
but by the grace of God I got it in1st attempt only.
Finally got the visa stamped.

Here's my timeline:

Applied Mumbai North VFS in India.

Application submitted online: 31st March 2017
Biometrics submitted at Visa Centre: 07th April 2017
Sheffield received process email: 09th April 2017
"Not straightforward" email: 20th April 2017
1st Escalation made on 6th June 2017
2nd Escalation made on 19th July 2017
3rd Escalation made on 8th Aug 2017 ( Recd. the below mail)

("Thank you for your enquiry

I have referred your details to the EEA team with a request for them to finalise your application as soon as possible. Please note we cannot guarantee a timescale.

If you have any further enquiries, please visit our website at http://www.GOV.UK

Kind Regards

UKVI Contact Centre Service - UK Decision Making Centre
http://www.GOV.UK ")

Application decided: 10th Aug 2017

Picked up passport from VFS: 18th July 2017

Wishing good luck to all those who are waiting for
the reply.

congratulations !

Thanks Tufail. All the best to you hope you hear sumthing soon

[Osh_Ferns]

Congratulations Thank you for information wish u all the best:)

Thanks Enka. All the best to you don't worry just keep
praying. Hope you get the reply soon

[Bollox]

My son is British but he us still young 4 years but I want to know if am eligible for the EEA visa to take him to the uk

Hello

I am not an expert but as far as knowledge and understanding of how UK visa works; I don't think you can qualify for EEA family permit. Please refer to UKVI website or speak to any immigration solicitor.

Good luck

[ishabhuiyan]

Hi everyone!
I'd have a question to all of you about the online status checker that is, when I put my GWF... the system doesn't recognise it. is there anyone had the same experience?

As all others in the forum I also enduring the same issue that is the infinite DELAY! it is over 60 days now and I didn't get the decision made yet. last year I had this EEA FP in just 20 days it is perhaps the application was made from Italy and this from Bangladesh???

I had a look at EU regulation where it clearly says in issuing this permit more than 1 month is unreasonable. therefore, I made a complaint to the SOLVIT and to the Home Office as well asking to comply the law.

I think we don't have be worried to fight against such arrogance from the UK as the Brexit not yet happen. they are doing this purposefully.

Good luck to all.

[Bollox]

Hi everyone!
I'd have a question to all of you about the online status checker that is, when I put my GWF... the system doesn't recognise it. is there anyone had the same experience?

As all others in the forum I also enduring the same issue that is the infinite DELAY! it is over 60 days now and I didn't get the decision made yet. last year I had this EEA FP in just 20 days it is perhaps the application was made from Italy and this from Bangladesh???

I had a look at EU regulation where it clearly says in issuing this permit more than 1 month is unreasonable. therefore, I made a complaint to the SOLVIT and to the Home Office as well asking to comply the law.

I think we don't have be worried to fight against such arrogance from the UK as the Brexit not yet happen. they are doing this purposefully.

Good luck to all.

Hello

GWF number will be recongnised only when the decision is made. Until then it will say "not recognised".

I have studied EU rules and regulations in regards to family permit, it states that authority should give priority to EEA family permits but does not state the time frame. I have already complained to SOLVIT and reply I got is that visa authorities are over worked and delays are expected. They will only interfere if I don't get outcome till September. I have applied on 03/04/2017.

Saying all these, I am not trying to defend UKVI. I am in a same boat with u and all others who are here. End of the day we are loosing out on our time, money and emotions.

I would like to know if there is any way we can make our voice louder and be heard by those who are playing with our future and curtailing our right to family.

Good luck to you and all.

[Do123]

Hi all

I think also the media is the best thing to get an awareness on this issue, I have seen one the stories on TV don't remember which channel about a French women who didn't get her residence card despite she is married to a UK citizens and have children in UK.


The said its is all because of the brexit.

Lets us all try to search which or who can help us with that. Time is one thing but the refusals are really against EU laws and are with baseless things.

[Rick67]

Hi guys. Im British and married to a Filipino for nearly 5 years now. I started off self employed so had to wait 1 year to submit accounts. Profit way in access of 18600. Wife passd EILTS EXAMS. House inspection report done. Tax proof and national insurance too. Proof of financial support and skype for 1 year. 2 marriage certs england and philippines. In other words we more than qualify. Day 52 9f 60 working days an automated email lying sauing not straight forward so cant compldte within time. Not impressed a blatant lie. Seen mp told him enough is enough seperated now 19 months. Told him he has 14 days to resolve or i go on a proper food and water hunger strike in his office. Dont want to but i will. Ex military never claimed a days benefits and treated with less rights than an immigrant. Will see what happens and keep you posted.

[ishabhuiyan]

Hi all

I think also the media is the best thing to get an awareness on this issue, I have seen one the stories on TV don't remember which channel about a French women who didn't get her residence card despite she is married to a UK citizens and have children in UK.


The said its is all because of the brexit.

Lets us all try to search which or who can help us with that. Time is one thing but the refusals are really against EU laws and are with baseless things.

I am with you... Let's try through the journal first and not rolling out before the judge. let's get our rights recognised... enough is enough!

[Bollox]

Hi guys. Im British and married to a Filipino for nearly 5 years now. I started off self employed so had to wait 1 year to submit accounts. Profit way in access of 18600. Wife passd EILTS EXAMS. House inspection report done. Tax proof and national insurance too. Proof of financial support and skype for 1 year. 2 marriage certs england and philippines. In other words we more than qualify. Day 52 9f 60 working days an automated email lying sauing not straight forward so cant compldte within time. Not impressed a blatant lie. Seen mp told him enough is enough seperated now 19 months. Told him he has 14 days to resolve or i go on a proper food and water hunger strike in his office. Dont want to but i will. Ex military never claimed a days benefits and treated with less rights than an immigrant. Will see what happens and keep you posted.

Hello Rick

I feel your pain. In my case its been 95 working days and still no answer from UKVI. I have already wrote to my MP and her staff has replied me saying they have raised the issue and give them 20 days. I dont think it will make any impact.
You being ex-military, you should contact military legal services or support group or anything as such who can raise your case to relevant department.
I also think you should contact media as their voice can certainly be heard by the deaf UKVI.
good luck to you, do keep us posted please.

regards
Irfan

[Rick67]

HI Irfan,

Yeh I think your right about the Media. Going on just a hunger strike wouldn't work it takes too long to get attention. But not having water brings it down in a huge way where after only 4 or 5 days the press would be all over it as it is of course dangerous.
My sister works for the government and will contact the national papers and TV channels on day 2 if I have to go ahead with this nonsense. As soon as that happens I would bet my house the MP gets a move on.
There are approx. 5000 visas currently on hold most with the same lie saying not straight forward. That's not by the way me guessing it is from an excellent source I know is accurate.
If id known the way I would be treated by my country this way, the first time I have ever asked for anything I would not have served one second in the forces.
The concern is that people will come here and be a drain on resources claiming housing, benefits etc. If they used common sense and said that you couldn't claim until you had paid in for 10 years for example that would solve that issue. if you have an issue with that rule simple... don't apply to come. it would allow those poor people that don't earn enough to be able to still come as they could drop the requirement.
But that's common sense lol sadly lacking in Government.

[Bollox]

HI Irfan,

Yeh I think your right about the Media. Going on just a hunger strike wouldn't work it takes too long to get attention. But not having water brings it down in a huge way where after only 4 or 5 days the press would be all over it as it is of course dangerous.
My sister works for the government and will contact the national papers and TV channels on day 2 if I have to go ahead with this nonsense. As soon as that happens I would bet my house the MP gets a move on.
There are approx. 5000 visas currently on hold most with the same lie saying not straight forward. That's not by the way me guessing it is from an excellent source I know is accurate.
If id known the way I would be treated by my country this way, the first time I have ever asked for anything I would not have served one second in the forces.
The concern is that people will come here and be a drain on resources claiming housing, benefits etc. If they used common sense and said that you couldn't claim until you had paid in for 10 years for example that would solve that issue. if you have an issue with that rule simple... don't apply to come. it would allow those poor people that don't earn enough to be able to still come as they could drop the requirement.
But that's common sense lol sadly lacking in Government.

Good luck to you Rick.

You can start writing to daily mail or the times or the sun and ask them to publish ur story. On their websites you will find emails. You can also direct them to this website and this thread. When they will see the extend of suffering by so many of us, they would think it's worth putting an effort into.


As you have mentioned there is lack of political will to sort out immigration and they all seem to be headless chicken, jumping from one speculation to another.

Keep us posted here please.

Best wishes

Irfan

[KID1413]

Some updates regarding timelines.

In one of the many calls I had with the UKVI, one kind customer representative told me that almost 90% of the cases are being deemed not straightforward (perhaps because they are literally swamped with them and that's the reason they give when they can't process it within 15 days, even if you are 100% sure that your application is genuine and valid) and that they usually take 2 or 2 months and a half to make a decision. It could be as long as 4 months but it is generally 2 months.

He also said that since the Brexit and starting this year, applications are taking forever, it used to be a very straightforward and easy way to get it (15 working days).

[Fernandes007]

Hello everyone,

It's been 90 working days today. Just waiting and hoping. Application centre was VFS Mumbai South.

Any updates from the ones who are sitting on 90 days and above?

Any good news Sidkapure ? And what about Bollox? kid1413?

Good luck to all.

Fern

[TalitaZ]

Hi all,

I wanted to share my good news, my husband received his EEA FP last Thursday!
It took around 7 weeks, so I can't even imagine what it must feel like at 60-90 days!
I am Dutch, he is Indian and we applied from Dusseldorf, this is our timeline:

June 27 - applied in Dusseldorf
July 14 - 'not straightforward' email
July 18 - case escalated
August 14 - received email from Decision Making office in reply to escalation
August 15 - decision made email
August 17 - passport returned with EEA FP

We contacted UKVI every few days and escalated our case several times as my husband's Schengen Visa expired on August 1st so he was stuck in Netherlands illegally. My MP and Solvit also contacted them and on August 14 I finally received an email with regards to the escalation, basically saying they could not give us a timeframe but they would forward the info to the clearance officer team. Apparently that did help as the decision was made the same day. I think we were 'lucky' that his current Visa had expired to speed things up.
He now has a 17 day overstay on his Schengen Visa but the immigration officer at Amsterdam airport was very nice and did not put it in the computer system and he was not fined.

I hope you all get good news soon. You are in my thoughts!
Talita