UKVCAS Super Priority Service

[DGTIND]

Hi Raj,

We had people on this thread suggesting MP’s calls have helped expediting the application. It hasn’t helped me so far but my MP’s caseworker has called twice to UKVI.

I am pretty sure the superpriorty fees will be refunded where decisions have exceeded timelines

[Cara1]

Hi,

Is anyone waiting for ILR despite having biometrics done in December. I’ve had my

online submission:24/12/2018,
biometrics: 31/12/2018
Escalated: 5 times so far
Contacted MP and waiting to book appointment.

Is anyone waiting since December, share your experiences.

G

It’s good to know that I’m not alone. Hope it’s sorted soon.

Still waiting although my biometrics was on the 14th Jan. Escalated 2ce, wrote to MP on friday 1st.

[docshami]

Hi Folks,

I finally received the decision email yesterday. Time scale: 27 Nov online application, SET(O), 28 Nov biometric enrolment. I am really NOT delighted at this moment thinking about how much effort I had to put, how unhappy I was while waiting and following this case, and how many people are still suffering from the awful government department UKVI. I will definitely follow up with continuous complaints on this.

I am a researcher at university. As I have been following this thread since beginning, read all 92 pages of the posts, contributed 20+myself, and actually tried a lot of things myself. I consider myself have some real experience with this now and would like to share with you.

(1) Telephone escalation to UKVI service centre (03001232241, option 4 and then option 1) would not work at all. This conclusion is true no matter you are talking to a nice person (most probably a new staff) or you are talking to a bad person (most probably an experience elder staff). The truth is that your escalation will not reach/affect the casework team at UKVI. You will only get an automatically generated email response after checking Yes (decision has been made) or No (your application is still under consideration, which is the case to most of us here). Saying "it is within 6 months service standard" or saying "we're unable to decide within 24 hours decision..." doesn't make any difference, this is just a "click and send" operation by an operator at the UKVI service centre (not the caseworker) after received the requested update from UKVI casework team (it is still under consideration). The operator doesn't have any information to the issue of your application, the only information the operator has is whether your application is done or not done. Then the operator selects a type of generic email replies, and click "send".

(2) In theory, you cannot escalate for the second time within 5 working days and once you got an update (the so-called generic email), you are not eligible to raise an escalation again within 30 working days. However, if a new staff (i.e. unexperienced staff, as most of them are) picked up your phone, that person may raise an escalation for you regardless of the rules. This information is from several senior staffs at the call centre. Once again, these do not really matter because (1).

(3) The reason for a lengthy delay (1+month) is not strictly relevant to the nature of your case. I saw various reasons or no reason for cases to be allocated to an administrative check. However, the length of the check is probably relevant to the complexity of your case.

(4) My guess of the ultimate length of the administrative check is 8 weeks, I have not seen anyone not receiving a "visa granted" decision after 8 weeks. This doesn't include those who have serious issues which may result in a refusal.

(5) There are three ways at the moment could potentially push your case forward if you are in a hurry to get the visa.
(5.1)Complaint to complaints@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or complaints@homeoffice.gov.uk and wait for 20 working days.
(5.2) Write to SRSUKVACS@homeoffice.gov.uk and they will forward your complaints to the UKVI casework team.
(5.3) Write to your local MP, they can help to chase your case via their direct connection to the UKVI MPs team.
(5.1) is not definately proven to be useful in my case, because I have not received a reply of the complaint until now. I guess (5.2) is similar, although they forwarded my email to the UKVI casework team, I have not received any reply as well. (5.3) contributed the most in my case, since my local MP is really really helpful, called every 3 days, wrote two formal letters to UKVI. However, this is only my guess. The UKVI MPs team has more information and access to our case but again cannot influence the casework team directly. The written letter from your MP would do, but that takes a long time as well (probably slightly faster than 20 working days, my MP still has not received any written response from UKVI to his 2 letters yet). Therefore, my guess is (3)and (4) may still hold, no matter what you do.

I will continue to complaint to UKVI together with my local MP even I have received a decision now.

Feeling so soo happy for you mateee......we were the November team, who had to wait the longest...happy to see others also got theirs like Madihaali, eagle123 etc...patience but it was hard...so just don’t give up, no point sitting idle- for me it was clearly my MP’s involvement and the letter from UKVI MP’s team did suggest that...now waiting for the refund

[docshami]

I can finally share an update and good news from my end!

I got my approval letter and BRP card; both in the mail yesterday. Got a call from my lawyer at around 1230 saying he has received a letter confirming that my application has been granted and then I got another call from him around 1700 saying he has also just received my card via courier.

Here's my timeline:

Application type: Set O Tier 2G to ILR
Online application submitted: 19/11/18
Biometrics appointment: 28/11/18 at Beford Point, Croydon
Raised 5 'escalations' by calling the UKVI helpdesk but as mentioned previously, that literally does nothing in terms of actually escalating or pushing for an update as the relevant people never get notified
Wrote to my MP and the complaints team on 17/01/19 but have not received a response till date
Approval letter and BRP card both received on 25/01/19
Date on approval letter/BRP card validity start date: 23/01/19

[babsquare]

Hi all,

I got my SET(LR) approval today, switched from Tier 1 Entrepreneur.

Application submission date: 17th January

Appointment date: 2nd February at 9 am in Cardiff

Approval email sent: 4th February at 09:05

Awaiting decision letter and BRP

Good luck to everyone!

[Runmir]

Hi,
What does exactly administrative check consist of ?

Cheers,
Runmir

[Sana2019]

Dear Friends,

I see that people mostly waiting for any confirmation such as email or letter.
I received my email and hardcopy a month ago: appointment 7.01, email 10.01, hardcopy 15.01 (Superpriority in action). I am struggling to get BRP, almost month from the decision made.
Complaints email and "brp-not-received" report applied 4 times. As results - generated emails with "you will receive your BRP in 3-7 working days", and, alas, nothing received until now.
I have been warned at my job. They are not satisfied with letters and require the BRP.
I am thinking about MP email, but in fact, the decision is made already but not finished yet; so I am thinking is it correct to ask MP for help if a decision has been done.
Without BRP I am in trouble. The guide for employer explains "online-checking-procedure" but in the same time states that BRP is the "correct" document as status evidence.

Guys please your experience? Any advice?

[Isntthisfun]

Your employer should perform a basic check that you've applied and this automatically extends your right to work until a final decision has been made. For example my employer checked with UKVI who confirmed that I had submitted and that my right to work is extended for up to a period of 6 months while my application is being decided. Your employer needs to simply complete this check. Legally that's enough for them. It lasts for the period of time indicated or until you receive a decision ie a formal decline or your BRP.

[Isntthisfun]

Dear Friends,

I see that people mostly waiting for any confirmation such as email or letter.
I received my email and hardcopy a month ago: appointment 7.01, email 10.01, hardcopy 15.01 (Superpriority in action). I am struggling to get BRP, almost month from the decision made.
Complaints email and "brp-not-received" report applied 4 times. As results - generated emails with "you will receive your BRP in 3-7 working days", and, alas, nothing received until now.
I have been warned at my job. They are not satisfied with letters and require the BRP.
I am thinking about MP email, but in fact, the decision is made already but not finished yet; so I am thinking is it correct to ask MP for help if a decision has been done.
Without BRP I am in trouble. The guide for employer explains "online-checking-procedure" but in the same time states that BRP is the "correct" document as status evidence.

Guys please your experience? Any advice?

See my response above didn't link properly

[hdave01]

No news yet. Planning to send an email to my local MP today.

I applied for an ILR via Tier 2 (5 years rule), for me, my wife and child and here are my timelines.

Online Application submitted: 21 Jan 2019
Biometrics submitted at UKVCAS Premium Lounge, London: 28 Jan 2019

Still waiting to hear back. Will update once I hear anything.

Hope this helps.

Hi Jingaboys, did you receive any email/letter w.r.t progress on your application? We did biometrics on same date same centre so wondering if there has been any movement on cases from that day.

Got a standard response email when I escalated today on UKVI helpline. This is what they mailed me:

-------------------------------------------

"Dear Mr xxxx,

Thank you for contacting UKVI Contact Centre.

We aim to complete all applications within the 24-hour service standard. However, where we are not able to do this we will complete the application as quickly as possible and where delays in making the decision are not the fault of the customer, the super priority service fee will be refunded.

For further information about Front End Services please visit:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukvis-new-f ... ed-to-know

UKVI is keen to continually review and improve its service to our customers. To help us to do so we would be grateful if you could complete a short online survey. Please access the survey using the following link:

https://www.homeofficesurveys.homeoffic ... k/s/KGXV4/

Yours sincerely,"
----------------------------------------------------

Email to my MP sent an auto response that their office will respond to cases within 10 working days so not keeping my hopes up on that front too.

[ridingthisout]

Well we got some good news today. BRP arrived in post. So timeline is

Applied for FLR(m) on 19th Jan
Biometrics at premium lounge London 28th Jan
BRP arrived in post 5th Feb

Regardless, I think the UKVI communication and service needs definite improvement.

However, at moment I am just so happy for my wife who is pregnant and has been stressing, even though we both thought it was the most straightforward application.

I wish you all get a good and speedy result, and thanks for all the support on this forum, this thread and beyond.

[jingaboys]

This is exactly the email I got when I escalated 3 days after my biometrics appointment. I tried calling them yesterday and they asked me to wait until this Thursday EOD (5 working days) before they can escalate again. Surprisingly, I just mentioned the date of my application in the call and they already knew my name and my details -- I wonder why.
My solicitor has also emailed them to complaint but haven't heard back yet.

I just sent an email to my local MP and got an automated response that my case would be dealt within 14 days, so not exactly fast either. Looks like I've also run out of options, other than waiting for a response now.

No news yet. Planning to send an email to my local MP today.

Hi Jingaboys, did you receive any email/letter w.r.t progress on your application? We did biometrics on same date same centre so wondering if there has been any movement on cases from that day.

Got a standard response email when I escalated today on UKVI helpline. This is what they mailed me:

-------------------------------------------

"Dear Mr xxxx,

Thank you for contacting UKVI Contact Centre.

We aim to complete all applications within the 24-hour service standard. However, where we are not able to do this we will complete the application as quickly as possible and where delays in making the decision are not the fault of the customer, the super priority service fee will be refunded.

For further information about Front End Services please visit:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukvis-new-f ... ed-to-know

UKVI is keen to continually review and improve its service to our customers. To help us to do so we would be grateful if you could complete a short online survey. Please access the survey using the following link:

https://www.homeofficesurveys.homeoffic ... k/s/KGXV4/

Yours sincerely,"
----------------------------------------------------

Email to my MP sent an auto response that their office will respond to cases within 10 working days so not keeping my hopes up on that front too.

[hdave01]

This is exactly the email I got when I escalated 3 days after my biometrics appointment. I tried calling them yesterday and they asked me to wait until this Thursday EOD (5 working days) before they can escalate again. Surprisingly, I just mentioned the date of my application in the call and they already knew my name and my details -- I wonder why.
My solicitor has also emailed them to complaint but haven't heard back yet.

I just sent an email to my local MP and got an automated response that my case would be dealt within 14 days, so not exactly fast either. Looks like I've also run out of options, other than waiting for a response now.

No news yet. Planning to send an email to my local MP today.

Hi Jingaboys, did you receive any email/letter w.r.t progress on your application? We did biometrics on same date same centre so wondering if there has been any movement on cases from that day.

Got a standard response email when I escalated today on UKVI helpline. This is what they mailed me:

-------------------------------------------

"Dear Mr xxxx,

Thank you for contacting UKVI Contact Centre.

We aim to complete all applications within the 24-hour service standard. However, where we are not able to do this we will complete the application as quickly as possible and where delays in making the decision are not the fault of the customer, the super priority service fee will be refunded.

For further information about Front End Services please visit:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukvis-new-f ... ed-to-know

UKVI is keen to continually review and improve its service to our customers. To help us to do so we would be grateful if you could complete a short online survey. Please access the survey using the following link:

https://www.homeofficesurveys.homeoffic ... k/s/KGXV4/

Yours sincerely,"
----------------------------------------------------

Email to my MP sent an auto response that their office will respond to cases within 10 working days so not keeping my hopes up on that front too.

It's very interesting indeed that they were able to figure out your name just from the date of application. I was asked to wait for 5 working days to get a response. Now that they mailed me a standard email, I guess I'll wait till Tuesday next week and then call again. Really frustrating process. Hope we get our decisions soon.

[jingaboys]

I'm so happy to share the news that I just got the decision email saying that ILR has been granted for us.
I'll consolidate my timeline below for reference.

Online Application submitted and documents uploaded: 21 Jan 2019
Biometrics submitted at UKVCAS Premium Lounge, Mark Lane, London: 28 Jan 2019
First escalation via phone: 31 Jan 2019
Complaint Email sent : 4th Feb 2019
Emailed MP: 5th Feb 1:30pm
Decision email received: 5th Feb 14:56pm

Now waiting for the formal decision letter and BRPs.

I applied for an ILR via Tier 2 (5 years rule), for me, my wife and child and here are my timelines.

Online Application submitted: 21 Jan 2019
Biometrics submitted at UKVCAS Premium Lounge, London: 28 Jan 2019

Still waiting to hear back. Will update once I hear anything.

Hope this helps.

[bravomatt]

My timeline for first spouse visa using Super Priority service.

Application submitted online: 19th January 2019
Attended UK VCAS Glasgow: 30th January 2019 at 10:00am (Whole process took around 20 minutes)
Received letter from caseworker saying that visa is granted: 4 February 2019 (via Royal Mail)
** I did not receive any email regarding the decision. **
Received BRP: 5 February 2019

NB. The visa was approved and started on 30th January 2019, so it was a same-day decision but I was not notified of the result until after 2 working days.

[Sana2019]

Many thanks
They know about it and they applied for it...
But anyway they demand BRP as only confirmation. Nothing else can be accepted.
Did anyone have such experience?
What can I do else?

Your employer should perform a basic check that you've applied and this automatically extends your right to work until a final decision has been made. For example, my employer checked with UKVI who confirmed that I had submitted and that my right to work is extended for up to a period of 6 months while my application is being decided. Your employer needs to simply complete this check. Legally that's enough for them. It lasts for the period of time indicated or until you receive a decision ie a formal decline or your BRP.

[mental4vray]

I'm so happy to share the news that I just got the decision email saying that ILR has been granted for us.
I'll consolidate my timeline below for reference.

Online Application submitted and documents uploaded: 21 Jan 2019
Biometrics submitted at UKVCAS Premium Lounge, Mark Lane, London: 28 Jan 2019
First escalation via phone: 31 Jan 2019
Complaint Email sent : 4th Feb 2019
Emailed MP: 5th Feb 1:30pm
Decision email received: 5th Feb 14:56pm

Now waiting for the formal decision letter and BRPs.

Congrats jingaboys. Fingers crossed, everyone else stuck who are around your time should get a decision soon

[hopeforall9]

Congratulations @jingaboys!! thats really great news, it gives me hope that mine will

This is my current timeline:
Online Application submitted and documents uploaded: 18 Jan 2019
Biometrics submitted at UKVCAS Premium Lounge, Mark Lane, London: 25 Jan 2019 @11:30am
First escalation via phone: 1 Feb 2019
Complaint Email sent : 4th Feb 2019
Emailed MP: 4th Feb 2019 @ 5pm
Second escalation via phone: 5th Feb 2019 around noon

Still waiting, but trying to stay optimistic as I am now seeing more people who did their biometrics around the same time as me are now getting their decision letters and BRPs. I read back through this thread and found that some people had luck with staying persistent with the helpline and complaints emails regardless if they say 5 days or 20 days.

The woman I spoke to today to escalate at first tried to tell me not to call back for another 5 days cause they did have it on record that I had called already. But when I mentioned that if this were any other business transaction that said it would be done within 24 hours and it wasn't that it is perfectly within our (the consumers) right to contact the business regularly to ensure their part of the T&Cs is upheld, she told me I did have a very valid point. And then told me that they are told to say 5 days because its how long it takes an escalation to happen, but if I think it will help then to call back each day. So who knows, I do think it is the luck of the draw of who you get on the other line of the phone when it comes to escalating, but I will keep on it since it was a simple Tier 2 (same employer for 5 years) to ILR application. Will keep you posted and best of luck to everyone still waiting to hear.

[Msjojo]

Got a reply from the complaints email today stating they will investigate my case.

I would advise anyone who has had a bad service from ukvi to make a complaint especially with the rude helpline staff. Mention their names in your emails if you have them. The rude telephone manners needs to stop.

Biometrics: 14th of Jan croydon center
Still waiting for a decision

[hdave01]

I'm so happy to share the news that I just got the decision email saying that ILR has been granted for us.
I'll consolidate my timeline below for reference.

Online Application submitted and documents uploaded: 21 Jan 2019
Biometrics submitted at UKVCAS Premium Lounge, Mark Lane, London: 28 Jan 2019
First escalation via phone: 31 Jan 2019
Complaint Email sent : 4th Feb 2019
Emailed MP: 5th Feb 1:30pm
Decision email received: 5th Feb 14:56pm

Now waiting for the formal decision letter and BRPs.

I applied for an ILR via Tier 2 (5 years rule), for me, my wife and child and here are my timelines.

Online Application submitted: 21 Jan 2019
Biometrics submitted at UKVCAS Premium Lounge, London: 28 Jan 2019

Still waiting to hear back. Will update once I hear anything.

Hope this helps.

Congrats Jingaboys!! Must be a huge relief. Hopeful that things will move for me and others who are stuck.

[gaurjai]

Hi Guys,

I am filling online application for wife SET(M) visa and in the end application says - there are 2 options to submit application - existing service or new service

I haven't submitted yet but wondering has anyone thought about using the existing service if thinking about standard processing time? I mean using existing postal service, it will rule out all the problems with documents upload etc, and problem with finding a suitable appointment slot because of work commitments.

I agree someone is checking the documents with new service but existing postal service will be same experience as I had during her FLR(M) extension visa 2.5 years back. Submit biometrics at post office at your own convenience without any need of appointment booking.

Does it make sense? Can someone still choose to use existing service? Or it's just a message on online portal?

Thanks

[passing_by]

Hi Guys,

I am filling online application for wife SET(M) visa and in the end application says - there are 2 options to submit application - existing service or new service

I haven't submitted yet but wondering has anyone thought about using the existing service if thinking about standard processing time? I mean using existing postal service, it will rule out all the problems with documents upload etc, and problem with finding a suitable appointment slot because of work commitments.

I agree someone is checking the documents with new service but existing postal service will be same experience as I had during her FLR(M) extension visa 2.5 years back. Submit biometrics at post office at your own convenience without any need of appointment booking.

Does it make sense? Can someone still choose to use existing service? Or it's just a message on online portal?

Thanks

there is absolutely no sense to use the new ukvcas service, unless you want back your supporting documents after the biometrics (you still cannot travel abroad until you receive a decision).
it was possible to choose the old service (post office biometrics) three weeks ago, i believe it is available now as well. the new service has absolutely no effect on processing time in any way. in fact, it just delays it due to unavailable early appointments and even may cost you money (£60-£260) unless your appointment is in one of the few so-called core points (i think there are only 6 core points across the UK). you still must pay for the biometrics with both old and new services (£19.20)

[Luni]

Dear Friends,

I see that people mostly waiting for any confirmation such as email or letter.
I received my email and hardcopy a month ago: appointment 7.01, email 10.01, hardcopy 15.01 (Superpriority in action). I am struggling to get BRP, almost month from the decision made.
Complaints email and "brp-not-received" report applied 4 times. As results - generated emails with "you will receive your BRP in 3-7 working days", and, alas, nothing received until now.
I have been warned at my job. They are not satisfied with letters and require the BRP.
I am thinking about MP email, but in fact, the decision is made already but not finished yet; so I am thinking is it correct to ask MP for help if a decision has been done.
Without BRP I am in trouble. The guide for employer explains "online-checking-procedure" but in the same time states that BRP is the "correct" document as status evidence.

Guys please your experience? Any advice?

Your job should not be affected at all. Whilst applying you are permitted to work and continue your life a usual. Contact the HO and ask them to send an email or something to your HR or whoever is in charge. In some cases, the HR or whoever is in charge contact the HO themselves.

Contacting your local MP is the best solution so far I have experienced. But keep on them, they can do it in one day. Contact the immigration worker in the constituency

[gaurjai]

Hi Guys,

I am filling online application for wife SET(M) visa and in the end application says - there are 2 options to submit application - existing service or new service

I haven't submitted yet but wondering has anyone thought about using the existing service if thinking about standard processing time? I mean using existing postal service, it will rule out all the problems with documents upload etc, and problem with finding a suitable appointment slot because of work commitments.

I agree someone is checking the documents with new service but existing postal service will be same experience as I had during her FLR(M) extension visa 2.5 years back. Submit biometrics at post office at your own convenience without any need of appointment booking.

Does it make sense? Can someone still choose to use existing service? Or it's just a message on online portal?

Thanks

there is absolutely no sense to use the new ukvcas service, unless you want back your supporting documents after the biometrics (you still cannot travel abroad until you receive a decision).
it was possible to choose the old service (post office biometrics) three weeks ago, i believe it is available now as well. the new service has absolutely no effect on processing time in any way. in fact, it just delays it due to unavailable early appointments and even may cost you money (£60-£260) unless your appointment is in one of the few so-called core points (i think there are only 6 core points across the UK). you still must pay for the biometrics with both old and new services (£19.20)

Thanks a lot for your response, it agrees with my thought process as well after reading through people's experiences in this thread and made me wonder why to use this service if you have the option. I will certainly try to use it next week when I submit her application. Will update the forum. Cheers

[MissionPossible]

I applied for ILR under Tier-2 General 5 Year route using Super Priority Service at Birmingham Centre on 2nd Feb ie Saturday.
Costed me £100 extra for this appointment as this was on weekend.

I have just had a decision sent via email (06 Feb i.e. Wednesday morning)stating below:

I am pleased to confirm that your application for indefinite leave to remain under Tier 2 of the immigration arrangements has now been granted. You will receive your decision letter and biometric residence permit (BRP) in due course and these will confirm your immigration status. Thank you for using our super priority service.

I'll be honest I was quite nervous after reading about cases where people have been waiting for over 2 months but quite relieved that after 8+ years of turmoil of dealing with UKBA/UKVI finally the ILR journey has come to a nice ending.

Few points:

• I did scan all documents before appointment except the passport.

• Considering my appointment was at an enhanced centre, the staff would have scanned the documents at no cost but I felt much at ease scanning myself beforehand and ensuring the docs are included.

• There was an optional service for £35 for document checks which I did not opt for after reading on forum that's just waste of money