AsparrownamedJack

More likely to be an education visa. I've been wanting to learn Thai properly for a long time but never got around to it. Now I might have no choice. And since AI gutted my previous career and drained my savings, I don't have the funds to get a Non-O. Not sure yet. A Non-B and work permit might also be a possibility, albeit somewhat less likely.

Savannakhet. I was in and out (minibus). I used an agency to ensure there were no problems. And just in time considering the recent update from immigration,

Thought I'd give you all an update: All's well that ends well. I arrived back in Bangkok last night after a trip to Laos with a shiny new 60-day stamp in a shiny new passport. It was an expensive and stressful ordeal, and it's frankly ridiculous that HMPO could lose an application. It'd probably still be sitting there gathering dust now if I hadn't called when I did. But credit where credit is due, some of the staff had enough about them to help me out and expedite the printing and sending of my passport. Others - not so much. It was close. I was literally days away from the point of no return - where the cost of overstay would become too much and I'd have to return to the UK. Thankfully that didn't happen. So - a heads up to everybody. If you send any kind of application, check up after a couple of days to be sure they have it and are working on it. In hindsight, I should have called before to be sure, but I don't think it was unreasonable to expect HMPO not to drop the ball - they only had one job!...

5.5 weeks and counting...

Just contected to webchat for an update. Was told it's being reviewed - no indication of how long it might take. I had to remind them that they cocked up and I have been left waiting through no fault of my own. I feel as though some of them don't understand the importance and urgency of these documents. It also appears seem some are completely disconnected from the team overall. I asked for an email confirmation that my case is being given priority. Will contact again tomorrow otherwise. I've got a horrible feeling this is not over yet - some of their staff do not make me feel comfortable.

An example of some of the numerous hurdles I had to jump today: One particular call was cut short because I could not give the correct address. This is despite several other people having already confirmed the address with me. On a later call with another lady who seemed quite smart, it seemed the issue was down to a discrepancy with my house number. The number is 1/2 but the person I was talking to had 112 on her screen. Computer said no...

I think the appointment procedure was fairly straightforward for me - it all seems to be a bit hit and miss.

It turns out they have a scanner that scans details on app forms and it's evidently unreliable. And I still don't know why they didn't let me know. My brain is too fried to think to ask these things now.

Well, they've called a couple of times today so Kudos to them for that. Apparently my name wasn't clear on the app so, - it appears - they thought they'd just leave it there gathering dust. Having to sort out payment now which I don't understand since I've already given the details. I spoke to one lady about it who would not continue the call because the address didn't match - despite one chap earlier confirming it was OK. I've a hunch the lady is being a tad anal over the difference between 'Moo' and 'Village' on the application, despite it being bindingly obvious it's correct I have a headache

And potentially have a problem at the UK border?

Oh. So maybe they've put me in a position where I have no choice but stay and hope for the best? I wonder if mine would even count, considering it's not on their system (according to the web chat guy)

I have my passport and it is still valid for a flight to the UK. The next couple of days are key. I get some cash Friday which will allow me to fly to the UK. Things are currently tight for me financially though and I do not fancy my chances of having 26k available within the next two months. (which would be the cost of the full fine + border run agency; I can't risk a DIY run) I need to hear from HMPO that they can get my passport to me quickly - I can manage early/mid next week before it becomes too expensive for me. I'm not confident. The web chat guy cut the convo short and gave me a boilerplate (will get back to you within 72 hours) response. I got back on the chat and made it clear this was urgent. But he could tell me nothing and had no advice. That's a precious day wasted I will be making calls tomorrow. They messed up so they should help me fix it but I can't help but feel that I will be on a flight to the UK in the next few days or so. Cheers HMPO. Really appreciated

Above everything, and accepting my own carelessness. (I knew my passport was expiring months ago, but for some reason, I forgot all about the 6-month rule). HMPO and VFS have, between them, managed to lose a passport application. It's actually quite alarming considering how important these documents are to people. As things stand. it looks like I will be spending some time (weeks/months?) in the UK without my family. That should never happen because of a cock-up at a government department. And the repercussions would no doubt be much worse for many people. At least I can avoid time in IDC and a Persona Non Grata.

I can? Would that be through VFS / HMPO again?

It is. I'm wondering if I can sue them (or whoever else is at fault) VFS sent me an email confirming the application had been sent, which has now disappeared into the ether. I don't know who is at fault for it going missing -VFS, HMPO, or the courier. But you'd think HMPO would have a record of everything sent by VFS. Or maybe not