Settlement Visa Interview Time

[griffo]

Hi Guys I wondered if someone could give me any idea as to how long it is before the embassy get in touch regarding a interview for my fiancee's visa.They recieved my folder & application form on dec 15th and sent me back a ref no for future contact.How much notice in advance do they give you so i can arrange to be out in bangkok with my fiancee when she has her interview.After just reading lamonsters post it has knocked me back with any confidence i might have had as to her getting a visa.I done everything asked of us as regarding the application,but at no time did it mention anywhere about providing a registry booking confirmation of our date.as what most people have said it's hardly worth booking a date when you dont even know if your fiancee is going to get a visa.

[the scouser]

Once the application has been lodged, the embassy should normally write with an interview date within 10 working days. If you have not as yet heard, I'd phone them.

Scouse.

[cuddleypete]

hi there

when my wife applied it took 9 days to get letter from embassy for her interview,so like scouse says if not heard in about 10 days ring them ,but remember they were shut over xmas as well.

all the best for you both

[GU22]

but at no time did it mention anywhere about providing a registry booking confirmation of our date.as what most people have said it's hardly worth booking a date when you dont even know if your fiancee is going to get a visa.

You do not need to have a definite date booked for the wedding. Indeed, as both of you need to attend the registry office to book the wedding, you cannot do so!

However, it is perfectly reasonable for the ECO to ask the applicant when they intend to marry. Not having any sort of answer is going to put doubt in the ECOs mind, but answering with an approximate date, or even "As soon as we can arrange it once I'm in the UK." is perfectly acceptable. Remember, the ECO has to be satisfied that the relationship is genuine and that the marriage will take place within the life of the visa, i.e. six months. If the applicant has obviously not given any thought to the wedding then this is a cause of doubt.

I have read many times, on this and other forums, some people advising applying for a fiance visa instead of a visit visa as it cuts out the need for a reason to return. It is advice of this sort that causes problems for genuine applicants!

Edited January 5, 2006 by GU22

[lamonster]

I only found out about getting the provisional booking after the refusal - I would suggest calling the local registry office explain the situation and see if they will give you a letter - you can then always send this to your GF and she can then show it to the ECO once they ask the question.

It could be a case that once the applicants start figuring out what hoops they are going to be asked to jump through the ECOs start coming up with new hoops to get you with.

[the scouser]

It could be a case that once the applicants start figuring out what hoops they are going to be asked to jump through the ECOs start coming up with new hoops to get you with.

So true.

Scouse.

[rockwellrob]

Hi Griffo,

I posted my wifes application on the 8th December and recieved a interview date for the 1st March after approx a 10 day wait, so i guess you will recieved a interview date for maybe the middle of March.

It is possible to get a provisional date booked for a wedding at a registary office. I was able to do this and it would help if you could do this. Also make sure your Fiancee knows who would be attending the wedding etc.

All i did was too provide them with a date, and then the ECO started to question my then Fiancee about all the arrangements, which she didn't know, as we had not thought about this, and it seemed pointless until she had a visa, but the ECO made a big issue about this and made it one of the reasons that she refused her.

[griffo]

Once the application has been lodged, the embassy should normally write with an interview date within 10 working days. If you have not as yet heard, I'd phone them.

Scouse.

thanks for your help,tried ringing embassy today closed until monday