UK visit visa - processing time

[Pietr S]

According to the VFS tracking site, my wife's application for a family visit visa "has been forwarded to the British Embassy: 05 Aug 2013"

She was told at her appointment on 5 Aug to expect an SMS after 15 days. That would have been last Tuesday.

I am slightly concerned because the flight to the UK is on 1 Sep, it's the return leg of a 1 year ticket, the validity of which expires on 2 Sep, and furthermore our kids go back to school on 3 Sep. This was all explained in the sponsor letter. In her previous applications, the visa was obtained in around 2 weeks.

Can anyone advise what the current turnaround times are, and if there is a number at the embassy we can call to check the progress.

Thanks

PS

[7by7]

The latest published figures for Bangkok (June) show that 92% of family visit applications were decided in 15 days or less.

Remember that is working days; as would be the 15 days VFS said.

Which my calculations make Tuesday 28th; Monday 12th being a public holiday for the Queen's birthday.

Unfortunately applicants cannot phone the embassy to check on the progress of an application; and all the tracking service will tell you is that it is at the embassy until it changes to say it's been returned to VFS.

[ChrisB87]

Usually 2-3 weeks.

[7by7]

The main factor in processing times is the number of applications ahead of you in the queue.

But one major factor in your wife's application is that your family circumstances, as described by you here, are out of the ordinary. This may cause the ECO to take a longer and harder look at her application, thus extending the processing time.

[Pietr S]

Thanks. It's going to be a nervous few days !

[theoldgit]

Whilst it probably won't help you but my good lady's application was processed and the visa issued in ten working days last month, we are flying in the 5th.

[Pietr S]

Whilst it probably won't help you but my good lady's application was processed and the visa issued in ten working days last month, we are flying in the 5th.

Great. Well, I guess we can live more in hope that despair

May I ask, when was your appointment at VFS ?

[theoldgit]

Whilst it probably won't help you but my good lady's application was processed and the visa issued in ten working days last month, we are flying in the 5th.

Great. Well, I guess we can live more in hope that despair

May I ask, when was your appointment at VFS ?

Sorry I gave you duff information there, we've been involved in three visa apps over the last couple of months and they are confusing me.

She lodged her application for the UK Visa on 13 June, she got an email on 6th July to say that it had been processed, it was actually processed on 5th July, so 15 working days.

It was my new passport which was 10 working days, sorry again.

[Grazy]

My partner has recently received her 6 month visa for entry to the UK, the whole process once our application had been officially submitted took 15 working days. After what seemed like an age, the website application status changed to 'your application has been processed and returned to courier'. That message appeared on Monday 19th Aug and my partner had her passport delivered by post to Trang the very next day.

One thing that is troubling me is the need for her to have a return ticket back to Thailand upon entry?

I have booked her and our 11 month old son on a one way direct flight with BA, as I would like the three of us to travel back to Thailand together towards the end of her visa next Febuary.

Is it completely necessary to have a return ticket?

Edited August 25, 2013 by Grazy

[beano2274]

My partner has recently received her 6 month visa for entry to the UK, the whole process once our application had been officially submitted took 15 working days. After what seemed like an age, the website application status changed to 'your application has been processed and returned to courier'. That message appeared on Monday 19th Aug and my partner had her passport delivered by post to Trang the very next day.

One thing that is troubling me is the need for her to have a return ticket back to Thailand upon entry?

I have booked her and our 11 month old son on a one way direct flight with BA, as I would like the three of us to travel back to Thailand together towards the end of her visa next Febuary.

Is it completely necessary to have a return ticket?

No it is not necessary to have a return ticket, I have traveled with my wife to the UK on many occasions and no ticket has ever been asked for.

Currently she is living with me in Germany, and again Immigration did not ask for a return ticket, and she traveled alone this time.

Edited August 25, 2013 by beano2274

[theoldgit]

As Beano says a return ticket is not required, but evidence that means are available to purchase a return ticket are, and could be asked for.

My girlfriend was asked for a ticket out of the UK when we were boarding the Eurostar from Gare du Nord to London, she didn't have it with her as we were just returning from a side trip to Paris, the IO did give her, and me, a hard time but allowed us to board. I could have looked up the e-ticket on my smartphone, but of course didn't think of this at the time.

Some airline staff may ask for sight of a return ticket, but it still isn't a requirement.

[Robby nz]

The ladys application for a tourist visa to the UK was processed in 14 working days, we picked it up the next day.

I arranged tickets through my agent and confirmed with him as soon as the application was approved, if you have booked tickets before an application is approved (they say don't) then be it on your own head.

Sorry if that sounds harsh but it is the way it is.

We fly out on the 10 sep.

[Pietr S]

The ladys application for a tourist visa to the UK was processed in 14 working days, we picked it up the next day.

I arranged tickets through my agent and confirmed with him as soon as the application was approved, if you have booked tickets before an application is approved (they say don't) then be it on your own head.

Sorry if that sounds harsh but it is the way it is.

We fly out on the 10 sep.

Thanks. I realise that's the way it is, but the reality is that we hold tickets that expire on 2 Sep - that is, we are using the return leg of tickets that were originally issued a year ago. It's not as if we consciously decided to book tickets for 1 Sep before the visa was issued.

[7by7]

As theoldgit says, a return or onward ticket out of the UK is not a requirement of the rules.

But a visitor must be able to show immigration, if asked, that they either have one or access to the funds with which to purchase one. They could be refused entry if unable to do so.

Pietr, I hope your wife gets her visa and her passport back in time for your flight.

For future reference, applicants can ask that the start date of their visa be post dated for up to three months. So I suggest that in future you, or rather your wife, applies well in advance and requests that the visa starts on the date she intends to leave Thailand.

[Pietr S]

We made it by the skin of our teeth. My wife picked up the visa this morning about half an hour ago. Our flights are tomorrow 0955. Thanks for the earlier advice.

[theoldgit]

Panic over then, enjoy your trip.