Hi,

Its probably a long shot.... but is it possible to change the date of a UK family visit visa? My wife has been issued the visa, however, unfortunately it is dated for 13th June, rather than 2nd June as we intended (our mistake when completing the forms). Is it possible to change the date of the visa and if so how do we go about doing this. I've tried to contact UKVI by email but have not had a response, Has anyone successfully managed to speak to UKVI? -They seem to have gone out of their way to make any communication impossible.

Yours in forlorn expectation

Forlorn is the word. Is eleven days later a major problem?

Even then, there's no chance of a change of entry date unless you apply for a new visa and explain the situation.

Sounds like I'll need to change my flights then. It was my mistake, but it is annoying.

You are dealing with the most intransigent Embassy of them all----- I don't think you have any chance.

I got a UK Visa for my wife a few years back--then had to have a hernia opp,, wrote to them (I think that's the only way you can communicate) explaining this fact---the reply was-- your wife is not having an operation--the Visa is for her...ergo she can still travel to the UK alone.

The standard procedure is for the visa to start on the date it is issued; but applicants can, like your wife, request a specific start date up to three months ahead.

I know of cases where the applicant has, like your wife, requested a specific start date and this has been missed by the ECO. In those cases the start date has been changed when the mistake pointed out to them.

But as they gave your wife the start date she requested, no chance.

For future reference: if you do make a mistake on the online form and don't notice and correct it before submitting the form, you can alter it on the hard copy submitted with the supporting documents. But if you do this, make it clear in the covering letter that you have done so, otherwise it can be missed.

BTW, UKVI do advise against booking flights until the visa is issued.

Thats exactly what happened. I made a mistake on the electronic form, corrected it by hand but didn't put it in the cover letter and the date change was missed. You live and learn.

I know of cases where the applicant has, like your wife, requested a specific start date and this has been missed by the ECO. In those cases the start date has been changed when the mistake pointed out to them.

I applied and put the date of travel down, the visa was dated the day of the application, when we told them they said nothing we can do you'll have to re-apply. Total waste of time and money, bunch of #####.

I know of cases where the applicant has, like your wife, requested a specific start date and this has been missed by the ECO. In those cases the start date has been changed when the mistake pointed out to them.

I applied and put the date of travel down, the visa was dated the day of the application, when we told them they said nothing we can do you'll have to re-apply. Total waste of time and money, bunch of #####.

Yep, EXACTLY the same thing has just happened to me....we put a date in June for my Wife's visa start date on the online system, they (whoever "they" is?) issued the Visa from when we applied in March!

Luckily, it covers our 3 month trip over the summer.....BUT how the hell would you go about changing it, if you had to? More flights down to Bangkok at my expense to get it sorted etc?

Sounds like I'll need to change my flights then. It was my mistake, but it is annoying.

How much will it cost to change the dates of your flights versus another visit visa application of £85?

As an aside, I note that visitors can study for up to 30 days under certain circumstances. Is this a recent change of rules as I haven't realised this previously?

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/permitted-study-when-visiting-the-uk/permitted-study

It will be a lot cheaper to change my flights when you add on the costs and hassle of travelling to Bangkok to apply for the visa. On the bright side the process of applying for a tourist visa for my wife is relatively painless compared to the new 'improved' method of getting a UK passport for my second child.

I cannot understand why anyone would buy a ticket or give a specific date of travel before being issued the visa, what if you could not get a flight on the date you gave, then also if the visa is refused almost seem to be what then.?

I knew the visa had been issued, but didn't realise the date wasn't as I expected. It is a is bit more complicated as my wife is in Thailand and I'm in England at the moment. As I said, you live and learn.