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Submitting spousal visa soon.

Any general advice on biometrics and submitting documents to VFS website? We are just a bit confused. Also can I go to my biometrics appointment before the documents are submitted on the VFS?

Thank you so much!

Hi,

I have applied for a graduate visa using the biometrics verification since I was not being able to scan my BRP. I have made the filled in the information, paid the visa fee and the IHS fee. It has brought me to this page which says further actions. I have booked an appointment at the visa centre but the page still says this. My student visa expires on the 5th of November and I did not get any available appointments until the 28th of November. Can anyone please tell me if my application was completed or not since I have not received a confirmation email and also will I be able to live and work in the UK for the time being?? Please advise, I am really anxious.

I've been informed that my citizenship application was successful, and I'm attending the ceremony in a couple of days. Just wondering what to expect from it. Like how long will it take and how formal is it? Should I dress nice, or is jeans and a t-shirt ok?

I don't want to look like a scrub, while everyone else is all formal, lol.

It's a group ceremony, and it's in Bath, if that makes any difference.

I have applied for a student visa twice now and in both times I’ve got refusals due to missing documents. I am now going to apply for a 3rd time but using a CAS for a different major to the one I originally used in my two applications because the one I originally wanted has no available intakes for this year anymore. So by doing this am I risking getting a refusal?

I already submitted a cancelation request using the web and made 3 escalation calls to cancel my application and return my documents. I just received email asking for extra documents? I don't know what the hell is happening??

travelled quite a bit in the last 5 years, so that's a way to get all the dates you left/entered the UK, e.g. for citizenship applications. Will only work well if you activated location history I think.

You can get the data from google takeout ("location history") if it's been saved.

some of it is inspired from https://shiring.github.io/maps/2016/12/30/Standortverlauf_post

# to get trips in/out the uk from Google location history
#
# assumes the UK is a rectangle (i.e. includes Dublin I think) to only use base
# packages
# 
# this works well for me because I set Google to save all my timeline activities
# but that's not the default behaviour

library(jsonlite)

# get timeline data from Google takeout (this can take a few minutes)
system.time(x <- fromJSON("Records.json"))

loc = x$locations

# converting longitude and latitude from E7 to GPS coordinates
loc$lat = loc$latitudeE7 / 1e7
loc$lon = loc$longitudeE7 / 1e7

# calculate day since a given start date
startDate <- "2019-10-28"
loc$daySinceStart <- as.numeric(as.Date(loc$timestamp)-as.Date(startDate))

# remove dates below zeros
loc <- loc[c("daySinceStart", "lat", "lon")]
loc <- subset(loc, daySinceStart >= 0)
loc <- na.omit(loc)

# check if any time point in UK based on lat/long 
loc$inUK <- as.numeric(as.logical(loc$lat >= 49) &
  as.logical(loc$lat <= 59) & 
  as.logical(loc$lon <= 2) & 
  as.logical(loc$lon >= -8))
                            
# aggregate per day (i.e. calculate sum of time points in any day in UK)
summary <- aggregate(loc$inUK, by=list(Category=loc$daySinceStart), FUN=sum)

# re-create the actual date
summary$date <- as.Date(startDate) + summary$Category

# create time points leaving/arriving
summary$insideUK <- as.numeric(summary$x > 0)
summary$arrivedInUK <- c(0, as.numeric(diff(summary$insideUK) == 1))
summary$leftTheUK <- c(as.numeric(diff(summary$insideUK) == -1), 0)

# calculate total number of days in/out (day out means 0 time stamp in the UK)
totalNumberDaysInTheUK <- sum(summary$insideUK)
totalNumberDaysOutsideTheUK <- nrow(summary) - totalNumberDaysInTheUK

# compute list of entries and exits
listEntriesExit <- subset(summary, arrivedInUK != 0 | leftTheUK != 0)
listEntriesExit$event <- ""
for (i in 1:nrow(listEntriesExit)) {
  if (listEntriesExit$arrivedInUK[i] == 1) {
    listEntriesExit$event[i] <- "entry"
  }
  else {
    listEntriesExit$event[i] <- "exit"
  }
}
listEntriesExit <- listEntriesExit[c("date", "event")]

# data you need for UK citizenship
print(listEntriesExit)
print(paste('Number of days outside the UK: ', totalNumberDaysOutsideTheUK))

I am applying for a UK spouse visa and my husband is the sponsor of my application. He is a bricklayer and works under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) as a subcontractor. We read in the Appendix that his CIS income can be counted as salaried emplyoment instead of self-employment which would put us under Category A. Since this route is less paperwork we would like to do this.

Now what confuses is is that the Appendix states it would fall under salaried employment. My husband doesn´t have a fixed income. It depends on how many days/hours he works so his salaray is different each month. He has a day rate of 200 pounds and gets paid every two weeks. Wouldnt that make it non-salaried? I´m asking because I´m not sure how the case worker would calculate his income?

Thank you for your help!

Hey, My boyfriend is in the UK with indefinite leave to remain, he's originally from Russia and like everyone else, months ago received the switch from BRP to E-Visa email, he submitted it but never heard back from them (back in June), we logged on today and it made us submit a form again to link the E-visa, (security questions ect) but all it shows (after submitting the form) is the 2 "forms" to link his e-visa to his account we submitted both today and months ago and says his e-visa isn't linked to his account. I know loads of people have had issues with the switch originally, but does anyone have a time frame for when it actually might work, or a number to actually get through to speak to someone at UKVI so they can help resolve, before the BRP runs out at the end of the year.

Hi, Ziggamorph, sorry to bother you again. I think I have landed in a big problem. I feel like I should have used solicitor to eliminate this level of stress . The thing is I did his application last time myself and it was successful too. Now ,I am almost towards the submission of the set m application form, while I was just going through it again, and it crossed my mind on these following questions : 1.What is your partner basis for living int he uk. I ticked settled in the uk . 2. What type of visa or leave did your partner use as the basis of their settlement- I put family visa- spouse EEA National . ( or should I put retained right of residence ( 3. Date settlement obtained- date I received the permanent residence card. Was your partner ever given a visa or leave as the partner of a settled person - I ticked no. ( i guess EEA National were not considered settled before Brexit) I also ticked I will confirm it but providing my immigration status which is ILR.

Back ground: I received this permanent residence card through my previous marriage to EEA National and l later had to apply for retained right. After Brexit we had to change our permanent residence card to ILR under EU settlement Scheme. I changed it this year 2024 to ILR .

Do you think I filled the details correctly?

Now, The problem is I just went through my previous FLRM Application which I had downloaded after the completion.

I noticed , these questions were asked
even in that FLRM application. But I had put different things there. Like, under : 1- What type of visa or leave did your partner use as the basis of their settlement- I had put (permanent residence card) ( I think I should have put ( family visa- spouse EEA National ) Was your partner ever given a visa or leave as the partner of settled person - I put yes. ( I think should have put no as EEA people were not considered settled before Brexit) . I had ticked I would confirmed that I would provide the evidence , which I did by submitting my residency documents .

My flrm was successful and no questions were raised .

But now I am worried that , as I think I am filling tha form correctly now , what if they compare the answer with the previous form . I promise to god it was not intentional. I completely misunderstood the context of the question. But I did send them my copy of my residency as an evidence. And also I think, if they wish they can see my immigration documents on their system too isn’t it ?

I don’t know if I have to amend this or just leave it .do you think I should write a cover letter ? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Hell all,

My uncollected BRP was returned to home office and I was asked a new delivery address. I emailed the required information twice to BRP Collection Team for re-delivery of the BRP. However, it’s been 10 days and I still have not received a reply.

I am currently waiting for a job offer before moving to the UK. My vignette expires on 23 Nov 2024. What should I do in this case?

Thank you 🙏🏻.

Hi Everyone, I am looking to apply for the ATAS for a funded PhD in Physics. I wanted to ask that I have a career gap of two years. Will this affect the decision of my application? If anyone has been through this, please let me know. Thanks.

I’m currently applying for settlement after spending 5 years of stay as an EU spouse. I’ve applied and finished my fingerprints application on the first week of September, and it has been exactly 8 weeks this week that is the stated processing time on gov.uk. I’m wondering if anyone has applied for the same status and if so how long it took?

Hello everyone. Yesterday, I submitted my biometrics for British citizenship as EU Settled Status. Today, I logged in to the TLScontact portal, and the status didn't change. Do you know how long it takes to be transferred to UK Visas & Immigration? I hope the fact that I am travelling for two months home does not impact my absences after application.

https://preview.redd.it/0g783aj55oxd1.png?width=640&format=png&auto=webp&s=8a7fde9b0c574c0e4218161b429c50ec73988b1d

Post:

Hey everyone,

I’m in a bit of a stressful situation with my UK student visa application, and I’m hoping for some advice or insight from those who may have gone through something similar.

Background:
I applied for a UK student visa, submitted my biometrics on September 27, and was told to expect a decision within three weeks. It’s now well past that timeframe, and I haven’t received my passport back. My university in the UK set a final extension deadline for October 25, 2024, which has now passed.

The Issue:
I’ve contacted the UKVI International Contact Centre multiple times and each time received a standard reply confirming that a decision has been made but not shared with me directly. I was advised not to visit the Visa Application Centre (VAC) until contacted by VFS for passport collection. Meanwhile, the VFS Global tracking tool continues to show "no decision received" from UKVI, which doesn’t match what UKVI told me.

Why This is Urgent:
With my university deadline already passed, I’m worried this delay could affect my enrollment. To make matters more complicated, UKVI has told me to wait until November 6 to follow up again, which seems unreasonable given the time-sensitive nature of my situation. I’ve tried asking UKVI to escalate my case due to the conflicting messages, but I just keep receiving the same standard responses.

Questions:

1. Has anyone else experienced a delay where UKVI said a decision was made, but VFS Global hadn’t updated it?
2. Is calling UKVI more effective than emailing in cases like this? I’m considering it, but I’m not sure if it’ll provide any better information.
3. Are there any other steps I can take to speed things up or get clearer information?

Thanks so much to anyone who can offer advice or share their experiences. This situation has been pretty stressful, and I’m just hoping for some clarity.

I am moving on to Skilled worker Visa from my current Graduate Visa, During this time I also got married so my wife (Who is also on graduate visa is switching to Skilled Worker Dependent with me)

My current Graduate visa is available till 15th Feb 2025.
My COS work date starts 14th Nov 2024 - 15th Feb 2025.

The IHS for me shows £2587.5 (Same for my wife) Although we have paid for the extra amount for our PSW.

Is the extra half year cost eligible for refund? If not, Any way to avoid paying this fee?

Hello everyone,

Is it complicated to switch jobs and companies while on Skilled Worker Visa? And will the new employer be fine with that or is it too much of a hassle to the point of making my application pointless? Thank you ☺️

Hey,

Anyone has an idea if a personal presence at the UK embassy in Berlin is necessary for applying for a UK visit visa from Germany or is it only online?

Cheers

I'm from Sri Lanka. My studentj visa application was refused in this tear February due to concerns about my genuine intention to study. interviewer Wrongly understood my Degree. Despite this, I now have a job offer. Is it still possible for me to apply for a UK work permit? I'm very upset about the visa refusal and fear it will prevent me from ever obtaining a UK visa. I'm feeling extremely discouraged.

Can I check if any expats had taken over UK business and successfully applied for Skilled Worker Visa under Directorship?

I applied for a Tier 5 GAE Visa for my internship with BUNAC’s sponsorship. Their website says I cannot take an additional part time role with this visa, but the government website says I can do an additional part time job for 20 hours max per week. Any advice? I’m not even being greedy, my internship is just an unpaid role.

Hi all,

Applied for my UK passport renewal from India on 3rd October 2024.

Called the passport office and they confirmed that they recieved the application on 16th of October 2024, printed on 17th October and sent on 18th October.

They were only able to give me the tracking number to 'Epsom Relay' via Royal Mail, and not to the DHL international couriers.

I am now in limbo, completely confused as to whether my passport is in India or not yet, and if yes, where is it?

Had zero correspondence and has to follow all updates myself, by calling in at the passport office.

Anyone with experience around this, would greatly appreciate.

Reference: Applied via VFS Urmi Axis Building, Maharashtra.

When calling passport office, they advised that the end chain of the parcel was to the British High Commision in New Delhi.

I uploaded documents online for my visitor visa application from the US, and I did receive an email with updated letter, but it only says:

Document Upload Details: View uploaded documents

where "view" being a link to the VFS portal

It does not give a list of uploaded documents. Is this how it is supposed to be, or is there any issue?

I applied for a student visa from a country without a Visa Centre. VFS automatically gave me Mexico as my biometrics location but I want to do it elsewhere. Can I change the location after I’ve submitted/paid?

Hello everyone,

I’m reaching out to gain insights on others' timelines for a standard 6-month UK visitor visa application submitted from Toronto. Here is my timeline so far:

- Online application submitted: 14 October 2024  

- Biometrics completed: 16 October 2024  

- Email received - "Your application GWF**** was forwarded to UK Visas and Immigration"**: 16 October 2024  

- Email received - "Thank you for your Visa Application which has arrived at the UKVI Decision Making Centre and is now awaiting consideration": 21 October 2024  

I’m currently awaiting a decision and would appreciate any information on similar experiences or timelines.

Thank you in advance!

my understanding is if you're applying for a skilled worked visa and have already been here for 12+ months already, you don't need to show proof you can financially sustain yourself. is that correct?

i live in london and don't save a lot so meeting this would be quite tough. i am able to get by, but i certaintly dont save much at the moment.

Hello everyone, and thank you for fostering such a supportive community.

My girlfriend and I are navigating some uncertainty and would be incredibly grateful for any guidance you might be able to offer.

We’ve been together for nearly six years as of June 2025. From June 2019 to March 2021, we were in a committed relationship but living separately while I was in Canada. In March 2021, I returned to the U.K., and for the following 15 months, we continued our relationship long-distance. I moved back to Canada in June 2022, and we’ve been living together ever since with her parents—now two years and four months.

Soon, within a matter of weeks I’ll be moving back to the U.K. to get everything in place for her, as she’s completing her PhD and aims to join me, newly titled Dr., around February or March 2025. Our main concern is that although we currently meet the two-year cohabitation requirement, once I leave, we’ll technically no longer be living together.

My employer is transferring my role back to our U.K. office, and she’s finishing her studies here in Canada. Given that, we’re hoping this situation aligns with the provision for relationships where “you cannot live together, for example, because you’re working or studying in different places.” However, we’d greatly appreciate any insights into whether our situation might meet the eligibility requirements or if there are any potential challenges we may have overlooked.

Thank you in advance for any advice or experiences you’re willing to share.

What you’ll need to prove:

“you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply”

“you’ve been in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply but you cannot live together, for example because you’re working or studying in different places, or it’s not accepted in your culture”

Hi all,

I am an international student on Student Visa, and I am currently employed part-time in a UK organization for 20 hours a week (student visa limitation).

Do I still need to contribute to income tax and NI? Is my Tax Code BR?

Thank you.

Hi everyone,

I recently received my passport back with my fiancé visa in it (yaaay) but while I had put the intended entry date as 10/11, my visa’s issued entry date is 03/11.

A few things came up recently and I’ll most likely only be able to fly to England by the end of dec, my question is would my 6 months start counting then when I enter or would it start counting by 03/11 and the expiration of the visa would be 03/05?