After months of organising, stress and uncertainty, today everything became so worthwhile. Yesterday my wife received the sms from VFS to say that her application had been processed and returned to the courier. We had been expecting to wait at least a few more days before her passport arrived in Phuket. Earlier today I received the best phone call I've ever taken in my life....my wife's passport had arrived and inside was her UK settlement visa.
It's still sinking in but it feels like a huge weight has been lifted. Now we can finally start to make real plans for our future together in the UK.
The application was submitted on 19th September and processed on 11th October so total processing time was just three weeks and one day, or 16 working days depending on how you look at it.
The only disappointing thing (if that is even possible after such good news) is that the embassy have started the "valid from" using the "expected travel date" that we put on the application form. At the time of submission the processing times were longer and so we put in what we thought was a realistic date two months after the submission. We did not specifically ask for that travel date anywhere else on the form or in the additional info so we were not expecting them to post-date the visa. That means my wife can not travel until next month, but still its not too long and if anything will give me a chance to organise things at home.
So the plan now is to look for flights. I'm going to head back to LOS for a week next month, help my wife pack up and then bring her home with me.
Although this is what the blog has been building toward over the past few months, our journey is far from over so I will continue to post on our progress. For now I'll take some time to let it sink in and relax before the real hard work begins lol
Cheers
Steve
Congratulations, I hope all goes well for you and your wife on return journey!
ReplyDeleteDont forget the UKBA are entitled to question your wife upon entry to the UK on any aspect of the application, address, marital status etc upon entry so best to forewarn her as you are not allowed to be present in the first instance.
The valid from date can be changed at the British Embassy on the spot, no need to make an appointment simply go there and complete a change of visa request form and they will do it on the spot and place a sticker inside the passport and stamp it, my wife did the same thing so she could leave within 2 days.
I would also look at applying for a Shengen visa extension when your wife arrives, it can take a little while and is well worth doing it now instead of if and when you might want to travel throughout Europe.
Hi Lloyd, thanks for the useful info. For the sake of a few weeks we've decided not to bother trying to change the date on the visa. I can't get the time off work so early and will need a few weeks to prepare anyway.
ReplyDeleteJust booked our flights. I'm heading over for a week on the 17th Nov and bringing my wife home on the 24th. We're flying into Newcastle so will be avoiding the dreaded Heathrow. From seeing others arrive into Newcastle I know my wife will be able to come in through the "EU" queue with me but she will be well prepared for any questions they may throw at her.
Thanks again
Steve
I fly in and out of the UK every few weeks and I've never know anyone without a British or EU passport to be able to go through the EU/UK entry, unless VIP clearance, thats the whole reason to have a seperate line, guess you'll have to see.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, be interesting to see your wifes impressions of the UK winter, my wife loved it when she first arrived then when we went to the snow in Switzerland she went crazy playing like a child was, it was very funny as people though it was 'cute' and were great to us.
Great news Steve...congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWe glad all of us at Vantage Siam could be a small part in your great journey.
Thanks Kevin. Your help when it came to the English test was very much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Steve