₦airaland Forum

dtbg28:
Yes, I have actually been reading through the thread but it's so lengthy now I don't know what page exactly to find d answer to my question. Thanks

@Lexusgs430, lol. Ur sense of humour is off the chart. There are times when you say what's on my mind although you come on a wee bit strong sometimes. Most of your posts get me smiling
‎
@dtbg28: to answer your question, no: you have to apply yourself from Nigeria: biometrics. From your question you require all the information there is on this topic, like lexusgs430 said, you really n‎eed to read up and research. A simple Google search will yield a lot of information. Read this thread, also go to gov.uk site and read up as well. I'd search for my check list and send to you but you need to read. This thread has all the information you need. Use the search button.‎ A little research and you'd smile to the UK and join your spouse. All the best

airforce91:
That's my next step to contact my MP as I have not seen any case that's taken this long, I wasnt sure which to contact first between the MP or lawyer.

I don't understand why the application has not been straightforward and they have not written to me explaining why. On their website it says if your application is complicated/ not straight forward they will write to you in the 12th week with the next step to take but heard nothing from them till date.

I was called on the 4th of December 2015 about attending an interview on the 8th of December. But 2months before then I was summoned for jury service at a crown court in London starting on the 7th of December and it was compulsory. So I told the contact about my jury summons and if it was possible to confirm with her on Monday when I get to court.
she said she will get back to me that she was just the person that books the interview and her boss had gone home (as this was past 6pm on a friday ). And that I might not even need to attend an interview.

On Tuesday the 8th of December she left me a VM saying her boss said I don't need to attend the interview as long as I send a copy of my jury summons/evidence of my jury service to an email which she provided. I sent it right away and a week after I got a reply saying it was received and it will be forwarded to the person in charge.

Since then everytime me or my spouse calls or emails all we get back ( from the third party) is we will escalate the matter and be patient. The only positive feedback so far was when we asked the third party to escalate and find out if they got the jury summons letter and they replied saying they did.
Other than that it has been "As previously adviced (ie on 16th Dec 2015 till the last response from them on the 16th March 2016) your application has not been straightforward. When I email them since the 16th of March all I get is be patient.

To be fair this has taken way too long, and I am sure this would have been granted earlier if I had attended the interview but that wasn't my fault I was summoned to be a jury for a trial and was told by them I do not need to attend the interview. SO PLS HOUSE WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE MP FIRST AND THEN LAWYER?

This is just one annoying mess, I don't think you should blame yourself, you had a prior compulsory jury summons and you were willing to get back to them but you were told not to worry.

On the way forward, I'd say contact your MP first: immediately, I am surprised you haven't already. They generally sit up when an MP is involved. Judging from the protracted and peculiar nature of your application, the MP will treat it urgently. I definitely think MP first before lawyer.

I am going to say a prayer for you before I turn in. It's really ridiculous.

Stay strong.

Brightingsus:
Hello All,

My Wife got her spouse VISA. Yaaaaay! She kept asking me to check my account to see if the IHS was refunded but I refused. I applied with priority and it took just 3 days for her VISA to be stamped. However while doing this, ensure you have a well documented application pack. None of us was called for interview.

My timeline is as follows:

VISA APPLICATION TIMELINE

15/02/2016 ~ Online application on www.gov.uk
19/02/2016 ~ Appointment at TLScontact Ikeja for Biometrics. Paid for Priority Service
22/02/2016 ~ Response from Sheffield by email confirming receipt of documents from TLScontact
26/02/2016 ~ Sent supporting documents to UKVI Sheffield by Royalmail Special Delivery Guaranteed
29/02/2016 ~ Documents reached UKVI Sheffield PO Box at 07:18
04/03/2016 ~ Decision made email from TLScontact and UKVI Sheffield
05/03/2016 ~ Received supporting documents from UKVI Sheffield
08/03/2016 ~ Collection email received from TLScontact
09/03/3016 ~ Passport collected, Visa stamped on March 3

Congratulations,

This is record breaking timeline. Hmmmm, summary is pay for priority if you have the money and no hitch with your documentation, better to avoid the anxiety of the wait

KemBee86:
Hi guys,
How are you all doing? Please do I actually need the TB certificate at point of entry? The one I used to get the visa expired in January. I called IOM now and they told me the test is a whooping 26,250 naira. Is it necessary? Please what's the worse that can happen.

Hi KemBee86,

Congratulations on your visa, same goes for blza and thatula. On the TB certification matter. Mine had expired for over a month before I travelled. Did they ask for it? Yes but I said I didn't have it in my hand luggage which was true and he said no problem and let me go, I was travelling with hubby though but I haven't heard anyone turned back for lack of valid TB certificate. You can research more on it though but I believe you'd be fine.

@phardey and @portsmouth86

I have been wondering about the biometrics resident permit myself since lately everyone seems to be talking about it. I guess putting the visa on it is recent because my whole visa for the 2 and a half years is on my passport. So phardey, maybe when we renew we'd get the biometrics card. Thanks portsmouth86 for making me understand it better. Congrats once more.

@portsmouth86,

Yaayyyyyyy, so happy for you Karen I can now officially uncross my fingers and toes for you the journey seemed long but thankfully it was fruitful. Congratulations to you and hubby.

AdaNewbie1290:
Hello all,
Please, regarding the printed whatsapp chats to show evidence of our communication, someone told me that my husband and I will have to print ours and tag them separately and submit. She said it is so that they can verify if the two of them correspond. Please, is this true? Can we submit only his own? Because I have changed my phone a number of times since we met so I only have chats from early last year whereas we started chatting in 2012. He has all the chats on his phone. Can we use only his own printed chat records to apply?

You can submit only his, you don't need to submit separate chats, if his has more history, by all means use it. Cheers

NedseliteSafety:
Hi everyone, my name is Ada and we hope to apply for my settlement visa next month. Pls i would like to ask a question.
- Are there other approved centers for the TB test because the one I saw on this page is in Lagos and I stay in Enugu and hope to submit my application via TLS Abuja. If there are other approved centers, pls could someone help me with the address.

Am really encouraged by this page. God bless all of you plenty!

Try calling any of numbers below, I hope they are operational for Abuja applicants

Migration Health Assessment Centre (MHAC)
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
No. 4, Buchannan Close, off Buchannan Crescent, off Amino Kano Crescent
Wuse 11
AbujaTel: +234(0) 807 219 1122, or
+234 (0) 80 9563 7898, or
+234 (0) 80 8522 1427

PS: I got the information from gov.uk site. You can explore the site for more information.

@portsmouth86, yes, I had the VAF no in the decision made email and its the same as the one on the visa but I hate to burst your bubble because I still know someone who had VAF no when she was sent the decision made email but she didn't get it. But I believe you'd get it. Fingers and toes still crossed. By Friday the wait should be over. All the best.

@faithadunni, oh dear. I wish he didn't pay it. 20K is a lot of money. They know people are impatient, he should have reported the person but I am sure he was too happy he got the visa to think twice about it. Congrats once more.

Portsmouth86:
Blimey you cant pass anything by in Naija ay I would have taken his name etc and put the frightners up him.

you can request it be extended.

No news yet, no email not even a slight peep ...is hubby's birthday today so lets hope we at least get an email

Oh, happy birthday to him, wouldn't it be lovely if you get some sort of communication from them today?

Faithadunni, please don't tell me he paid, that's so annoying.‎

Faithadunni:
My husband got his spouse visa today I will come back and give timeline once I stop flying hahaha

Congratulations. Good news. I am happy for you.

Portsmouth86:
Yea I expected to be asked a lot of questions but at least I know my husband very well, and he cant ever forget those chocolates and flowers on my birthday or our anniversary

now just waiting, i would imagine they will call him otherwise there's no other way them knowing if I gave the correct answers (I know i did) I always get involved with his family and his sisters and I are all close in age so get on very well

I am sure he won't forget

@portsmouth86,

Hi Karen, that's a bucket load of questions, glad you could answer all, kudos. My hubby forgot what course I studied, I studied a double honour course, he could only remember one, hahahaha. The interviewer told him not to worry, many people forget their spouse's date of birth sometimes so good on you to not only know all but to remember. I think you had that many because you've been a sponsor before.

Rooting for you that hubby joins you soon, fingers and toes crossed

nma01:
Thanks alot, called IOM and was told that they have the double shield protector for the xray. I will go for that option when am ready next month.

Glad you have it sorted. All the best

nma01:
Thanks @ newbie715, I have a tb test certificate that expired in October. I planning to apply end of next month, so 8 weeks is just too far. What do u suggest?

My suggestion is that you call IOM and explain the situation and see how you can get the xray option if you are ok with it, I'd suggest you talk with your doctor about it first.
All the best
Here is the detail for IOM in Lagos

Address:
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
No 5D, Reverend Ogunbiyi Street
Off Oba Akinjobi Way
G.R.A. Ikeja – Lagos.

Tel: +234 (0) 807 219 1112, +234 (0) 80 2226 4059, +234 (0) 90 9215 6079
E-Mail: iomlagosmedicalbooking@iom.int

nma01:
@justwise and everyone in the house. Merry Xmas in advance, I wanted to find out if a pregnant woman of 6 months will have to do the TB test?

Hiya nma01, since the pregnancy has advanced to the end of the second trimester they will offer 2 options: to wear a protective covering and do the xray or to do the sputum test. They will push for the sputum because xray isn't good for pregnant women. The sputum requires the person to go there early in the morning for 3 consecutive morning and spit then the result will be out in 8 weeks.

Finally it has happened for you @oreskid. I am really happy for you. Congratulations.

Congratulations BabyisUS. I am so happy for you. I can now uncross my fingers fingers toes hurry and come, gear up for the cold though All the best.

Benjamite01:
Continuation

Ok, as regards the refusal reasons by the ECO: to put my conclusions mildly that is assuming you did not present false documents and you told no lies
‎
1. what's the deal as per your job in particular. Are you still working for the company you were working for then? If yes, it's a bit suspicious when companies use yahoo or Gmail as official email. If you have moved to a new job, I hope the new company has a proper email address on the letters you have from them. Also I asked before if your company gives embassy reference letter, if yes, can they give you one stating you have indicated interest in travelling to the UK during your vacation and they should accord you all necessary help with functional phone numbers on the letter head paper.

2. Your salary, is it cash payment into your account or transfers, cos they look out for that as well. Transfers are better.‎

3. The person whose graduation you are going for, I hope you made available a reachable phone number for him.

On a general note, it's not that the marriage certificate is required for the application, it's just help the application to state you are married and have family in Nigeria. Is it possible to get another one? I assume you did registry, you can get a certified copy from the registry. I am not sure an affidavit will do much in place of the real certificate.

novicee:
Hi, please i would like to know what documents where submitted in lagos, when your husband went for the appointment and which did you send to sheffield. please i'm going to abuja on the 30th Nov.
Thanks.

Hiya,

Oreskid has already typed out all you need to submit at TLS, don't forget the Appendix 2 form will be original not scanned. Then be prepared just incase they decide to interview you briefly via Skype, I heard some people say they didn't do interview recently but it doesn't hurt to be prepared.
Cheers.‎

Benjamite01:
i have my employment letter, letter of promotion for the present position, leave application letter, leave approval letter, bank statement, payslip,reference letter from the bank,I have letter of invitation for the graduation, Deed of agreement for a landed property, flight confirmation, hotel reservation.

Hiya Benjamite01,

You already have what you need, like someone advised, add the marriage cert.

Personally I believe in cover letters, I think it summarises things so I'd also advice you do a cover letter in addition to your application form, stating that you require a visit visa and what you intend to do when you get there, ‎write briefly on the inflow that come into your account apart from your salary, just state that apart from your monthly salary, you also receive additional payment into your account from family and friends if you wish.‎
Also write briefly about your refusals and reasons for refusal.‎
Fingers crossed you'd get it this time. ‎Best of luck‎
‎
Just an after thought, does your company give embassy reference letter to staff? It's a nice to have if they give.‎
Cheers
‎

babyisUS:
Please @Justwise and other gurus... what does it mean when you get a mail saying Unfortunately, the processing of your application has been non-straightforward and we have been unable to resolve your application within these customer service targets.
Does this mean the visa will be refused at the long run? Please anyone ever gotten this and still granted visa? I need any glimmer of hope now am so worried getting this email.... I applied for EEA family permit visa

@babyisUS,
I did not get any email like that and I do not know anyone who has but if you are looking for a glimmer of hope, here is one: they do not have enough reasons to turn down your visa and EEA family permit is not supposed to take more that is it 2 or 3 weeks, I can't remember, hence their apology for taking more than the normal time.
I remember telling you it won't take too long, for whatever reason, yours is taking time but I will advice you stay positive. I am staying positive for you.
Cheers

Portsmouth86:
sorry another Q haha

Do i need to post my own passport with my supporting documents, or is my data page enough, i have scanned both my old and new one along with all 3 Nigerian visit visas I've had, I'm posting once hubby has done his biometrics on Friday, or do you think i should wait like 3 days to allow his to reach them around the same time (wishful thinking lol)

Thank you in advance x

Oreskid is right on all counts. Your passport stays with you and same day postage is a good plan.

Fingers crossed

Portsmouth86:
hi all

any help ,will be greatly appreciated

application is completed online, my husband has his biometrics on Friday this week.

1. the appendix 2 form who sends this, me or my husband? I did fill one out and left it with him luckily when i was there last month.
i thought we would actually have to fill this online along with the visa application.

2. when hubby goes to his biometrics, he has his application form, and email confirmations, and payment emails for both the visa and IHS NHS fees
does the VAC send this along with his passport as on the form https://uk.tlscontact.com/ng/LGV/res/upload/ukvi-uk/West_africa-settlement.pdf it states:

You or your representative/sponsor should then send a completed application package within 2 weeks of enrolling your biometric information to:

UK Visas and Immigration,
International
PO Box 3468
Sheffield
United Kingdom
S3 8WA

This should include:
• The GWF reference provided at the time of application (eg GWF 123456789).
• One printed copy of the application form and photo.
• All additional documents supporting your application. These should include any documents originating in the UK, like evidence of maintenance and accommodation. If you want your supporting documents returned, you should send photocopies as well as the original documents. We will not return documents if they have not been photocopied.
• A stamped, self addressed envelope or prepaid return self addressed courier envelope to return any original UK documents.

3.Do I as his sponsor in the UK need to add a copy of his application form to my own documents that i am posting to Sheffield

Sorry just getting a bit confused lol

thank you in advance

Hi Karen,

1. No, you don't fill out the appendix 2 form online, it's a hard copy

2. He will submit both the printed online filled out application form and the appendix 2 hand filled out form when he goes for biometrics. As well as the TB test certificate. I didn't do the English test so I don't know where that is submitted.

3. My hubby added a copy of the application form when he was sending supporting documents to Sheffield and a copy of the TB test certificate but he didn't send the appendix 2 form again. You can add it if it makes you more comfortable.

I hope this helps.

Cheers

Portsmouth86:
Bless hope it won't be long

We have submitted the application and I've paid for both visa and NHS fees registered on TLS.

Hubby has his appointment on 13th that's his next day off work

@newbie715, @babyisUS
After you submitted your application how long till the tracking on TLS showed green on the application submitted line?

Just happy it's finally happening lol

@Portsmouth86

I never tracked it on TLS, I relied on the emails from TLS and Sheffield. So I cannot say how long it takes to turn green. Truth is, I didn't even know anything turned green anywhere

Glad your process has started fingers and toes crossed

babyisUS:
Wow! Congratulations.
LMAO @oversabi... well,no-one wants to give room for any loopholes. My fingers are still crossed.
So you are in the UK now?

Yes I am. Fingers crossed for you as well

babyisUS:
Oh I see we didn't fill that form. Didn't even see it it to fill but my hubby had an introduction letter written. I assume that is okay too. I pray not filling out the sponsorship form wouldnt in anyway affect my application. Hoping for the best.
When did you apply?

Don't worry if you didn't fill it, I reckon it's 'over sabi'. I applied in June got the visa in August.

babyisUS:
You filled what? Sorry I don't quite get what exactly you are referring to. Do you mind throwing more light?
Thanks

Hiya,

I think Portsmouth86 is referring to the enquiry yjb85 made about sponsorship declaration form.

@yjb85, like Portsmouth86 said, I doubt it's necessary but I filled it out for my application as well.

All the best.

babyisUS:
He is a citizen of other EU country but living in UK. A Nigerian by the way.

I try not to be worried, but u can never tell with these people. I wonder if their decision is made in Abuja cos of how quick it's been so far.

Hi babyisUS,

The EEA family permit is a lot quicker and normally all documents are submitted in the VAC not Sheffield, fingers crossed, you'd get a response within the next one week or maybe 2 max, I doubt it'd be up to 2.

All the best.

Portsmouth86:
ok great thank you, your so kind

i hope you are well, i printed the forms to fill out so when i fill it out for hubby i have it all to hand ...only thing i hate is they ask for my ex husbands information, which my husband knows of but of course dont know his name etc as i dont speak of him

I can imagine that it will be a bit awkward, well, focus on the good part, you are almost ready for the application. Yay

Portsmouth86:
Hi

yea i checked the Authority states ABEOKUTA but nope no place of issue ( I even checked my own and it does not have a 'place of issue' although i know mine was issued from Peterborough office as thats where i had to re send some photos when i changed my name

thinking hmmm

Hi Karen,

Authority is place of issue, so for your hubby's passport, place of issue is ABEOKUTA.

Warm Regards

Portsmouth86:
hi help needed:

On the personal Details form (VAF4A)

Part 1: On which date do you wish to travel to the UK? what do i put for this? Hubby applying for spouse so not sure what date to put. My birthday is 11th Dec could I put that?

Part 2: Passport information Q 2.2 place of issue, this is not listed on my hubby's passport so do i just put Nigeria or Lagos, Nigeria?

thank you in advance

Hi Karen,

First Question: you are supposed to put a tentative date that he will travel by but from my personal experience, the date I filled in had passed before my visa was approved, so I don't think it such a big deal so Dec 11th isn't bad.

Second Question: I am surprised that place of issue isn't on the passport, it's AUTHORITY, check what's written under AUTHORITY beside PLACE OF BIRTH

Hope this helps

Warm Regards