Thanks Newbie. Got there in the end...lol

I'm actually tracking timelines through a mate who applied a week ago. However another mate that applied in November said he got it within a little over a week.

I'll share updates in this regard as i'm informed.

newbie715:
Phew...that's quite the roller coaster. Glad you got there in the end. Congratulations! Hopefully they find your Nigerian passports. Do you know what the wait time is like to get Nigerian passport reissued/renewed now?

Hi guys,

Trust everyone is well.

Been a minute I gave an update however my application did not pan out as straightforward as it should be.

Summarily, the HMPO misplaced my Nigerian Passports hence that impacted my timeline.

For context, I submitted my application on December 7 and sent supporting documents via a tracked Royal Mail service, it was delivered to HMPO on December 12 then I got a notification that it had been received and merged to my application on December 22 and a second on same day asking that I forward my International Passports. I immediately called their line and affirmed it was already with them.

Around end of January, 2023 after some search was done, I was told that the Nigerian Passports (2) were lost. I was advised to get a new one from the Nigerian High Commission to be able to progress my application and assurance that the sum will be reimbursed by the HMPO.

Quite a bit of back and forth via calls, emails and post but after a lot of follow up, push and resilience, my British Passport was issued last week (week of Feb 19th) without a Nigerian Passport. I am going ahead to get my Nigerian Passport re-issued by the Nigerian House while another round of search is being done by the HMPO for the lost passports.

Not exactly the smooth process I was hoping for but I got there in the end.

I reckon this is not a popular situation but if anyone has got the same, I may be able to share my experience in getting a resolution.

For general info, note the following with such case:

1) Do not assume the UK passport office will by itself take the initiative of locating your missing documents. You alone will need to do the follow ups and be persistent. In my experience you will need to be persistent with them. Its your UK passport and your critical documents so it is in your interest to do the follow-ups.

2) Immediately you get to know your documents are missing call the UK passport helpline 0300 222 0000 (options 8 and 3 after that). I called up this number every alternate day and each time someone new picked up and I had to explain each time (approx 20 mins call each time). However, on each call they will update the notes and forward your concern to the relevant office

3) Once you call the UK Passport helpline, try to speak to someone from the "Customer Service Management" team. Thing is, most of the people you talk to on the UK passport helpline WFH and hence no one can actually go to the passport office and look at the envelope you sent. The "Customer Service Management" team however are resolution-based and will look to resolve

4) Always send your documents by Royal mail tracked and signed and keep the tracking number safely with you. In a scenario of lost/missing documents the Royal Mail tracking number alone will save the day for you. Make sure this Royal Mail tracking number is provided to the Customer Service Management team each time you call them

Spinardo:
Hi guys,

Compliments of the beautiful season!

You already know its your self-acclaimed favorite Under G member here again....with some good news!

Yep, got my application for naturalisation approved and had the ceremony today at my Council. The council did try to frustrate me by putting me up for a ceremony a month after approval was received (after taking me round in circles with not getting a notification from the appropriate authority), but we got there in the end!

My timeline is below:

Applied for Naturalisation : 07/08/2022
Approval Received : 07/11/2022 (Note that they respond only on Mondays, at least around the time of mine and before)
Ceremony: 07/12/2022 (Was barely 15mins)

Applied for my passport; hopeful it'll land soon enough. Glad to provide an update when it does to sum up my journey! Phew! Thank God!

Appreciation to the forefathers Lexusg430 (hope I got it right) and those on whose backs we fly.... God bless! Wish everyone on this journey success! Just read and ask, you can't go wrong!

Hi guys,

Compliments of the beautiful season!

You already know its your self-acclaimed favorite Under G member here again....with some good news!

Yep, got my application for naturalisation approved and had the ceremony today at my Council. The council did try to frustrate me by putting me up for a ceremony a month after approval was received (after taking me round in circles with not getting a notification from the appropriate authority), but we got there in the end!

My timeline is below:

Applied for Naturalisation : 07/08/2022
Approval Received : 07/11/2022 (Note that they respond only on Mondays, at least around the time of mine and before)
Ceremony: 07/12/2022 (Was barely 15mins)

Applied for my passport; hopeful it'll land soon enough. Glad to provide an update when it does to sum up my journey! Phew! Thank God!

Appreciation to the forefathers Lexusg430 (hope I got it right) and those on whose backs we fly.... God bless! Wish everyone on this journey success! Just read and ask, you can't go wrong!

Spinardo:
Hi everyone,

That under-G member is here again...following proceedings albeit silently.

Got my ILR recently and been procrastinating giving this report. Mine was a little deviation from the usual as I prefer to use my spouse's document but she is on Maternity leave so I had to do a bit more digging. Good gracious it was successful and as I reckon there is no information with respect to this type of application, I'll be willing to offer advise to anyone trying to apply on the same path.

My timeline is below:

Applied for ILR Route : SET(M)
Date application sent : 16/05/2022 (Super Priority)
Documents uploaded to UKVCAS portal: 22/05/2022
Date Biometrics Enrolled: 07/06/2022 7:00am London (£125)
Approval Received : 07/06/2022 1:36pm
BRP Card: 10/06/2022

Onto the next which is naturalisation but anyone that has questions using the Maternity route, please holla. Wish everyone success in their applications!

I'll report in when the next is finalised! Ciao!

Hi everyone,

That under-G member is here again...following proceedings albeit silently.

Got my ILR recently and been procrastinating giving this report. Mine was a little deviation from the usual as I prefer to use my spouse's document but she is on Maternity leave so I had to do a bit more digging. Good gracious it was successful and as I reckon there is no information with respect to this type of application, I'll be willing to offer advise to anyone trying to apply on the same path.

My timeline is below:

Applied for ILR Route : SET(M)
Date application sent : 16/05/2022 (Super Priority)
Documents uploaded to UKVCAS portal: 22/05/2022
Date Biometrics Enrolled: 07/06/2022 7:00am London (£125)
Approval Received : 07/06/2022 1:36pm
BRP Card: 10/06/2022

Onto the next which is naturalisation but anyone that has questions using the Maternity route, please holla. Wish everyone success in their applications!

I'll report in when the next is finalised! Ciao!

Hi Profemebee

Sorry I am just getting across...

You will need to re-order the NARIC statements. You cannot use the old one.

Not necessarily. However if you are in a role/job where your employer requires it urgently, then you may use the Super Priority. The rule of the thumb however is that as long as you submit your application (best to also attend the Biometrics) before the current visa expires, you are covered. If your employer is fussy, they just need to check your details on the ECS.

Also "not necessarily". If you submit your application early (about a month before your visa expires), you may be lucky to get a free date for your desired/availability. The period of your application also matters. If it is not a busy period (December, June, July, August), then you may be just fine as well and not bother about the hassle of getting a free date.

Though they advise that you submit just the last 2 years but I submitted from my date of entry into the Country. More will NEVER hurt.

Submitted one type (across 4/5 sources) for each Quarter.

For account statements, I submitted just the lats 6 months (note though that I applied as "Employed" Category A).

Hope this helps. Shout out if you require any more info.

profemebee:
Thanks for the robust answers.

I came in with UK naric statements.. do i need to re-order fresh statements or use same statements?

For the last question, I waited till my 33months initial visa was almost out (4 days to expiry) so I can have enough time on the next (30 months). The big picture is to ensure that I am well within 5 years at the point of the ILR (else one risks seeking another extension - paying the entire large sum to just cover possible a few days/month). This said, I put in the application within the 28 day rule also ensuring the documents I submitted were within the 28 day rule as well.

Also, this model of waiting for the 33 months to almost be out is less risky/better if one is applying with Super priority yea? Please confirm..

28days rule to put in application and documents.. as long as one can pay the fee for appointment days.. i think that should be easily sorted..

Please how many years of utilities bills and proof of cohabitation did u use? did u show monthly statements or maybe just 2/3 per year of each statements ?

Pardon my many questions please..

Congrats Mystiqueefua,

Told you it was gonna be great news at the end of the day!

We thank God!

Mystiqueefua:
I just want to say thank you to everyone that take out time to post a reply. I have received my brp through th post with 30months validity. So here is my time line;


Online application: 18/01/2020
Biometric Enrolment: 24/01/2020
Additional Documents Request:Non
Biometric card received: 13/03/2020
Date on Biometric card: 09/03/2020
Decision letter received: 12/03/2020

Hi Profemebee

The Relationship Declaration and Consent for Applicant are ready-made documents you get to print (at the end of your application) from the website. Yourself, Your sponsor and any other 3rd party whose documents you will be relying on for your application will endorse these.

Pay Breakdown

Application - 1,033
IHS Payment - 1,000
Payment for Appointment Date - 159.99 (this will be necessary only if the specific day you wish to submit is full free apptmnts. I submitted on a Saturday and the free portion was full by the time I was to choose mine)
Scanning - 45 (You may wish to scan yourself from home but the website can be funny, so I just paid to have all my documents scanned at the appointment)
A2 Exam - 150

For the last question, I waited till my 33months initial visa was almost out (4 days to expiry) so I can have enough time on the next (30 months). The big picture is to ensure that I am well within 5 years at the point of the ILR (else one risks seeking another extension - paying the entire large sum to just cover possible a few days/month). This said, I put in the application within the 28 day rule also ensuring the documents I submitted were within the 28 day rule as well.

Hope this helps. Can clarify further if required.

Cheers.

profemebee:
love great positive stories..

please what exactly are "Relationship Declaration & Consent for Applicant" ??

Just a typed document stating you are married to your spouse and a consent from your spouse?

Also, if you can put an amount to how much you spent excluding the super priority (i never reach that level).. how much was it?

Also this statement.. "Paid for super priority to get an outcome quickly and also waited till my initial FLR was almost expired to ensure that my new period will be inside of 5years and not less (upon expiry wrt ILR)."

Hmmm wasn't that risky?

Mystiqueefua:


Congrats to you. I applied for mine on the 18th of Jan and did my biometrics on the 24th of Jan, still not received any response from them though as I did not pay for super priority. Would update here once I have received my BRP. My previous BRP officially expired yesterday. By God's grace I would get a positive response.

Mystiqueefua, i'm sure it should be out soon and it'll be positive..... We stay positive........

Hello Good People,

Been some time. Time does fly past when you are having fun..... Lol. So that mystery member always on the sidelines watching events is here again and with some good news of course!

I applied and got my FLR (M) approved. Thanks to God and everyone on this forum that took time to share their experience and answer inquiries.

Completed the online form within the 1st 3 days of February and attended the Biometric session on 15th February.

Paid for super priority to get an outcome quickly and also waited till my initial FLR was almost expired to ensure that my new period will be inside of 5years and not less (upon expiry wrt ILR).

I got an email on Monday stating that my application was successful and an appreciation for using super priority....lol

List of documents submitted are outlined below:

Proof of Identity / Travel History
British Residence Permit for Applicant
Applicants' International passport (original) - Old and New
Spouse passport (Original)
Child's Birth Cert and Passport (Originals)

Proof of Application
Relationship Declaration
Consent for Applicant
Marriage certificate (Original)

Proof of Cohabitation
Tenancy Agreement
Sky/Virgin Correspondence
GP Letters
HMRC Correspondence
Utility bills
Bank Correspondence
* All of these were about 25 documents (the more the merrier)*

Finances
Letter from employer
Payslips for 6 months prior
Bank statements for 6 months prior highlighting salary payments for the previous 6 months
P60 for relevant period
Signed Contract of Employment

Educational/Proof of English language
English language test certificate A2

Other
Printout IHS payment
Printout IHS reference number
Printout UK visa application payment
Printout appointment confirmation

As I paid for scanning there, it was quite calm. Just kept passing the documents across and they got scanned as due. All of the documents were returned to me immediately and the personnel was courteous/pleasant irrespective of the number of documents (i think she may have seen worse...lol).

Paid quite a sum though but it was generally worth it as I feel I received value for money. Aside the IHS, Application Fee and Super priority payments, I also paid for scanning and for the appointment date/time

I am available for any questions that may aid others in the process of seeking their extension as I did some good reading on the side also.

Again, Thanks to God and y'all. We move to the next!

On another note, we should plan to hook up o as we have been catching up on this platform and it will be nice to put a face to these pseudonyms. I'd not be surprised if some of us have worked at the same establishments/project over time....Lol

Lexusgs430, Nakiemi, Bibra800, Justwise...too many people to mention! Hailings!!!

sholeke:



At Spinardo

I do meet the financial requirement if not we will have not submitted the application and we don't have children yet. What I don't understand if they think the financial requirement is not met why they put on hold instead of refuse. I am not asking for it to be refused I believe God will take control . Am reading lots of applications are on hold

That is exactly the point I made above, Sholeke.... i stated that you already mentioned that u meet the financial requirement so its definitely not based on that, I however stated that it may be 'cos of kids but u have also stated that u do not have any yet... I guess your best move will be to contact your local MP as you have rightly chosen to do.....

It will all be fine......

abbij:
are you my lawyer....lol wink wink

Heheheheheheee... I dey help am prepare him case ni..... Ur situation (as explained above) dey make sense sha.... but it is obviously a "custom-fit" for you alone...

teejay231:


This usually means the ECO thinks you don't meet the financial requirement. There are currently a number of cases like this pending. If you are 100% certain that you do meet the requirements, then you need to contact them by phone or email and ask that your case be escalated. Be advised that if you don't meet the financial requirement, the application will be refused. You may need to contact a lawyer for advice or simply draft a letter explaining how you meet the financial requirements and your calculations. Some applications have been wrongly put on hold and get escalated once you complain.

https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk

Hello Teejay.... Your view is valid however we also need to confirm if she has children cause the ruling also affects children based on teh increasing gross income required per number of children...so if she does, that will be a MAJOR reason..... She confirmed that she meets the minimum gross of 18,600...besides i think it will be fool-hardy for anyone to submit without meeting the minimum gross.....

Also, technical foul.... family visa is not the same as a standard tourist visa oooo...the requirements differ. That said, I agree with your thoughts that the ECO COULD preclude that her hubby deceived them into availing a visa with another intent in mind.... At this point, it is the superior argument of the lawyer that may be the winning strategy....even as much as we understand that once u read up this thread, u will not need a lawyer, this "strategic" move by abbij ehhhnn....na lawyer fit argue am... heheheheheeee...

Best of luck my peeps waiting....I know it can be VERY tiring and HBP-prone but all we can do is pray.....and keep faith..... It will all be well....

Just my additions for further clarity to OUR "family"....

subomi2:
good evening everyone,

it's been a tough cookie renting a house, its either no kids or the fact that he has no family around yet or something or house is gone!

has anyone heard about vpsgroup.com ?

i think its a platform to rent council houses? Please can my husband get one of them and use for my application or will it be seen as relying on government or inappropriate??

if we can go ahead, anything to note, please??

Please help everyone?? please pity a wife.

I feel your pain in this regard... You can check with "Your Move".... they have a number of houses (to-let) that fits your description. They are also widely recognized in the UK.

Hope this helps....

Uhhhhmmm....technical foul...... If the original tenant can get the agency to include your wife on the contract, she is no longer an illegal tenant...Agencies do that after the payment of an administrative cost....

He however cannot avail a tenancy agreement as he is not the owner of the property nor the empowered agency acting on behalf of the Landlord (except he is)...

Hope this helps.....

Nakiemi:
Hubby flies in today - Bibra800 or anyone who has recently entered did they ask for TB test etc??

Hello....They did not ask for it when I passed through however it won't hurt to take it with u..if they ask him, he can just explain that its with you outside and if they really wanna see it, it can be presented. I doubt they will request for it though.....

sholeke:
The other question i have is I send the supporting documents to the following address as this was provided by tls ikjea
UK Visas and Immigration International
PO Box 3468
Sheffield
United Kingdom
S3 8WA.
I hope I have use the right address no email to stated they have not received documents

I read on other country timeline they send their to
International Operations and Visas,
6 Millsands, Vulcan House,
Sheffield, United Kingdom,
S3 8NU

The address is very correct. Ironically, parcels sent to both addresses are well attended to. There is no worry in this regard.

Lexus and Nakiemi have advised on the process but in reiterating, as long as you have submitted a water-proof application, you should be on your partner should be on his way to Heathrow soon.....lol

Oluwatobii:
pls wud the tb test result be asked at the airport? reason i asked is because all the documents were sent to her from sheffield, to her address in the uk. want to know if it wont be an hindrance if one does not have it when entering the uk

From my experience, it was not asked for.... I doubt anyone on this forum has had to present it.... Besides, it should be with ur spouse as part of the documents returned. How u wan take get am?? LOL

Mzdimples... Truly though you need to review this forum to have a good appreciation of what is required par time...circumstances differ but the most important factor is to provide "over-proof" on each requirement....

Read from year 2015.... the requirements have been the same since then...except the fee wey increase....lol

You can read up and whatever grey area, u may come here and we will be more than willing to clarify....

Best of luck.....

Nakiemi:
I'm screaming!!!!!!!
HUBBY GOT IT!!!!! Thank you justfine, lexgus, spinardo!!!!
Bibra800 you were my biometric mate - and we have made i through t!!!
To all of you for your wisdom, support and laughter!!!
I'm crying, I'm happy!!!
TIMELINE will soon follow my people!!!!

God I give you all the glory!!!!
All my people here. Never lose hope. Never give up. This forum is a blessing to any applicant/sponsor.

Hearty congrats Nakiemi and Bibra...... Now we all can settle to our bottles of beer and grilled catfish... All bills on you both...since na "voltron" payment, e no go too shake una.....

Congratulations are in order!!! God has come through for us all and he will for others as well genuinely seeking to unite with their spouses....Olowogbogboro!!!!!!

Lexusgs430:




Congratulations..............
Shuuuuuuuu, we dey here dey wait. You just check out like that?
Diaris God O

Lexus baba! I just run go sharp sharp...hehheheheeee... we must knock out our bottles sha....whether u like it or not.....

Bibra800:
no vex Spinardo, Logistics with a baby and all .I got it !!!! Lexus, Justwise, Nakiemi. I'm so thankful to you guys for keeping my mind at ease .To the guys still waiting, you will have a bigger smile than mine by Gods grace .

Now this is the kinda news I love to hear!!! Congrats Bibra!!!! I was too sure we will hear the good news..... Oya Nakiemi...throw ur own good news so myself, Lexus and Justwise can finish this pepper-soup wella and wash down with cold bottles of "anything cold" hehehehheeee.....

Bibra and Nakiemi.... I'm shocked to note that y'all don't have your outcomes yet.... I have been reading for a few minutes waiting fro the part that says u have gotten it...till this point where u guys are going to pick up... una one give person hypertension ni? o and collect this outcome biko and let us rejoice wella.... na una try pass....

On the other note, Hello House.... I know I promised to come back with my document listing but I have just been very busy sorting a lot out....

I eventually arrived the UK into the waiting arms of my lovely wife...see my wife grinning from side to side at the airport...come see love in action at Heathrow...hehehehehee.... I am just so glad....

The immigration guy did not even give any form of hassle...all those questions wey them dey ask una...did not come my way...infact we started gisting on other stuffs...he then advised that I should pick up my BRP quickly (possibly the following day)....

Let me stop here so we can rejoice to the good news Bibra and Nakiemi will share with us shortly.... I'd come back to drop my document listing and run catch ups..... Lexus4g30 and Justwise..... Twale o!!!

Bibra800:
I may be misinterpreting the information , but for this mean that priority applications have a 60 working day assessment period or it's just stating that this is what you can expect without priority .

Home office is making me doubt my comprehension skills .Make una no vex.

Hehehehehehehehehee @ doubt my comprehension skills. It implies that standard applications (i.e. non-priority) will be for 60 Working Days....

Bibra800:
Congratulations !!!! Thank you for the wishes.I hope myself and Nakiemi will come and share good news soon too.
You are write about the forum.It was justwise that answered my masters Student visa application. Questions .I met my husband a month after I arrived England and we have a 4 month old son now.You never know how far your words will go .

Anyways ,Good luck !!!!!

Hey Bibra.....I'm watching out for your good news as well as that of Nakiemi...... Thanks a whole lot as well.....

As said in my native, "Ire Akari".... Just stay in good spirits.... That thing is hard sha.....its easier said than done.....LOL....B+

justwise:


Congratulations, glad you found info here useful

Thank you so very much.... Justwise.... U guys are doing good stuff here,.... I def will be around to give my own advise based on the experience garnered from y'all and mine...... It all always adds up..... That seemingly simple advise could just be someone's silver lining...

I will still put up my documents... Just joggling around a number of things/activities at the mo....

Lexusgs430:


Congratulations .............
Further goes to prove beyond reasonable doubt that, all information required to submit a very successful application is available in this thread (only if applicants are patient enough to read all pages )........

NB: To answer this question, you would have to hand me your passport and ticket, so we can swap. I promise to leave Madam for you ...... LOL

Aaahhhhaaannnn Bros Lexusgs430......Sombori cannot play with u ni.... Heheheheheheee...... Worry not.... I'm willing to forfeit the information since that is the price....lol

Hello Good Good People in this "House".......

Where do I start from? Uhhhhhmmm.... I am one of them VERY silent followers of this fantastic forum. I stumbled on the forum sometime in Q4 of 2016 when myself and wifey decided to go this route and I have followed the experience and diverse advises since then.

I read up from the recent past years and those experiences no doubt gave me clarity on all I needed to do/put together...

I normally do not do this but I promised myself and my Creator that once I have the outcome, I'd also come share my experience and help others wishing for same.

The wait has been MEGA tedious and nerve-wrecking; however here goes my TIMELINE (waited to state that for a VERY long time...hehehehee..):

Visa Timeline
Application Centre: TLS, V/I
Type: Non-Priority (Husband)

18/02/17 - Online application (submitted and fully paid)
23/02/17 - Biometrics appointment at TLS VI
23/02/17 - Supporting documents posted from London, UK via Royal Mail
24/02/17 - Response from UKVI Sheffield confirming receipt of application
22/05/17 - Application Assessed email from TLScontact
22/05/17 - Application Ready for Collection email from TLScontact
22/05/17 - Passport collected
19/05/17 - Visa valid
xx/xx/xx - Supporting documents returned in UK

Many thanks to the invaluable advises from Lexusgs430, Justwise, Tosine and a host of others on here... U guys ehhhnnn...... You just may never know how you have affected lives through your invaluable exposure in this regard and willingness to help others......

I will come again to update my documents as a reference point for others.

For those awaiting theirs, Bibra and Nakiemi in particular reference, I wish you guys good luck... I am quite sure the outcome will be positive!

On a lighter note, Lexusgs430...Who you be sef? How did you garner such tremendous knowledge of this process and requirements? That question has been on my mind for a very long time......LOL