Yes or No?

[SimonH]

Applied for a General visitors visa for Shey's niece to stay with us for the next 6 months and got this response yesterday:-

Dear ...........
The processed visa application for GWF reference number GWF********* was received at the UK Visa Application Centre on 6/6/2014 at 2:50PM. The documents should be collected as soon as possible at the designated passport collection times.




Now normally I could figure these things out for myself, but in this case I'm confused to say the least. OK, it's been processed but all that's telling me is that they've made a decision but not which decision

Any thoughts

[mickcant]

Seems like a YES to me
Fingers crossed all will be ok.
Mick.

[Terpe]

Applied for a General visitors visa for Shey's niece to stay with us for the next 6 months and got this response yesterday:-

Dear ...........
The processed visa application for GWF reference number GWF********* was received at the UK Visa Application Centre on 6/6/2014 at 2:50PM. The documents should be collected as soon as possible at the designated passport collection times.

Now normally I could figure these things out for myself, but in this case I'm confused to say the least. OK, it's been processed but all that's telling me is that they've made a decision but not which decision

Any thoughts

I'd guess that message came from VFS application centre?
If that's correct then VFS have no idea on the decision.....they only know the application has been processed and the 'return package' is/will be available for collection. VFS are not allowed to open those packages.
That's just a standard message.
Manila Hub will never disclose decisions to VFS or anyone else other than the applicant

Unless there's a message directly from Manila Hub the only way to know the outcome is when the package is opened and the passport is in hand.

[SimonH]

I'd guess that message came from VFS application centre?
If that's correct then VFS have no idea on the decision.....they only know the application has been processed and the 'return package' is/will be available for collection. VFS are not allowed to open those packages.
That's just a standard message.
Manila Hub will never disclose decisions to VFS or anyone else other than the applicant

Unless there's a message directly from Manila Hub the only way to know the outcome is when the package is opened and the passport is in hand.

Hi Terpe,


Yes it is from VFS (sorry for omitting that in my original post).

Talk about an ambiguous email though

Could read as the application was received at UK Visa Application Centre yesterday at 2:50PM and it would be collected from there


Surely a better reply in this case would something like...

Dear whoever

We are now in receipt of your passport and other documents from the UK Visa Application Centre and would appreciate you collecting these as soon as possible.
Please note that we cannot advise you of the visa decision as your documents are private and confidential and as such can only be opened by yourself.
Our address is.......
Our opening hours are......


Or would this be too easy

[Terpe]

I'd agree that something along those lines would be much more informative.

I'm sure UKVI have stipulated procedures and automated message wording etc so it may not be how VFS would have wanted it either.

Civil Service 'speak' is always at odds with plain English. IMHO

[Dedworth]

Way too easy

[SimonH]

Update after an email to VFS

Dear Ms............


Thank you for contacting the UK Visas and immigrations international enquiry service. As I checked you application status, we can confirm that they received your application but it is still awaiting the assessment. We hope that this has answered your query. For any further details, or should you need to contact us again please refer to our website at ........

[Jentobeharrison]

Not from VFS

[Terpe]

Update after an email to VFS

Dear Ms............


Thank you for contacting the UK Visas and immigrations international enquiry service. As I checked you application status, we can confirm that they received your application but it is still awaiting the assessment. We hope that this has answered your query. For any further details, or should you need to contact us again please refer to our website at ........

As Jen says, this is not from VFS it's from the UKVI Enquiry Service.

VFS has already informed the applicant that....

The processed visa application for GWF reference number GWF********* was received at the UK Visa Application Centre on 6/6/2014 at 2:50PM. The documents should be collected as soon as possible at the designated passport collection times....

Has the processed application package been collected from VFS as yet?

[SimonH]

Another update.......

Dear Ivy, Thank you for contacting the UK Visa and Immigrations International Enquiry Service. I have made a check on your application status and your application has been proceed. Visa application centre where you applied from will be contacted when ready to collect


"Has been proceed" what the heck is that meant to mean

Anyone got a contact number for VFS, preferably one that isn't 35php a minute

[Jentobeharrison]

I know that you really wanted to know the status of you application, however starting April 1, 2014 they do not give out information about the status of the application, they will also direct you to contact UKVI on the website

[SimonH]

Hi Jen,

I just want to know if the passport is available for collection, I know we wont know the status until we have the passport in our hands.

The confusion lies in the inability for either VFS or UKVI to be to communicate in English

Mail 1. VFS says it should be collected asap
Mail 2. UKVI says application received but still awaiting process
Mail 3. UKVI say the application has been proceed (what on earth does that mean)

So....... all I want is a phone number so I can ask a simple question preferably in English to the effect of "do you have the ing passport or not"

[Jentobeharrison]

There wouldn't be a phone number of VFS aside from their trunkline tho. I believe once they received the processed application, they will email you.

[SimonH]

OK visa refused due to ............

" lack of supporting documents they need a proof that you can sustain my accomodation they need your salary information, earnings and a proof that you own the house where in I will stay"


so I've emailed Shey's niece a copy of my latest bank statement and highlighted my wages going in and mortgage payment going out.


Where do we appeal the decision?

[Jentobeharrison]

That would just be for tourist visa right? If you lack of supporting documents my advice is to apply again and make sure you add the documents they're needed.

[SimonH]

Thanks Jen,

Yes it was for a tourist visa, $141 application fee though, and I'm a bit reluctant to spend another £82.

Anyone know if you can appeal the decision?

I have emailed asking the question, but didn't know if anyone has had any success with this

[raynaputi]

Thanks Jen,

Yes it was for a tourist visa, $141 application fee though, and I'm a bit reluctant to spend another £82.

Anyone know if you can appeal the decision?

I have emailed asking the question, but didn't know if anyone has had any success with this

You cannot appeal on decisions for a tourist visa. The only thing you can do is re-apply and make sure what's missing/lacking will be supplied.

[SimonH]

Thanks Rayna, does this mean another application fee?

If the original application was rejected do I get my application fee back?


Many thanks


Simon

[raynaputi]

Thanks Rayna, does this mean another application fee?

If the original application was rejected do I get my application fee back?


Many thanks


Simon

Yes, another application fee. You will not get any refunds for failed applications.

[Michael Parnham]

A shame really!

[melovesengland]

Like what other members said, you cant appeal on visit visa, all you can do is re-apply means other set of fees for you to pay. They won't refund any money either.

Make sure on your next application that the "money matter thingy" or the financial part of the requirements for the visa is covered. They are very hot with that. Any document that shows your maintenance, work, accomodation etc should be provided.

[SimonH]

I've told Ivy to re-apply with supporting documentation.


To be honest, I'm not really happy that I've had to send statements showing anyone who looks what my income is, but it has to be done.

How, on earth do you prove that you own the house? There's mortgage payments coming out of my account along with council tax, water etc Is this enough?

[Terpe]

Sorry to learn the visit visa was refused.

Here's my regular advice for standard visit visa:-

Visit visa's are notoriously problematic for many reasons.
Not least because approval or refusal of the General Visitor (tourist) visa applications is principally based on the discretion of the ECO.(Entry Clearance Officer)
Basically there is no appeal process.

The major complication is always going to be the need by the applicant to demonstrate a non-immigrant intent. Always a difficult challenge to overcome the UKVI 'presumption'.
It's not really possible to prove an intention by the applicant does need to clearly present strong social, economic and family ties back home in the Philippines that, on the balance of probabilities, would compel them to leave the UK at the end of the temporary stay.
Or putting it another way, that the documented aspects of the applicants life that bind them to the Philippines do not outweigh those stronger aspects in UK that may cause them to be unwilling to return home.

In terms of 'Financials' then in principle it doesn't matter who is funding.As long as there's sufficient.
Can be either the applicants or friends.

Typical examples of the type of documents that could be supplied can be found in the UKVI document called Guide to Supporting Documents - Visiting the United Kingdom (UK)

For the General Visitor the application should be supported with some of the following documents for a sucessful application:-

- if employed, a letter from your employer granting leave of absence from your job for a specified period - the letter should also say how long you have been employed by that employer, in what job(s), and when you are expected back at work
- if self-employed, evidence of your business activities and financial standing
- evidence of any property you owned in home country
- if a student, a letter from the school or college stating the course being studied, its start and finish dates, and the dates of the holiday period for intended visit to the United Kingdom
- evidence of any family or social ties and responsibilities to return home to
- evidence of any firm travel plans made
- bank statements going back over a period of several months
- evidence of savings/funds available during the stay
- evidence that the applicant can financially maintain and accommodate themselves in the UK with or without assistance from family/friends living in the UK but without resource to public funding or employment.

A sponsor can help greatly by providing an invitation/supporting letter to confirm the support they will be providing in terms of financial assistance and/or accommodation etc.

If the sponsor is intending to totally support the visit this is a listing of fairly typical supporting documents that should be provided:-

- 6 months Bank statements
- 6 months pay slips
- Proof of address (eg utility bill, Council Tax etc)
- Accommodation details (including owner's agreement / rental agreement)
- Sponsors passport copy (Photo page, any relevant stamp pages)
- The main reasons for wanting the applicant to travel at the specific time

All applications must be fully compliant with UKVI requirements.

[Arthur Little]

I've told Ivy to re-apply with supporting documentation.

... sorry too, to read about the refusal of Ivy's visa, Simon and wish her every success on reapplying.

[melovesengland]

I've told Ivy to re-apply with supporting documentation.


To be honest, I'm not really happy that I've had to send statements showing anyone who looks what my income is, but it has to be done.

How, on earth do you prove that you own the house? There's mortgage payments coming out of my account along with council tax, water etc Is this enough?

You can prove it all by submitting a letter from the solicitor that is holding the deeds of your house, land lord letter to say that your niece is allowed to stay whilst in the uk or tenancy agreement.

I'm so sorry to say but they can't just let anyone in not knowing the capability of the sponsor to support the applicant that is why they ask for proof on how you can support the applicant whilst he or she is in the UK.

[SimonH]

... sorry too, to read about the refusal of Ivy's visa, Simon and wish her every success on reapplying.

Thanks Arthur

[SimonH]

You can prove it all by submitting a letter from the solicitor that is holding the deeds of your house, land lord letter to say that your niece is allowed to stay whilst in the uk or tenancy agreement.

I'm so sorry to say but they can't just let anyone in not knowing the capability of the sponsor to support the applicant that is why they ask for proof on how you can support the applicant whilst he or she is in the UK.

Thanks


So far scanned copies of:-


Current bank statement (personal)
Available balance (company account)
last 2 pay slips including my latest P60


Will have a look for a mortgage agreement when I get home

[melovesengland]

Thanks


So far scanned copies of:-


Current bank statement (personal)
Available balance (company account)
last 2 pay slips including my latest P60


Will have a look for a mortgage agreement when I get home

No worries. Just give us a shout if you have more querries. We will try to sort it out.

[tone]

Yes, another application fee. You will not get any refunds for failed applications.

And I know all about that!

[SimonH]

Thanks


So far scanned copies of:-


Current bank statement (personal)
Available balance (company account)
last 2 pay slips including my latest P60


Will have a look for a mortgage agreement when I get home

Other paperwork sent now includes


Letter from mortgage company
Letter from council
Photocopy of passport
Renewed invitation letter


Anything missing