The British High Commission yesterday issued a statement about the UK visa application process, including the current processing times, and a warning about the activities of unscrupulous agents.
“We decided to make this announcement because we are aware that unscrupulous agents are exploiting some applicants and giving them misleading visa information. These agents are taking money to arrange appointments at the visa application centres and encouraging applicants to submit fraudulent applications. It is important that our customers know that there is no charge for appointments and fraudulent applications will be refused and mean longer processing times for everyone” said Director of Visa Services, Peter Chaplin.
“We have taken a number of measures to improve the service to customers and prevent abuse of the visa system.”
“All applicants must obtain an appointment to submit their visa applications. They do this by telephoning Gerry’s on 0900 10411 or 8865 from a mobile phone. Gerry’s have taken on more staff to respond to the increased number of calls and requests for appointments.”
“We are seeing more fraudulent visa applications. As a result, genuine applicants wait longer for their visas, as visa officers are required to carry out extensive anti-fraud checks. We would ask applicants not to listen to agents who say that they can guarantee them a visa and that it is easy to do so using forged documents. Agents have no power to guarantee visas. We will detect false documents and, through the biometrics process, we will detect all false identities. This kind of abuse of the visa process will result in the visa application being refused and the applicant risking a ban on travel to the UK for the next 10 years.”
“We would like to remind customers that visa application forms are free of charge and available from the Gerry’s website: www.ukvacpk.com. It is important that these application forms are completed fully.”
“Currently, customers need to allow the following number of weeks for end to end processing: approximately 4 weeks if the application is made at Mirpur Visa Application Centre (VAC), 5 weeks at the Islamabad VAC and 6 weeks at Lahore and Karachi VACs. The processing times are available and regularly updated on Gerry’s website, www.ukvacpk.com”
“We welcome genuine visitors to the UK and are working hard to make the waiting times shorter. We would ask our customers to make their visa applications in very good time before they intend to travel and not to take up the services of unscrupulous agents”
http://ukinpakistan.fco.gov.uk/en/newsroomnew/?view=PressR&id=19079147
hi dear friend,
Please dont worry and just look at my case…..
Kindly note that i have submitted my Tier 4 Student application on 6th may and my class date was 20th july and now its 4th of november…My extention time, Acceptance letter,TB test are all expired….I have submitted 4500 pounds a full year fee with Bank statement of 3000000 Pakistani rupees in my personal bank statement which i actually maintained from the last one year..
So i think my case is the worst one in all the above cases.Please pray for me…
@Khalil Shah,
Did they contact u for re submit of new T.B certificate or any other expired document.I applied on 9 july…got a call letter on 15 Oct to re submit my new T.B certificate.i m doen today with all that shit…I heard these guys are speeding up their process time.
@Rehman,
bro when was it told 2 u by abu dhabi center that ur decision has been made??
@KHAN,
i got mail from them on 27th Aug that ur decision has been made, but on 15 Oct i got call from Gerry tht ur documents are ready to collect. After reaching there i got only my expired T.B certificate and PPs and a letter to re submit my new T.B certificate.Now they have said tht it will take more than a month. Again time to wait for their f**king call..Its almost 4 months now to this shit
HI, MY WIFE APPLIED FOR A SETTLEMENT CASE TO JOIN ME IN THE (U.K) ON THE 30TH SEP 2009…
CAN ANYONE PLEASE TELL HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A SETTLEMENT CASE PLEASE…?
THANK’S
@WAQAS, did u get any news?as my wife applied on the same day as well
thanks
noman
@khalil shah
yeah bro ur case is 1 of the worst cases i have heard.. anywayz best ov luck… have u called abu dhabi?? if yes then wat was their rply…??
can any1 tell me how much tym they take after ur decision has been taken by abu dhabi application center to deliver ur pp back?? as i called on 5th October and they said that my decision has been made and u’ll shortly be called by gerry’s themselves.. but still no response frm their side….
my frnd also submitted his application wid me and he already got his visa back on 15th of october… any1 plz….???
@khalil shah
bro i’ll be waiting 4 ur reply..
Dear Friends,
Bhc Islamabad and Abudhabi didn’t call me once for any kind of resubmission of my documents.I emailed them several time but they are just sending me the same email again and again from the last 5 months.
“My application is being processed and the decision will be made shortly”.
I dont know what to do
Mail recieved today from BHC
Ref:1610556
Thank you for your e-mail. This is to inform you that your visa application is still under process with ongoing checks. We are unable to give you an exact time frame. Application cannot be concluded until all checks are completed. Please wait to be contacted through Gerry’s in due course.
I have talked to the Gerry’s manager today. She told me the reality that there are almost 15000 tier 4 student applications and 9000 Apeal cases which are still in a backlog….with no processing time frame.
She also told me one other important thing people who had applied for the withdrawl of their apllications are still waiting from the last 2 months with no passport…
@ Khalil shah
Bro don’t worry it will b alright… tell me have u called on abu dhabiz helpline?? what was their reply?? if u haven’t then call them on
0097126101539
plz give me gerry’s managerz num…
Sorry dear, I don’t have Manager’s number. I met her 2 ,3 days back in Jerry’s Islamabad office…Her name is Miss Maria…But she told me that she has nothing in her hands….Only email is the solution of this problem..
I am hoping to send my husbands visa settlement papers soon. I just want to know if my case will get rejected because i am working but being paid in cash. I cash that money into my bank myself. My employer does not pay bank account to bank account. Will that be a problem?
SALAMZ SARAH IF U PAYING THE TAX FROM YOUR SALARY THEN DOESNT METTA FOR GETTING PAID IN CASH. BUT YOU MUST NEED TO SHOW PROPER EMPLOYER LETTER AND PROPER ACCOMODATION PAPERS. REMEMBER ONLY A DOCUMENT CAUSES A REFUSAL AND HE HAS TO WAIT FOR A YEAR OR MORE BECAUSE OF THAT
DEAR FRIENDS
I STILL NOT GOT ANY NEWS ABOUT MY PASSPORT WHICH WAS SUBMITTED ON 15TH JUNE FOR BUSINESS VISA & WAITING NEWS FROM ANY FRIENDS WHICH IS DAILY CHECKING THIS WEB SITE IF ANY ONE APPLY IN JUNE AND GOT PASSPORT PLS LET ME KNOW.
I HEARD FROM SOME ONE THAT IN GOOGLE SEARCH ENGINE WE CAN FIND ANY THING IN THE WORLD BUT I PUT THERE MY PASSPORT NO BUT NO ANY RESULT FOUND
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHH
Azhar
You are becoming mad and British Govt is responsible.
faisal
hi..is there anybody here who applied for post study work visa and still not got his/her reply yet. Please reply with ur date of application thanks
AOA
applied on 21st of july for student visa but still no response…
my uni is asking for scanned copy of visa to defer my case to jan session… BLOO** F***** services…
Aoa,
dear Brothers and sisters, You all got very short time to wait. I sent my documents on 28th November, 2008 and as yet couldnt get my passport back. On cobntacting them again and again they are just keep saying ‘ Application is still in process just wait nothing else ‘
@Khan
Did they call u for resubmission of TB,and acceptance letter? And second your case is an apeal case or fresh one?
Yar i applied on 6thmay 2009 still waitin…no call from BHC…..amazing….Yar whats goin on?
@Khalil Shah,
its a fresh case bro…
AOA,
I re-submited my TB test n work permit on 11 th Sep, 2009 and its my fresh case. But as the result of 2 months silence from there side and keep sending them emails they replied that
‘ Please be advised that all non-settlement applications are being assessed in British Embassy Abu-Dhabi and settlement applications are being handled at UK HUB London.
Under the current procedure, Passports are kept by BHC Islamabad for as long as the application is sent to one of the above mentioned UK Visa Operation Centres. After the visa application has been concluded from Abu Dhabi or UK HUB, it still has to be in a queue for further process at BHC Islamabad before it is returned to the applicant through Gerry’s office.
Due to heavy flow of visa applications we have some back log that is why applicants are requested to check their case status on visa application centre’s website at http://www.ukvacpk.com ‘
InshaAllah, I think this information would ease little bit to all all brothers and sisters waiting problems that whats story behind this delay by BHC this time.
I need you all’s special dua for me and all other brothers and sisters. take good care all of u.
Asalaam o Alekum To All,
please all of us do dua for each other as we have been all waiting for long time and InshaAllah soon we will all be smiling and thanking god after success. HAJJ Month is starting soon and we all will have a good news soon. InshaAllah. Ameen
keep praying for each other”s
Allah”s Delays Are Not Allah”s Denial
@khalil
no bro my tb certificate will expire on 22nd dec… though they didn’t ask for my acceptance letter but my consultant is saying that ask ur uni to send a visa support letter for next session and send it to “visa.abudhabi@fco.gov.uk”, as many cases have already been released after sending new visa support letter… i have requested my uni 2 send me visa support letter for next session but they didn’t reply yet..
@all
it is my advice to get your visa support letter from ur institutions on urgent basis and send it to the address mentioned above… m also doing the same… best wishes 4 every1…
@ Khan
Thanks khan for the advice..i will do this on urgent basis…And one thing Gerry’s Authorities told me they will clear all backlog before EID
AOA,
Here is one more update regarding delay in processing visa applications at Abu Dhabi and BHC.
The British High Commission in Islamabad has cleared 4000 UK visa appeals cases in the last five weeks, emplying additional temporary staff in Islamabad and Abu Dhabi to clear backlogs and get visa processing operating smoothly.
British Home Office Minister Phil Woolas gave this information in response to a question raised by Lord Nazir Ahmed regarding UK Visa processing times in Islamabad and Abu Dhabi, and Woolas expressed his satisfaction at the good progress.
The Minister said historically there have been high volumes of appeals in settlement and family visitor categories in Islamabad (about 4,000 a month) which have posed challenges.
Woolas also talked of the tough checks introduced by the British Government around the world for anyone applying for a UK Visa.
@ khalil
Allah karay aisa he ho or sab acha ho…
DID ANY ONE APPLY EEA SPOUSE VISA , IF YES PLZ REPLY ME
THANKS
hello,i applied a eea family permit before 3 weeks but i am still wating for the answer.did u apply as well.if u dont mind so plz call me 0300-9240303
A.A everyone,
Just wanted to know,how many days does it take to get your TB test done in pakistan ?
Please advise
thanks
@Khalid,
10 to 15 days from start
fist of all you take test date from islamabad oem center and then before this date you smitted his fee of 3000rs and then on date which is given to you , you go and give him test and same day you wiil get report
@Khalid,
10 to 15 days
i am apply to uk for student visa.. please help me tb test centre number. i apply for tb test appointment.. please help me..
THANKS….
@NOOR ZAMAN,
first u have to call @ (051) 111 466 472 and get your appointment date and time… before this you have 2 submit 3000 rs at standard charted bank and take original bank receipt with you along with other documents. you can ask about other documents when you call for your appointment…
HI
IS THERE ANYONE WHO HAVE RECEIVED PASSPORT FOR VISIT APPLIED IN JUNE
RGDS
FAISAL
@FAISAL PARVEZ,
I applied for a business visa on 2nd June & still waiting. Decision was made in Abu Dhabi on 21st June & since themn it has been in Islamabad.
I don’t what is happening or when my passport will be returned to me. I call Abu Dhabi on regular basis for updates & even they are now surprised that i haven’t received it!
@FAISAL PARVEZ,
I applied for a business visa on 2nd June & still waiting. Decision was made in Abu Dhabi on 21st June & since then it has been in Islamabad.
I don’t know what is happening or when my passport will be returned to me. I call Abu Dhabi on regular basis for updates & even they are now surprised that i haven’t received it!
hello everybody,
i am new to this forum,
i applied for tier 4 student visa on 13 oct 09, and my status on application tracking database didnt change from the first day ,”Application forwarded to islamabad OC on ” . i mailed Abudhabi about my status on 13 Nov , in reply they said that they have processed my application and that i will hear from Gerry’s shortly about the collection of my passport. its now 41st day of my application submitted and still no call from gerry’s or change in status. i am worried about my application . please can anyone tell me whats going on there. i will appreciate a kind reply
hi all
i applied in LCA( London college of accountancy ltd) for ACCA. and i am 100% genuine student.
is there any one who applied for same qualification. i want to know the processing time taken by BHC after application received by abudhabi.
i m wondering why its taking so long, what should do please advise .
and i forgot to say EID MUBARIK.
i am waiting for this chance
INSHA ALLAH i am waiting
@Khan,
Have you receieved your passport?
@Khalil Shah,
yeah bro alhamdullilah i have received my passport with entry clearance on 23rd of november… these B***** B**** have misplaced my original matric, FSc, IELTS and graduation transcripts.. these days i’m making efforts to get duplicate of certificates.. duplicate IELTS certificate cannot be issued again confirmed by british council… what abt u??
@ Khan
yar i want to withdraw my application….no reply from last 7 months from BHC…
@Khan you applied for which course and institute etc..and on which date i mean submission date?
I just want to appeal to British High Commission and Mr Alan Johnson Home Sectary UK that there are some other type as well, such as settlement visa and allowed appeal cases etc.
We are victim of these delays as well. Our appeals have been allowed by Asylum and Immigration Tribunal UK. Many people are waiting for so many months for a call and some are waiting for their passport back. I am victim of this process as well I have re submitted my passport and it was 8 months ago. There is a worse condition too. I have been waiting for more then 8 months without a reply. It is indefensible for the British High Commission to take so long just to stamp a visa. And more worrisome is that there is no time frame for such of cases. If we call Gerry’s they say time frame is INDEFINITE which is totally unfair. This inordinate delay made me maid
It is good to learn that the British High Commission has a mind to clear the backlog. I am sure the authorities in British High Commission will take a compassionate view of all visa cases.
hi sarah u r so lucky i applied since sep its 4 month start but not response wat can i do i m so upset.
HI SADIA, I APPLIED FOR A SETTLEMENT VISA FOR MY WIFE TO JOIN ME IN THE U.K ON THE 30 SEPT 2009, IT’S BEEN 2MTHS NOW BUT NO RESPONSE, I HOPE INSHALLAH I GET A RESPONSE OR A ANSWER WITHIN 60 WORKING DAYS INSHALLAH…
hi waqas me also apply settlement visa . abt 3 month before but no response my 3 month completed nd myn status same from the 1st day application forwarded to islamabad oc on i m fadup from this status pata nahi yah visa kion nahi day rahay may nay email bhi ki but not reply wat can i do plz any 1 help me?
hy guys i have applied for study visa in march they send a letter that there is some problem with documents.but they do not send documents and passport back they mail me that they send documents to FIA.anyone help me what i should do.thanks
hi imran its very bad they call abudehbi from where some solution is made .
hi dear i have aplied for student visa on december 9 please pray 4 me any one who aplied on dec plz rply
@Noorullah, inhallah you will get visa before christmas
yar ali plz pray for me i will pray for you leave your cell # we will be in contact to each other thanks.do you know processing times in december?reply
my cell no is 03468877161. u write ur cell no wrong plz correct it. british embassy is open aj mghe un ke call bhi aye ha
@ali, my number is 03003833946
hy guys i have applied for study visa in march they send a letter that there is some problem with documents.but they do not send documents and passport back they mail me that they send documents to FIA.anyone help me what i should do.can u tell me that how can i contact fia. thanks
faiz
Hello gul khan lala.
I passed my bsc.
Now i am apply for student visa. Ple infome what things
Reqiured.jest,bank statment,so on so
Thank u.
@faiz mohmand, bro my name is adeel kayani,n m in london.i will sugest u dnt cm hea,cz halat bot khrab han,no jobs,no survival.as u wish
hi i submitted ma settlement application on 23rd dec but when ever i check da status dey say application is forwarded to islamabad oc on,
i jst wnted to knw when i wil get ma pasport bak??
can anyone tell me that how i contact FIA.
Here is the link to FIA complaint Centre;
http://www.fia.gov.pk/casehistory/site/hlp_complaints.php
Ali FIA ko case daynay ki unki kya reason thi..?.i will help u
hello everyone i finally got my student visa with 2 years validity and leaving pakistan on 20 january
Dear Friends,
Plz let me know I have submitted my passport in July, through Call in Letter. I have applied for a student visa and my course is going to start in Feberuary…Kindly plz let me know will the BHC return my passport before my course or how long I have to wait more….I have missed my complete whole year 1st Appeal was in processed….I hope not to miss the upcoming semester Plz remember me in your Dua.
Thanks,
I Syed Zaheer Ali, I am Pakistani National. I have applied for EEA family permit from Karachi, Pakistan on 30-12-2009. It is almost 3 weeks, but I still waiting for the answer. I do not know why it is taking a long time. I provide all the necessary documents. and I have already email more than 6 times to UKHUB.PAKISTANGeneralEnquiries@fco.gov.uk but i didn’t receive any response.if any body know about information plz let me know thanx.ZAHEER.
Can any body know that how long it will take time to process EEA family permit?
Dear Friends,
I applied my Tier-1 General Visa on 20th November, 2009 and still waiting this ruthless aggression waiting journey. Almost 2 and a half months is completed and no sign of relief YET. All my Visa requirement papers documents was from UK (Education, Earning etc).
Basically, I was living in UK almost 5 years. The circumstances about my UK visa is just to get the entry clearance from Pakistan. And will work in UK.
Can any body know How long for the processing time frame of the Tier-1 General Visa in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Any Help and suggestion would really be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
(waiting a reply)