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[expat08]

I'm still waiting to hear back from HR about my work permit--if they've started the process, how long it will take to get it, etc. My husband, son, and I plan to move to the UK in mid August but I don't know if there will be a serious delay in getting them visas once I get my work permit. Does anyone know how this works? I've read the threads about needing to send your permit to the consulate for an entry clearance but no one has mentioned what they had to do with regards to family members.

We just don't want to book our flights (and spends lots of $$) and then have my husband/son end up needing to stay on in the US with relatives because they still don't have visas. Has this happened to anyone? I'm nervous  . . .

Thanks for any feedback!

[ideagirl]

Have you called the consulate to ask? They should at least be able to tell you something like, "Typically once the work permit comes through, it takes from X to Y weeks [or days or months, whatever] for the visas to issue."

It's not a good idea to book tickets when visas are still up in the air. Just a general rule of thumb.

[secretweapon]

You might need to put that question to HR and prod them a bit - find out their time schedule.  I'd expect things to take longer on that end than on the consular end.  You do need the permit for entry clearance, and I can't remember if that is all done by post or if you need to schedule an appointment - it's worth checking now.

[istocnjak]

We have just gone through this process twice, once for me last year and for the rest of the family this year. I did my application through the (now cancelled) HSMP, and the biggest problem was getting the visa approval. One day I may tell that whole story but I am sure nobody wants to hear it now. In any case, once the visa application was approved I applied for entry clearance to the nearest consulate via express mail. This whole process took less than five days. Most applications can be done online: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/

This year the rules had changed, and the process was easier. We made the online applications, then there is an appointment to take what they call "biometric data" (doesnt that sound impressive? it's a photo and fingerprints. doesnt eliminte the need to send them a photo for some reason.). Then off went the applications, and once again everything was approve and returned within five days. These were for dependent visas, not for the permit itself.

So I would say that unless you think there is a chance that your work permit will not be approved, it should be fine to go ahead and make travel plans. The Home Office does give stats on how long an application generally takes. I am too lazy to look them up now, but seem to recall that once the application is received they generally do not take more than two weeks or so.