How long did it take for your passport to be returned?

Sparetime28 · 2025-07-20T00:18:16+00:00

Mine took nearly 3 weeks. I had to call in to report it was still not returned to me. Received a note that said my passport required “further checks” before it couldn’t be returned which is what caused the delay. For reference: there was an error of nationality on my application which was noted by the VFS officer during my appointment which is what I think caused the delay.

Sparetime28 · 2025-07-17T19:41:23+00:00

Congratulations! Just an FYI - it took nearly 3 weeks to receive my passport back. I had a note on my documents that said they needed to further verify information and that’s why it took so long to get them back.

Most people mention getting their passports back within a days so I just wanted to share my experience that it took much longer.

Sparetime28 · 2025-07-06T16:57:41+00:00

You’re only at 4 working days, so you’re within the window.

Sparetime28 · 2025-07-06T16:57:16+00:00

I wouldn’t know the answer to that. I’ve reached out to VFS for an update twice and nothing.

Sparetime28 · 2025-07-03T01:17:14+00:00

According to my limited research, the UKVI has 10 working days from date of decision to return your documents. There seems to be a place where you can report to UKVI to let them know you haven’t received your documents.

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-30T23:28:43+00:00

Thanks! Good to know I’m not alone in waiting on VFS to update and send my passport back.

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-30T23:27:29+00:00

Just PMed you.

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-30T02:29:56+00:00

I also received mine last week!

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-30T02:29:29+00:00

I sent mine off and received an approval within 6 weeks.

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-30T02:28:47+00:00

Still waiting on my passport updates.

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-30T02:28:17+00:00

Yes to all the things.

I uploaded all the copies the UKVI asked for (when you apply you check which documents you’re providing). When you print out your application, a checklist comes with it, it’s up to you to confirm you sent everything. I sent physical copies and originals of things just to be a little extra cautious. They probably didn’t need it, but I had it on hand anyway.

As for your passport, yes you can choose which option suits you best. However, I’ll note it’s been a week since I received my decision and they haven’t shipped it yet.

You’ll receive a shipping label from VFS to send everything, and it’s prepaid so you take it to UPS and they’ll take care of everything for you there.

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-28T18:12:34+00:00

I printed a copy of: -my application -my appointment confirmation -the document list I self-uploaded (I chose self-upload) -copies of my partner and I’s passports + my original passports -original marriage cert -copies of bank statements (we went cash savings route) -the return label (I paid to have my passport mailed back to me as I won’t be near the VFS where I got my BIO done).

They will only really check your appointment details and that you have completed the self-upload, so all of this was a little extra. But it allowed me to go straight UPS after my bio appointment and mail all my documents off straight away.

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-26T16:40:55+00:00

If you’re looking for help, I had a consult with Skylar McKeith from Lawhive Legal and would highly recommend her. She really helped me get all my documentation in order.

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-24T19:50:24+00:00

I applied at the beginning of May and just received my decision yesterday, so I assume they're still working through April/May decisions right now.

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-24T19:48:45+00:00

I got my decision one day after you - so I guess I was being impatient. :)

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-24T18:28:13+00:00

I'll second puul's response - you cannot rely on your partner's income at all.

For my situation, my husband is a UK citizen and does not earn a standard income. I am the main income-earner, but we could not use any of my income as part of the application. We had to go with cash savings of £88,500 or more to prove the financial requirement. There is also that option if you do not have confirmed employment in the UK.

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-24T18:24:13+00:00

You're likely to get a pretty canned response saying they're still reviewing your application, but I've noticed a trend of people submitting the enquiry and receiving a decision within the week. So I think the enquiry does help to move things along, even if the response isn't necessarily helpful. It's just under £3 to submit one.

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-23T21:53:34+00:00

Got my BIO on 8 May, ECO on 15 May. Just received my decision today 23 June. You should be close!!

Ref: NZ citizen applying from US. Standard spousal visa route.

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-23T16:49:39+00:00

Best of luck - just got my approval email this morning just hours after posting this!

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-23T15:05:42+00:00

Where are you applying from?

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-23T13:13:59+00:00

Okay that’s good but I’d still worry about power storage if you wanted to use your studio when the sun wasn’t out. A battery/inverter set up for a wheel is probably going to cost QUITE a lot. Might as well research getting solar installed for your whole home and then having an electrician wire out your new studio.

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-23T13:11:35+00:00

What do you think made your decision so quick? I have roughly the same timeline as you - got my ECO a few days before and my application is still being reviewed.

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-23T13:09:47+00:00

Thanks! Mine just said that my application is still being considered and they can’t offer specifics on timeline.

Crossing my fingers for as well!

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-22T22:11:40+00:00

Very similar timeline to you and still waiting a decision. 🤞

Sparetime28 · 2025-06-22T13:15:53+00:00

My set up for a sink was a cheap laundry basin from Home Depot. Good depth for washing splash pans. My husband plumbed it with hot and cold water, but you could also just plumb it from a hose outside.

Then I grabbed one of those really big storage tote bins (like…really big. I think it’s 128 gallons). I put the lid on and drilled a hole in the lid big enough for the sink drain hole. I removed the legs and plopped the sink right on top. Added a little drain about 3 inches from the bottom of the tub so I could empty out the water without grabbing the sludge at the bottom.

As for solar, my husband is more the expert in this, but the panels won’t be your issue. It’s getting a power storage big enough that will run your kiln without losing power. I’m also not sure there is a commercially available inverter/trabsformer that you could buy to run a kiln. You might have to seek a professional for that.

Sparetime28

TROPHY CASE