In my last post on Applying for a UK Youth Mobility Visa I went through what it was and how to apply for one.
After you’ve handed over the money, picked your appointment date for your biometric data to be taken and printed off everything in triplicate (hey I was taught to always be prepared, thank you Scouts) your next step is to wait till your appointment date. The appointment is just a really fancy way of saying hey we want your finger prints just in case we want to implicate you in a crime while your here. I kid honest… oh god I’m so getting strip searched on arrival.
The appointment is a breeze. They make you drive to “insert nearest capital city here” for what is a 2 minute process. That is unless you’ve worn your finger prints away like I had on my left hand pinkie finger. My appointment was in Melbourne which for the rest of you is about a 1.5 hour drive away.
Entering the consulate office you take a seat opposite the glass wall and wait to be called. Don’t try and talk to the staff behind the glass wall because your getting no love there trust me, the guy that walked in after me sure found that out.
Using the press here to talk method of PA systems your name is called and you front up to the counter and pass over the following:
- Printed visa application form (Attach your passport photo to it)
- Booking confirmation form
- Valid passport
You then get told to stick your fingers on the miniature scanner so they can scan your digits. Right hand, left hand and then the thumbs. Apparently I work too hard because as I said one of my fingers wouldn’t scan. We tried pressing on it, breathing on it and even doing the look away to be all sneaky and fool the scanner trick. Eventually they got the scans and that was it. I got back my form with a stamp on it and a half A4 size piece of paper detailing my next step.
That next step will require the following important pieces of documentation:
- Signed application form with accompanying biometric stamp of approval
- Passport sized photo (hopefully still attached to your application form)
- Current passport
- Completed self-assessment form and accompanying documents (Appendix 7 Self-Assessment Form)
The first three items are easy you have those. The fourth item as mentioned in the first post is to print off the Appendix 7 document and fill it in. They ask the obvious stuff like your name (don’t get that wrong please), age etc. The important bit is Part 4.
This section requires you to prove you have 1600 quid in the bank before you get there. The easiest way to do this is send in your latest bank statement. Just make sure its current, they require one dated within 30 days of your application. Most banks are willing to issue you a current statement but be careful there is probably going to be a fee attached to it. I suggest applying for it as soon as you apply if not sooner, banks can be a bit slow and if your pressed for time applying well.. you don’t want to know the answer to that.
Set with all my documents I purchased two express post parcels. One to send the documents down in and one for them to post it back to me, the cheap buggers won’t even foot the bill for postage back. Express post also allows you to track the parcel just in case someone looses it because after all it will contain your passport.
Then you play the waiting game. Estimated processing times can be found at this web page . Only get nervous if after 10 days you still haven’t heard anything because according to that page 98% of claims are completed in that time frame.
You will receive an email when they receive your documents and then one at the end detailing if you have been approved or not. I can tell you when I received these words in an email today I was ecstatic.
Your application has been approved and your documents will be dispatched within 2 working days.
Overall when you have the right information this process really is a breeze. The daunting task is finding out what you need. I hope that both my articles on the topic can help to serve other future applicants in Applying for the Youth Mobility Visa.
Hey guys – does anyone know the best (and cheapest) mobile phone provider to use on pre pay for making calls back to Aus mobiles?
I’ve done my own research but still confused about which one I should go with.
Cheers
Sorry I have another question or two. I’m flying out tomorrow night (very excited and a bit nervous) and I’m planning on just getting the train from Heathrow to Kings Cross St Pancras Station. I’m going to have a suitcase, a back pack and a few other things with me. Just wondering if people are going to get p*ssed off with me because it’s going to be around 5pm ish so I’m thinking the trains might be super packed. I was looking at catching the Express Train but the cost was ridiculous LOL.
I’m taking with me my little net book and was wondering which provider to go with for pre paid internet? I think that’s it for now!! I had a look on the weather report & it said London was like 1 degrees today or something. I thought there must be some mistake.lol Seems not though…
Cheers again,
Hey Kimberley good luck for your flight its a looooooong one 🙂
As for the phone provider I use O2 and pay 10 pound for 300 free txt and 500MB of internet. There is no provider that’s great for calling home on and great for living in the UK so I suggest you use skype to call home as it’s free and allows for video chat. For your netbook you will find free wifi at starbucks and the like otherwise O2 and other providers off the USB dongles like back home for 10-20 pound a month as well.
Your best to get the Piccadilly Tube from Heathrow to Kings Cross and don’t worry about being in peoples way as you get on right at the start of the tube ride so will have a seat and all your baggage to deal with. There are people like that everyday so it won’t be a problem at all.
As for the weather well yes it’s just turned really cold as it was around 10 degrees all last week. Still it wouldn’t be an english welcome if it wasn’t cold for you. All the best and if you need anything sing out always happy to help another Aussie abroad.
Thanks mate. Yep, not looking forward to the loooong flight. I thought I was clever in getting a night flight HA lol I won’t be doing much sleeping, might get 2 hours if I’m lucky I now realise. I’m going to crash as soon as I get to my hostel. Blissful sleep 🙂 I’ll start my new life/big adventure the next day! Would be good to meet up for a coffee or beer! Probably need the beer I think.
Thanks again for your great blog with lots of helpful info/tips. Makes things that much less stressfful for us travellers!
Hey Aussie Nomad – great blog buddy!!
I have been referring to this a lot while organising my lil ‘adventure of a lifetime’.
I’m not looking to go for a few months yet and have a few things to sort out here so haven’t applied for my visa as yet. This is totally gonna be my ‘Bible’ when i do! LOL
What am I saying…it already is!! hehe I’m freaking out so I’ve already started filling out the forms and checking I have the ‘right stuff’!! 😛
So…I’m just wondering if anyone knows a good teaching agency to sign up with? Or are you best just applying for random teaching jobs that are advertised online? I’m a Kindergarten teacher here in Australia and it seems like, to do similar, I’d be looking at teaching Reception over in the UK or year one if i wanted to go with the older babies. Any tips of agencies & whether to go with them or not would be greatly appreciated!! 🙂
Again – thanks for all the YMV info nomad…been awesome!!
I’ve just applied for and sent my stuff off for the Youth Mobility visa. BUT now I am freaking out a little after reading comments re: infringements. I read the questions as any criminal convictions which is no…..except I had minor traffic fines that I completely forgot about!!!! annnnnnnnnd now I am afraid that its going to be declined and I wont even be let into the country because they will think I am trying to hide something! arrghhhh….HELP!
Shannon, I have had so many speeding fines etc. And I got my visa. It only applies to you if it’s a conviction, so If you have a criminal record, which speeding fines don’t. So don’t panic!!! 🙂
THANK YOU!! fingers crossed 🙂
Shannon, I’m no expert, but I really wouldn’t worry about that.. It will be fine.
Can anyone PLEASE tell me a rough idea of the current processing times?
I sent mine last thursday.. Leaving me 2.5 weeks until my plane flys out. (yes I know VERY stupid) but do I have any chance of making that flight or should i just change it now?
I know further up people have said it took 2 weeks.. But is that since the processing hub moved to Manila?
Also, can someone PLEASE clarify when you get confirmation emails? When it gets there AND when it’s accepted or refused? Or just one or the other?
And lastly.. My bank statement was my most recent one.. However they come out quarterly.. So it was from September.. However, when they lady stamped and signed it, she dated it.. So it’s got a recent date written on it and signed on the bank.. WIll that be ok?
Freaking out here.. 2 weeks til my plane leaves and I don’t even know if it will be approved 🙁 silly me.
Hi Holly
Unfortunately I can’t be of any help to you as my boyfriend is in the same predicament. He sent off for his visa on Tuesday 10th January and we are meant to be flying out on the 14th Feb and we haven’t heard anything back yet. It has only been 2 weeks, but like you said when do you give up and change your flight details?
and again does Manila make the process longer?
Any advice and help would be fantastic right now!
Hi Holly and Bonnie,
I just got mine last month, heard back within a week, about 3 or 4 days, that it got accepted, and got my passport back just over a week after that I think. The bank statement needs to be within 30 days of application, so hopefully the stamp is enough for you, the best thing is to just get a letter from the bank rather than a statement though, so much easier, banks are a pain with the statements they give out.
It shouldn’t take too long but look on the website and it has the estimated times for each month because some are busier than others, all the info you need is in all these comments you just have to take your time and read..
Fingers crossed for you both 🙂
Thanks JB.. Fingers crossed indeed..
when getting a letter frpom the bank? what should the letter include exactly?
Hi there, just wondering if there is any problem with getting into the UK on a Tier 5 YMV and only having a one-way flight booked? Obviously if I am there for up to 2 years and don’t know when I am returning exactly I can’t book a return flight, but I heard from someone that you need proof of return to get into the UK. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I came here on a one way ticket and there wasnt any problem with that. You should be fine without a return ticket
According to my tracking my parcel has been delivered to F Rianto and I haven’t gotten an email saying that they’ve received my documents. Should I contact the post office or something?????
I dont think you will receive any e-mail when they receive your documents. They only sends and e-mail telling your visa will be dispatched shortly. So pls dont panic. Pls wait for a couple of days!
Holly
Just to let you know his visa arrived today, so it took 2 weeks and 1 day and he never received a confirmation email.
So hopefully yours will come to you in time too!
Good Luck!
Thanks Bonnie really appreciate you letting me know! 🙂
Thanks Holly – I haven’t heard anything yet either… it’s been a week. :S
Just wondering, those who got an email, what was the wording used? I’ve just received one only saying ‘your visa will be dispatched shortly’ .. This must mean it’s approved right?? Don’t want to get too excited!!
Hi Jane,
I got the same email today as well! I think its all good to go!!!
They legally cannot state whether your visa has been approved or not via email so this is the standard email they send whether your visa has been approved or not. For security reasons they cannot let persons know via email if their application has been successful! So you’ll just have to wait until you open your passport! Best of Luck!!!
hi! this may sound silly but you go to the UK embassy for your appointment taking your online form (printed) appointment booking, recent passport photo, and a pre paid self addressed envelope, get your fingerprints scanned and they stamp the form and then you go home and get together the other documents like bank statment etc and post them off with passport and other forms and send them enclosed another platinum envelope so they can send it back?? Is this right, my appointment at the embassy is next week and I just hope this is right!
Hi Nicola,
Yes that is right, except you need to take your passport along as well. I did this last week, currently waiting to hear back. It was easier for me just to take it all with me to the appointment and pop it into a post box straight afterwards!
The appointment took me all of 2 minutes, had to go to Melbourne all the way from Hobart for it, crazy!
so you dont need and statement etc for the interview? What about that Appendix 7 Self-Assessment Form? thanks for your help!
Nope, u had it right the first time 🙂
ah thank you! sooo stressful!!
good luck with it all! 🙂
I’m fairly certain this is the most stressful waiting game eveeeer!!! haha!!! Hurry up already 🙂
Hi,
Nomad great blog mate – killing it.
Sorry to probably point out the complete obvious. BUT, have I got this correct.
Step 1. Book an appointment with the biometric agency (all original supporting documents)
THEN
Step 2. Send my information to the UK embassy (all original supporting documents + bank statements + appendix 7)
Thanking you
Elliot thats pretty much it. You fill out the online form and book the biometric appointment. From there take your printed application form along with passport and photos etc to the appointment. They get your fingerprints and stamp your form ready to send off with the bank statement anf appendix 7 etc.
You’re a legend!
Appreciate you taking the time out to reply as well!
If you’re still traveling in June, I’ll be going mad with the Aussie fanatics, we’ll shout you a beer 🙂
Hey I’m an Australian and have just completed my on-line visa application form, paid and booked my biometrics appointment. Like you mentioned in your first blog I’m confused as to whether I have to now post my passport, visa application, passport photo etc. or bring it with me to the Biometric Appointment. I’m assuming I take it with me, get my application stamped and then post the stamped application and supporting documents (bank statement, Appendix 7 etc.) to the UK Border Agency in Aus. Thanks for any clarification 🙂 Wow what a process!
Stace, you are right in assuming you bring it with you to the biometrics. Later on once its stamped you send all docs to the address which will be given to you at the biometrics.
Great blog, thank-you so much!
I’m sick of this stressful waiting game…worried that it had to be ‘sent to our regional processing hub in Manilla’ …that’s my passport!!!
I’m still waiting…sent it off on Wednesday 1 February and EP said it was delivered ~6am Thursday 2 February. Haven’t heard anything about it yet and keep checking my email …getting really nervous!!!!
I’m in the same boat Kate. I sent off my application on Wed 1 Feb and according to Australia Post, my documents delivered to the Sydney GPO Box at 6am on Thurs 2 Feb but I still haven’t received an email about my visa either. Hopefully we’ll both hear back soon! I keep checking my email as well!
*fingers crossed* for both of us Emma! When do you leave?
I’m planning on leaving in about 6-8 weeks time but I haven’t booked my flight there yet since I’m waiting to hear back about the visa. How about you? 🙂
I’m arriving in the UK with my British partner on 26 March …but we leave Australia on 13 March to stop in Oman to see his parents on the way …so we leave in just over 4 weeks! Hoping it all works out soon!!
Hi Emma,
Did your post tracking say that it was ‘awaiting collection from post office’ at any point?
I got an email afternoon saying: “Your visa will be despatched shortly. Passports can normally be collected from the Visa Application Centre after 3 days. Applicants in Australia and New Zealand should allow 3 days before tracking their documents via the local post. UKBA-Manila Visa Hub”
Based on what everyone’s said on this site, I hope this means it’s been approved!
That means it took about 6-7 business days to get the email after the docs were received at the Sydney GPO Box.
Kate – I hope this means you’ll hear back soon for your visa too!
Erina – I think when I checked on the Australia Post website it just said “delivered” – I didn’t see “awaiting collection from post office” (but then again I only checked the status once)
Aussie Nomad – Thank you for your very useful post! I wish I had seen it before I applied – I was so confused about which documents to send and what order to do things in since everything about the visa was spread across all so many different websites and parts of the UK Border Agency site. However, it was great to read your post confirming which documents needed to be sent – it was a real relief
Oh congrats Emma! I hope you’re right ….no point checking my email continually over the weekend, just hope I hear back next week. 🙂
Thanks Kate! 🙂 Fingers crossed you hear back in the next few days
I can’t seem to find where to print ‘Appendix 7 – Self Assessment Form’ form. Where about is it located on the UK Border Agency site?
Thanks for such a helpful article by the way!
Also, can the proof of funds be from an Australian bank account, or does it need to be a British one?
Hi Grace,
Submitting the proof of funds from an Australian bank account is fine – they say they “will assess the funds in your account using the exchange rate published by OANDA on the date of your application” as per here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier5/youthmobilityscheme/supportingevidence/maintenance/
The self-assessment form can be accessed here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/visas/vaf9-app7.pdf
Cheers,
Kate.
Thanks so much for that Kate. I was also wondering, does your visa become valid as soon as application is accepted, or at a certain time period after?
Hi Grace,
I haven’t yet received (or heard anything back about) mine yet, so I’m not 100% sure…however I believe they date it from the date that you said you’d be entering the UK, provided it’s not longer than 3 months after your application date?
Cheers,
Kate.
Wooohoooo!! I still haven’t received an email or anything but have been checking the tracking number on the Australia Post website. Until just then there was nothing (it was the sound of the AusPost motorbike about to deliver something to us here at work that prompted me to check) and yep, it said it was posted last night and next thing the door bell rang – the postie handed it to me. I’m going to the UK baby!! 😀
Congrats Kate thats great news, first beer is on me 🙂
Hahaha thanks – might just take you up on that! Thank you sooo much for all your help – you’ve been a lifesaver! 🙂
No problem mate and thank you for all the comments you’ve left here. I created the blog to help other travellers and you guys are all helping me do that as well.
Congratulations Kate!!
Yeah, I’ve heard that also, so that sounds right. Thanks again for your replies, I hope everything goes well.
Grace.
This is a great blog! I couldn’t have got all of my information together without it!
I do have 1 question. I went to get my biometrics done in brisbane and the little sheet of paper they gave me with instructions regarding the next step says ‘send in all original supporting documentation and a copy of each document’. I am wondering if anyone else has sent in copies as well as the originals.
Cheers
No need to send copies, I sent two photos but they returned one to me, just make sure your name is on the back! Goodluck 🙂
Actually you may have to, I didn’t but they might have change because I not remember them saying anything about copies. Just send them to be safe, they return whatever they don’t need! Sorry, I read your post a little too quick! 🙂
I ended up sending the copies anyway. I spose it is not bad to send too much information! Just waiting to here back now. This whole process does send you a little insane! haha
WOO! I got my email today!! I am off to the UK! See you all there!
Oh no, I did my biometrics in Sydney on the 14th in Sydney and sent everything off that day, I don’t remember reading to send a copy of everything, I just posted the originals? I’ll check my slip of paper when I get home tonight. I went with a visa service so I went with their instructions and did a quick cross check with the slip of paper. Fingers crossed I’ll be fine!
Hi Amity,
The originals should be fine – I don’t recall seeing anywhere to send copies of everything and just sent the originals. Am sure you’ll be fine.
Cheers,
Kate.
Thanks Kate,
It’s funny how much this process can turn you a little insane, I think I looked like a nutter at the post office checking over my application a million times before sealing the post bag!
I think I need to stop googling until I get my passport back or I’ll find a million things to worry about. Although I must say this website has been so great!
Cheers
🙂
Help…
I sent in my application for my visa on the 06th Feb 2012. I haven’t received an email saying they have received my application or anything, it’s now day 9.
I’m starting to Stress. How long should it take for me to get an email saying they have received it????
Does anyone have a Phone number I can use to follow it up?
Hi Jamie,
I didn’t receive an email at all – my passport just turned up on Tuesday (14/02) after I’d sent it on 01/02.
Don’t stress, I’m sure it will be fine! 🙂
Cheers,
Kate.
Thanks Kate,
This visa stuff is so stressful 🙂
I got my visa in the mail today!!
Yay Emma! How exciting!
Did you send both the orignal support docs and also copies?
I just re read my slip from the bio appointment and it says I should have sent original and a copy. Hopefully they don’t refuse it because they refuse to take a photocopy for their records 🙁
Wooohooo! Congrats Emma!!! When do you think you’ll go??
Thanks Kate! 🙂 I’m thinking last week of March or right on the 31st March which is when my visa starts.
Does anyone know if you can still enter the UK before your work visa starts (just to set yourself up with a place to live etc)? Or would I have to enter, leave and re-enter once your work visa starts?
Now the search for a place to live begins…
I received my Visa approval email today 🙂
Now that it’s approved I can say that applying was pretty easy but my god is it stressful!
Bring on April 29th
This Blog was my life raft. So much easier to follow then the UK website. Thanks for creating it.
Hey Everyone, so I have now been in the UK for nearly 1 month (wholly crap, where does the time go)?? I LOVE it here, I’ve been in London the whole time waiting for a job offer and I start my job next week. I know it’s a stressful process but so worth it once you get over here 🙂 It has been cold and snowing some days which is nice, you just have to rug up warm. I don’t think London is as expensive as everyone made out, I mean some things are cheaper than Aus. I have been staying in hostels which are fine if you don’t mind not sleeping much lol, nah it’s been great meeting lots of cool people (quite a few Aussies)!! A few bits of advice I have – get one of those travel cards, I really should have got one before I came over to transfer my money into but I ran out of time. Sadly for me I have been getting charged HUGE fees from the bank each time I withdraw money. Can’t wait to open my bank account here, but I can’t do that until I start my job….Definately get an Oyster Card for your travel (I can’t believe how expensive it is to travel by tube, even with the Oyster Card). Although now that I think about it, it’s probably on par with Brisbane prices anyway. I got a Lebra sim card which is great for international calls but really bad for UK calls/texts. I didn’t think I’d have anyone to contact in the UK but I made some friends and do need to so I have to get another sim (o2). Aussie Nomad you are awesome! 🙂
PS Also, try tie up ALL loose ends before you come over. I am in a battle at the moment trying to get my rental bond back 🙁 The Real Estate Agent knows I moved over to the UK so is trying everything he can to not give it back to me. It’s been rather stressful because I need that money.
Anyway, good luck to you all and don’t give up. The UK is the best place ever, I can’t wait to explore the rest of it and of course Europe.
Oh No!
I wish I had read this website first before sending off my application. I sent it last Tuesday (Feb 7th) but didn’t include Appendix 7 or the proof of funds. I have now sent these items separately with another copy of the application form and a cover letter explaining the situation, but I haven’t heard anything back from them.
Has anyone else made this same mistake and what did you do about it?/what was the outcome?
I was hoping to fly out next month and now I’m sooooo stressed!
Andrew,
I didn’t send Appendix 7 with mine and it got approved, though proof of funds is definately needed, but I’m pretty sure i read somewhere that if you forget things then you can just send it over as long as it has all your details on there, but that they wont contact you if you dont send enough info. You wont receive an email to say they have your application, just one to say your visa has been despatched, which means it has been approved.. Maybe call the number on the UKBA website and double check what you did was ok… Fingers crossed for you.
andrew, unfortunately i have made a similar error and did not include the appendix 7 sheet with my package that i sent on the 13th feb. tomorrow I’m going to contact the border agency via phone and try and get some information on how to fix the problem asap.
so frustrating….
Sam,
I didnt send Appendix 7 either, and got approved. I dont think you need to send it anymore. I was stressing too because everyone says you need it, but it didnt say on the checklist to include it.. Dont worry you should be fine! Call if you need but like i said, mine was approved, I think the checklist you do on the internet has taken the place of having to send this in.
thanks jess,
yeah i did my form over the internet thats a good point there might be a difference,
i did ring the consulate, and was directed to send an email to the manila processing centre and scan the complied appendix 7 sheet as an attachment. this was then added ti my application, much easier then posting!
when and how long did you application take jess without the appendix 7?
Sam, I sent it off on the Tuesday and the following Monday got my email, then my passport came just over a week after that. Pretty quickly but that was their “quiet time” so it might be busy now because seems its taking longer. Heaps good that you could just email! Good luck!
Hey Sam, we made this mistake. What was the email address you sent a scan of the form to? Thanks 🙂
Thanks guys,
I called the UKBA number and he told me that I could send it separately, but wouldn’t guarantee anything, so I sent it off anyway. I then sent an email to the Manilla processing centre to tell them that this is what I had done and they replied saying that they had made a note on my application file that I had sent the other documents separately, so hopefully it works out, I’ll let you know.
This site was so helpful!
Does anyone know as far as your funds statement goes I’ve heard the money has to be in there over 90 days? I have all the money but i take money out and save in cash (stops me spending it) so ill put it all in my account and get a bank letter but my appointment is in a week so it definitely wont be 90 days :S
Ive also got to leave work early for an ‘appointment’ to get my biometric scanning as they dont yet know im leaving! awkward!
Bess, the money just has to be in there on the day and the statement can’t be any older than 30 days before the application. So you could just put all the money in there the day before and get the bank to write a letter with a stamp and official letter head. The 90 days is for a different visa. Good luck! It really sinks in once you do all the biometrics! Hope your works all good about it! 🙂
haha I know how you feel Bess, work doesn’t know yet so I’ve had to do the sneak around thing too. Don’t want to give notice till I have that visa in my hand!
I sent mine off last Tuesday – I just sent a letter from the bank signed on behalf of the bank manager and with an official stamp. I also transfer large amounts in and out so decided the bank letter rather than the statement as it doesn’t show how long it has been there, but I really don’t think it matters. I have heard the 90 day rule, but I don’t see how they can really check.
I paid for a visa service and they didn’t mention anything about the 90 days either.
Can you apply for a uk visa when you are suspended from driving in australia??
Luke,
Read further up (a fair while ago) I’m pretty sure someone else got approved with a suspended license. It’s only if you have a conviction, and I’m not sure if having your license suspended gets you one unless its drink/drug driving, but you would know if you had a conviction. Just read through all past comments, wil take a while but I did this and it answered all my questions.
Hi,
Quick query, I have my Biometrics appt on Thursday and I have done the online application. The bank is sending me an interim statement from the 1st of Jan till now and stamping it, is this all I would need to send off to prove i have the money??? Does it need to be stamped or signed etc or is the staement enough.
Thanks your blog has been a world of help
Lauren
Hi Lauren,
You wont need the bank statement for the biometrics appointment, only for when you send off your whole application for processing after your biometrics have been done.
See here for what is required of the proof of maintenance: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier5/youthmobilityscheme/supportingevidence/maintenance/
Cheers,
Kate.
Thank you Kate, I have been really stressing, so after i get my biometrics done i send off my application, my passport, a passort size photo, the appendix 7 form and my bank statement. Will it only matter if my bank statement is from Jan till now, it is meant to state a carry over figure from the months before. Also do I sign my application form and date it the day i lodged it or do i sign it infront of someone at the biometric appointment?? I am sure these are silly questions, I am just a bit nervous about it.
I was stressed too – don’t worry, I think that part is normal!!
When you get your biometrics done, they will stamp it and sign it. (I had already signed and dated my forms before I went.)
As long as the funds are in your account and the statement is no older than 30 days from your application date, that’s fine as far as I can see.
🙂
Thank you Kate for your help, I feel a lot better now. Hopefully everything runs smoothly from here and i’ll be off to the UK in no time.
Lauren 🙂
Hi Kate
i got the visa, I am UK bound in May. So very excited and relieved
Loz
That’s fantastic news Loz!! I’ll bet you’re excited! All the best for an exciting new stage of your life! 🙂
Hi All
This site is so helpful and informative 🙂 glad i found out about this site.
My bf and I just sent our application on 14th Feb. I sort of stuff mine one up a bit i forgot to fully complete my ‘Other Names’ correctly so i emailed the uk inquiry to ask them if i needed to complete a new form online and they have advise to just correct it with a pen, so hopefully its all good.
Just wondering if anyone had a issue with the ‘other passport’ question because the questions asked if you have any previous passport which i answered “yes” but didn’t provide them my old passport or reference number as it has been expired years ago and I no longer have it with me. Does anyone think it’s a big issue?
Its been a week already, and i’m still playing the waiting game *fingers cross*
Thanks 🙂
Hi Huongy,
I sent mine off on the 14th too, so we are playing the same waiting game together. I’m hoping for the “email” over the next few days…I’ll keep you posted how I go
So I’ve had my appointment and sent off all my stuff. But I’m so worried about getting my visa on time. I sent off my application on the 20th and I’m leaving on the 7th of March so I’ve only left 13 working days : | Ive read everyones comments and it seems like majority of people get there visa in 10 working days / 2 weeks.
Is there anyway you can pay to fast track your visa?
Hi Emily,
Unfortunately I don’t think there is any way to fast track your visa application. It’d be great though if they did offer the option of paying extra to have your visa application processed urgently (like what the Australian Passport Office offers). Mine took 2 weeks and 1 day to get my visa back in the mail after I sent off my documents via Express Post Platinum. I hope you hear back soon 🙂
Emma
Hi All,
Just an update, sent my application platinum post on the 14th Feb, so was received at the Sydney PO box the next day and just got my email then (22nd of Feb) telling me my visa will be dispatched shortly.
Looks like things are still being processed quite quickly, should get it back around the 27th or the 28th so a 2 week turn around in total 🙂
Still doesn’t seem real after all that energy wasted stressing!
That’s great to hear Amity, Congratulations. I’m still waiting for mine and haven’t received any email 🙁 *sigh* now I feel a bit stress!
Congratulations Amity!
Thanks Huongy 🙂
You should be fine, maybe mine was just at the top of the pile and they are still getting to yours…I know it’s hard not to stress, I’ve been sending myself a little insane. You might just get your email any second now, good luck!
Woo hoo… Received an email just now “Your visa will be dispatch shortly” can’t hold back my smile 🙂 🙂 🙂
Oh yay! So happy for you!
Hi Huongy, my previous two old expired passport had been thrown away after I got my renewal passport, because I didn’t know we need to keep the old expired passport.
I am so worry that my dependent visa being rejected due to this reason.
Wondering you really didn’t provide any previous old expired passport ?
Did you state the reason why you do not submit old passport?
Thanks for all your info. I’m stressing a little less now hopefully everything will go as planned. Just going to be hanging out for that email everyday now. I’ve been sending my family and friends a little crazy and it’s only been 2 days of waiting. I will let you know how it all goes. Love this blog by the way it is so helpful!
Hi, I have a schedule on submitting my EEA Visa. Can I bring phone at the UK VAC office in manila? They said on website you cannot bring any electronic gadgets. What about a celphone is that allowed? This is for submitting my docs at the Visa processing center. thanks so much.
Hi All,
I have my Biometric Appt yesterday, my bank statement arrived yesterday stamped and signed from the bank. It is from the 1/01/2012 with a balance brought forward on it and then my inputs till late last week which show well and truely enough money. Will this be a long enough time frame for the visa application or will i need to ring them and get a 90 day statement, can people advise how long their statements were for.
Thanks
Hi Loz,
I just sent off my passbook and a letter from the bank saying I had that much money and it was clear to use. I’m sure what you have will be fine especially if you have more then enough money.
Thanks Emily,
I ended up ringing the bank and convincing them to send me a statement from the 1st of september till now, express post so I should have in Monday or Tuesday to post off, I thought that might save any problems. Better to be safe then sorry I guess. Hopefully we have done everything right and the visa gets processed quickly
Loz, the money doesn’t need to be in there for 90 days. That’s a different visa. What you had to begin with is plenty. Just a letter from the bank no more than 30 days before application is really all you need. Not sure where this 90 days keeps popping up from! Good luck!
Hi Jess,
I have my statements for 90 days anyway now stamped and signed by the bank is that enough to send of i dont need a letter from the bank as well??
Thanks
Loz
Hi Loz,
A statement will be fine. I sent a statement, no letter from the bank and my visa was approved last week.
Kristin
Sorry for late reply Loz,
Yes a statement is fine, I sent a statement and a letter, but they ended up sending the statement back, so one or the other is all good! hopefully you would have got the result you were after by now! Let us know 🙂
Hey i just received an email saying the following,
Your visa will be despatched shortly. Passports can normally be collected from the Visa Application Centre after 3 days. Applicants in Australia and New Zealand should allow 3 days before tracking their documents via the local post. UKBA-Manila Visa Hub
Does that mean i’ve definately been approved for the visa?!?
I just got the same email, pretty sure it means approved!
I completely forgot i was going to be contacted by email i only checked my emails on the Sunday and saw that email from the Friday and couldn’t control my excitement so it better mean approved! haha
Hi Michael,
Have you received your passport back yet?
i still havnt got mine and its been 5 working days, i even sent the express post platinum envelope with my application!
Emily,
It took about 7 business days for me to get my Visa back, try not to stress too much. Mine was in express platinum as well. So excited for you, once you’re holding your passport all the stress fades away and excitement sets in! let us know how you go.
Hi im ment to be heading to the UK and i have a job set up over there i have the contract and its signed ive got a start dateand everything but i dont have the 1600 pounds in my account, got about 1300 aussie dollars, Just wondering if i will still be refused.?
Cheers
If you already have a job you could probably go on a normal working visa as your company will sponsor you. You will defiantly be refused for not having enough money with the youth mobility visa.
Just picked up my passport from the post office. Exactly two weeks from the day I sent it off, so fast, even though it feels like the slowest two weeks ever 😉
There is a little black line on my visa photo, there seems to be little black flecks on the visa paper in other parts, but having one of my face looks a bit dodgy!
Hopefully I won’t have any issues at the border?
Thanks Aussie Nomad. This blog is fantastic. It’s nice to know that your not alone in the confusion boat 🙂 I had worked out a lot of the above by myself, but it’s nice to get confirmation of it all from fellow applicants. I too was also confused about the previous passports thing and wrote down on my application that I had several childhood passports that were expired and that I no longer had them. Do you think I should send a cover letter with my application highlighting this?
Going in for my biometric scan tomorrow and will post out the same day. Also wanted to know if using just express post is sufficient instead of platinum?
Again thanks everyone for all your posts, I can be a big worrywart about such things and it nice to know I’m not the only one 🙂
Jodi I just said I didn’t have my childhood passport anymore and never had any problems leaving it just at that.
I only used express post for my application and never had any problems. I did make sure it was one that needed to be signed for at the other end from memory though.
All good, I sent off my application last Friday so can’t wait to hear back.. Will let you know the verdict 🙂
can we get access to NHS on a YMV? Like going to the doctors and dental are my biggest concerns. Cheers
Yes for all intensive purposes you are a UK resident while on the visa. I’m not sure on all the details of what is and isn’t covered but will be writing a post about it once I’ve done some research. You just need to make sure you register with a doctor once you get here. Doctors won’t see you unless your registered with them.
Hey there Aussie Nomad! Keep up the great work in informing all of us dinkum Aussie travellers in how to fill out the forms needed to jet off to UK town!!
Ive just applyed for the YMV and have got a couple of questions for ya while I wait with baited breath and excitement! 🙂
1) When I sorted out all the gear for dispatch to the Philippines I was exceptionally drunk and posted it all in a normal envelope. I think I popped my passport in the package but I can’t be completely sure :/ I don’t have my passport anymore so hopefully that means its off to get processed and that I wasn’t that pissed that I left it at the pub or on a bus stop!!
2) When I was a cheeky young tacker I was convicted of fraud by the CCC for replecating passports and selling them in Zimbabwe :/ The things you do as a teenager ay!! Anyways, I included my drink driving and dangerous driving charges however I failed to mention the passport fraud. Do you think this will come back to bite me?? I bloody hope not!!
I’m so excited about getting to the UK for an adventure of a life time that I can’t stop looking in my mail box for my passport/Visa to arrive!!!
Do you think that I’ll be right to get me Visa?? Out of ten what would you give me with 10 being the most likely to result in a positive outcome?
These questions are probably pretty silly. I can be such a worry wart!! I’ll probably be laughing about this when I finally get my Visa in the mail!! 🙂
See all you Aussies over there for some Jimmy Barnes and a couple snake bites at the Walk About!!!
Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi!!!!!!
Hi,
You might be knocked back for dangerous driving convictions as I think there is a similar comment somewhere on this blog and they were rejected for this. As for the fraud, it will depend on how long ago, how serious, and if you still go by your current name. These sorts of things are taken very seriously by all world governments and they do keep very long records. My brother can’t travel to lots of countries including the uk for a minor personal drug possession years ago. Unless the don’t do their checks properly then your chances might be slim at best. Good luck.
Hi everyone,
Just an update to my earlier messages posted on the 16th and 20th of February. I sent the information that I forgot to send initially (Appendix 7 and proof of funds) to the UK border agency address separately and they obviously forwarded them to Manilla for processing. I then received the “your visa has been dispatched” email exactly one week ago and my passport with my visa in it arrived today. I’ve never been so relieved!
So if anyone makes the same balls-up that I did and forgets to include some info in your initial application (hopefully it won’t happen if you’re reading this) it took about two weeks from when I sent the information that I’d initially forgotten to when I received my visa in the post.
See you all over there!!!
Hey Guys
I am over in the UK at the moment and LOVING it, so everyone who isn’t over here hurry up and get your butts to London. It’s awesome, don’t think I ever want to go home!!
Once you get here the stress just melts away and you can just party and have fun & meet loads of awesome people.
I often read this site regularly and answer questions when I can, can’t help but notice that lots of people seem to ask the same questions over and over again and it’s all very repetitive. If you take a bit of time to read the blog from the beginning, you’ll often find that your question has already been answered.
Waiting for the visa is the most stressful part but once you’ve got that you are sorted and the world is your oyster.
Happy Travels.
Kimberley,
My boyfriend and I are moving over in two weeks today!! so excited! I agree, the visa is stressful but in the end seems so silly to have felt so stressed out! Have you found a place to live yet, or did you have that organised when you had already left? We have the first two weeks accommodation booked, but after that we are on our own so hopefully wont be left in limbo for too long. I guess the uncertainty of it is the exciting part though.
Am dreading the flight 🙁 but its only one day out of my life i suppose, I can deal with it!
Thanks for checking back in, your last couple posts have helped a lot! 🙂