VIP Premium Service [Archive] - Filipino UK Forum

brokenpieces

28th August 2011, 22:56

This is way out of the thread topic but i don't want to create a new thread LOL :icon_lol:

If my husband would want to accompany me on the day of the application.... do we need anything/ like a pass or something for hiM? or only applicants are allowed?:)

stevewool

29th August 2011, 08:28

your husband is allowed with you its best just to let them know he is coming , but you are allowed 1 person with you

stevie c

29th August 2011, 09:31

HI broken pieces my wife opted for the vip service last year you are met at the reception by an vfs empluyee who will then take you to have your bio metrics taken & then process your visa app docs ready to be sent to the brit embassy you are also entitled to free photo coying & light refreshments but the big advantage imo is that you dont have to fall queue for many hours oh you can also have free passport photo taken if you dont have them with you

lastlid

2nd September 2011, 13:30

...... you are met at the reception by an vfs empluyee who will then take you to have your bio metrics taken & then process your visa app docs ready to be sent to the brit embassy you are also entitled to free photo coying & light refreshments but the big advantage imo is that you dont have to fall queue for many hours oh you can also have free passport photo taken .....

Yes. My wife was there today. And it was exactly as Stevie C described. It took less than 15 minutes, once in there. And no queuing. The VFS staff were helpful and friendly.

Arthur Little

2nd September 2011, 18:23

Tbh ... I wasn't aware ANY 'VIP Service' existed when MY wife submitted her spousal visa application back in January 2009. :NoNo:

KeithD

2nd September 2011, 19:09

It probably didn't exist then :)

somebody

2nd September 2011, 19:29

Good to see an example of the British classless society is in full play in our services abroad:D

So what happens if everyone chooses VIP service:Erm:

lastlid

2nd September 2011, 21:22

Good to see an example of the British classless society is in full play in our services abroad:D

So what happens if everyone chooses VIP service:Erm:

A fair point as apparently there was only 2 bookings to the VIP lounge this morning. I think it is a bit over priced but I felt it was worth it considering the outlay already forked out and as I have said before, because it was a long and arduous journey in for a little woman with a big parcel of valuable documents who was particularly nervous! :)

I think, upon reflection that everyone ought to be able to submit their application form under similar circumstances. Maybe VFS ought to drop the price a little bit?

The price includes courier dispatch of the passport (and hopefully visa) and text updates on her application etc etc

lastlid

5th September 2011, 06:04

Maria B

5th September 2011, 08:21

yes, this service wasn't in my time as well way back March 2008. I was a bit surprise of the additional expenses (although it's a matter of choice) but the queue wasn't that bad at all as u will go up 45 mins before your appointment schedule. Leave your phone & bags with the security staffs (less than 5 mins), once inside the VFS staff will show u where to have a sit & remind u if your papers are in order & relax until your name is called.

but the benefit with this VIP premium service is the free passport photo, photocopying & refreshment. but if you are compose enough to have extra passport photo w/ you, have the important docs photocopied ahead...there will be no hassle. Refreshment? if you are stress & nervous u cannot even think for a glass of water.

it's just an option anyway if u want the easy way, money wise - better save it.

Good luck to all the applicants, and congratulations to all applicants who made it & undergone the first stages of their journey...Happy to hear all success stories:Wave:

kisses3993

5th September 2011, 09:17

Can you remember what the texted status messages were like? And at what stages did they text your wife? We have had a message which says our application is on its way to the British High Commision, which seems to suggest it is in the back of a van between VFS at the Eco Plaza and The embassy at Mckinley Hill :)[/QUOTE]

kisses3993

5th September 2011, 09:20

messages....yes you are right the first one says its on its way...in about 24 hrs you get one to say it is being processed......

it will they stay like that until a decision is made

if it is approved you will then get one to say visa has been issued and will be sent by courier in nexct 48 hrs.....

after that the VFS message you but their messages are ambiguous and makes you question whether it has been approved or not.....

stuart

stevie c

5th September 2011, 09:42

Hi Stevie C,
Can you remember what the texted status messages were like? And at what stages did they text your wife? We have had a message which says our application is on its way to the British High Commision, which seems to suggest it is in the back of a van between VFS at the Eco Plaza and The embassy at Mckinley Hill :)

HI lastlid as far as i can remember my wife attended the vfs on a tuesday on the following day she recieved a txt stating that her visa app had been processed & had been courired to the brit embassy.

then on the thursday she recieved another txt stating that her visa app was complete & that her passport & docs was being coriured to her by aboitz 2go.
then most importantly she recieved her passport with the visa stamped inside along with her docs on the friday so all in all they had made a desicion within 2 days.

lastlid

5th September 2011, 09:52

Oh Yes. WOW. Yours was especially quick! :)

lastlid

5th September 2011, 09:55

....yes you are right the first one says its on its way...in about 24 hrs you get one to say it is being processed......

OK thanks. Unless of course the approval is super quick like Stevie C's was.

lastlid

5th September 2011, 09:58

By the way, for the Isle of Man it will take a few days longer as the IOM Immigration have a say in it. So that will add a couple of days onto ours.....

Terpe

5th September 2011, 10:38

....IOM Immigration have a say in it.......

I think 'the say' is yes :D

DaveUK

5th September 2011, 12:14

By the way, for the Isle of Man it will take a few days longer as the IOM Immigration have a say in it. So that will add a couple of days onto ours.....

The only say they get is "ok" when the UKBA tell them what the decision is. IOM immigration just take the register! :)

lastlid

5th September 2011, 13:18

Dave and Terp,

Sounds good to me. Thanks.

brokenpieces

13th October 2011, 08:41

thanks guys and I really hope that my husband can go with me wahhh I really don't wanna go alone... you know it is weird I was looking for that info mentioned by stevewool that we are allowed one companion that my husband can go with me I sent an email to Vfs they said I can't bring anyone now I am confused because at the form I remember there's a question if the husband/wife which is eu/uk citizen is necessary to go there's an option that he/she doesn't have to so it should mean they can choose to go with the applicant or not but when I sent an email to vfs they said I should go alone wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh:doh:NoNo::yikes::crazy::bigcry:

brokenpieces

13th October 2011, 08:42

help do you know the website that can verify this or page from vfs site about this I am confused:bigcry:

lastlid

13th October 2011, 08:49

help do you know the website that can verify this or page from vfs site about this I am confused:bigcry:

Try this link....

http://www.vfs-uk-ph.com/additionalservice.html#1

lastlid

13th October 2011, 08:55

(632) 501-3217 is the phone number for the VIP lounge. Give them a call as they are very helpful.

brokenpieces

16th October 2011, 18:52

thank you so much I will give them a call:)

ConfusedMe

23rd October 2011, 16:08

You pay more to get your application done quicker but I dont think it will make your visa decision time faster. I tried the regular one where I book the appointment time and its not that bad really. The service is fast than I expected

brokenpieces

4th November 2011, 15:12

well I just really wanna be comfortable and want to know if me and my husband can go together :)

Terpe

4th November 2011, 15:27

well I just really wanna be comfortable and want to know if me and my husband can go together :)

Did you already give them a call?

Many people have said the hubby/fiance/partner cannot enter, whilst others have they can.

Would be great to have your feedback on this one.

sim&lil

5th November 2011, 04:36

The text service is a joke, we submitted documents etc on a Monday and the following Saturday they got round to texting us to tell us the documents were at the Embassy. We checked the tracking on the VFS website on the Tuesday which told us the docs had gone. Not worth the money if the staff can't be arsed.

sars_notd_virus

5th November 2011, 09:33

What is VIP Premium Service?
I saw that option online when making a schedule... I was just looking on how it is done and saw that so what does it mean?:)

If you got all your documents according to checklist, you dont need to avail the VIP service ..just pay for the SMS and Email alerts re your visa and the courier service then you can save lots of money

bruce

8th November 2011, 11:19

(632) 501-3217 is the phone number for the VIP lounge. Give them a call as they are very helpful.

thanks for the number lastlid! i called them yesterday and they have sent email APPOINTMENT BOOKING for next week? i have answered the "appointment booking" and sent it back to them..
and i emailed again to ask if - will i receive a confirmation email after that..but they did not reply? i called on phone again but its a different lady who answered me.., she sounded so strappy! :crazy: i saw another post somewhere here saying print the APPOINTMENT "BOOKING"? so it means thats all i have to print? or should i call or email them again to ask for confirmation?? GOsh..sorry everyone my husband and me are both just panicking.. we have 2 settlement applications to submit one for me and for my son,hopefully next week
please help us if u know? thank u so much

lastlid

8th November 2011, 11:42

Sorry to hear that it isnt going well. We used the service simply to make things easier for my wife as she had a long and difficult journey into Manila from Cavite and this was perceived as a way of making the whole trip in a bit simpler / comfortable. It worked in our case. We were also able to get an appointment within 3 days. But if we so chose then 24 hours notice was possible. I spoke to the woman myself and she was very good with me.

I can remember exactly how the process went now but yes, once they have sent you the booking email, all you have to do is print it and take a copy with you to the appointment, along with the money.

bruce

8th November 2011, 12:12

:):) thank you so much last lid! I will post my story here soon and post more help also in the way we can.. sorry also to everyone i have not posted a lot bcos i we wer very busy doing mine and my son's application.. i hope we will be successful so i can share what we have submitted!:Hellooo::Hellooo: back to work now thanks again lastlid!

lastlid

8th November 2011, 15:11

From the VFS Website..........

Booking procedure for VIP Lounge:

Schedule your VIP appointment using one of the following options:

Email vip.ukph@vfshelpline.com and request for an appointment indicating your name as it appears on your passport, your passport number, the visa category you are applying for and the desired appointment time.
Call our dedicated VIP premium lounge service phone number: (632) 501-3217.Our operating hours are from 08:00 to 17:00. Local phone charges apply. You will be asked for your passport number, name as it appears on your passport, your email ID, the visa category you are applying for and to select a date and time for your appointment.
Once you have Scheduled your VIP premium lounge service appointment you will receive an email confirming the date and time of your appointment. Please print the VIP premium lounge service appointment confirmation and bring it with you on the date of your appointment.

bruce

9th November 2011, 17:21

:Jump::Jump:xxgrinning--00xx3: thank u.. i just got the confirmation they resent it to me, i will be lodging it monday! :cwm24::cwm24: i cant sleep wer both nervous..

gWaPito

9th November 2011, 18:25

Good to see an example of the British classless society is in full play in our services abroad:D

So what happens if everyone chooses VIP service:Erm:

I guess its the same as flying, not everyone can go bus or 1st class.

I for one would of availed myself to the service if it had been about when my wife did hers.

It would of men't not getting out of bed at silly o'clock in the morning..then queuing without shelter for what seemed like an age, in factor the whole day was consumed with it...yes, the visa arrived no quicker but had the service been available we wouldn't of wasted a whole day....all for sake of 20 quid...seems like good value to me

andy222

10th November 2011, 00:22

Hmmmm I might have a bit of that V.I.P.

lastlid

10th November 2011, 09:49

Yes. My wife had to travel in by jeepney, tricycle bus and train etc on a hot day with a heavy parcel (she is only little) and by doing the VIP lounge thing it just made the day a little easier. The extra isnt a lot considering the massive outlay for everything else. And like I say, it includes the delivery of the passport and visa and the SMS messaging (even though the SMS is cr*p). It also includes food and drinks. Once there it took only 20 minutes. It took her mate 15 minutes yesterday. No queueing.

But if you are on a tight budget then I can understand why you might not want to go for it.

grahamw48

10th November 2011, 19:05

Only 20 quid extra ? I thought it was going to be 100's . :icon_lol:

Blimey even I might do that...well, once I've met her. :)

gWaPito

10th November 2011, 19:51

Only 20 quid extra ? I thought it was going to be 100's . :icon_lol:

Blimey even I might do that...well, once I've met her. :)

It goes into the 100's when you want the same day vip service to obtain your ilr...400 extra in my case...they got you (ukba) over a barrel:NoNo:

grahamw48

10th November 2011, 22:22

Times have certainly changed since the ex and I got hitched.

About 4 quid for the marriage licence in Manila and 40 quid for for the spouse visa.

I think only a year to wait for ILR, and then peanuts fee, if anything.

No English tests or any of that other stuff, except the Seminar for wives about to go to wicked foriner's country...with detailed instructions about how to get those remittances back to the homeland. :)

Terpe

10th November 2011, 22:24

Terpe

10th November 2011, 22:26

It goes into the 100's when you want the same day vip service to obtain your ilr...400 extra in my case...they got you (ukba) over a barrel:NoNo:

If you have the budget and the application is straightforward with no need for back office caseworker validations, then in my opinion it's so well worth it :xxgrinning--00xx3:

grahamw48

10th November 2011, 22:28

1991...seems like yesterday. :D

Terpe

10th November 2011, 22:31

1991...seems like yesterday. :D

Don't we know it :doh

My old dad thinks 1949 was yesterday the way he talks :rolleyes:

grahamw48

10th November 2011, 22:38

Well, as they say...'life begins at 40' . :icon_lol:

gWaPito

10th November 2011, 22:55

If you have the budget and the application is straightforward with no need for back office caseworker validations, then in my opinion it's so well worth it :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I detect spade loads of sarcasm :rolleyes:

Terpe

10th November 2011, 23:24

I detect spade loads of sarcasm :rolleyes:

Hmmm, I don't know why.
Absolutely none intended. Just my honest opinion and advice. As always.

There's really no point in spending the extra if the chances are that the decision cannot be made on the day (due to the need of additional verification) and the application will be placed the the queue for 'standard' processing.

gWaPito

11th November 2011, 00:55

Hmmm, I don't know why.
Absolutely none intended. Just my honest opinion and advice. As always.

There's really no point in spending the extra if the chances are that the decision cannot be made on the day (due to the need of additional verification) and the application will be placed the the queue for 'standard' processing.
Looks like im being my over sensitive self again.

I agree, if there's a chance of a refusal it will be a waste.

The requirements are straight forward. This method is so popular in Cardiff I had to wait an additional 3wks frm the date I wanted.

We still have to wait 72 hrs for passport return. The actual interview lasts 3.5 hrs...we are given a family room.

Terpe

11th November 2011, 10:21

.....I agree, if there's a chance of a refusal it will be a waste.......

I wouldn't expect refusal. That's quite rare.

What I meant was just additional document checks or verifications. Some minor issue that requires casework.
Applications by personal appearance need to be straightforward. That is, complete, fully documented and fully compliant.

brokenpieces

18th November 2011, 03:18

Did you already give them a call?

Many people have said the hubby/fiance/partner cannot enter, whilst others have they can.

Would be great to have your feedback on this one.

I haven't called yet I haven't tried yet because we are going to send the application on January am just inquiring here first in advance but at the moment what I got is I sent an email to VFS email and asked about this if my husband can join me sending the application with this VIP they replied I have to go alone :NoNo:

So I dunno I will make things clear on December coz I really don't wanna go alone my husband is coming over to stay here and so he can accompany me :rolleyes: and he can't enter? :angry::xxaction-smiley-047

I thought there's a question in that UKBA if the Sponsor/Husband/wife /etc have to be present during the application / it says not required so it should mean they can just not required.....:ReadIt:

Well I’ll let you know when am there :Rasp: