Quote Originally Posted by Terpe View Post
What's the source of that information?

That certainly doesn't fit with operational procedures or performance measures.
As with nearly all civil service activity, tasks within a given pay grade are still quite "prescribed".

Some visa applications can be identified as "clearly eligible" and need much less processing. Others may need inputs from caseworkers, Entry Clearance Assistants or Entry Clearance Managers.
Individuals often vary in their opinion of just what information needs to held on file etc.

ECO's are always under some pressure to meet their daily 'challenging' targets.
When an application moves around it gets placed on a work item listing. The more listing the longer.

I've never been aware of any 'ceiling' being placed on the processing cycle. Quite the opposite in fact.

I'm certain John Vine would have commented on this in his reports if such changes had been made.
When i was married in another south east asian country and it took them so long to process the application i had a meeting with
the vice council at the embassy and thats what he informed me
He even showed me the "settlement" visa appointment book and said we are only allowed to process a limited amount every month

This was a few years back though maybe things have changed since then

After i was married it took me six months before they would grant her a entry visa
no problems with the application as well