The low down on the visa application

The 16th March marks three months without a passport.  To think having paid a hefty fee they (the immigration authorities) would process application as quickly as they can.  But it's been months of dawdling unknown particularly when there's no way of finding out about state of application.

Website, you suggest? If you care to painfully trawl through the website of conflicting information, you will discover:-
1) it's all confusing waffle which leaves anyone seeking to shed light on 'how to' even more bewildered and confused
2) the ever changing goal posts of visa policies.  One day X is policy, the next day it's been scrapped and replaced with Y ... the following, Z ... and it goes on ...
3) And in the event one seeks to contact them either by email or phone call you are reminded by the website that just about stop short of saying 'DON'T CALL OR WRITE US! WE WON'T ANSWER YOU!' 

It is an annoying enactment of non-existent customer services ...

To be fair, at least they've bothered to write once every month they've compounded our passports.  Interestingly on my part, I've since learned to recognize that white almost non-descript envelopes from the organization.  There's something about it that distinguishes it from the rest of the white enveloped bills (and more bills).  Maybe it's the shape, or the hue of coloured 'white', or something about the type fonts used ...

I've pored over my analysis and anxious anticipation almost like one awaiting a love letter from a beloved. I find myself counting the days to the next missive.  Each day is highlighted by the visit of the postman.  The postman becomes the most favourite in the world (next to BFL, that is).   One's heart races in anticipation whenever mail pops through the door.  'Will I or will I NOT hear from them today?'

Sad, really...It all sounds rather consumingly obsessive ... not like that's going to do much good.

We've done everything we can.  The letter that came last Friday afternoon requested yet for more documents that were not originally in the 42-paged application form I had initially filled in.  Bank statements.  Employment letters. Forms - which I wasn't aware existed so had to Google to find out.  To top it all was the looming deadline of less (SEND THESE TO US BY ... OR ELSE!)  Rather 'high handed' I have to say for an organization falling over in inefficiency.  God forbid if I had to appeal I would argue that letter was dated, 7th March.  Posted on the 13th via second class mail.  Arrived, 15th. Followed by a weekend (16th and 17th).  The 22nd deadline gives us a maximum of three and a half days to get things and that's that's to factoring in the quickest postage time.

Following that, just based on the logistic of the letter further reveals how inefficient processing is.   The letter originated from Sheffield - which I assume  is where the assigned caseworker is.  But posted in Croydon five days later?  I understand if it took 2 days to arrive - being second class mail.  But why didn't they post it straight from Sheffield instead of making that loop down South to Croydon and then up to London? So, it goes to question is our casework, Mr F in Sheffield  or in Croydon?  Or does Mr F have to consult with his line manager in Croydon and only when authorized then letter is posted?

Tortuous inefficient bureaucracy - that's all I can say.  No wonder organization is reported to be in a mess.  I've heard of similar cases that's taken 9 months to 9 years.  Scary ... it does make you wonder what they're actually doing in office.  Probably just as confused as their baffling waffle of their informative website.  I suppose  as that phase goes, 'if in doubt stay put ...'  Not make a decision, they do.

And so in limbo we remain ... :(