Forum Immigration UK

[shafchel]

I am an US citizen and my fiancee is a British citizen. The British Consulate in Los Angeles received our Settlement (Fiancee) Visa Application on 3rd March 2008. On the Los Angeles Consulate's website, they say that they process most of their applications within 5 business days but it has already been 6 weeks since they received our application!

My fiancee and I met while I was on a short-term work visa in the UK in 2007. The company that I was working for then attempted extend my work permit, but the permit was denied by the Home Office. Also, I attempted to visit my fiancee in January 2008 in the UK, but was denied entry into the country on the grounds that I was a "work risk."

My fiancee and I are keen on getting the visa, however, we are puzzled as to why it has taken so long for them to process our application. We had some help with our Visa Application through a visa consultancy company and he was told us that our application is strong as my fiancee owns his own property, his salary is more than enough to support me, we have dated for about 5 months and engaged for about 3 months, are in a romantic and loving relationship, and I have a bachelor's degree and a job offer in the UK.

What could be the cause for the delay? Perhaps my history in the UK?

My fiancee has contacted his MP and his MP has sent a letter to the Home Office asking for rapid resolution to the case. I don't know what else we can do avoid anymore delays.

If anyone has any ideas, or any thoughts about why there may be delays please let me know.