It is only Liverpool suffering currently – something has clearly gone wrong in the last couple of weeks. But what that is they’re unwilling to say.
As somebody who has chased everyday since 22nd Feb and submitted their application on 7th Feb here is what I’ve learnt.
The system goes – documents received (normally takes 8 days), documents processing (can take 2/3 weeks), awaiting examination (currently adding 1 week), in examination (5-10 days), more info/approved (quick), sent (2-3 days).It’s more like a 6 week process right now.
If your flight time fits in that you should be fine. But if not you’re better taking the risk of recalling documents and trying to get an in-day process if you have under 4 weeks.
There are exceptions to this – some people just get lucky and go application received, documents received, application approved. It depends what pile you’re in and I was told this is random. They don’t work through in date order or any other order they were willing to tell me.
I’d advise you all to fill in the survey and give them the feedback that it’s unhelpful to have an IVR saying ‘average is 4 weeks’ when it isn’t. And that the agents don’t seem to know anything and just get frustrated (which I can understand)but either have agents who can help and prioritise or get rid of the tracking system. The two things are clearly incompatible.
The complaint lady told me I’d likely have my passport late next week. There’s no compensation as they have the 10 week loophole so weigh up whether it’s better to pay twice for an application or lose the holiday.