UK visa processing time

Question

I have applied for a UK visa at the Chicago Center. Their website says that it should take them 5 days to process. It has been 7 days and I have not heard anything back from them. I do know they charged my credit card when I sent my application electronically, but that's it. When I called, a machine messaged told me that I will get an email when they OPEN my case and another email when a decision has been made.

Does this mean they haven't even started the process?

The website doesn't mention anything about sending emails after they receive the application. I'm worried that my passport is in the wrong place.

Answer 1

Nothing like spending time doing these things by personally going to the Consulate/ Embassy.  

Answer 2

This isn't an answer but me and my wife are going through with the exact same problem with the New York office. There has been no confirmation from them and no reply after the 5 days period, so I'm hoping the likelihood of the same thing happening in 2 different centres means it's a problem with the process and our documents and details have not been stolen. Please keep in touch using my email because I'm sure we will be helpful to one another!

We are meant to be going back to the UK on Wednesday and are getting very stressed out, might have to pay in order to change our flights.

Answer 3

They've received your paperwork. There is a possibility that your email address didn't work (or it was sent to junk mail).

When they say 5 days processing people usually mean include one or two days mail to get there (time starts from the time payment is taken) with an extra couple of days for the paperwork to get back to you.