: Fri Apr 03, 2009 8:49 am  

The Brother wrote:

Can't beleive we haven't been down that route already

I am genuinely amazed. And only when the sports minister offers help publically will we do anything about it....

We need someone proactive at the club

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 8:52 am  

For me, this is the encouraging statement from the UKBA. If it was a second refusal it would have been done so very shortly after the 25 days, as it is now nearing two weeks after the 25 days it suggests to me that all the other processes are being carried out.




A UK Border Agency spokesman confirmed Crocker's second visa application had now 'slightly passed' the 25 day period usually taken for applications to be considered.

He added: "Our current processing time for most categories of entry clearance is 25 working days from the date of receipt into the Visa Section in Canberra.

"The current processing time for Settlement, Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode, and Tier 1 Points Based System applications is eight weeks.

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 8:59 am  

"The current processing time for Settlement, Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode, and Tier 1 Points Based System applications is eight weeks.


Does this mean it has been granted and awaiting the final stages then?

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:05 am  

Southey wrote:

"The current processing time for Settlement, Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode, and Tier 1 Points Based System applications is eight weeks.


Does this mean it has been granted and awaiting the final stages then?

Being the eternal optimist, that's how I read it

[Kosh]

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:06 am  

Digby wrote:

I dont (personally) think it's "meaningless" when he has stipulated the "support" he has offered other sporting clubs in their overseas recruitment.

He also states that he is unaware of the current issue, so he clearly hasn't been offering much support recently. And prior to this issue there hasn't really been a need for his support.

As I said - a meaningless media soundbite.

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:09 am  

Surely they won't refuse after all this time, I also thought Hame's only took 14 working days.Whatever neither will play in the derby.

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:16 am  

Southey wrote:

Surely they won't refuse after all this time, I also thought Hame's only took 14 working days.Whatever neither will play in the derby.

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:17 am  

Southey wrote:

"The current processing time for Settlement, Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode, and Tier 1 Points Based System applications is eight weeks.


Does this mean it has been granted and awaiting the final stages then?

No. His application is not one of those listed.

I suggested getting the "powers that be" involved early on after the refusal. Glad that something might actually be happening, but the club, as Crocker's prospective employer need to start chasing this up.

Yes it's Crocker's application, but if the club aren't seen to be supporting it and helping out as much as they can, it could take forever. Perhaps the local MP (Alan Johnson?) should be contacted to rally round Sutcliffe and kick the Immigration Minister's butt. Phil Woolas is the minister and represents Oldham. I think he mentions the RL team on his website so he must be aware of the story.

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:19 am  

So...a sports minister admitting he didnt know there was a problem with Visa's being rejected.........does he know there is a sport called Rugby League.

: Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:22 am  

The Brother wrote:

Can't beleive we haven't been down that route already