u/Own_Butterscotch_842

Ordered an expensive item from CEX and they shipped through DPD. I'm going to put a timeline of what has happened so far below. I just need to know if I'm absolutely f*cked or not. I cannot afford to lose this purchase; it's imperative to my work and I don't have any money to replace it should I not receive this one.

Sunday - They claimed to attempt a delivery but both my partner and myself were in and they did not knock.

Monday - They tried again and once again, my partner waited by the door and they never knocked. They sent a photo of our front door for the "Sorry we missed you" message? I was absolutely fuming, so I redirected the next attempt to go to a nearby Argos and emailed a complaint to CEX.

Tuesday - CEX responded apologising and saying that it looks like the package is with the Argos but DPD tracking said that it would be delivered Wednesday. I pop into the Argos and they say they cannot check anything without the DPD QR code, which is only sent once the package has arrived.

Wednesday - DPD tracking says that the package is en route at 11AM from a depot close by. After still not having any QR code or confirmation, I email CEX back asking if they can contact DPD on my behalf to help solve this, and I call DPD customer service (and get through to a human) at 3PM. They say it is in transit and will arrive between 4 and 5PM. Argos closes at 7PM and the tracking says it is still en route.

My plan tomorrow is to call customer service as soon as they open, and to check in the Argos as soon as they open. Does this feel like lazy delivery drivers d*cking me around, or does this feel like my package has been stolen?

I will receive my Stage 1 result around mid-August and my current visa runs out at the end of September. Should I wait to get my result before applying for Stage 2 so I know how long I'll need it for, or should I do Stage 2 now?

And how worried should I be about not getting through Stage 2 if I do get the Stage 1 endorsement? lol

Originating Country: USA

Visa Application: Global Talent Visa through ACE for mixed arts

Current Visa: Graduate

I am currently on a visa that allows me to work in the UK and makes me £26,000/year. My partner has been self employed and doing odd jobs this past year but has just started one that is on payroll that will get us over the threshold. How long does he need to have been on this company's books/payroll before we qualify?

Figured I would start a timeline tracking how long the visa process is taking, since there are such massive delays, and since Reddit has been such a helpful resource for me so far. Also to distract (??) myself because I'm really stressed about the result!

For context: From the US, currently on the Graduate Visa. I applied for endorsement from Arts Council England for combined arts (performing arts and writing). I applied for the Global Talent Visa (Exceptional Talent), expecting I'd more likely be looked at for Exceptional Promise.

Application Sent - 7 May, 2026

Bit of a long one but I'm STRESSING.

I've sent in my Stage 1 application for endorsement under Arts Council for Exceptional Talent and am filling in my Stage 2 application now so that if approved, I can start my visa immediately. I'm originally from The States and my current visa (graduate) expires in September (2026).

I am aware that I am more likely to receive Promise than Talent, which would require 5 years before ILR instead of 3 (under Talent). I am also a bit nervous about some of the new visa restrictions coming into play under Starmer. I am debating whether to apply for 3 years or 5 years in Stage Two. I see my options as the three following. What route do you think is best?

1. 3 Year - if I miraculously do get Talent, I can apply for Settlement. If I get Promise, I will need to renew the visa after 3 years for at least 2 more. This will just mean I need to make sure I can afford about £2,500 (rounding up for inflation) in 3 years’ time. Means I spend less money now and can reassess my future in 3 years' time.
2. 5 Year - if I miraculously get Talent then I will have wasted £2060. If I get Promise, then I don’t need to stress about renewing and can apply for Settlement right after. Means I will have to spend all of my savings and then some now and leaves less room for change in these next few years.
3. Wait for my Stage 1 result before deciding - My visa expires in September, so a bit worried about this as they said they're backlogged and results will come in about 12 weeks. Also, I have put in my Stage 1 application that I am applying for Stage 2 at the same time.

What would you guys do/what have you done?

I'm from the US and applying for combined arts/performing arts Exceptional Talent. Should I include a personal statement in addition to my CV for my application to the Arts Council? And does this count toward my 10 pages of evidence?

I was told by someone who used to work at a charity getting people global talent visas that if I apply for endorsement (from Arts Council) for Exceptional Talent and they think I'm not qualified enough, they then will automatically look at my visa with the Exceptional Promise route in mind. Is this true? Is it worth the risk, or should I play it safer and apply for Exceptional Promise? Do I need to ask to be looked at for both routes (is that even allowed?)? Sorry I am SPIRALLING trying to get this visa!!!

Does anyone know much about third-party companies that will post on your socials for you? Do the IG algorithm gods punish you if they can tell it's not actually you posting? I assume this is how most celebrities are posting stuff?? Any good company recommendations would be nice as well.

I am filling out my stage 1 (endorsement through Arts Council) application at the moment, and it is asking me if I will be applying for stage 1 and 2 at the same time. Should I? What are the pros and cons of applying at the same time versus waiting to hear back from endorsement? I assume it's mostly the application fee and timing, but I'm afraid of it affecting if I get rejected in stage 1 and want to contest. Thoughts?