u/Runeverycity

Sharing my timeline for anyone anxiously refreshing their inbox:

Timeline:

• 11th Aug — Biometrics at VFS Chandigarh, forwarded to UKVI same day
• 12th — Application received at UKVI
• 15th — "In progress" email
• 17th — "In progress" update again
• 19th, 8 PM — Decision received ✅

Standard service, no priority. Roughly 8 working days start to finish.

My case: Visiting the UK to attend a friend's wedding. Sponsored by my friend's father (so an indirect sponsor — I know the son, the father is the host/sponsor). This made the relationship evidence a bit more involved, but it worked out fine.

Documents I submitted:

• Passport (new) + old passport with previous travel stamps/visas
• 6 months' bank statements (my own funds)
• Sponsor's invitation letter (covering invitation, accommodation, financial support, and his UK status)
• Sponsor's proof of UK status (for the "not in breach" requirement)
• Sponsor's bank statements + utility bill (proof of address)
• Employment letter from my company (confirming job + approved leave + expected return)
• Photos + chat history with my friend (relationship evidence)
• Wedding invitation
• GOV.UK document checklist

Things that helped (my take):

• Travel history in the old passport — showing I've travelled abroad and always returned is huge for a visit visa
• Because it was an indirect sponsor, I made sure the invitation letter clearly explained the chain (friend → his father → me) and backed it with photos/chats showing the friendship is genuine
• Kept every document consistent with what I declared on the online form
• eVisa now — they don't keep your passport, decision comes by email, and you set up a UKVI account after approval

Happy to answer questions if anyone's in a similar boat (wedding visit / sponsored by a friend's family / Chandigarh centre). Good luck to everyone waiting! 🤞