(edit title) Visa/Permit/Citizenship Support Group A quarantine for those of us losing our minds Options

[Alysious]

Thank you so much for your advice.

We have discussed him setting up in Sweden with the boys without me, which is a terrifying thought to me, but we are hopeful that my application might come through in the 12-14 month timeframe. Which means they would only be in school for a little while before I get there (Fingerscrossed). It is good to get some more ideas about what we can and can not do while I'm waiting for my Permit. I was worried that I could not visit my family at all while waiting, which would be unbearably cruel.
I'll take on the advise of considering a lawyer although that option sounds expensive, but maybe less expensive than multiple flighst to Sweden/Australia. We are also going to get the University (his employer) to submit a letter on my behalf, although it is unlikely to make any difference. Still better to try.
I have calmed down a little now that I feel like we have a rough plan of action. I never dreamed things would be so chaotic in Sweden and take so long, big mistake.

Thanks again for the advice and reassurance.

get_a_lawyer keep us posted, would be very interested to here if you get any response from MV

[leids]

Hey,

Thought I'd share our stats and see if anyone else applied around the same time and have good news.

Applied for: Sambo residence permit (UT)
Applied on: Nov 05 2014
Email for interview received: April 04 2014
Interview: April 18 2015
Decision: Pending
Applied from: Australia

My Australian partner applied back in November last year. I just got an email stating that I need to provide more information. Only problem is that the user name they've given me comes up as it doesn't exist on the MV site. So I can't login to see what they need,
when the deadline is or anything. I'm in Australia so not the easiest to call them from here so I've contacted the Swedish embassy in Canberra hoping they'll be able to help. Anyone else had that issue?

I'm hoping this means the decision will be made soon. It's so annoying with this username delay and not being able to give them info they need now as we're going to Sweden for Christmas (we've put the application on hold for 3 weeks so he can still enter the country) but it would be so good if everything was approved by the time we got there.

I realise our situation isn't nearly as bad as others as we live together in Australia and won't spend anytime apart whilst the decision is pending. But it's still very frustrating having to wait this long and not knowing when we can leave so I
hope I'm allowed to vent and complain anyway

[mjennin2]

Hey,Thought I'd share our stats and see if anyone else applied around the same time and have good news.Applied for: Sambo residence permit (UT) Applied on: Nov 05 2014Emai ... (show full quote)

Hey,

Thought I'd share our stats and see if anyone else applied around the same time and have good news.

Applied for: Sambo residence permit (UT)
Applied on: Nov 05 2014
Email for interview received: April 04 2014
Interview: April 18 2015
Decision: Pending
Applied from: Australia

My Australian partner applied back in November last year. I just got an email stating that I need to provide more information. Only problem is that the user name they've given me comes up as it doesn't exist on the MV site. So I can't login to see what they need,
when the deadline is or anything. I'm in Australia so not the easiest to call them from here so I've contacted the Swedish embassy in Canberra hoping they'll be able to help. Anyone else had that issue?

I'm hoping this means the decision will be made soon. It's so annoying with this username delay and not being able to give them info they need now as we're going to Sweden for Christmas (we've put the application on hold for 3 weeks so he can still enter the country) but it would be so good if everything was approved by the time we got there.

I realise our situation isn't nearly as bad as others as we live together in Australia and won't spend anytime apart whilst the decision is pending. But it's still very frustrating having to wait this long and not knowing when we can leave so I
hope I'm allowed to vent and complain anyway ... (hide full quote)

Hi Leids! Vent and complain as much as you'd like! You are in good company

It may be a *bit* early.. it seems like MV is just starting to decide upon the October 2014 applications (but as they say, they look at applications on a "case by case basis", so it could be that a case officer is reviewing your file!) Usually when they ask you for information late in the game, it means you are getting very very close to a decision!

If you don't mind, I will add you to the spreadsheet I've made of application stats. We're up to over 90 cases, and so far, only one from November 2014 has received a decision, and it was a priority case. But there are two other December cases that both received decisions too - not 100% sure about the specifics behind those. Both timelines were submitted on my blog with no extra information, really. But...let it offer hope! Here is the link to the list of timelines: http://hejaherrljunga.blogspot.com/2015/11...15-part-7b.html

Definitely try to get in touch with MV as soon as you can - even email them if the embassy is not helpful. Because submitting that info usually has a deadline. I've heard of many cases in which people's login info doesn't work (MV even admits the system has a lot of glitches -- and that admission came from a spokesperson for Anders Danielsson!), so I am sure this will be no new issue to them

Anywho... please keep us updated on your case! <3

[jude jude]

hello,
Just wanna let everyone know i am heading for an interview tomorrow with my sambo and our child tomorrow 26, still curious what they will ask and what i am going to face but i am well prepared with all the paper work and proof i can get my hands on although they asked us to come along with our passports and paper stating that we are single and never been married previously or divorced. At the end i will hope for the best and answer any question they will ask me and in detailed manner. I will try and inform you guys how it went.
Good luck to everyone still waiting.

[mjennin2]

hello, Just wanna let everyone know i am heading for an interview tomorrow with my sambo and our child tomorrow 26, still curious what they will ask and what i am going ... (show full quote)

hello,
Just wanna let everyone know i am heading for an interview tomorrow with my sambo and our child tomorrow 26, still curious what they will ask and what i am going to face but i am well prepared with all the paper work and proof i can get my hands on although they asked us to come along with our passports and paper stating that we are single and never been married previously or divorced. At the end i will hope for the best and answer any question they will ask me and in detailed manner. I will try and inform you guys how it went.
Good luck to everyone still waiting. ... (hide full quote)

Jude, I've been thinking of you lately, and I think you should go in with confidence. I was recently on MV's website to help someone else and came across this page, with this clause in specific:

If you have or are expecting children in Sweden
If you are in Sweden without a valid residence permit, you may in certain cases receive a new residence permit without having to leave the country. This applies to anyone who is the parent and guardian of a child who has a residence permit or who is a Swedish citizen, and those who have or are expecting children with a person who is a Swedish citizen or who has a permanent residence permit. You must also live with the child.

For this it is required that:
*you fulfill the conditions for a residence permit to live with someone in Sweden
*it is clear that you would have received a residence permit if you had submitted your application before coming to Sweden, and
*it is not reasonable to demand that you return to your home country to apply.

Your application may also be rejected if you have a criminal record or have been an illegal resident, or if you have provided false information.

Just bear those bullet points in mind when you speak with your interviewer

[Alysious]

WOW, Sometimes reading these stories gives me hope and also a little fear. Looks like 12 months is pretty standard to wait. Fingers crossed it only takes that long for me and I'll be able to live with my kids when they start school in Sweden.
I'm interested in the whole Swedish children thing being a chance of me staying when I 'visit' them. I will ask in my interview about aspects of that as I would want to be in the country when my kids start school. For now it is just a waiting game. I check every day to look for a reply that will no doubt be many months away. Good luck everyone

[mjennin2]

WOW, Sometimes reading these stories gives me hope and also a little fear. Looks like 12 months is pretty standard to wait. Fingers crossed it only takes that long for me an ... (show full quote)

WOW, Sometimes reading these stories gives me hope and also a little fear. Looks like 12 months is pretty standard to wait. Fingers crossed it only takes that long for me and I'll be able to live with my kids when they start school in Sweden.
I'm interested in the whole Swedish children thing being a chance of me staying when I 'visit' them. I will ask in my interview about aspects of that as I would want to be in the country when my kids start school. For now it is just a waiting game. I check every day to look for a reply that will no doubt be many months away. Good luck everyone ... (hide full quote)

Definitely do talk to them! This rule sounds like you would have needed to apply while you were already in Sweden prior to having an active application or permit, but it's worth a shot! There's also the "Child's Best Interest"clause, however since your husband will be with them and they will be in school and such, and they sound like they are healthy children, based off of similar cases we've seen, they will likely determine that your children will not be harmed by a temporary separation - especially since by the time they move, it will have already been a year since you applied.

I hope you're right about 12 months too! We applied in January and based off of the trends, we have prepared ourselves mentally for 14-16 months. Anything before that would be such a beautiful gift... I would hate to have to cancel my wedding for a second time!

[jude jude]

Hello,
I am back again and we had our interview earlier today, First our baby kept screaming and i was called first and the questions they asked me are as follows, my passport, paper showing i am not married, how i met my sambo, where i met her with dates and months, how we are living, where we are living, asked me about my sambo's family, my relationship with them.
Stage 2 as follows: if we had our baby for me to stay in Sweden or did it came out of love, do we argue or fight sometimes, our first date and where, how do i survive while in Sweden without working, if i have had problems with police or authorities,
Stage 3 I was asked to explain in detail why i should be allowed to stay in Sweden without having to go back and apply, of course i went in details based on family ties and my child, i explain how far the embassy is from me and some personal issues i have.
Stage 4 i was asked how we take care of our child, if my sambo quit her job to take maternity money or leave and luckily for me my sambo is fit and has started working already cos her job requires her to be there, so i am left with the baby to care for. MV really gave me tough time on the interview trying to convince me same way i was trying to convince them and at some point we all started laughing cos there are some stupid questions i don't even expect from them.
Lastly they told me i should prove i am the father to my child and gave me 2 weeks to provide them with paternity test result and custody paper. and told me as soon as i bring that i will have a decision. My Sambo went for her interview and they asked her almost what they asked me but it was pretty fast cos our child was screaming out loud inside MV building.
I am writing all this to help others and for everyone to know what to expect. it doesn't mean i will get to stay since i have break the immigration law, if anything will save me it will be our precious child as i am seeing. but they told me if they decide i should go and apply that i will only spend 2 months and be back to Sweden cos all i have to do is go to the embassy in my home country and apply and i will get a visa to be back, then make an ID at MV. The interviewer and my case officer will look into my case as soon as i provide them with paternity test result and proof of custody and gave me my decision. Still dont know what to expect, but faith and hope makes everything easy

Good luck to you all and let us all hope for the best

[Bellav]

Aww, Jude jude, your case sounds hopeful, and a decision 2 months! It could have been a lot worse! So happy for you, I hope they make a positive decision, and soon!

[jude jude]

Bellav, thanks in case you dont know i am on my 12th month applied november 2014 and i got interview as soon as my sambo gave birth. i hope for positive decision but which ever comes i will go do things the right way

[mjennin2]

Aww Jude, I am so happy for you and appreciative of the time you took to detail your interview!

While I would highly suggest NO ONE find themselves in the tough decision you are in, I am so glad that they are being reasonable in considering your application. I think the fact that you are not only the child's father, but also the primary caregiver while your partner works, is reason enough to just let you stay until you get your decision

We are rooting for you!

Also - could you post your timeline? What exact date did you apply? And I believe you said you applied in Sweden, right? I want to add your timeline to our spreadsheet

[Bsmith]

Mjennin, I do believe that you have found your calling as leader of this support group. Perhaps you could turn this into some sort of employment????

[mjennin2]

Mjennin, I do believe that you have found your calling as leader of this support group. Perhaps you could turn this into some sort of employment????

I have already! It's called, "Tell my boss I'm analyzing stocks, but really I'm just commenting on The Local".

I need constant distractions to keep me from going insane at my day job. This has been a fair compromise given my vested interest in the subject at hand. I'm even having to work some today (how very un-American of me!)

[Alysious]

jude jude, thank you so much for all of your interview details. I hope everything goes smoothly for you and you don't have to return to your home country. But at least they said it would only be a 2 month separation, which seems bad enough when you have a baby to care for. BEST of Luck!

I think my interview will be a little different in Australia, my marriage will be 16yrs by the time I get my interview. Pretty sure they won't ask me for a paternity test to prove the kids are my husbands (they are). That seems a bit rude, but I guess they have to be certain. I figure if the mother says the kid is yours and you're the caregiver that should be enough - I guess not.
I have a LOT of details if they want me to go through the whole relationship lol.

mjennin2, I will try to make it clear that my children will actually struggle quite badly without me. Although, I guess it really is my fault for not applying sooner. I didn't factor the massive change in timeframes since we first got married. But if they could even tell me how long that separation might be it would help so much. The kids won't cope well with an undefined timeframe (neither will I). I really hope you get to have your Wedding this time mjennin2. I don't think I could cope with a 16 month timeframe - I would be separated from my kids for 8 months if that happened!

I just want to check if this is right -
If I want to be in Sweden while my Permit is still pending, can I suspend my decision so that I can be in Sweden for 3 months (as a Tourist) while my children start school, return home and restart my Permit. All of this would be after I have had my interview. We planned on having a holiday in June before my husband starts work and the kids start school.

The next bit is technically illegal (I think) but say I don't want to suspend my application but am Holidaying in Norway. Then I just drive to Sweden without going threw any passport controls, we could do that last year (I don't know if things have changed border wise). So I'm in Sweden, as a tourist, but they don't know I'm there. If my application comes through, can I just say to the MV "I'm on holiday in Norway, visiting a friend. Would I be able to pick my Permit up there? or I am happy to drive to Sweden if that is allowed". I do have a friend in Norway that I can legitimately stay with or several other EU countries for that matter. That way if my Decision comes through in the 12 month timeframe, I wouldn't actually be separated from my kids at all. Worst case scenario, is that the Decision doesn't come while I'm holidaying and I have to return home to wait those last few months.

What do people think about that, a bit naughty plan? Obviously I realise that it could adversely affect my Permit if they knew I did this. Thanks for any advice.

[the_dome]

Does anyone knows if they have started processing cases from the November of 2014?