Waiting times

We are making every effort to reduce processing times. Over the course of the scheme, we have introduced additional checks to maintain a robust caseworking process. Although this has increased the time it takes to consider an application, it has been necessary to maintain the quality of our decision-making process.

You can contact Bulgaria and Romania casework on the customer service line (0114 207 4074) to request urgent treatment - each case will be treated on its merits. Alternatively, you can book an appointment at our public enquiry office in Croydon.

Waiting times

To help us provide the best possible service, please do not contact us to check the progress of your case until at least 20 working days after submitting your application.

The time it takes to process your case will depend on the type of application you make. If you make your application in person at Croydon public enquiry office, we will usually process your application on the same day.

We are currently prioritising cases where the applicant needs permission from the UK Border Agency to start work. Self-employed Bulgarian and Romanian nationals do not need to hold a registration certificate before starting work in a self-employed capacity, so these cases are currently taking longer to process.

The table below shows the dates of applications we are currently processing. During the week commencing 16 November 2009, we will process applications received on the following dates:

Type of application	Date received
Accession worker cards (work permit) and Highly Skilled Migrant Programme	30 October 2009
Student and Accession worker cards (non-work permit)	30 October 2009
Exempt	30 October 2009
Self-employed	30 October 2009

Requesting the return of your documents

If you require your documents for urgent travel, please send a faxed request to 0114 207 5872. Please also send a faxed copy of your travel tickets as evidence that you need to travel urgently. If we have all the necessary evidence, we will always try to make a decision to meet your travel plans. However, if we require additional evidence in order to make a decision, we will ask you to withdraw your application and reapply at a later date.

If you require an urgent decision on your case because you need to start work, please send a faxed request to 0114 207 5872. Please also send a faxed copy of the job offer from your employer.

If you have any other enquiries relating to the Bulgarian and Romanian scheme which are not covered elsewhere on the website you may email us direct at our BaRC enquiries email inbox. Please note that we are unable to provide responses to progress enquiries or requests for confirmation of receipt of applications. Any enquiries not relating to this scheme should not be sent to this inbox, but addressed to the immigration enquiry bureau.