What are the waiting times for registration certificates and accession worker cards?

Service Standard

We aim to process 70% of all applications within 20 working days.

Regrettably, we are currently unable to meet our service standard. Over the course of the scheme it has been necessary to introduce additional checks to maintain the robustness of the 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.

We are making every effort to meet our service standards and reduce processing times.

Applicants can contact Bulgaria and Romania casework on the customer service line (0114 207 4074) to request urgent treatment where each case will be treated on its merits. Alternatively, applicants are able to book public enquiry office (PEO) appointments 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 6 October 2008, we will process applications received on the following dates:

Type of application	Date received
Accession worker cards (work permit) and Highly Skilled Migrant Programme	15 September 2008
Student and Accession worker cards (non-work permit)	15 September 2008
Exempt	15 September 2008
Self-employed	5 September 2008

Requesting the return of your documents

If you require your documents for urgent travel please send a faxed request to 0114 207 5850. 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 5850. Please also send a faxed copy of the job offer from your employer.