Hi Viking, can I know when did your CO told you about the external checks? And which team is he or she fm? Because according to my CO it will take 6 -18 months. Its been 4.5 months since lodging visa n 3 months since external checks. So there are less chances for them to honour their 6 months timeline I guess. Im waiting for your approval to gauge my timeline. I've a mexican who applied in Feb 2013 got her grant in September. But not sure if its due to external checking. Let's pray n hope for our approvals soon.