Hallo Everyone,
Trust7 helped me a lot during my visa application (read every single post) and now wanted to share my experience which could be helpful for future applicants.
 
Background:
- I live in Germany for almost 8 years
- I have a Niederlassungserlaubnis (got it before marriage)
- applied for family reunion visa for my wife, a week after our marriage
 
Process:
Application submission date: 29.05.2018
 
Got letter in Germany for further Doc (post from ABH): 31.05.2018
(they said they will get the original docs from Chennai consulate round about 3 weeks from submitting via post but just in case wanted me to send the docs from my side earlier so that they can work on it earlier, I saw this letter only after reaching Germany and it was like 4 weeks after applying but during this time I never disturbed them with any status enquiry)
 
Doc Submission in Germany:  20.06.2018
(I came back to Germany after my marriage pretty late and submitted the docs asap)
 
Intimation from ABH (post from ABH): 22.06.2018
(got a letter from ABH that the document processing from their side is complete and now the decision lies with Chennai consulate)
 
Approval E-mail from Chennai Consulate: 25.06.2018
 
Submitted further docs: 26.06.2018
 
Collected Passport with Visa stamped: 03.07.2018
 
Hint:
- Prepare well ahead
- never disturb them with emails or calls (I know it is hard but wait for an intimation at least for a month (I personally never contacted them and the information flow was always one sided, from them to me) )
 
Best Regards