Applying for a UK visitor visa from the US can be easy. We underline the steps to make that process effortless.
UK Visitor Visa from US: An Introduction
If you are traveling from the US to the UK, you need to apply for a UK visitor visa from the US. The process is easy and simple if you follow the guidelines set by UK Visas and Immigration. There are many reasons why you want to spend time in the UK.
However, the refusal rate for UK visitor visas from the US can be high. If your application is refused on some grounds, you might have to cancel your plans to visit the country. To ensure that you do not have to consult a UK immigration lawyer, ensure that your application is error-free.
We underline the steps needed for a UK visitor visa from the US so that you continue to plan for the trip knowing fully well that your submission is not riddled with errors.
Here are the steps to apply for a UK visitor visa from the US.
Apply Online
You need to go online and complete your application and also pay a fee. Before you do that to apply for a UK visitor visa from the US, you must also verify that you meet all the eligibility for a Standard Visitor Visa. This includes having a valid passport, and sufficient funds that support you during your UK stay. You also need to express a clear intention of leaving the UK after the purpose of your visit is met.
Gathering all the necessary documents such as passport, passport-sized photos, travel insurance, proof of monetary stability, accommodation details, flight details, and supporting documents related to travel are a must. Keeping all this in mind before you apply for a UK visitor visa from the US is mandatory.
Book and Attend your Biometric Appointment
You do not need to consult a UK immigration lawyer before you proceed to complete your online application. Once you have done this, you will be asked to book a biometric enrolment appointment at an Application Support Centre or ASC. Your fingerprints and photo will be clicked and biometric records updated by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
In case you are unable to do this, you can attend a VFS Premium Application Centre or PAC offer your biometric details to authorities, and submit your application. If you choose to go to a VFS PAC, you then opt for a Premium Service.
Attend an ASC Appointment
When you appear for the appointment with the ASC, be punctual and methodical. For your UK visitor visa from the US, this is a must. The scheduled date and time are given and if you arrive late or on a different date or time, your application will not be processed. Do not arrive more than 15 minutes before the appointment time.
You must bring in your current valid passport and a copy of the appointment confirmation letter, sent by VFS Global when you book your slot for the appointment. You must refrain from bringing mobile phones, cameras, and other recording devices into the ASC.
As your UK immigration lawyer would always suggest, remember to cover your face when arriving at the ASC. Face coverings are not provided to applicants and individuals who do not cover their face will not be allowed in.
You are also advised to not bring in additional family members to the appointment. Only interpreters, and lawyers who are offering their services to you on the matter are permitted inside the appointment room.
You are also required to maintain social distancing when you arrive at the center. You must sit and stand apart from those present at the venue as per protocol.
If you are unwell and are on medication or feeling sick during the appointment, you may miss the appointment a miss. If you or someone accompanying you falls sick, the ASC may reschedule the appointment. You must check the operating status of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on the date of the appointment.
For those who are applying for a UK visitor visa from the US and are below the age of 5, the appointment is scheduled at an ASC or PAC. These children have their photographs taken but are not mandated by law to offer their fingerprints.
Mailing your application
Once your appointment confirmation letter is stamped and the ASC issues it to you, you have about 5 days to mail the following documents:
- Application Form
- Current Passport
- UPS Shipping label
- Supporting Documents
You need to send the mail to:
VFS Services USA Inc.
UKVI Scanning Hub
128 East 32nd St
Floor 4
New York NY
10016
All applications must have your current passport with a blank visa page on both sides. In case you forget to submit your application without a passport, the application is refused.
There is a 5 working day or about 15 working day standard service for processing the UK visitor visa from the US, once all documents are sent to the address mentioned.
Return Shipping
To ensure that the passport is safely returned with documents, you must fully provide an addressed UPS prepaid electronic shipping label in place of a non-electronic shipping label. Ensure that the return shipping label is placed in the package and keep a copy of that label with you for safe upkeep.
Coronavirus Advice for Entering the UK
If you are traveling to the UK, you must check the coronavirus travel advisory and read the guidance on immigration conditions if you are affected by travel restrictions.
Finally, apply for a UK visitor visa from the US well in advance of your planned travel date. You must provide complete and accurate details asked by the UK authorities. You should also be aware of the visa processing times and should you have questions or concerns, contact the UK immigration lawyer of repute or the visa application center.
Await the decision of your application and wait till the authorities send back your stamped passport with the visa to notify you formally. Do not hesitate to ask pertinent questions regarding the entire application process and seek legal guidance if you deem fit.
