Hi guys, I have posted this on the 29th July leavers page but I figured its something everyone may need because we'll all be heading up to the embassy for our visas at some point. Just thought I'd let you know what to expect. I got to the embassy at 7.30am and there was already a queue. Luckily, it wasn't that long. When you join the line, you get handed a plastic bag in which you have to put anything metal, coins, watches, earrings, necklaces, rings even belts. They ask if you have anything electronic and if you answer yes they send you down the road to some chemist place that charges £10 to look after your stuff while you're in the embassy. Luckily, I didn't have anything because after you've gone to the chemist, you have to rejoin the queue (which will have doubled in the time it took you to visit the chemist!) The security guard will ask to see your Visa Appointment Confirmation letter and passport. Then you have to go through security which is just like at the airport. You put your metal bits in a plastic tray that goes through the X-Ray machine and you walk through the arch that beeps (you know what I mean). Then you walk round the building to the entrance. At the reception deck, the woman will ask you for your DS-156 form. They will also ask for your DS-157 if you're a fella. If you haven't got one, you can fill one out there but obviously, while you're doing that, others are going ahead of you. The woman will give you a number starting from 1000. I got 1013 which freaked me out at first because I thought that meant there were 1012 people in front of me! Then you sit on some chairs waiting for your number to be called. The windows open at 8 (and then not all of them), and the numbers aren't called in strict order. Sometimes it jumps but they always go back. Once your number is called, you go up to the window and hand the clerk all your paperwork and passport. She sorts it, writes stuff on it and then gets you to place your left four fingers on a light box. Then your right, then both thumbs. Finally she hands you a blue form and your paperwork and tells you to sit back down until your number is called again. The blue form is for your courier service to get your visa back to you. You can fill it out while you're waiting (recommend you bring a pen). They have an area to put your mobile number so they can text you a date for delivery. My number is programmed in my phone as I don't have it memorised so I had to leave it. If you're the same, make sure you have the number with you. When your number is called again (and it can take a while), you go up to the higher numbered windows (13-19) and they scan your right four fingers again (I'm not sure why). Then the woman tells you if your visa has been approved and sends you to the courier desk. All in all, you're at that window for about one minute. At the courier desk, they take your blue form, check your address (I used my work address, I spend more time there!) and then charge you. It cost me £14 and luckily they take debit cards! Then they hand you a receipt, get you to sign it and wish you a nice day. You're done. I was shocked how quick it was. The last time I got a visa, I was there all day! Today, I was out by 8.40! That's only one hour and ten minutes! I asked if that was normal and they told me its definately best to be one of the first in as the waiting time extends the later you get there. I was back home by midday and I live over 100 miles away from London! Of course, the fact that I had to be up at 4am this morning, only mars the whole experience a little! Cheesy Anyway, that's the 411 for you. Best of luck everyone!
LOL! I had to get up at 4am too in order to catch the 5.05am train! That's why I was so relieved that it was over so fast. Then I could rush home and sleep. I didn't in the end but I could have! It's nice to have the option.
If I don't set off in the car at 4:30 to get to London it takes ages! Half an hour for a shower & a bacon sandwich then hit the road!
What time was your appointment that made you have to leave so early? I don't go to sleep til about 2am so 4am would be a serious shock to the system!!
To get to the embassy for 7:30am would require me to set off from Nottingham no later than 4:30. An hour & a half to two hours to get to Stanmore tube station just off the M1, then a 45 minute tube ride into the centre of London. I'm normally late to bed too, 2am is my usual so it is weird to go to bed at 10!
You really need to speed up your driving Stu Took me 2 hours from junction 8 on the m25 to Lenton after midnight...you should be able to make Stanmore in about 75 minutes no problems...TOPS! (and I did it in my 106/206)
It's only taking longer due to the roadworks on the M1 where it meets the M25. Or maybe you're right, I've started to drive like a pussy in my older years! ;D
ah yes, those awful things at Luton....try doing the journey on a Friday afternoon...it takes like 5 hours....its awful! Anyways back to the initial post Foxxie, thanks for the info regarding the visa interview...all very helpful! :-X :-X :-X
You're welcome. I hoped it would be helpful. I got my visa back yesterday! Now it's just a matter of waiting....
