Phone Number: |
Switchboard: [44] (0)20 7499-9000
Visa Information Line: 09068-200-290 (24 hour)
* 60p/min; only available in the U.K., within U.K. may be unavailable from some business telephones and mobile networks. |
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E-Mail: |
LondonConsular@state.gov
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Address: |
24 Grosvenor Square
London, W1A 1AE
United Kingdom |
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Working Hours: |
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m |
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Best Contact Method: |
Email-LondonConsular@state.gov |
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Approx Waiting Time for Interview After Consulate Recieves
NVC Package: |
As of February 2006, waiting time is still varying between 4 and 12 weeks, but processing seems to be speeding up again after a dramatic slowdown in the fall of 2005. 8 weeks is now about standard, but as always, your mileage may vary.
An interview date is *sometimes* issued more quickly if applicants can show that they have concrete wedding/travel plans, but not always. If applying through London, plan for a 10-12 week wait in between the Consulate's receipt of packet 3 and the actual interview.
E-mail is definitely the best way to contact London if necessary. |
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Issues Packet 3? |
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Packet 3 Contains: |
DS-230-I Part I
DS-156 x2 (Full out online to generate barcode http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/electronic.html - Add photo to each, do not sign)
DS-156K (Do not sign)
DS-157 (Male only)
IV-15 Checklist
Information on how to book your medical |
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Issues Packet 4? |
Yes |
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Packet 4 Contents (if known): |
Appointment Letter
Instructions for interview/medical
Medical Questionnaire
Payment slip for £65 for visa processing |
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Forms to Consulate? |
IV-15 |
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Other Forms (if any)? |
Police Certificate (To obtain a Police Certificate in the UK, go to your local police station and request a form called "Subject Access". Send send this with the ten pounds fee to the Data Protection Officer of the police force for the area you are resident in. This form is then sent by the police to Scotland Yard and the results are supplied to the individual requesting them within a statutory 40 day time limit. If you're waiting for your certificate try 0171-230-3751 to see what state it's at.)
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Direct Consular Filing Offered? |
Yes |
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If DCF Allowed: For all or only US citizen lawfully resident in country?
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Residents_Only |
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Can fiance(e)/spouse attend interview? |
Yes |
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Visa fee payment "same day" or "in advance"? |
Advance |
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Did embassy schedule interview or could you walk-in? |
Embassy Scheduled |
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Visa issued same day? |
No |
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If not what's the waiting period? |
The passport with visa is delivered back to the applicant via SMS courier. This takes anywhere from 24 hours to a week. |
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Is the Medical exam same day as interview? |
Prior to Interview |
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Cost of Medical Exam? |
£160 (£179 was the old fee)
***The contractor for 2006, Knightsbridge Doctors, charges £160.*** |
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List of doctors? |
***E-mails now (20 December 2005) coming from the London Consulate indicate that, as rumored, Nuffield has lost the contract for performing immigrant medical exams in the UK. The new contractor will be Knightsbridge Doctors in London (and, as far as we know, ONLY in London). More info forthcoming.***
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How many Passport Photo's Required for the medical? |
1 |
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How many Passport Photo's Required at the interview? |
2 |
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Estimated waiting time at the consulate on the day of interview? |
Varies wildly. Do not show up more than an hour before your scheduled interview time, as you will not be let in more than an hour before that time. |
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Vaccination requirements? |
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/iv/vaccinechart.html |
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Cheap and good hotels near the Consulate? |
BRYANSTON COURT HOTEL-http://www.bryanstonhotel.com/
MARBLE ARCH INN-http://www.marblearch-inn.co.uk/ |
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Additional Info? |
If you are interested in DCF in London, be aware that in VJers' experience, London only allows DCF for U.S. citizens with ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) status in the UK, rather than LLR (Limited Leave to Remain) status. This means that, generally, unless you've been resident in the UK for at least two years, you may not be eligible to file DCF.
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6529 - London Interviews! |
