Interview to Visa received London

[Holly and Patrick 3]

So we just received our interview date which will be friday the 18th of November. We are super excited but are just wondering whether anyone has any information or experience on the time period between the interview and receiving the visa in the post, (we heard the London embassy does not process the visa the same day). Thanksgiving falls on November 24th and obviously we would love to be together for it, but are not sure whether this is a realistic goal, Any thoughts?

[cathy2904 97]

So we just received our interview date which will be friday the 18th of November. We are super excited but are just wondering whether anyone has any information or experience on the time period between the interview and receiving the visa in the post, (we heard the London embassy does not process the visa the same day). Thanksgiving falls on November 24th and obviously we would love to be together for it, but are not sure whether this is a realistic goal, Any thoughts?

Congratulations. My interview is 8th November.

My impression is that 6 days (actually only 5 if you want to be there by 23rd) is too optimistic, especially as that includes a weekend. You might get it very quickly but I think they will tell you 3-5 business days to get it to the courier.

I found this on the London Embassy Info page. http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=United%20Kingdom&cty=London

Visa issued same day? No

If not whats the waiting period? The passport with visa is delivered back to the applicant via Secure Mail Services (SMS) courier operating under the brand-name DX Secure. This takes anywhere from 24 hours to a week. The cost is from £14.50 for the basic service, payable by most debit/credit card only as cash is not accepted. SMS contact number 0870 950 1760 SMS website www.securemail.co.uk SMS contact number the latest number 0871 562 6666 SMS website is www.thedx.co.uk

For what it's worth, I have been reading this thread where people have been able to get an earlier interview by contacting the Embassy directly:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/326072-waiting-for-london-interview-date/page__st__90__p__4926021#entry4926021

Good luck.

[*Snowdrop* 604]

So we just received our interview date which will be friday the 18th of November. We are super excited but are just wondering whether anyone has any information or experience on the time period between the interview and receiving the visa in the post, (we heard the London embassy does not process the visa the same day). Thanksgiving falls on November 24th and obviously we would love to be together for it, but are not sure whether this is a realistic goal, Any thoughts?

That is going to be really tight for time. It's not impossible but I would say unlikely. I suspect you will probably get the visa back that week but before the 24th?

I had my interview on the 5th of Dec 2008 and my flights booked for the 15th Dec. I think my passport arrived back on the 13th - I was very stressed about it. Having said that some people have had an interview on the Friday and had the passport in their hands on the Sat afternoon. Others have waited 2 weeks.

So I wouldn't book a flight but if you can afford it you might be able to get a last minute ticket if it does come in time.

EDITED TO ADD: Asking for an earlier date is a good plan. I did that too. Our original interview date was for the 15th and I wanted more time to get there before Christmas so I phoned the embassy and got the special email code then emailed and said if it was at all possible I would like an earlier interview date. They gave me one ten days earlier. It can't hurt to try.

Edited October 2, 2011 by LSMA

[arynmichael 3]

I agree with calling and asking for an earlier date. It doesn't hurt to try. Could you possibly book a ticket that is changeable? I know it costs more, but it is probably cheaper than booking two flights or a last minute flight. Keep in mind that Thanksgiving is the busiest flying time in the U.S. so flights may be quite expensive to begin with.

[Blessing+faith 1]

did you receive the letter in the mail or by e-mail?

[MJW 0]

Our case got completed on Monday 26th September, the same day I went for my medical. Got an email last night from NVC, interview date on the 29th november. Although I'm happy to get a date I was hoping it would be earlier in november...

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

So we just received our interview date which will be friday the 18th of November. We are super excited but are just wondering whether anyone has any information or experience on the time period between the interview and receiving the visa in the post, (we heard the London embassy does not process the visa the same day). Thanksgiving falls on November 24th and obviously we would love to be together for it, but are not sure whether this is a realistic goal, Any thoughts?

In a perfect world, they would print the visa on Monday and maybe you would get it Wednesday. Thanksgiving, they say is the busiest travel day for airlines so they book up early. If you book now, realistically you may not make it. Beg to get the interview moved up.

Edit: I notice you don't have the medical scheduled. Get the earliest date possible. Then in your begging email tell them your medical will be [date] and you will be ready for interview.

Edited October 2, 2011 by Nich-Nick

[jim&nay 1]

the time around Thanksgiving will be diff, but I have my interview on a Friday (23rd sept) and received the docs in my hand the following Thursday. Also, the lady at the embassy did tell me they would issue my visa within 3 working days, So I knew to expect it on the 4th (the courier service is next day delivery). Therefore, you can poss ask this q and then maybe book your flight after your interview. Again, no guarentees, so buy a changeable ticket. I didnt risk it at all and I waiting till I got everything in my hand until I booked my flight. Good Luck!!!

[Holly and Patrick 3]

Thanks for all the advice, I think it's looking a little tight! We have written to the embassy to ask for a earlier interview so I guess we'll just wait and see....

[Holly and Patrick 3]

Congratulations. My interview is 8th November.

My impression is that 6 days (actually only 5 if you want to be there by 23rd) is too optimistic, especially as that includes a weekend. You might get it very quickly but I think they will tell you 3-5 business days to get it to the courier.

I found this on the London Embassy Info page. http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=United%20Kingdom&cty=London

Visa issued same day? No

If not whats the waiting period? The passport with visa is delivered back to the applicant via Secure Mail Services (SMS) courier operating under the brand-name DX Secure. This takes anywhere from 24 hours to a week. The cost is from £14.50 for the basic service, payable by most debit/credit card only as cash is not accepted. SMS contact number 0870 950 1760 SMS website www.securemail.co.uk SMS contact number the latest number 0871 562 6666 SMS website is www.thedx.co.uk

For what it's worth, I have been reading this thread where people have been able to get an earlier interview by contacting the Embassy directly:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/326072-waiting-for-london-interview-date/page__st__90__p__4926021#entry4926021

Good luck.

How did your interview go?

[cathy2904 97]

How did your interview go?

it went very well - I was approved! You can read my review here:

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/view-dos-cis-reviews.php?entry=8673

Ironically, after my earlier response to your question, although they told me that i would receive my visa in 7-10 days, it actually arrived in two! Not that it mattered too much as I am not leaving until Dec 4th.

Good luck with your interview.

[cranberryshades 0]

Hey guys...did you apply through Chicago Lockbox or USCIS Field office in London?

[cathy2904 97]

Hey guys...did you apply through Chicago Lockbox or USCIS Field office in London?

Our application went to the CSC - I think it was sent to the Dallas Lockbox first. Definitely not the London Field Office anyway.

[Holly and Patrick 3]

it went very well - I was approved! You can read my review here:

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/view-dos-cis-reviews.php?entry=8673

Ironically, after my earlier response to your question, although they told me that i would receive my visa in 7-10 days, it actually arrived in two! Not that it mattered too much as I am not leaving until Dec 4th.

Good luck with your interview.

Wow it sounds like it was all very quick and easy, Congratulations! You must be getting excited!

[KennMB 0]

Interview London 16 Nov - approved, DX the couriers sent me a text message today 17 Nov advising they have my passport and will be delivering it to me tomorrow 18th Nov.