Visa package arrived with rips...

[LND2017 3]

 

Dear VJers on this forum,

I've finally got my visa package, but it arrived with two 2-inch rips on the envelope... They are not large enough to get anything out, but still pretty alarming. I've contacted the Embassy through their online contact form, but haven't heard from them after a day. I read from old posts people usually got a reply quickly for this kind issue. Not sure what's going on here. Is there any other way to contact them? Thanks!

 

Edited March 27, 2018 by LND2017

[Sunnyland 639]

Is it very bad? Keep contacting the embassy just to be re assured all will be okay. They may be able to re pack it.

[trudi 1,317]

The contact form is the only way for London unless you are close enough to go there and ask the bods outside to call in & find out for you?

They used to respond to the contact form in a couple of days which I know is not what you wanted to hear but when the courier lost my entire package they replied the same day so I'm thinking they look at the messages and reply if urgent

[doggieandsam 765]

do you mean it is cut on one corner? if so, then don't worry that's normal. they do that on purpose.

[LND2017 3]

Thank you very much for your kind replies guys!

15 minutes ago, Sunnyland said:

Is it very bad? Keep contacting the embassy just to be re assured all will be okay. They may be able to re pack it.

Two 2-inch rips, but not large enough to get anything out. But I'm scared they may become large during my trip to US. I've already submitted three inquiry forms... Not sure if keeping on this would irritate the officers...

 

13 minutes ago, trudi said:

The contact form is the only way for London unless you are close enough to go there and ask the bods outside to call in & find out for you?

They used to respond to the contact form in a couple of days which I know is not what you wanted to hear but when the courier lost my entire package they replied the same day so I'm thinking they look at the messages and reply if urgent

Oh, Gosh, that's terrible. Well, my case is not as urgent as yours, but I would still expect it different from asking about the progress. I read from other posts that even if you go to the Embassy, the staff there would only advise you to submit a contact form...

10 minutes ago, doggieandsam said:

do you mean it is cut on one corner? if so, then don't worry that's normal. they do that on purpose.

It's not a cut on the corner. It's on the opposite side to the tape seal.

Edited March 27, 2018 by LND2017

[trudi 1,317]

1 minute ago, LND2017 said:

Thank you very much for your kind replies guys!

Two 2-inch rips, but not large enough to get anything out. But I'm scared they may become large during my trip to US. I've already submitted three inquiry forms... Not sure if keeping on this would irritate the officers...

 

Oh, Gosh, that's terrible, hope you'll get everything sorted out soon. Well, my case is not as urgent as yours, but I would still expect it different from asking about the progress. I read from other posts that even if you go to the Embassy, the staff there would only advise you to submit a contact form...

It's not a cut on the corner. It's on the opposite side to the tape seal.

It was all good & 2 years ago but thank you & I hope you get a response soon

[LND2017 3]

Just now, trudi said:

It was all good & 2 years ago but thank you & I hope you get a response soon

Thank you. I just read from your timeline you received your visa two years ago! Hope mine will get sorted out soon too.

[doggieandsam 765]

6 minutes ago, LND2017 said:

It's not a cut on the corner. It's on the opposite side to the tape seal.

i see. then i hope you get it sorted out soon. i'm sure the embassy will be able to "re-pack" it for you. it is just a question on how soon they get back to you.

[LND2017 3]

7 minutes ago, doggieandsam said:

i see. then i hope you get it sorted out soon. i'm sure the embassy will be able to "re-pack" it for you. it is just a question on how soon they get back to you.

 

I really hope so. Thank you!

I'll update here after I sort this out.

[Wuozopo 4,293]

5 hours ago, LND2017 said:

 

Dear VJers on this forum,

I've finally got my visa package, but it arrived with two 2-inch rips on the envelope... They are not large enough to get anything out, but still pretty alarming. I've contacted the Embassy through their online contact form, but haven't heard from them after a day. I read from old posts people usually got a reply quickly for this kind issue. Not sure what's going on here. Is there any other way to contact them? Thanks!

 

I've seen this reported many times on here. If you can't get a paper out, alter it, and get it back inside perfectly then there is no problem. Forget the embassy. CBP has been fine with rips. It's only the people who can't figure out what DO NOT OPEN means and tear the envelope open that have to go back to London and have it verified and resealed. 

[LND2017 3]

6 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

I've seen this reported many times on here. If you can't get a paper out, alter it, and get it back inside perfectly then there is no problem. Forget the embassy. CBP has been fine with rips. It's only the people who can't figure out what DO NOT OPEN means and tear the envelope open that have to go back to London and have it verified and resealed. 

 

I'm sure not even one paper can be taken out from the rips. That's a relief, thanks!

[LND2017 3]

Just an update. Another day passed, still haven't heard from the Embassy.  But CBP replied to my enquiry about this matter within one hour:"The Officer will generally accept the immigration packet with a rip or tear. However, it is possible you may be delayed until the Officer views the documentation." Now I have another question, since mine already have two rips, how can I make sure they do not get larger during the long trip?

Edited March 28, 2018 by LND2017

[Wuozopo 4,293]

18 minutes ago, LND2017 said:

Now I have another question, since mine already have two rips, how can I make sure they do not get larger during the long trip?

Wrap it in an outer wrapper for protection. 

[LND2017 3]

9 minutes ago, Wuozopo said:

Wrap it in an outer wrapper for protection. 

Thank you. I will. You have been right in every comment. Do I have to enter US at a "port of entry"? I notice oakland international airport is not one on CBP's list, but since there are flights from London there, I assume it's ok to enter US from there too..

[Wuozopo 4,293]

6 hours ago, LND2017 said:

Thank you. I will. You have been right in every comment. Do I have to enter US at a "port of entry"? I notice oakland international airport is not one on CBP's list, but since there are flights from London there, I assume it's ok to enter US from there too..

Your first landing point in the US will have a place to go through immigration and customs.  The exception would be the places that have pre-clearance such as Dublin departure and (I think) Toronto where you do the POE thing before departure.  

Edited March 29, 2018 by Wuozopo