Processing times

[Badly Drawn Girl]

That page states that "All applications should be submitted and paid for online. You will then be directed to make an appointment at one of the Application Support Centres in your area in order to submit your biometric data."

This is precisely what I have done. The in-person appointment I made was at the application support centre in Philadelphia. My appointment notice then states for me to submit my passport and documentation to the embassy in New York. So, presumably I get my biometrics done in Philly...correct?

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by Badly Drawn Girl

That page states that "All applications should be submitted and paid for online. You will then be directed to make an appointment at one of the Application Support Centres in your area in order to submit your biometric data."

This is precisely what I have done. The in-person appointment I made was at the application support centre in Philadelphia. My appointment notice then states for me to submit my passport and documentation to the embassy in New York. So, presumably I get my biometrics done in Philly...correct?

Yep -- you'll actually be at the USCIS biometrics place.

[Badly Drawn Girl]

Originally Posted by Fatbrit

Yep -- you'll actually be at the USCIS biometrics place.

Ah, right. See, they didn't make it clear that the "application support centre" was also a USCIS biometrics center. I feel like the directions they provide on their "website" leave a lot to be desired...let alone the exorbitant amount they charge for a phone call for clarification.

[izzysmum04]

Originally Posted by Badly Drawn Girl

If for whatever reason it ends up taking longer, and I need to fly out to the UK before it's approved, am I able to enter on a visitor's visa and then adjust to the new visa status once it is approved? Or would I have to actually re-enter the country?

If you did this you would have to reenter the UK because your visa would have to be stamped. There is no way to transfer from a visitor visa to spousal visa within the UK. If you were not to get it stamped this could cause big problems and headaches for you when you go to apply for ILR in 2 years. So make certain you enter the UK with it and that they stamp it! Good luck!!

[Bevdeforges]

Originally Posted by Badly Drawn Girl

Ah, right. See, they didn't make it clear that the "application support centre" was also a USCIS biometrics center. I feel like the directions they provide on their "website" leave a lot to be desired...let alone the exorbitant amount they charge for a phone call for clarification.

The problem you're running into is that the Embassies are part of an entirely different branch of government than the Immigration service, which actually processes the paperwork. Branches of government tend not to talk to each other, so what's on the Embassy website is their interpretation of how another branch of government works.

Same thing applies in the US - just ask anyone who has gone through the immigration process recently!
Cheers,
Bev

[peacefuljourney]

Hi. Go to the biometrics appointment in Philly (my beautiful hometown). They will stamp your paper after you go through the process. Take the visa app, the biometrics, your passport and all the other - stuff - and submit it to the NY Embassy (British Consulate) through courier. If your paperwork is straightforward and in order, the consulate will be able to return it to the courier within 2 days. The courier will return it to you. If you need the name and number of a reputable and understandable courier, please advise and I will give you the information for the service I used. Of course, if you survived the visa application experience and you're already @ England - disregard my ramblings and good luck.