How to obtain US Visa fairly quickly?

twig1_2

Arcana wrote: »

Voyager2002: Hmm.... that's interesting. It is quite possible they could get me an interview I suppose, so it's just a matter of how much would they charge?

Scubabe: Yes, I compared it to my passport this morning. I'm from Denmark so that should be ok.

As you need to leave your passport with them make sure you can travel back to England. You need photographic ID to get your flight back home.

Arcana

twig1 wrote: »

As you need to leave your passport with them make sure you can travel back to England. You need photographic ID to get your flight back home.

Damn..... I hadn't thought about that. And according to RyanAir's website photographic ID can only be National Identity Card if you are from EU (which the missus isn't) or driving licence which she doesn't have either.

Looks like I'll just have to spend a fortune calling the London embassy every day until I *hopefully* get in on a cancellation.

I think I might look into whether some agencies can arrange an interview for you. Aaargh.

Arcana

I could fly to Belfast and then take the coach (14 hours) or train (12 hours) back I suppose, but man that is one long drive.
Unless of course you are likely to have your passport checked when going by coach or train?

Or we could stay in Belfast for a few days as the Embassy there "usually" only takes 2 days to process a Visa application. But then again, it could take 3 or 4 I suppose.

omelette451

Arcana wrote: »

I could fly to Belfast and then take the coach (14 hours) or train (12 hours) back I suppose, but man that is one long drive.
Unless of course you are likely to have your passport checked when going by coach or train?

You won't need ID for any of the train journeys but it's up to the ferry companies whether they ask for it as part of the sea crossing. However, even then they're likely to accept a much wider range of types of photo ID than airlines. Did you say she has a non-EU national ID card? As it would only be required as ID (*not* for immigration purposes) I'm fairly sure they'd accept it.

Also, easyJet and flybe have a more relaxed list of acceptable photo ID than Ryanair, so you may find she has something suitable to travel with them. If you ring the info line (or the ticket desk at Luton Airport if you can find a direct number) they should tell you. I've flown (easyJet) to and from Belfast on just a student card before now, though I think they're slightly stricter now than they used to be.

Arcana

Thanks for the reply omelette.

I actually called the embassy in London a couple of hours ago and they actually had 2 available appointment 3 days next week, to my very big surprise, so it looks like we will go after all :cool:

Paddy2eyes

I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, but you normally do not need photographic ID when flying with BMI. I see no mention of it on their website. A few years ago I used to travel with them weekly between Belfast and Heathrow and never carried ID. I have only travelled with them once rercently and I cannot remember if they checked ID or not.

Paddy2eyes

Sorry, I just noticed your post about the London appointment, so the Belfast info isnt needed.

trickytrolleys

Arcana wrote: »

Thanks for the reply omelette.

I actually called the embassy in London a couple of hours ago and they actually had 2 available appointment 3 days next week, to my very big surprise, so it looks like we will go after all :cool:

Glad to hear that! A couple of tips for the embassy, arrive early!! your appointment time is not your appointment time, its just a roundabout time they want you to arrive at the embassy. When you arrive you join a queue outside before entering a security booth where you are checked prior to entering the embassy itself.

Take nothing electrical, it's made clear but people still do it - no calculators, office key fobs ANYTHING! they wont let you in (and the police have guns!! LOL)

If your child is young take something to occupy them as it takes ages to be processed, there is an area that sells snacks etc (no idea on prices as I didnt buy any).

It's a bit like the deli counter at tescos, you are allocated a number, called to hand in your paperwork and be fingerprinted and then you wait to be seen by the immigration officer.

The staff are really nice and very helpful, if you have any queries try to speak to the staff prior to going to your window as it will save time.

one more thing: on my appt letter it gave the address as Grosvenor Street but it is Grosvenor Square you need to go to, look for the massive eagle on top of the building.

Hope you find this useful and have a lovely holiday!!

Voyager2002

trickytrolleys wrote: »

Glad to hear that! A couple of tips for the embassy, arrive early!! your appointment time is not your appointment time, its just a roundabout time they want you to arrive at the embassy. When you arrive you join a queue outside before entering a security booth where you are checked prior to entering the embassy itself.

Take nothing electrical, it's made clear but people still do it - no calculators, office key fobs ANYTHING! they wont let you in (and the police have guns!! LOL)

I understand that this means no mobile phones: and there is nowhere to leave them either!

Arcana

trickytrolleys wrote: »

Glad to hear that! A couple of tips for the embassy, arrive early!! your appointment time is not your appointment time, its just a roundabout time they want you to arrive at the embassy. When you arrive you join a queue outside before entering a security booth where you are checked prior to entering the embassy itself.

It says on the website ..... Applicants are required to queue outside even in inclement weather. Please, therefore, do not arrive at the Embassy more than 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment time.

It seems to me that there's no point in being more than a bit early - 30 min. to be exact.
So, you are saying if our appointment is at 2pm they might not see us til 3 or 4 pm? Sounds like the doctors then.

If your child is young take something to occupy them as it takes ages to be processed, there is an area that sells snacks etc (no idea on prices as I didnt buy any).

We were told that since he's under 14 we didn't need to bring him.

It's a bit like the deli counter at tescos, you are allocated a number, called to hand in your paperwork and be fingerprinted

They take fingerprints in your local Tescos? :eek: