Priority UK Visa(Standard Visitor Visa) Submission, Cancellation, Resubmission
Hello Everyone.
This is my first time posting something in Reddit. Today, I am going to share with you my experience regarding applying a UK visa from US being an international student here. I am from Nepal and currently perusing PhD in US. As a Nepalese citizen, I need a visa to travel UK. This information might be helpful for somebody new who is applying for a UK visa for a short term.
So, for a short visit (up to 3 months), the suitable visa is Standard Visitor Visa. You can inquire about what kind of visa you need via this link https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk . You have to submit an online visa where you need to fill several details like your identity information, family details, reason of visit, your expected budget, source of income, savings, etc. I first submitted a Standard Visitor Visa for which I have to pay $155. The Visas are processed by a company called VFS Global. So, once you submit your visa online, you have a choice to select either a VFS's office or near by USCIS office for biometrics. The VFS provides a range of packages for shipping and returning your documents to UK Visa and Immigration Centre for processing. I chose a Value Service Package with Round Trip which costed me $130 extra.
Documents to Take to Biometric Centre: Your ID(passport), document checklist (provided to you) and a receipt received.
After your biometrics, you have to ship your documents to VFS office( the one you selected). The decision is received within 15 business days(3 weeks).
Priority Visa: Since I have to depart early and needed my visa urgently, I had to cancel my visa application and re apply for a Priority Visa. It costs around 500 euros extra. Under this category, you receive a decision within 5 business days. There is another one with Super Priority Visa in which the decision is received in next working day. The processing counts from the day you appeared for your biometrics(if given at USCIS) or after the documents are sent by VFS office if done via VFS center.
Note: They don't have toll free numbers. If you want to talk to somebody, there is a number provided but it costs around 60 cents per minute. I had to call to inquire for refund if I could cancel my submission. So, if you cancel your application 24 hours before appearing for biometrics, you will be fully refunded.
My Personal Experience:
Standard Visitor Visa : Submitted and Cancelled before Biometrics.
Priority Visa: Submitted on August 23, 2024
Biometrics Date: Aug 28
Got my visa with passport: Sept 4, (Aug 28 was Wednesday, and next Monday was holiday, so I received my passport to my address in 4 days. They send a complimentary sim card as well.
I am not sure if I need to put more details but I will reply to this post if somebody need more help and have any questions.