Ukvac - Practical Details

[wimbledon88]

I have got my GF's visitor's visa application together and we plan to take it in to the UKVAC early next week.

Can somebody advise me whether it is essential to arrive early and how long the submission process can be expected to take? If you arrive at, say, midday is it feasible to complete the process by 3.00 p.m? Other than getting the banker's draft and submitting the application, what else is there that you have to do?

Thanks.

Edited March 5, 2007 by wimbledon88

[shiney]

sorry wimbledon88 im not trying to hijack your thread just thought it would save asking more questions, but i to am about to submit an application for my wife and wondered how long roughly from handing it in to getting approval it takes, if your application is good and all documents are ok will it take 1 day or 3 months, ive been told both.

sorry again wimbledon88 mate for butting in.

[markr]

Hello,

My Gf and I applied for a tourist visa late last year and she was in the VAC for about an hour and a half,

she was then contacted by phone about a week or so later and was informed she would need an interview, the date they gave her for the interview was two and a bit weeks later, she was then in the embassy for about three hours on the day of the interview.

This is of course only one application, it really depends on how busy they are at the time, whether there is an interview needed and in your case shiney what type of visa you are applying for.

I'm not an expert this is just my experience, hope it helps

Mark

Edited March 5, 2007 by markreed

[LucidLucifer]

In answer to both of you, i don't think there are any hard and fast rules to either question.

To Wimbledon88, i would say you would have no problems getting in done in that timeframe. On my two previous visits to the UKVAC we've been in and out in around an hour or so. It totally depends on how busy they are on that particular day, although i always ensure i get there as early as possible. Someone on another recent thread said they were finished in 25 minutes. However long it takes, it sure is quicker than queuing at the embassy like before.

To Shiney, if all goes well, they should be able to process it in two working days. My gf has made three previous applications (two tourist and one settlement) and this has been the timeframe for all of them. Don't include in that the day you make the applcation and the day the passport is returned to you.

Hope this helps. Chok dee.

'LucidLucifer'

[BIGJIMMY]

Alright chaps, we applied for a VV on Thursday 22nd Feb, we got to the VAC at 10am and were out by 10.30am, they said to call on the Monday (and I also tracked it on-line which was a waste of time as it just said the passport was ready to collect), Mon called on the Monday and it was ready to be collected, picked it up on the Thursday and we had the visa!!

Good Luck!!

[wimbledon88]

Alright chaps, we applied for a VV on Thursday 22nd Feb, we got to the VAC at 10am and were out by 10.30am, they said to call on the Monday (and I also tracked it on-line which was a waste of time as it just said the passport was ready to collect), Mon called on the Monday and it was ready to be collected, picked it up on the Thursday and we had the visa!!

Good Luck!!

Many thanks for the replies. It all sounds quite efficient, especially if an interview is not required.

[wimbledon88]

Is it just me or is there a problem with the link to the Bangkok UK Visa Centre site? http://www.ukvac-th.com/ This directs me to a completely different UKVAC ! It wasn't doing this a few days ago!

I only want to print out the map so I can find it when I go there to submit my GF's application for a visitor's visa. Maybe someone can help me - is there a car park?

Also, is it essential for the applicant herself to be present when the application is submitted or can I just drop it off for her (it's on my way to work)?

Thanks.

[Guemlum]

Hi wimbledon, I was there 2 weeks ago with my gf. There are some parking spaces out the front but they may be for staff..not 100% sure, and it looked like there was some parking at the rear. I'd take a tuk tuk or taxi personally. As for timescales, we were there when the doors opened at 8.30am and was out buy 8.55am. I suppose it all depends on how busy it is on the day but I wouldnt leave it too late. And I would definately be present with your gf if I was you. Hope this helps.

Edited March 12, 2007 by guemlum

[the scouser]

Is it just me or is there a problem with the link to the Bangkok UK Visa Centre site? http://www.ukvac-th.com/ This directs me to a completely different UKVAC ! It wasn't doing this a few days ago!

I only want to print out the map so I can find it when I go there to submit my GF's application for a visitor's visa. Maybe someone can help me - is there a car park?

Also, is it essential for the applicant herself to be present when the application is submitted or can I just drop it off for her (it's on my way to work)?

Thanks.

You're not alone. Has the website address been changed, as at the moment, the "old" one relates to an advertising portal for dodgy visa reps and online casinos? Perhaps the Visa Application Centre is branching out?

Scouse.

[wimbledon88]

Is it just me or is there a problem with the link to the Bangkok UK Visa Centre site? http://www.ukvac-th.com/ This directs me to a completely different UKVAC ! It wasn't doing this a few days ago!

I only want to print out the map so I can find it when I go there to submit my GF's application for a visitor's visa. Maybe someone can help me - is there a car park?

Also, is it essential for the applicant herself to be present when the application is submitted or can I just drop it off for her (it's on my way to work)?

Thanks.

You're not alone. Has the website address been changed, as at the moment, the "old" one relates to an advertising portal for dodgy visa reps and online casinos? Perhaps the Visa Application Centre is branching out?

Scouse.

Seems it was a "blip" as the link is working fine now.