Uk Visa, Drop Box Facility

[2long]

We've always got my wife's visa through the drop box at the embassy (after the first one, it's the simplest way) and wanted to know if this is possible now they've moved the visa section down the road. Her last visa was last May, just before they moved sites.

Basically, is there a simple way for 'not my visa applicants', or do they need to queue with all the others and go through the same palava (if that's how one spells it!)?

Cheers

[the scouser]

Unfortunately, the drop box facility no longer operates. All applications have to be made to the application centre. However, you can send in your application by post if you so wish.

Scouse.

[2long]

Cheers, but I don't want to risk the time and potential loss. I'll take a packed lunch and a good book, me thinks.

[erikr_]

Unfortunately, the drop box facility no longer operates. All applications have to be made to the application centre. However, you can send in your application by post if you so wish.

Scouse.

Scouse,

You probably know this better then others. What is the status of the legal requirement of the embassy to accept visa applications at the post if the applicant insist as instructed in the DSP?

[the scouser]

Hi Erik,

The provision in the DSPs, I would suggest, is best practice rather than law. I am aware that the DSPs stipulate that the facility to accept visa applications at the embassy should be maintained, although, to my knowledge, since the inception of the visa application centre no-one has tried to force the point. The embassy has refused point blank to accept applications in person and, until challenged, will probably continue to do so.

Scouse.

[erikr_]

Hi Erik,

The provision in the DSPs, I would suggest, is best practice rather than law. I am aware that the DSPs stipulate that the facility to accept visa applications at the embassy should be maintained, although, to my knowledge, since the inception of the visa application centre no-one has tried to force the point. The embassy has refused point blank to accept applications in person and, until challenged, will probably continue to do so.

Scouse.

Agree, but the litteral text refers to the legal requirement to accept. And it has not been changed yet. The problem is that you (especially in bangkok) will just loose as they will find some new rule they just invented to decline your application. (Probably best practice )

[2long]

Back to the original point, do you guys know if I can apply (in person) for her, or will she have to go, too?

[erikr_]

Back to the original point, do you guys know if I can apply (in person) for her, or will she have to go, too?

if all documents are in order, and you have a copy of her id card with you I think you can do it at the UKVac. See no reason why you can not do it where agents can.

But make sure all is there.

The other point however refers to your question if it is still possible to lodge your application with the embassy direct.

Good luck with the application

Edited May 14, 2007 by erikr_

[the scouser]

You can lodge the application on her behalf as long as she has signed the application form.

Scouse.

[2long]

Thank you both very much!

[djparker5]

Thank you both very much!

Don't forget the TB certificate!

[gregchambers]

Although the dropbox is no longer, the issue of visitors visas to applications who have already had one issued does seem to be fast-tracked, as I just got the fourth one back for the girlfriend - in on Monday morning and back on Wednesday. Excellent service by any standard. Oddly, although only one person per applicant is allowed into the visa centre (for security reasons they say) it can either be the sponsor or applicant, so I did the honours as the girlfiends always freaks out a bit when dealing with authority. I also like the ease with which you can buy a cashier's cheque in the same office.

[fisherd3]

Although the dropbox is no longer, the issue of visitors visas to applications who have already had one issued does seem to be fast-tracked, as I just got the fourth one back for the girlfriend - in on Monday morning and back on Wednesday. Excellent service by any standard. Oddly, although only one person per applicant is allowed into the visa centre (for security reasons they say) it can either be the sponsor or applicant, so I did the honours as the girlfiends always freaks out a bit when dealing with authority. I also like the ease with which you can buy a cashier's cheque in the same office.

I am not aware of any basis in UK law for a British citizen to 'Sponsor' an applicant for a a UK visitors visa, has the law changed or am I just wrong? Or is this post misleading in suggesting it is possible?

Edited May 17, 2007 by fisherd3

[the scouser]

I suppose it depends how you define "sponsor". Any visa application is ultimately going to be determined on the applicant's circumstances and bona fides, but, another party may choose to, for example, financially back the application, and it is this that is often referred to as sponsorship.

Certainly, I don't see anything misleading in Greg's post.

Scouse.

[gregchambers]

Thanks Scouse, I just related what happened last Monday - nothing more, nothing less.