Help - UK Visa application centre contact email

[Wezoworld]

I am hoping someone can help me - my wife has just been refused a UK visit visa (on very tenuous grounds it might be added) however this is not the issue.

 

The issue is that the visa application centre have not returned all of her original company documents, company and personal tax documents or original personal and company statements. We also want all the stamped translations back as these end up quite expensive for all the aforementioned information.

 

I am well aware that they tend to destroy documents relatively quickly after the application so we really need to get these back. Does anyone know the correct email address, or phone number (god forbid if anyone has actually ever been allowed to talk to someone there....)  I have been given various fco.gov.uk / org addresses but need to make sure we get the right one. We have also made a request through VFS, which is just a paper form and I have submitted a complaint via the UK GOV website. 

 

It beggars belief that they think it is acceptable to keep any original documents, especially all the original stamped set up and shareholder information... however I am starting to learn that this level of incompetence is quite common.  

 

Any help or comments are appreciated. 

 

Edited August 15, 2016 by Wezoworld
typo

[bobrussell]

Sadly there is little you can do other than what you have already done.

UKVI has become very adept at not being contactable directly. Even if you use the overpriced outside the UK phone service, it is pretty unlikely you will get much useful help!

Generally it is recommended that you provide copies of documents so originals can be returned. Sadly UKVI staff don't seem to know how to use a photocopier!

If you did provide copies then writing to the Embassy may be a good idea requesting your documents be returned. Not sure it will get much response but anything is worth a try.

I doubt they destroy documents that quickly because there may be requests for review and even appeal. For a visit visa an appeal can be sought but only on very limited grounds (human rights, racial or other discrimination). For this documents must remain available for some time.

 

You may still get them back following the complaint or VFS form. Just don't expect it to happen quickly.

Edited August 15, 2016 by bobrussell

[7by7]

VFS, the visa application centre, wont have your documents. They are merely a handling agent who forward applications to the visa section at the embassy. Passports and other documents are returned to them in sealed packages for return to the applicant.

 

Unfortunately, you cannot contact the visa section directly, but have to go through  Contact UK Visas and Immigration from outside the UK.

 

It used to be, as Bob says, that documents were not routinely returned unless the applicant provided copies for the ECOs records; but the guidance now says

Quote

Any original documents you submit as part of your application will be sent back to you.

which indicates to me that your documents should have been returned to you.

 

Also, as Bob says, there is no right of appeal for a visit visa refusal; but the reasons for this refusal will need to be addressed should she apply again. If you want advice on that we need to see the refusal notice so we know exactly what the ECO says.

 

If you do decide to post a copy of it, remember this is a public forum which non members can read; so first delete all names and other identifying information.