Ok let’s get real for a minute. Applying for a Visa is not fun. In fact it’s one of the most difficult and confusing processes. When I was applying for my UK Visa, I was thinking “Wow I wish someone had written a post somewhere that breaks down the process and answers all my questions so I don’t have to stress out.” And Voila! This blog post was born. I’m going to break down this process step by step so this painstaking process can be made a little less painful.
STEP 1: APPLICATION
As a permanent resident of the USA, you will need to fill out this online application. This is a very lengthy and tedious application so be prepared to spend quite some time on it. You will need to be able to provide the dates you plan on visiting, details of your travel history for the past 10 years, where you plan on staying in the UK, your employer information, etc. I also recommend applying for the visa 3 months before you plan on visiting so you have enough time to receive an answer and enough time to book flights.
Application Fee: $125
STEP 2: BIOMETRICS
You will receive an update within a week and you will need to schedule a biometrics appointment. When you go to the biometrics appointment, you will need to bring the appointment sheet (printed) and your green card. You could also be over prepared (like me) and bring your passport and your printed application and any other documentation just in case. The biometrics appointment won’t take long and your fingerprints and visa photo should be done in 30 minutes. Then, they will provide you with the signed biometrics paper and you have ~72 hours to send your full application, all supporting documents (proof of residence, ID copy, biometrics paper, green card copy, return shipping label) and your real passport to the address provided on the biometrics paper.
Shipping Labels: Roundtrip $70
Pro tip: I would suggest getting tracking information so you can see when your application arrives to the office and when it ships out. I took a picture of the return shipping label and kept tracking it until it arrived.
STEP 3: WAIT PATIENTLY FOR YOUR DECISION
I would say it takes about 1-3 weeks for your application to arrive. I was very nervous about sending my real passport but trust the process! It arrived safe and sound and with a pretty new visa stamp for 6 months to visit the UK.
STEP 4: BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS
I didn’t do any special expedited process so I booked my flight after I had my Visa. I’m very excited because this is my 3rd time out of the country and London has always been on my list.
Stay tuned for a London Travel Guide/Itinerary in the upcoming month!
I hope this helped and makes your life a tad bit easier! Let me know in the comments below.
Leave a Reply