Speedy issuance of visa?

[munkeynutts 0]

Hi everyone,

My visa interview was arranged for Wednesday January 27th, but was cancelled by the embassy very late (monday 25th). Me and my fiancee were counting on that interview to happen, and for me to have my visa in time for a Wednesday Feb 3rd departure for Houston. She was arranging a birthday party for me (Feb 4th), and I was to attend her company party with a view to discussing a possible job opportunity.

My interview is now Wednesday Feb 3rd at 8am. I wrote a letter to the embassy on January 25th, immediately after getting the cancellation call from the embassy. I was very polite, humble, and requested the possibility of receiving my visa on the day of the interview (which I understand from others is possible). If I could get the visa on the day, I could fly on my birthday and be in Houston by 1pm. My fiancee (who was distraught at hearing about the interview cancellation) will be so happy, AND I still get to attend her company function.

Now, the embassy have let me down a little. Are they known to be helpful in these situations and are they able to issue a visa there and then?

Also, I am living with my sister. Her contract expires on Feb 9th and she is moving out. I'll have nowhere to live! I would rather be getting a flight to Houston asap (where I have my own home!), rather than having to find a place to live in London for a couple of days! I guess it wouldn't hurt to mention my predicament at the interview!

Thanks all.

Martin

[Bernie C 24]

Hi everyone,

My visa interview was arranged for Wednesday January 27th, but was cancelled by the embassy very late (monday 25th). Me and my fiancee were counting on that interview to happen, and for me to have my visa in time for a Wednesday Feb 3rd departure for Houston. She was arranging a birthday party for me (Feb 4th), and I was to attend her company party with a view to discussing a possible job opportunity.

My interview is now Wednesday Feb 3rd at 8am. I wrote a letter to the embassy on January 25th, immediately after getting the cancellation call from the embassy. I was very polite, humble, and requested the possibility of receiving my visa on the day of the interview (which I understand from others is possible). If I could get the visa on the day, I could fly on my birthday and be in Houston by 1pm. My fiancee (who was distraught at hearing about the interview cancellation) will be so happy, AND I still get to attend her company function.

Now, the embassy have let me down a little. Are they known to be helpful in these situations and are they able to issue a visa there and then?

Also, I am living with my sister. Her contract expires on Feb 9th and she is moving out. I'll have nowhere to live! I would rather be getting a flight to Houston asap (where I have my own home!), rather than having to find a place to live in London for a couple of days! I guess it wouldn't hurt to mention my predicament at the interview!

Thanks all.

Martin

Anything is possible however usually doubtful. Not sure about London. I know in Ho Chi Minh City they used to issue same day or with a few in some cases however now its one week. We had a delay due to a consular error and when I requested an improved date for visa issue they said "sorry, no can do".

One thing they will assuredly tell you is that you should never make plans prior to the issue of a visa.

I hope that things may be different for you in London, it would be really awesome to hear some good news for a change. Well say a prayer for you, let us know how it goes!!!

[Anh map 2,098]

It certainly can't hurt to ask.

This is why the prevailing advice is to not make travel plans until the visa is in hand.

Best of luck.

[munkeynutts 0]

Thank you. That's the only thing I have not done, booked a flight! I am cautious right to the end!

[SunDrop 59]

I thought of you and the canceled appointment on hearing that Hilary Clinton was in town for talks. Absolutely no doubt that was why they effectively closed the embassy to outside visitors that day.

You can but ask, but I'd be surprised if they give it to you that day. At the very least, they might be able to process it a bit quicker for you. I'd wait for them to tell you you're approved before asking though! lol

And worse comes to worst, you can have mail delivered to any London hotel. Or could you give the delivery address as a friend's house, so you're certain of receiving it even if it comes after the 9th?

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hi everyone,

My visa interview was arranged for Wednesday January 27th, but was cancelled by the embassy very late (monday 25th). Me and my fiancee were counting on that interview to happen, and for me to have my visa in time for a Wednesday Feb 3rd departure for Houston. She was arranging a birthday party for me (Feb 4th), and I was to attend her company party with a view to discussing a possible job opportunity.

My interview is now Wednesday Feb 3rd at 8am. I wrote a letter to the embassy on January 25th, immediately after getting the cancellation call from the embassy. I was very polite, humble, and requested the possibility of receiving my visa on the day of the interview (which I understand from others is possible). If I could get the visa on the day, I could fly on my birthday and be in Houston by 1pm. My fiancee (who was distraught at hearing about the interview cancellation) will be so happy, AND I still get to attend her company function.

Now, the embassy have let me down a little. Are they known to be helpful in these situations and are they able to issue a visa there and then?

Also, I am living with my sister. Her contract expires on Feb 9th and she is moving out. I'll have nowhere to live! I would rather be getting a flight to Houston asap (where I have my own home!), rather than having to find a place to live in London for a couple of days! I guess it wouldn't hurt to mention my predicament at the interview!

Thanks all.

Martin

In general, NO, they are not helpful in these situations and will point out that their instructions twll you not to make ANY plans until the visa is in your hand. There are WAY too many things that can delay a visa being placed in your hands to ever make any kind of plans before receiving it.

You can mention it.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Really sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings but London does not do same-day issuance. In the three years I've been on VJ, I have never seen it happen. I was AWOL from VJ from July-December, but I would be most surprised to hear the protocol had changed. I'm not going to launch into the usual spiel about how one shouldn't make plans/book tickets before one gets the visa because I'm sure you've heard it before.

I know this isn't great to hear, but I thought you should know before you get your hopes up. In the meantime, I'm moving this to the UK sub-forum so people who have recently had their interviews can share their experiences of delivery time.

Hope this gets sorted out for you.

[jonoger1984 1]

hello there, I don't know id they'll issue you your visa on the same day, but I had my interview on friday and (after checking the courier site with my tracking number) my visa is due to be delivered tomorrow morning. So that's a quick turnaround, so at least you may not have to wait too long, maybe just until the end of the week?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

London has never done a same day visa that I recall in two years of VJ/London experience. I do remember somebody who asked specifically to be able to come back in the afternoon or the next day to pick up the visa because of important plans and they were told it wasn't possible. But it never hurts to ask for what you want. Good luck to you. Houston was an easy POE.

Edited February 2, 2010 by Nich-Nick