Good news! I received my Student Visa and US Passport back today. I can hardly believe how quick it came back. I am thrilled to begin the next part of the journey – finding housing! This part of the experience has been a stress point for me. I found a cute little flat with a blue door online today. I am adding it to my list of prospectives. Hopefully everything will continue to fall into place. Wish me luck finding the perfect UK dwelling!
True confessions of an American grad student in England: A personal journey about all things William Shakespeare and life in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Showing posts with label UK Student Visa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UK Student Visa. Show all posts
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Mailed Visa Application!
I sent my Visa Application off to the higher authorities today. I have heard conflicting stories regarding the length of this process. I think at this point it is best to be optimistic – rather than worry about whether it will come down to the wire. I just have to keep the faith that everything will work out as planned.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Biometric Data
What I do in the name of Shakespeare....
What is biometric data? In an effort to prevent identity theft, every UK Border Visa Applicant must have their biometric information taken. This involves a fingerprint scan and digital photograph to be taken at an Application Support Center operated by the Department of Homeland Security.
It all sounded like a HUGE hassle to me, but it was surprisingly quick and simple. I made an appointment at the nearest ASC office during my online visa application. Today I showed up at my scheduled time and the process began.
First, I checked in at the front desk. They told me to remove all of my jewelry, including my earrings, and checked for cell phones and cameras (which are not allowed inside the building). I then received a number: #44.
Luckily there was only one person in line, so as quickly as I sat down my number was called. They checked my paperwork and I was moved into another waiting room to wait for my fingerprint scan and picture.
The fingerprint process proved interesting as I watched my prints appear on the screen. However, I immediately gave thanks to the fact that I had hand sanitizer in the car. I couldn’t help thinking about all the unknown hands that had touched the scanning plate. I also didn’t realize they would take my picture, so I had to do a quick primping job.
I was in and out in 15 minutes from beginning to end. Great service too! Now that I am in the system I can send in all of my paperwork and get my student Visa. Let’s hope this process it speedy, as I am leaving the country September 22nd!
Resources:
Guide to Giving Your Biometric Data
What is biometric data? In an effort to prevent identity theft, every UK Border Visa Applicant must have their biometric information taken. This involves a fingerprint scan and digital photograph to be taken at an Application Support Center operated by the Department of Homeland Security.
It all sounded like a HUGE hassle to me, but it was surprisingly quick and simple. I made an appointment at the nearest ASC office during my online visa application. Today I showed up at my scheduled time and the process began.
First, I checked in at the front desk. They told me to remove all of my jewelry, including my earrings, and checked for cell phones and cameras (which are not allowed inside the building). I then received a number: #44.
Luckily there was only one person in line, so as quickly as I sat down my number was called. They checked my paperwork and I was moved into another waiting room to wait for my fingerprint scan and picture.
The fingerprint process proved interesting as I watched my prints appear on the screen. However, I immediately gave thanks to the fact that I had hand sanitizer in the car. I couldn’t help thinking about all the unknown hands that had touched the scanning plate. I also didn’t realize they would take my picture, so I had to do a quick primping job.
I was in and out in 15 minutes from beginning to end. Great service too! Now that I am in the system I can send in all of my paperwork and get my student Visa. Let’s hope this process it speedy, as I am leaving the country September 22nd!
Resources:
Guide to Giving Your Biometric Data
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Applying for a UK Student Visa
After being accepted to study at the University of Birmingham, my most daunting task so far has been applying for my student visa. Seriously, I would write a term paper every day of the week over this. After several trial and errors I finally located the correct application form (Tier 4 - Sponsored).
Maybe it was just the anxiety of it all, but I found the form difficult to understand and I developed a sense of paranoia about it. I triple-checked every page, wondering if my answers would be sufficient proof of my merit to study in the UK. Too bad the process didn’t end there.
After visiting the website and spending an ungodly amount of money in application fees ($400) I still have work to do. Good thing I haven't been on a shopping spree in a while! I also had to fill out an Appendix 8 – General Student Self Assessment Form, get a passport photo taken, provide bank account information, provide my passport, and have my biometrics recorded (I have an appointment on Tue).
Needless to say, I am exhausted. However, I actually think I am a pro-Tier 4 Visa Consultant. Well, not really, but if you have any questions I will do my best to be helpful.
Resources:
Online UK Visa Applications
Visa Application Guides
Maybe it was just the anxiety of it all, but I found the form difficult to understand and I developed a sense of paranoia about it. I triple-checked every page, wondering if my answers would be sufficient proof of my merit to study in the UK. Too bad the process didn’t end there.
After visiting the website and spending an ungodly amount of money in application fees ($400) I still have work to do. Good thing I haven't been on a shopping spree in a while! I also had to fill out an Appendix 8 – General Student Self Assessment Form, get a passport photo taken, provide bank account information, provide my passport, and have my biometrics recorded (I have an appointment on Tue).
Needless to say, I am exhausted. However, I actually think I am a pro-Tier 4 Visa Consultant. Well, not really, but if you have any questions I will do my best to be helpful.
Resources:
Online UK Visa Applications
Visa Application Guides
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)