Briefings & Newsletters

Delays in visa applications in New York

Date: 14th August 2008
Categories: Immigration

The British Consulate-General announced this week that it can no longer meet its previous published time-lines for visa processing for those wanting to come to the UK, due to a summer rush. Visa applications submitted by post are to be dealt with in eight days of receipt, as opposed to the current five days, and applicants must then allow an additional five days for administration and return postage of their documents.

Delays are also occurring in New York with biometrics appointments, with many applicants unable to obtain an appointment to submit their biometric data, a vital part of the visa application process, before mid-September 2008. All UK visa applicants must now attend an appointment at a biometric data collection centre to have their fingerscans and a digital photo of their face taken before they can submit their passports to the British Consulate-Generals in the US to apply for their UK visa.

The British Consulate-General New York advises those wishing to travel quickly, to use one of their registered agents to assist with submitting their documents. Using an agent,  applications are usually dealt with by the Consulate on the day they are received. This means that applicants only need to be without their passports for two to three days.

Individuals experiencing problems in obtaining a biometrics appointment or in the processing of their visa applications, should contact a member of the Kingsley Napley immigration team for assistance.

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