This is the super-niche section of my already niche blog, where I'll share details of the UK Visa application process. I thought of writing this as a series of posts, but then realized that this information is probably only relevant to a very small group of people. So as not to bore everyone else, I'll update this as things happen. Then someday things will stop happening, I'll conceivably have a visa, and I won't need to update this anymore.
Step 1: The Online Application
I thought this part would be a lot scarier than it was. Basically I just had to fill out my personal information (passport number, address details, family information) and answer some questions, which seemed to be the UK government's method for making sure that I don't have any plans to ruin their country. For the record, I don't. I actually like their country quite a lot. That's why I'm trying to live there.
At the end of my application, I had to schedule an appointment to get my biometrics done (I believe "biometrics" is just another way of saying "fingerprints," but I'll report back with more complete information). Strangely enough, I'm doing this in San Francisco, while I'm on vacation. It seemed like the most convenient option, since I don't exactly live close to the visa place (no idea what it's officially called) in Michigan.
Then I had to pay almost $500. I think it was $477 exactly. I almost cried.
Step 2: Biometrics
On my way to the Application Support Center, I convinced myself that biometrics would consist of much more than simply being fingerprinted. A test on obscure events in British history? Perhaps. A personality test to ensure that I am the type of person the UK wants? Quite likely, in fact. I mean, they wouldn't want to accidently give some psychopath clearance to enter their country. So I was super nervous as I sat outside the Visa Application Support Center. I also felt ridiculous because I had gotten there about an hour and a half too early.
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| The San Francisco Visa Application Support Center |
Step 3: Assembling the Application Materials
Did you know that UK passport photos have different dimensions than US passport photos? Well, I didn't, and from this size difference arose the major trial of the material assembly process. I had already gotten my American-size passport photos (they're larger, go figure), and I was fairly displeased to learn I basically needed to make my own new, British-sized passport photos. What did I do? Well, I put on makeup, stood against the white wall in the bathroom with all the lights on, took a photobooth picture, asked my dad to resize the photo to 35x45 mm in photoshop, and printed in out on photo paper. I sort of wish I would have learned that I can make my own passport photos sooner. This knowledge would have saved me 8 dollars!
With the photo crisis resolved, I collected the rest of my application materials (my passport, printed and signed application form, stamped biometrics form, and self-assessment pages - these basically say that I have sufficient funds to pay my tuition and living costs), put everything in an envelope, and mailed it to the British Consulate in New York.
Does it make me a bit nervous to know that my actual passport is going through the mail? Oh, yes. If it does get lost, though, I suppose I can always get a new one. The picture of 16-year-old me isn't all that flattering anyway.
Step 4: Waiting
I suppose the UK Border Agency is currently processing my application. I should hear back in a few weeks.
And... I heard back! Success!
This was not a hard as I thought it would be.
Did you know that UK passport photos have different dimensions than US passport photos? Well, I didn't, and from this size difference arose the major trial of the material assembly process. I had already gotten my American-size passport photos (they're larger, go figure), and I was fairly displeased to learn I basically needed to make my own new, British-sized passport photos. What did I do? Well, I put on makeup, stood against the white wall in the bathroom with all the lights on, took a photobooth picture, asked my dad to resize the photo to 35x45 mm in photoshop, and printed in out on photo paper. I sort of wish I would have learned that I can make my own passport photos sooner. This knowledge would have saved me 8 dollars!
With the photo crisis resolved, I collected the rest of my application materials (my passport, printed and signed application form, stamped biometrics form, and self-assessment pages - these basically say that I have sufficient funds to pay my tuition and living costs), put everything in an envelope, and mailed it to the British Consulate in New York.
Does it make me a bit nervous to know that my actual passport is going through the mail? Oh, yes. If it does get lost, though, I suppose I can always get a new one. The picture of 16-year-old me isn't all that flattering anyway.
Step 4: Waiting
I suppose the UK Border Agency is currently processing my application. I should hear back in a few weeks.
And... I heard back! Success!
This was not a hard as I thought it would be.
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