I read a couple of doubtful experiences on this forum regarding the British Consulate in New York, NY for the DATV visa. It was not possible for me to physically go to the New York office, so I used their online FasTrack method. I had a positive experience to share and I hope it helps others.
1. We are Indians, our H1 and H4 stamps on our passports have expired, and we have the extension approvals from the BCIS. We sent two emails to the British Consulate from their website asking some questions. They answered all questions within 24 hours in both cases.
2. We used the FasTrack process on their website on 12/16 (and paid online as well), sent the documents on 12/17, they received the Express Mail on 12/18 morning, we got back all our documents by FedEx on 12/26.
3. After I sent the documents, I had a question. Since it was the holiday season, I didn't want to rely on email. So I faxed them a question and included the FasTrack application number for reference. I wasn't at my desk, so they left me a voicemail. They addressed my question and were very clear and courteous.
4. We sent the following documents:
cover letter, passports, H1 approval, H4 approval, I-90s, Confirmed tickets, travel itineary, printout of FasTrack application with both application numbers.
5. They stamped the visa on the first available page of the passport. I have travelled and lived in a number of countries. The Indian, US, Canadian, and all other embassies that I have dealt with stamp randomly anywhere in the passport. Not a biggie, but shows attention to detail on behalf of the visa officer. Makes it easier for me to find a visa than thumbing through all the pages of the passport. A small Nice-To-Have touch.
Hope others also have positive experience.
1. We are Indians, our H1 and H4 stamps on our passports have expired, and we have the extension approvals from the BCIS. We sent two emails to the British Consulate from their website asking some questions. They answered all questions within 24 hours in both cases.
2. We used the FasTrack process on their website on 12/16 (and paid online as well), sent the documents on 12/17, they received the Express Mail on 12/18 morning, we got back all our documents by FedEx on 12/26.
3. After I sent the documents, I had a question. Since it was the holiday season, I didn't want to rely on email. So I faxed them a question and included the FasTrack application number for reference. I wasn't at my desk, so they left me a voicemail. They addressed my question and were very clear and courteous.
4. We sent the following documents:
cover letter, passports, H1 approval, H4 approval, I-90s, Confirmed tickets, travel itineary, printout of FasTrack application with both application numbers.
5. They stamped the visa on the first available page of the passport. I have travelled and lived in a number of countries. The Indian, US, Canadian, and all other embassies that I have dealt with stamp randomly anywhere in the passport. Not a biggie, but shows attention to detail on behalf of the visa officer. Makes it easier for me to find a visa than thumbing through all the pages of the passport. A small Nice-To-Have touch.
Hope others also have positive experience.