L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
#1
Texas Pete
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 86
L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
Title says it all really; I just learnt from this forum that I can book the i/v ahead of my ever-speedy attorneys actually submitting the visa package for approval, so as I'm in quite a hurry, would like to get an i/v ASAP. It looks as if London is booking into mid-June now, anyone have any ideas on Belfast?
And/or, can I just ring up both of the embassies to find out how long, or do they not like that?
Thanks all...
And/or, can I just ring up both of the embassies to find out how long, or do they not like that?
Thanks all...
#2
Re: L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
dont think there is an issue with just ringing. one other to try if belfast doesnt pan out is Brussels - thats been mentioned on here a few times too.
#3
Re: L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
I don't think you can do this outside of UK - unless it's a renewal.
When I called the embassy (which cost 16 quid, the theiving gits) they asked me if I wanted London or Belfast. I asked for the latter. It was quicker, cheaper and a damn sight more civilized than London.
When I called the embassy (which cost 16 quid, the theiving gits) they asked me if I wanted London or Belfast. I asked for the latter. It was quicker, cheaper and a damn sight more civilized than London.
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 349
Re: L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
In the UK there is a premium rate number to call, which unless you are going to be on the line for a while works out cheaper than the $16 you get charged if calling from the US.
I used this website before to get a rough idea of wait times at the different embassies, although I am not sure how accurate it is if it is showing London as 15 days, whereas you are hearing mid June:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wa...itors_wait.php
I used this website before to get a rough idea of wait times at the different embassies, although I am not sure how accurate it is if it is showing London as 15 days, whereas you are hearing mid June:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wa...itors_wait.php
#5
Texas Pete
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 86
Re: L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
In the UK there is a premium rate number to call, which unless you are going to be on the line for a while works out cheaper than the $16 you get charged if calling from the US.
I used this website before to get a rough idea of wait times at the different embassies, although I am not sure how accurate it is if it is showing London as 15 days, whereas you are hearing mid June:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wa...itors_wait.php
I used this website before to get a rough idea of wait times at the different embassies, although I am not sure how accurate it is if it is showing London as 15 days, whereas you are hearing mid June:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wa...itors_wait.php
#6
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: SoCal
Posts: 437
Re: L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
Family of 4 also here. It took about 30 calendar days for first appointment in London. So was more like 20 working days that 15
#7
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 23
Re: L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
I called up today and got an appointment on the 1st July - 1.5 months away.
Called up Brussels, I find that its only 3 days wait. Will have to ask the company to pay the 130$ fee twice and book the eurostar I think...
mr C
Called up Brussels, I find that its only 3 days wait. Will have to ask the company to pay the 130$ fee twice and book the eurostar I think...
mr C
#8
Texas Pete
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 86
Re: L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
but that's jsut for a renewal right, not for a new visa?
#9
Re: L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
When we booked ours last year, London was a six week wait, Belfast was the next week. If you go to Belfast, remember to take your photo driving license for your return flight as you won't have your passports. We also left our son at home as we had no other ID for him for the return flight, so we got a lovely night away too
BTW, our passports were actually on the same flight home as us the next day.
BTW, our passports were actually on the same flight home as us the next day.
#11
Texas Pete
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 86
Re: L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
Hmmm....well mine's an L1A, but no blanket...I've no problem getting to Belfast, though right now I'm still waiting on the attorney to return my call/email. I really dont want to be caught in the UK until July some time.
#12
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 23
Re: L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
mr C
#13
Re: L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
When we booked ours last year, London was a six week wait, Belfast was the next week. If you go to Belfast, remember to take your photo driving license for your return flight as you won't have your passports. We also left our son at home as we had no other ID for him for the return flight, so we got a lovely night away too
BTW, our passports were actually on the same flight home as us the next day.
BTW, our passports were actually on the same flight home as us the next day.
#14
Re: L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
We have just returned from our trip to Brussels to get our visas. Would definitely recommend it if you can spare a couple of days.
I have detailed our experience in my other post http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...71#post6362571
I have detailed our experience in my other post http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...71#post6362571
#15
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 18
Re: L1A Interview - faster via London or Belfast?
Title says it all really; I just learnt from this forum that I can book the i/v ahead of my ever-speedy attorneys actually submitting the visa package for approval, so as I'm in quite a hurry, would like to get an i/v ASAP. It looks as if London is booking into mid-June now, anyone have any ideas on Belfast?
And/or, can I just ring up both of the embassies to find out how long, or do they not like that?
Thanks all...
And/or, can I just ring up both of the embassies to find out how long, or do they not like that?
Thanks all...