pwhite8314

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...

MsElui

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.

Awesome Welles

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.

Socal Local

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

pwhite8314

Thanks for the link, that's handy. I got the 'mid-June' from other posts, but that was for a family of 4, so maybe the 15 days showing on the link applies to single applicants. Either way, Belfast is looking more attractive.

emailrob

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

mrcarrot

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

pwhite8314

but that's jsut for a renewal right, not for a new visa?

GetYourBritsOut

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.

mrcarrot

That was for a new L1 visa (via a blanket I-797).

Cheers,

mr C

pwhite8314

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.

mrcarrot

I'm actually looking at the same trip now myself - brussels requires a passport to exit the country so I'd have to stay there for a few days.

mr C

chicagojlo

You're not supposed to take your kids anyway!

manic-miner

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

macattack

I rang embassy today to get an idea for interview wait for an L1, they told me July. By the way do you have to wait for the pack from the US attorney, or can you book an interview without it and take it when it comes.