USA citizen Spouse Visa - how to submit documents

Hi just a question about submitting documents for spouse visa applicants who are US citizens. I have read that for settlement applications documents are sent to Sheffield and should be sent with a pre-paid envelope. I was wondering if it is possible to submit the documents from the UK to Sheffield if the docs are already in the UK with the sponsor. Also is it compulsory to include a pre-paid envelope to get them back to the States? What if you just prefer the documents to be returned to your spouse (sponsor) in the UK?

Would be grateful for any clarity on this as wouldn't want to trip up on any procedure. Thanks.

truthparrot wrote:Hi just a question about submitting documents for spouse visa applicants who are US citizens. I have read that for settlement applications documents are sent to Sheffield and should be sent with a pre-paid envelope. I was wondering if it is possible to submit the documents from the UK to Sheffield if the docs are already in the UK with the sponsor. Also is it compulsory to include a pre-paid envelope to get them back to the States? What if you just prefer the documents to be returned to your spouse (sponsor) in the UK?

Would be grateful for any clarity on this as wouldn't want to trip up on any procedure. Thanks.

The docs will not be returned to the UK, but MUST be mailed back to the US so that you can then come to the UK (your docs will include your passport). You can post the docs to Sheffield from within the UK (so a spouse can add docs etc...) but the timing will be tight because you must mail the docs after you complete your biometrics in the US and there is a limited amount of time after that date that the docs must be received in Sheffield (14 days).

Don't forget Appendix 2.

Thanks physicskate. That was REALLY helpful. So US passport must still be sent to UK even after seen at the biometrics appointment? They do not keep it there at the Visa centre?

Can I also ask do you organise you own courier service or do you have to use the one specified on the VSF Global website?

Thanks if anyone knows about this.

truthparrot wrote:Thanks physicskate. That was REALLY helpful. So US passport must still be sent to UK even after seen at the biometrics appointment? They do not keep it there at the Visa centre?

Can I also ask do you organise you own courier service or do you have to use the one specified on the VSF Global website?

Thanks if anyone knows about this.

Yes, your passport will come to the UK as that is where your application will be processed. The biometrics process has just been farmed out to USCIS. Your visa will be issued as a 30 day entrance vignette stuck into the passport so you must send your passport in order to be issued the visa. Once in the UK, you will pick up your biometric residence permit (which is a bit like a credit card or driving license) and that will be your visa valid for the next two and a half years or so.

You can use your own courier, but it may be easier to use their service for the return; others have had issues setting up a weighbill (which is probably why they set up the service). Do NOT use USPS.

Thanks again physicskate. Once again really helpful info.