Post
by cdraina » Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:23 am
Hi friends,
I submitted my EC application today. I had taken a prior appointment and reached the place before time. Since there weren't many people I was called for the process 30 min. before the scheduled appointment. Btw I submitted my application at VFS-UK in Vile Parle (MUMBAI)
On entry I was asked to submit my mobile and my bag. They let me in with the documents files only. VFS accepted cash for visa charges and charged me Rs. 100 for DD charges. I that was more than the actual DD charges but fair deal considering that I did not have to wait in the Bank to get the DD.
After waiting for about 30 minutes I was called by the representative to submit my documents. The VFS representative did not seem to experienced with handling HSMP cases and did not provide any guidance regarding the required documents.
I had neatly made three different sets of documents for EC, Integra and "the documents sent with HSMP application". I had explained each and every document (in the order) in my covering letter.
All that he (VFS representative) did was talk to my documents arrangement. He insisted to accept documents in the way he felt comfortable, there was no guidline per se that he was following. So all said and done my cover letter will not make sense any more. And the last nail in the coffin was when, after hodge-podging my application, he SHAMELESSLY asked "would you like to submit a cover letter?"
The VFS representative refused to accept my original driving license as a part of documents submitted with HSMP application. He insisted that I submit a Xerox of the same. Logically if BHC wants to re-evaluate my HSMP application they can obtain my date of birth from the passport. But there have been instances where the EC application were rejected as the applicant did not submit Driving license or birth certificate. I am not very confident about my application after this.
Then I was directed to the biometric data collection representative. I guess the biometric data collection system did not like my face. It was not ready to accept my photograph at all. On every attempt it gave an error "front view not proper". The representative kept trying for more than 70 minutes. I swear she must have taken atleast 200 shots. For a moment I felt that they are playing "BAKRA" on me. Finally they set an over-ride for that error and submitted my pic with the "front view not proper" error.
And the least I could expect after all this was the statement from the VFS representative: "We have done the best we could. In case BHS had an objection on your photograph you will be called for another photography session or may be requested to attend the interview".
Getting out was as smooth as getting in. Atleast they don't charge the applicants for keeping mobiles in the lockers (VFS USA charges Rs. 200 for this so called service).
So here's my EC application experience in short. I would request you to share your experience about submitting the "Driving license" with the EC application and the subsequent result.
Cheers!
CD
