Student visa question - urgent

[mark83]

Hi,

I am applying for a student visa from the US. I have completed the biometric scan etc and am at the final stage where I must send documentation. However, my university have been delayed in sending me the final offer letter. I currently have an unconditional offer letter which says that I must still send in proof of my ability to pay fees (which I have since done). The final offer letter has been issued but was only mailed out yesterday, so won't reach here for at least a week.

The problem is that I was told I would get the letter 10 days ago, and I bought a ticket to travel to Egypt next weekend to stay with my wife there until I go to the UK. I was planning on using a rush visa service to get the visa once the letter arrived. Today I phoned the British consulate's visa advice service (outsourced) and they told me a fax of the final offer letter would not be sufficient, that they need original documents. They said I could try applying with the original of the non-final letter, a fax and a letter explaining the situation. But I am afraid of the application failing and having a refused visa on my record.

Can anyone help me with what to do? Should I try to apply with a fax of the final offer letter? Or should I forfeit my ticket and not take the risk? Thanks for any advice!!

[stmellon]

Hi,

I am applying for a student visa from the US. I have completed the biometric scan etc and am at the final stage where I must send documentation. However, my university have been delayed in sending me the final offer letter. I currently have an unconditional offer letter which says that I must still send in proof of my ability to pay fees (which I have since done). The final offer letter has been issued but was only mailed out yesterday, so won't reach here for at least a week.

The problem is that I was told I would get the letter 10 days ago, and I bought a ticket to travel to Egypt next weekend to stay with my wife there until I go to the UK. I was planning on using a rush visa service to get the visa once the letter arrived. Today I phoned the British consulate's visa advice service (outsourced) and they told me a fax of the final offer letter would not be sufficient, that they need original documents. They said I could try applying with the original of the non-final letter, a fax and a letter explaining the situation. But I am afraid of the application failing and having a refused visa on my record.

Can anyone help me with what to do? Should I try to apply with a fax of the final offer letter? Or should I forfeit my ticket and not take the risk? Thanks for any advice!!

Call your UK University and offer to pay for a letter to be sent via DHL, next day delivery. Lay on heavily that you have already booked your travel and that you're going to lose this money etc.

Don't bother trying to apply with a faxed copy of the letter - the advice was very clear, you MUST have ORIGINAL documents.