Living in the Edinburgh/East Lothian area

Okie, i have one problem. I am going to California next month for a wedding and i need my passport (obviously). However, they need my passport. How long do they have your passport for? What do i have to do to make an appointment to do everything in person?

Thanks for your help so far.

B

Hiya,

When I applied they had my passport only for about a week. As it says they try to process all applications within 10 days, I would say they wouldn't keep your passport for more than 2 weeks, but I can't be sure!

For info on how to make an appointment in person, check out the faq here http://www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk ... 9170419785 - question 18.

I almost feel like I'm working for them now! lol

Take care,

Cath

Hi Cath.

YOu should definitely put in your resume to work for the High Commission. THanks so much for your quick reply. I am so worried that i'm awake an hour early. I am going to send everything quick post this morning. But i' going to call them at 8:30 anyways just to make sure. I do have a month before California.

Have a great day.

Beth

Quick afterthought, do they need a letter from my bank indicating that i am able to support myself?

B

They need "evidence of the funds available for your visit (e.g. recent bank statements)."

Check out: http://www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk ... 9169952537

When I applied I had about 3000$CAD, and no job arranged in advance. I think if you're living with friends, like I was, they probably won't be as strict as if you have to find your own accommodation when you get here.

Hope this helps.

Cath

So after much stress with internet not working and additional obstacles this morning, my application and the additional documents were sent! I had to write a letter saying that i don't have evidence of being at the address but i did print out 3 months of bank statements and visa statements and sent a passport picture i had taken (for my new Canadian passport) from January. So, i fed ex'd this morning and it will be there tomorrow morning. So, cross your fingers! haha.

THanks for all your help and input. You are definitely my lifesaver in all of this.

Beth

HI Cath,

So i was denied my WHM bc on the section where it says, what are my intentions, i wrote teacher. They knew that i have been doing primary supply teaching here but thought i wasn't going for the right reasons. Anyways, i have the right to appeal but i'm wondering if i can still go to the UK as a tourist/visitor for 6 months (without working) despite the fact I have a stamp in my passport saying i have tried to apply for a WHM. Do you know any info about this? I know you are quite knowledgeable about the British High Commission.

THanks and have a great weekend.

Beth

Hi Beth,

I am so sorry that you were denied the visa. Yeah since you said you were going to teach they probably thought you wanted to come here to work only. When I applied, I only wrote I was coming here for a "working holiday". Very vague. lol.
I don't know how it works to appeal, there's probably more info about it on the BHC website. You might be able to convince them that you're only gonna work for a year, and that you're gonna go on holidays too? I don't know.
All I know about the British High Commission is what I've read on the website really. I have no idea how it works to be a visitor so I can't really help. Sorry.

Best of luck in whatever you choose to do, and I hope you've had a nice Canada day!

Cath

HI Cath.

I just spoke to my boyfriend. He met with a lawyer over there today so it looks like i'm going through with the appeal now. I just need to find out now if i can still travel over there but from what he says, it might be tricky esp. now with the high alert at the airports. Hopefully this lawyer can make a really great case on my behalf.it's going to take a month and a half for this process.

Thought i would give you the update. I'm still going to call the high commision to see if i can still travel.

Have a great Canada Day as well.

B