Discuss Geo123's Tier 1 (General) USCIS Case

I am an Indian citizen working in USA on H1B, so I applied this UK Tier 1 General Migrant Visa from USA. Here is the detailed time line, which differs, if you are not applying from USA:

11-July-2009: Filled the online application. (which gives you the date for biometrics at local VAC) and I got the reference number plus I had to pay the fee with my credit card before completing this online. After this payment, it will let you pick a date for biometrics.
Mean while I tried to get my bank statements and collect letters from my employer etc.

22-July-2009: Gave my BioMetrics (finger printing), at their local affliate (not UK consulate).
I had to wait on bank statements, which took lot of time, to get through post from my bank.

28-July-2009: posted my application with my original passport and supporting documents (all originals) through FedEx to my area UK Visa consulate (Los Angeles).

31-July-2009: FedEx tracking says it was delivered on this date.

06-Aug-2009: Neither I heard anything from them nor I got an email from them. I think they need at least 2 weeks to process.

I will wait one more week and will update you guys.

Below is the email I recieved from Los Angeles UK Consulate:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

from: [email protected]
to:

date: Wed, Aug 12, 2009 at 12:14 PM
subject: UKBA

Your package has arrived safely at the British Consulate in Los Angeles and due to the high volume of mail received at this time of year, has just been opened. Please note that the total processing time for all applications (except settlement) is 5-15 working days of receipt of your package in this office (inclusive of mail waiting time).
If your application is straightforward and has been submitted with full supporting documentation, a decision is likely to be made within the next 24 hours. If everything is in order and we are able to issue your visa, we will send another e-mail to let you know when it has been despatched and provide you with a UPS tracking number.
If your application requires more attention, a decision will be made within 10 working days from the date of this e-mail. You will be informed by a further e-mail if this is the case.
Please note that all PBS Tier 1 applications will be processed within 5-15 working days. All settlement applications will be processed within 12 weeks (60 working days) as published on the UKVisas website. At present, the visa section in Los Angeles is processing these applications within 40-45 working days.
Please do not contact this office unless we have exceeded any of these time frames.
Please note that our visa enquiry telephone line serviced by Worldbridge will not be able to answer any application status enquiries. However, you can send an e-mail free of charge by accessing their web-site and clicking on 'send an e-mail' at www.visainfoservices.com. Worldbridge operators will then send any application status enquiries directly to the Consulate.

This is an automated message - do not respond to this email address as incoming mail is not answered. Please vi

Visa was approved at last. It took lot more days than I thought. I think they checked my background and paperwork in detail I guess. I was tensed but it was a happy ending for me.
Below is the email which I received on August 26'th (I got the postal package with my passport and masters certificate etc in 2 days.).
-------------------------------
from: [email protected]
to: my gmail account
date: Wed, Aug 26, 2009 at 10:22 AM
subject: Your Visa Application @ Los Angeles (Ref: 32xxxx)

Your application has been approved and the visa has been issued.
Please check your visa immediately on receipt to ensure that we have completed your visa correctly. Please send details of any errors or omissions to [email protected] ASAP.
Please note that the UPS tracking number will not be activated for at least another 1-2 business days. It will be delivered by UPS Their reference number is 1Z7R294Xxxxxxxxxxx
This is an automated message - do not respond to this email address as incoming mail is not answered. Please visit www.visainfoservices.comand click on 'send an e-mail' if you have any general visa enquiries.
***********************************************************************************
Visit http://www.fco.gov.uk for British foreign policy news and travel advice and http://blogs.fco.gov.uk to read our blogs.
Please note that all messages sent and received by members of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and its missions overseas may be automatically logged, monitored and/or recorded in accordance with the Telecommunications (Lawful Business Practice) (Interception of Communications) Regulations 2000. We keep and use information in line with the Data Protection Act 1998. We may release this personal information to other UK government departments and public authorities.
***********************************************************************************

Hi Geo123,

I want to apply for Tier 1 too from USA. I am working here in US on H1B. I need few suggestions from you. Can you please call me or email me at [email protected]? Or please let me know your number, so that I can call you.

Thanks in Advance!
Abdul

Hi Geo123,

I want to apply for Tier 1 too from USA. I am working here in US on H1B. I need few suggestions from you. Can you please call me or email me at [email protected]? Or please let me know your number, so that I can call you.

Thanks in Advance!
Abdul

Hi Geo123,

I want to apply for Tier 1 too from USA. I am working here in US on H1B. I need few suggestions from you. Can you please call me or email me at [email protected]? Or please let me know your number, so that I can call you.

Thanks in Advance!
Abdul

Hi Abdul, please post all your questions here. I will try to answer them in detail.
Thanks.
-oo-

Hi Abdul, please post all your questions here. I will try to answer them in detail.
Thanks.
-oo-

Hi Geo123,

I am also an Indian citizen working in US on H1B visa and planning to apply for uk tier 1. I am currently stuck and need your help with the following 2 questions.

1. Are original bank statements (or downloaded copy) fine or do I need the original sign and seal from the bank on each paper of the bank statement? Any other letter from the bank is required indicating my account information?
2. What information is required on the employer letter?
3. I have my payslips in ADP. Do I need to provide certified payslips from the employer? Are payslips really required?

Appreciate your help with the detailed response.

Thanks,
NS

Hi Geo123,

I am also an Indian citizen working in US on H1B visa and planning to apply for uk tier 1. I am currently stuck and need your help with the following 2 questions.

1. Are original bank statements (or downloaded copy) fine or do I need the original sign and seal from the bank on each paper of the bank statement? Any other letter from the bank is required indicating my account information?
2. What information is required on the employer letter?
3. I have my payslips in ADP. Do I need to provide certified payslips from the employer? Are payslips really required?

Appreciate your help with the detailed response.

Thanks,
NS