Jumping through hoops

The Visa Saga...

It all began quite simply by needing to supply an address for the documents to be sent to from Tufts. There is such a thing as an I-20 form which is 'THE' document required for the visa Tufts issue it and then send it by courier to the address supplied by the individual student. As the package requires a signature I felt it best to have it delivered to me at my work address.

Subsequently I had notification of the documents being sent and a tracking number with DHL (other couriers are available!!!) . So I duly tracked to find it had been delivered, quite quickly.  However after significant searching walking up and down the stairs to the post room, printing the proof of signature tracing the chap who signed for it, and finding parts of my workplace building which I didn't know existed it became apparent they had lost the package...!

So during a rain break at Queens tennis club I am calling the International Centre at Tufts University to have a very helpful lady reassure me they could print and send another I-20 form. An alternative address provided and more tracking, it was attempted delivery however no-one in. By now I needed the documents in my hand for reassurance. So, a detour on my journey home from work via Reading depot to collect this I-20 form.. Finally..... I don't think I have ever been so pleased to see a bright yellow and red cardboard envelope!

Unable to wait I opened it in the car there and then - PHEW.... the much awaited I-20 form along with 4 sides of A4 relating to the visa application process, a map of Tufts and a rapid transit transport map to peruse as well.

The following day it was a phone call to the embassy where I spoke to a lovely man with a Scottish accent
and booked my interview at the embassy.

Today I have spent much of the day sorting visa... from checking the specific photo requirements, having the photos taken (£5 each!), they are bigger than our passport photos must be American sizing!  The remainder of my day was taken up with declaring I haven't done anything naughty in my past and have no intentions of engaging in espionage or prostitution to name a few things whilst I am in the USA. Completing forms on line then checking and double checking I have dotted the i's and crossed the t's before my visa interview at the embassy on Wednesday..

Not too sure what to expect the American Embassy has that covered with a youtube video to tell you what to expect...  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzZOvF1EEXE&feature=c4-overview&playnext=1&list=TLVvHTQXNbrYs

Essentially I think the main message is there will be lots of waiting.... No electronic gadgets allowed in so I will be resorting to things such as taking a book/pen/paper all those now 'old fashioned' things that with the days of tablet computers and smart phones we aren't using quite so much!

Visa processing can take  3-5 days, 6 weeks or 9 months - here's hoping!!  Fingers crossed I have everything I need now and the man (or woman) at the embassy will say "YES" and all the jumping through hoops will have been worthwhile.