Visitor Visa: British Consulate, Chicago

When you travel to Europe, almost every country requires a visa if you are not a US Citizen.

The British Consulate in Chicago does not have drop in service. You have to apply on line. Then you will need to take an appointment for a finger print at one of the USCIS Centres (this can be tricky if the centres are busy. Remember no visa without finger prints taken).

Once your finger prints are taken, you have two choices - either mail the application to the consulate or use one of the Visa Expedition travel agents approved by the British Consulate. I did read somewhere in one of the forums that someone had not heard back in 4 weeks after mailing in the application (that can be ouch if you are in a hurry).

I called in Travel Centre Inc(Travel Center Inc (312) 726-0088/ 36 S Wabash Ave , 15th Floor, Chicago, IL). The lady's name is Reshma. I submitted the documents on Tuesday afternoon, 2:40pm. The lady took it to the consulate at around 3 pm (as she had a pick up of another passport). On Wednesday, I got an email from the consulate that the visa was approved. The passport and other documents were ready for pick up from the travel agency on Thursday afternoon. The agency charged $50 per applicant. This additional fee is justified as it gives you a guarantee that your passport and documents are safe, hand delivered and visa may be provided in 2-3 days. I was travelling in 15 days and I did not want to risk delay in the return of my passport. Reshma did say that if there is any issue with your application, then the delay will be 21 days (but you can certainly ask for a return of the passport).

Note: This is not an endorsement of the travel agency and none of my relatives work there. I know how stressful it is to obtain a visa to UK since there is no drop in service at the consulate. Who wants to lose documents in the mail or transit? I do not know how good or bad other approved travel agencies are.