USA
Return of your documents in the USA
This page tells you how we will return your documents after we have made a decision on your UK visa application in the USA.
How will we return your documents?
You have 2 options for the return of your documents:
1. Should you chose to have your documents returned directly to your chosen mailing address, you must provide us with a completed pre paid return shipping waybill and appropriate packaging (i.e mailing envelope from the company you have purchased your waybill from) for the safe return of your personal documents.
We strongly recommend that you obtain a tracking number for your package and you retain the details for reference. Shipping insurance is also highly recommended.
The following major carriers make daily collections from our office, DHL, UPS, FedEx and United States Postal Service. We will deliver to any US address of your choice providing the carrier you choose makes deliveries to that location.
The onus is on the visa applicant to ensure the mailing address on the pre-paid waybill is correct and legible as we cannot rectify any shipping errors on your waybill. In addition, please note we do not ship return documents outside of the US. The Applying for a UK visa page contains more information.
2. Alternatively, if you have chosen to submit your application via an authorised visa service or travel agent, the agent may return your documents directly to you, but only if you use such a service to submit the application - see the New York visa processing hub page.
When will we return your passport?
We will keep your passport until we have made a decision on your visa application. You should remember this when you make your travel arrangements, particularly if you plan to visit other countries before going to the UK.
If you need to collect your passport before a visa decision has been made, your visa application will be withdrawn. Please note that the visa fee is non-refundable once you have enrolled your biometric information. If you want to reapply for a visa, you will need to make another application, enrol your biometric information, and pay the application fee again.
Checking your visa
If your application has been successful, you will receive your visa with your returned documents. When you receive your visa, you should check that it:
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contains your correct personal details;
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correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK; and
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is valid for the date when you want to travel.
If you think there is anything wrong with your visa, please contact our information partner WorldBridge. You can find their contact details on the WorldBridge in the USA website.