NEW SETTLEMENT GOLD PREMIUM SERVICE in US starting 15th November

Np - thank you TF


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**Donning my moderator cap**

This topic has veered off course.

Even if the tangents were at some point loosely related to the original topic, let's get back to the subject at hand, folks.

Posts which remain off track will be deleted. I will be deleting, not editing, even if they have useful, on-topic info, because I ain't got time for that.

Sounds good to me.

It wasn't my intention to veer off course.

I hope this new service is helpful to those that choose to use it, but on its face it looks to be not a great value.

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I didn't see this asked specifically and I see that based on the info. everyone has gathered so far, it doesn't look like it but, I wonder if the Gold Premium apps are processed ahead of regular priority? I know it says priority is included so it's probably safe to assume it's the same priority, I just can't believe that cost without some potential for faster processing. 

We don’t know at this point as the service has only been live for 2 days.

I would hope that might be part of the service - otherwise what are you paying for - but the website is really vague about it and no one has used the service yet so we don’t know what the processing times are like if you do use it.


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Ok thanks! Just thought I'd check in on it as I'm considering giving it a go and just hoping it is faster. I suppose I'd have an opportunity to ask questions at the appt. I'll definitely report back but odds are someone else will do it before me.

My local office is responding to my emails (there's a backstory there), so I got this regarding the Gold Settlement service:

There is a slight benefit in expected processing time with the Gold Settlement service when compared to the Priority service. However, the largest benefit is the input of our staff, who can review the supporting documents an applicant plans to send, and advise if there are any absent which should be provided with your application according to guidance from the consulate. As you have likely discovered, getting such input can be challenging when it comes to visa services, and some of our clients rely upon our assistance.

Not exactly a firm commitment to faster than normal priority processing, but there's also the coaching piece, which they refused to do before. I'm confident this forum has even better advice, but not everyone discovers this forum...

Thanks for the update, is there a way to ask them about the passport business, if we can keep it throughout the process?

If I go through the process, I'll try that. Very doubtful though.

My local office is responding to my emails (there's a backstory there), so I got this regarding the Gold Settlement service:

Not exactly a firm commitment to faster than normal priority processing, but there's also the coaching piece, which they refused to do before. I'm confident this forum has even better advice, but not everyone discovers this forum...

Hopefully they aren't as incompetent as the customer service centre. So you're paying all that money for someone to tell you which papers are missing or not (similar price to hiring an attorney)

Wow I have the money ready to go for the gold settlement but if I'm not getting faster service then what's the point of paying the extra money .. I was hoping for a little more insentive .. why would they even bother  .. now I'm sceptical of paying the extra money .. it just seems to me they are trying new creative ways to take people's money ! It's a shame they can't give advice for free .. or at least it should be included in regular visa pricing ... I feel the fees are so much money for an average middle class couple .. some are lucky they can afford it and won't break the bank but others .. it's their savings with no guarantee .. sad how governments  exploit visas and love.. 
   

Just wondering if anyone has used this new service yet ? .. hope everyone had a good thanksgiving !!

Just wondering if anyone has used this new service yet ? .. hope everyone had a good thanksgiving !!

I don't believe so - looking at the priority thread, no one new has applied since November 8th, and the Gold service wasn't introduced until November 15th.

I plan to apply next week and will try using this service if they have an appt. available soon enough. Just scrambling to get the last of my documents together.

Good Luck Dani!!

Please keep us updated, I'm dying to know what the service includes, especially about the keeping the passport thing. 

Good Luck Dani!!

Please keep us updated, I'm dying to know what the service includes, especially about the keeping the passport thing. 

Thanks! I absolutely will let you guys know anything I'm able to find out!