Just a quick update... I got my passport back from VFS on Saturday morning with a shiny new entry clearance vignette and accompanying letter.
I thought I'd have to sign for it, but UPS just left it on the front porch and never bothered to ring the bell? Not happy with them, but so happy to have the visa in-hand! It's valid from 12 Jan to 11 Feb.
It says my BRP will be available for collection from 19 Jan. Flying back to the UK, just to collect it on 31 Jan, then flying right back to finish sorting things out here.
I'll be starting my new job in early March!
I have a question for the experts / UK residents, after reading the employment contract... It states my base salary and notes the deduction of income tax and national insurance. I'd just like to confirm if I need to say something to HR? Am I still subject to paying for national insurance, even though I've already had to pay the £500 surcharge to use the NHS?
@Dani1983 I hope you get an answer from VFS today! Does the Seattle office have a phone number you can call? It struck me as very odd that they refused to give me a phone number to the DC office, even after asking for one repeatedly
. I could only email and hope for a cogent reply or show up in person, as one lady did during my initial appointment. If I were you, at this point, I'd probably just show up at their office...