WP Entry Clearance Documents?

Okay, I have the work permit and I've done the biometrics, so now I'm getting ready to send in my stuff for the entry clearance.  However, when looking into couriers, some of them list documents NOT listed on the entry clearance application.

The entry clearance application says to send:
* completed application form VAF1
* your current passport
* your old passport or a copy of it
* Immigration status (Original not copy):e.g. Permanent residence card, Valid I-94 H1-B - L-1 - B-1 I-20 (Signed on reverse side) IAP-66 Employment authorisation card with advance parole document
* evidence of funds available to you, in the form of detailed bank statements covering at least the last three months
* a valid UK work permit issued by Work Permits UK or for HSMP your valid approval letter
* One recent colour passport photograph (not more than six months old) Please note: scanned or copies of photos are not acceptable

However, one of the couriers (Global VIP services, in this case; just one I was looking at) also lists an employment contract/letter and applicant letter of intent (explaining work in the UK, arrival and departure dates)

Are these necessary?  I have a 5 year work permit; it seems like an employment letter and a letter explaining my work is just double, especially when I've also answered questions about it in the visa application.

Thought I'd ask here for reassurance/guidance before I send my stuff off!

Assuming you are coming in on an Employer Sponsored Work Permit, you need to fill out the VAF2, not the VAF1.  As per here: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf13workpermitholders#Q11

And it requires:

• Evidence of your job offer and employer
• Evidence of qualifications relevant to the type of work you wish to do
• Evidence of your English language ability if English is not your first language
• Your work permit

Plus a slew of other things...

Confused as to why you think you should be using VAF1, it is for visitors.  Not work permit holders.

I just copied that directly from the email from visa4uk, I hadn't noticed it said VAF1 not VAF2.  I just checked my printed out application, and I have completed/submitted online the VAF2.  I don't know why the email states VAF1.

I would follow the intructions inside the VAF2 hard copy for guidelines, which includes that you should be sending your employment offer/contract, plus a few other things.

So, just to clarify, and I am sure garry will be all over this, the e-mail you received from Visa4UK seems to be giving you information for VAF1 or an HSMP which aren't even being issued anymore when you filled out and applied for a VAF2.  Another example of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing and giving out government sponsored incorrect information!

I have a question--I've got the guidelines and the applciations for the work permit visa app.  Obviously, my company has prepared the application for the permit, but in regards to the financial documentation they require--I'm currently still getting paid in USD, but I will be paid in sterling when the permit is approved and they complete the transfer.  As such, I don't know exactly how to estimate what I'll be making monthly after taxes, because I don't have a frame of reference yet.  In addition, I don't know how much I'll be paying in monthly bills (rent, utilities, etc) because I won't have a place to stay yet (I'm trying to sort that before I leave but again, won't really have a frame of reference in case I don't).  What should I provide? 

If there are any links to anything helpful, if anyone can post them, I'd appreciate it!

To clarify the form situation..

As you applying fromt he US, it is the generic on-line form, not a paper form. The onfo you have been e-mailed is woefully out of date.

Other docs needed are:

* your current passport
* your old passport or a copy of it
* evidence of funds available to you, in the form of detailed bank statements covering at least the last three months
* a valid UK work permit
* One recent colour passport photograph (not more than six months old) 
* employment contract/letter

You MUST have an address in the UK where you will be staying.

Vicky

Hi Victoria

This has come as a bummer. I have already applied for EC through the NYC Consulate, and I did not include any address in the UK for my stay.

I was digging this wonderful website to figure what are the waiting times for EC currently for Work Permit holders, but found this thread where you mention the address as a MUST with the application. It was not mentioned in the visa4uk website which asked for documents so I ignored it.

How big a deal is this, and what would be the general course of action now? They would ask for additional information and delay this whole thing or just refuse and ask me to reapply?

Please shed some light!

Thanks a lot in advance
DRS

So, when the question on the form asked 'what is the address you will be staying at in the UK?', what did you put?

Vicky

So, when the question on the form asked 'what is the address you will be staying at in the UK?', what did you put?

Vicky

There was no such question in the form! I am not sure if they have changed the form lately but I just checked my application and confirm there is nothing like that asked.

I however, do remember such a question DID exist in a visitor visa application that I had made to UK (I am not a US citizen) 6 months back or so - and had to give in the details.

So am I good here?

Also, do you know anything about the wait times for NYC consulate for EC issuance lately? My documents reached them today (as per Fedex) and though I did not recieve any email from the consulate yet, I have seen many members here complaining about huge wait times and am afraid if it might be the same case with me!

I was hoping for a week or two to get my visa done!

Regards
DRS

Hi!

I just received my entry clearance (work permit - type) from the NY consulate.  I mailed my application using Fed Ex and it arrived to the Consulate on Nov. 11th and it was delivered to me on Nov. 24th.   So about 2 weeks in total to process.  I received an email on the 19th saying they received my application, and then the next email was on the 21st saying it was being mailed and I would receive it in 2 or 3 business days. 

Oh and I did not have to provide a UK address.  The documents I provided was my application (stamped with my biometrics), passport, 1 picture, work permit, employment offer, 3 months worth of bank statements. 

I hope this helps.

Stefanie

Certainly does! All my questions answered in one single post, Stefanie.

Thanks a lot! (I could easily buy you a drink or two if I'm in london too within a few weeks)

And good luck with your UK assignment!!

No problem!

Thanks, although I just found out that my assignment is being pushed back to the beginning of March.  I am keeping my fingers crossed it doesn't get delayed more.  Hopefully the economy can turn around a little. 

Good luck with your entry clearance!

Good luck with that Stefanie.

I got the notification today that my VISA has been issued and I should get it by tomorrow.

So for everyone curious to know about the waiting times on NYC consulate for Work Permits..

I posted my application via FedEx on 30th Nov, with the consulate receiving it on 1st of Dec. They sent me an email on 8th Dec confirming the receipt and mentioned that it will take around 10 business days to process.

I got another email today, 16th Dec that it has been issued. So a total of 12 business days to process.

Good luck everyone!

Thanks!  I was able to send mine in yesterday, and Fedex delivered it this morning.  I'll keep an eye out for the initial e-mail in the next week.