entry clearance not to arrive for ~5 days; moving in 5 days

I just got an email from the entry clearance people that they got my visa app. They also said it could take 5 days to process. Should I call them since my flight in scheduled for late on that 5th day? any other advise?

-john

Reschedule your flight...

The change fee is probably worth the aggravation of the what ifs and unknowns.

My work permit sat on someone's desk for over 2 weeks which then had to be followed up, processed and expedited over night and on a arrive on a holiday weekend just so I had time to get my entry clearance the next day (which also had to be rescheduled) and fly out the following day. It was supposed to be plenty of time but my last few days in the US were chaotic due to the unknown.

Do you feel lucky? 

Yeah due to the holidays they are backlogged.  You will not be able to speak to anyone there even if you beg.  That's why I'm using a courier.  Due to the two day in a row holiday in Scotland, my overnight package to the US from UK STILL isn't here yet.

I've said it before and I'll say it again....don't book flights until you have the visa.


Vicky

I've said it before and I'll say it again....don't book flights until you have the visa.

That's just too sensible. 

now I feel stupid, but in my defense I did submit the application almost a month ago

Don't feel stupid.

Lots and lots and lots of Americans book flights on the mere assumption that their visa will be ready.  And about 99% of the time, it's a safe bet. 

But the Foreign Office has advised against it for years.  And Vicky and I have pratted on about it for a long time.

It's ok to feel uninformed, it's ok to feel unlucky.  But certainly not stupid.

I agree.

And I know it gets especially confusing when some government sites ask for itineraries or evidence of flight booking, when others specify not to book until the visa is in hand.

DOn't feel silly at all...not your fault, just a good warning to others.


Vicky

Don't feel stupid.

Agreed.   I did the same thing you did johnry when applying for my student visa-  I booked my flight well in advance and posted the visa off a month before I was scheduled to leave.  

It's definitely wise not to book flights before getting the visa, but in my case there was no way I could have afforded to buy a last minute ticket 2-3 weeks before I needed to be in the UK for university (and holdups on student loans meant that I couldn't even apply until a month before uni started).  And like Garry said, the vast majority of the time for US citizens it's fine, and was in my case thankfully- I got my visa in a week.  Buying tickets in advance is still a risk, though, obviously..as you've unfortunately found out.  

Agreed.   I did the same thing you did johnry when applying for my student visa-  I booked my flight well in advance and posted the visa off a month before I was scheduled to leave. 

It's definitely wise not to book flights before getting the visa, but in my case there was no way I could have afforded to buy a last minute ticket 2-3 weeks before I needed to be in the UK for university (and holdups on student loans meant that I couldn't even apply until a month before uni started).  And like Garry said, the vast majority of the time for US citizens it's fine, and was in my case thankfully- I got my visa in a week.  Buying tickets in advance is still a risk, though, obviously..as you've unfortunately found out. 

I have to buy mine last minute also.  I am now thinking I should buy it ahead of time because it would be cheaper.  Even after a change fee I would probably end up even anyway if I didn't get the Visa on time.

So i emailed the consulate and they approved my visa within a few hours!!! woohoo!