Advice on getting student visas

Thanks for the comforting words...However, we live in Austin, Texas(in close proximity to neither office) and we were going to mail them to Cali.  Do you think I should instead send them to NY?  We can't go in person, though(need money for London!!).  Also, since he's taking a dependant(burdensome ME ) I assumed the situation was different....Any thoughts?

If anybody has advice on how to organize the apps--I'm thinking table of contents and and a bibliography with footnotes --please let me know.  I'm just going to be the brown-nosing, curve-ruining Honors student on this one....

Can I borrow your notes!   I'm handing them the best organized app that I am capable of producing.  Do you think Powerpoint is pushing it?

Good luck!

I think Powerpoint is completely appropriate, considering what's at stake.  Last night I bought a report binder and tab dividers and sheet protectors--the works!  It looks like I'm going to a multi-million dollar business merger or something.  But I also did get a letter from my boss, so we'll see if that helps me convince them that I'm an upstanding citizen, no matter what country I'm in!!   Yeah, good for me--I hope every one else is doing well.  The preparation makes you feel more confident!  I promise!!

those I have from my job - the US gov't

I have a  binder w/ tabs and page protectors

Good job!  I'm sending my apps tomorrow, I hope nothing goes wrong with shipping--it makes me really nervous to send my passport, marriage license and all that through the mail.  Does anyone know who I'm supposed to send the paperwork, I mean will it be Fed-Ex or regular mail or what?  I suppose they'll tell me at the end of my application. 

I'm applying for visas, anyone know what "expected qualification" means in Section 8--about the course of study?  Does that mean what degree he will have upon completion?  Or what?

I'm applying for visas, anyone know what "expected qualification" means in Section 8--about the course of study?  Does that mean what degree he will have upon completion?  Or what?

Hi,

I'm Pittpanther's BF and her sponsor for her student loan app, to answer your question I believe it is what degree you will have following completion of the course.

Hope it all goes well

Steve

Thanks!  It's a culinary school, so it's a little different than a regular degree.  The title of his course is BTEC National Certificate in Food Science and Manufacturing Technology, so I just put that he would finish with a Baker's Certificate...  I hope that's good, I kind of just made it up    

Also, what kind of mail should I use?  I know I want to overnight it, but they didn't give me any guidelines for sending it!  Arrrgh!!

I'm sending mine in next week via fedex most likely. My best friend works there and she said the tracking system is far superior to USPS. Not just b/c she works there, but her own experience. Otherwise, I may use USPS just to get the insurance on it. Either way - I feel like hand delivering it would be better.

I know what you mean about hand-delivery!!  I wish it were an option... So Fed-Ex doesn't have any kind of insurance?  I suppose I could find out on my own when I go there.  Thanks, pittpanther, you just confirmed what I was going to do anyway!

You're welcome. Fedex has insurance for an extra cost, however, my friend's employee discount of 75% doesn't include that. At this point, for me, it's whatever is easiest at the time, fedex or USPS. Good luck!

Ok, first of all, calm down.   

Powerpoint and folders with tabs is a bit OTT, in my opinion.  For my student visa application, I mailed:
my passport
birth certificate
letter of acceptance from the uni
2 months of bank statements
one paystub
letters of student loan approval
2 passport pictures
cashier's cheque for the fee

I mailed it certified mail through USPS with a signature return card.  I had my visa back in about 2 weeks from the LA Consulate.  If you have final acceptance from your uni and proof of finance/support, you have nothing to worry about.  International students mean big bucks to the UK Uni system and they won't refuse you out of hand.

Thanks!  It's a culinary school, so it's a little different than a regular degree.  The title of his course is BTEC National Certificate in Food Science and Manufacturing Technology, so I just put that he would finish with a Baker's Certificate...  I hope that's good, I kind of just made it up    

I wouldn't just make something up.  I would put exactly what you listed here as his expected course.  A baker's certificate just sounds dodgy.  A BTEC National Certificate is a legitimate degree.

I wouldn't just make something up.  I would put exactly what you listed here as his expected course.  A baker's certificate just sounds dodgy.  A BTEC National Certificate is a legitimate degree.

I agree, a BTEC is a recognized qual.

Yeah, I put BTEC as his course and certification.  I know I'm probably over the top, but what can I say, I'm a Virgo!  (That's my excuse for all the lame things I do, haha).  I sent it off by FedEx, no problem, and I can't imagine why they would deny us, we have all our ducks in a row.    It should arrive tomorrow morning, I'll try not to check the tracking number every hour.  Hopefully the next post I write says we got it!