Help- How do I buy return postage for spouse visa???

Hello, and thanks in advance for any help. I am ready to tear my hair out trying to figure out how to buy return postage. I've already asked UPS, DHL, and USPS and they all say they can't do it. Can someone please advise me as to how and with which company I'm supposed to buy this prepaid return postage to the US from the Sheffield office?

Thank you all!

You go to the FedEx, UPS or DHL website, create an online account and set up an international waybill.

Thank you! I am confused by the language on the UKBA site- as it says that it must be prepaid and can't be "billed to" which sounds like what a waybill is. Can anyone clarify that for me? I have made a fedex account and am figuring out the waybill. Also, does anyone know what the cost on these usually is?

Another question, is the expedited service (that $300 upgrade) worth it? I am trying to have everything done and back to me by April 8.

Thanks!

I created a personal account with FedEx. Using it was simple to create postage TO and FROM Sheffield. Whilst creating a shipment, you have the option to check off a box for 'return shipment'. Be sure to follow proper procedure for Customs. I claimed my package as Immigration Documents for Personal Use. I also signed up for email alerts to track delivery/return. I only photocopied what I needed to be returned [passport, certificates and such]

http://www.fedex.com/us [nofollow]

I did NOT use priority service and received my visa and documents 10 days after shipping them to the UK Don't bother. It cost $102 to ship to UK from Florida. My pack weighed 2.1 lbs. No need to clutter your pack with loads of 'evidence'; or use a binder and too many metal clips. No need to send duplicate copies of anything other than Passport, certificates and application. But keep copies of ALL for yourself!!! Make sure to follow guidelines in submitting your online application and attending biometrics within 28 days. Also making sure they receive your documents in Sheffield within the 14 days after Biometrics. And having all of the coordinating evidence [financials] dated within 28 days. There is ALOT of great advice here. Saved my sanity! Good Luck! 

Another question, is the expedited service (that $300 upgrade) worth it? I am trying to have everything done and back to me by April 8.

Just depends how busy the consulate is at the time.

The priority service just gets your application put to the front of the processing line, so if it's a busy time of year, it can be worth it.

At the moment, non-priority applications are being processed in just 1-2 weeks (priority in just a few days), so it may not be worth it if you are applying now.

We have seen processing times be as long as 2-3 months without using priority during summer months in the past though (and 3-6 weeks with priority), so it's really dependent on time of year and number of applications being processed.

Thank you all so much for your replies! My packet is 2.7lbs right now, but maybe I am including too many copies (I didn't know we only needed to photocopy what we wanted sent back), so maybe I can lighten it a bit by taking some copies out. I have everything organized in 3 manila envelopes because it's easier for me personally, but should I just put it all in without to mail them?

Also glad to hear that I may not need the priority processing if the turnaround is so quick right now. We are getting really antsy and worried because it has taken much longer to gather all of the documents than we expected.

I had the same problem - UPS and USPS acted like they had no clue how to help. However, FedEx was great.  I went to a FedEx store/center and got an account - with my credit card attached to it.  I then paid for the postage to go to the UK and included a filled out waybill with my account number on it for return postage back to me. 

This is a list of what I included in my documents/evidence package which was the enclosure (ENC:) to my applicant letter of introduction. I separated into 4 categories (application & Appendix 2, passport/certificates/copies of, financials/accommodation & evidence of relationship) and used large paperclips to hold them together.


ENC:  In addition to my application and Appendix 2 [VAF4A] Financial Requirement form, I have provided all of the required original documents as well as copies for items I need returned:
   

• Biometrics form with official stamp and copy, visa photographs
• Birth Certificates for both Darren and myself with copies
• Marriage Certificate and copy
• My current and former passports  [current fully copied in color]
• Copy of Darren’s UK Passport photo page in color
• Darren’s P60 and 6 months of wage slips/employment contract/letter from employer
   

• Darren’s bank statements from Lloyd’s TSB (6 months)
• Rental Tenancy Agreement and letter of invitation for abode

Only my application, Appendix 2, and photographs were taken and EVERYTHING else returned; including copies of certificates.

Thanks for that list, we have all of that!

What is the applicant letter of introduction?

Also, my biometric appointment is tomorrow and I see that it says to bring all of your supporting documents, so I am going to, but will they actually look at them there? I figure this is more for people applying on a different visa type?

I've also come across something on here about a letter from my husband, but I never saw this in all of the documentation I read. What is this and what does it need to say?

What is the applicant letter of introduction?

A letter of introduction is just an optional application documents cover letter from the applicant.

If you include one, it should just state:
- visa type applied for
- list of documents included in the application
- any explanations for unusual circumstances surrounding your application, such as unusual activity on your bank account, if you have criminal convictions, if you have any refused visas or entries to the UK in the past.

Also, my biometric appointment is tomorrow and I see that it says to bring all of your supporting documents, so I am going to, but will they actually look at them there? I figure this is more for people applying on a different visa type?

No, actually you shouldn't be taking any of your documents.

Your biometrics is actually done by US immigration at a USCIS office on behalf of UKBA, and it's just a 5-10 minute appointment and has nothing to do with your actual application (your biometrics are just transmitted electronically to UKBA afterwards).

All you need to take is your passport and your biometrics confirmation sheet. They will check your passport, stamp the biometrics sheet, take your fingerprints and photo and then you leave. You put your passport and stamped sheet in your package and mail it to Sheffield to arrive within 14 days.

That information on the email/confirmation is for applicants in all countries - where in some cases you apply in person at a consulate and have to hand in your application to UKBA at your biometrics appointment.

This is not the case in the US, as you mail your application to Sheffield.

I've also come across something on here about a letter from my husband, but I never saw this in all of the documentation I read. What is this and what does it need to say?

This letter is absolutely mandatory, and your visa will be refused without it.

Your husband must write a letter in support of your application, including his employment details, where you will live, a short history of your relationship, and a list of documents he is including with your application.

A sample letter can be found here:
http://www.londonelegance.com/transpondia/sites/default/files/spousal.pdf

which is from this page: http://www.londonelegance.com/transpondia/family-visas/spousal-visa (very useful page for spousal visa applications)

Just a note that birth certificates are not required for the application, so you don't need to send them, or copies of them.

Thanks so much! I would have completely missed that letter, so glad I poked around this forum! And thank you for that link. 

Does this letter have to be signed by him? This would require that he mail it to me, which will set us back a bit in sending out our application packet.

I hadn't seen any requirements of a letter from my sponsor on any of the UKBA website, and did not include one. I sent my application last week they signed for it on Tuesday the 21st. I haven'g got a single email from them. I am dying on the inside the more and more I read. I'm pretty sure mine is going to be refused because of a stupid letter. Can they just ask me for it? Tell me they need more info? At what point do I start trying to track my application down? I see others time line similar to mine, and I haven't heard a thing.