UPS account number - how to allow Sheffield to bill to t

We setup a UPS account online, got an account number and included it along with a self addressed UPS mailer sent to Sheffield.   We get an email today that Sheffield couldn't find an international courier account number

We replied to the email with a UPS account number (which they should already have)

However we noticed there is a screen in our UPS account where we can setup a list of users who are authorized to bill to the account.   Do we have to setup something here ?   If so how would we do this ?   Just provide the address in Sheffield of the visa processing center.

I have to say as a Brit I am disgusted at my country for creating such a byzantine process to apply for a visa.

We setup a UPS account online, got an account number and included it along with a self addressed UPS mailer sent to Sheffield.   We get an email today that Sheffield couldn't find an international courier account number

We replied to the email with a UPS account number (which they should already have)

However we noticed there is a screen in our UPS account where we can setup a list of users who are authorized to bill to the account.   Do we have to setup something here ?   If so how would we do this ?   Just provide the address in Sheffield of the visa processing center.

I have to say as a Brit I am disgusted at my country for creating such a byzantine process to apply for a visa.

Ok, I got nearly the same email today. I replied that our prepaid VFS courier (you know, the service they recommended)  return label was included in our packet but attached it  anyway.
Years ago when we applied for my husband's US visa, they had a separate check we had to include to cover return shipping.  It is frustrating.

Thanks.   We may end up using VFS but

1) I object to being railroaded into use VFS, who obviously charge a hefty markup for adding no value.

2) If we use our UPS account we can track and if necessary redirect the package - we're selling our house so we figured this might be useful if the return is delayed and we've moved in with relatives.

Another interesting (worrying) thing was that the email acknowledging receipt of the application came only 10 minutes before the email asking for courier information.   Hopefully this doesn't indicate a swift rejection - I was expecting at least 2-3 days between the initial email and a decision email or an email asking for courier information.

Another interesting (worrying) thing was that the email acknowledging receipt of the application came only 10 minutes before the email asking for courier information.   Hopefully this doesn't indicate a swift rejection - I was expecting at least 2-3 days between the initial email and a decision email or an email asking for courier information.

I had the exact same thought process.  I am hoping someone was just being preemptive with their automatic emails.

As for using their courier, we had a significantly larger amount of documents due to category F and a long marriage, so their service worked out cheaper in our case

I used the VFS service and it was cheaper for me too.  Even if it's only slightly more expensive than setting up an account with UPS, I think the ease of the service makes up for that.  I recommend using it.

As for using their courier, we had a significantly larger amount of documents due to category F and a long marriage, so their service worked out cheaper in our case

For the record, VFS isn't a courier service, they are just UKVI's commercial partner through whom you can pay for other people's services. They run a website and that's it.

- The settlement priority processing service is provided by UKVI in Sheffield

- The shipping 'service' is just pre-paid UPS shipping.

It may just be easier and cheaper to do the shipping through UPS directly and cut out the middle-man (VFS).

Another interesting (worrying) thing was that the email acknowledging receipt of the application came only 10 minutes before the email asking for courier information.   Hopefully this doesn't indicate a swift rejection - I was expecting at least 2-3 days between the initial email and a decision email or an email asking for courier information.

No, they most likely just check that you have included a return shipping label before they start processing the application. Someone probably just opened it, went to check that you had included the shipping label and then emailed you about it... so that they have everything in order before they hand it to anyone for processing.

Thanks all.   

Can UKVI just bill to our six digit UPS account number ?  Do we have to somehow give them permission to bill to our account number (perhaps through the UPS web site) ?

Thanks all.   

Can UKVI just bill to our six digit UPS account number ?  Do we have to somehow give them permission to bill to our account number (perhaps through the UPS web site) ?

I'm not sure exactly - as far as I know, they have just asked for people to provide their online account number so they can bill the account... but I'm not sure if there's a specific way to set this up - you might have to go into the billing section of your account and sort something out there first.

I'll post back if the 6 digit account number works (or not) for future applicants.   If it doesn't work I guess we'll buy the VFS return.

I'll post back if the 6 digit account number works (or not) for future applicants.   If it doesn't work I guess we'll buy the VFS return.

That's exactly what I did.  I included the account number asking them to bill the account (since UPS couldn't create a pre-paid return).  It took a couple of days for the invoice to come through on UPS... after I had already received the package.  It is actually really convenient!

Thanks Heather.   The UPS web site is not much clearer than the UKVI web site.

Thanks Heather.   The UPS web site is not much clearer than the UKVI web site.

I know!  Actually the information I got from my biometrics appointment wasn't up-to-date so if it hadn't been for this forum, I would've followed incorrect instructions.  Good luck!

I'm sorry to jump on the bandwagon a month later but I wanted to see how exactly you include your account number. Short letter saying this is it and bill it. I am so confused by the UPS website. I'm almost positive you have to have a genius IQ to figure all this out. I'm so close!

Yep, just include a note/short letter in your package stating the online UPS account number, which is to be used for the return shipping.


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