So let me start this post with a little background information. I started researching visas several months ago when I first started looking at teaching jobs and masters programs in London. Everything I read and everyone I spoke to gave me different answers about how long the whole visa process would take. After I was accepted into my program at the University of London and got a job with an agency, I was told my visa would take 5 to 15 days from the time I applied. I didn't actually get into my program until the middle of July so everything since then has been a whirlwind of trying to get documents together, bank accounts in order, fingerprints done, pictures taken, etc etc.
When I submitted my application on August 16th, I thought I was giving myself plenty of time to get my visa in the mail. I went ahead and booked a flight that was supposed to take me across the pond today - September 14th.
Well this past Wednesday (the 12th), I received an email from the UKBA (the UK border agency - they are the big guys who give out visas) saying that they had JUST started reviewing my application. You can imagine how I felt...I was all ready to move to London in 2 days and then BAM! Sorry sister...that's not happening.
My hope is that I will have my visa by next Friday but it might be another 2 weeks before I get it.
So for all my Charlotte friends and family, I am here and would love to see y'all a few more times before I go! Keep me in your thoughts. It's stressful not knowing when I'll be moving to another country but I'm trying to stay positive!
Lots of love,
Kristen
No comments:
Post a Comment