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Law Offices of
Richard S. Goldstein

New York
145 West 57th Street
16th Floor, New York
New York 10019
tel: 212-957-0500
fax: 212-957-2020

London
96A Mount Street
First Floor
Mayfair
London W1K 2TB
tel: 020-7499-8200
fax: 020-7499-8300

london visa processing

Revised 20 August 2007

GENERAL VISA INFORMATION

The Embassy has provided information about Visa Services on its excellent web site home page at http://london.usembassy.gov. London is one of the busiest posts in the world interviewing approximately 750 applicants per day and issuing approximately 225,000 Non Immigrant Visas per year.

The general telephone number of the Embassy is +44 (0) 20 7499-9000; the consular section has its own fax number, which is +44 (0) 20 7495-5012. Recorded information regarding visas is available to the general public in the United Kingdom by calling 09068-200-290 (calls cost £0.60/min.), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The operator assisted information service, including nonimmigrant visa (NIV) appointment scheduling is available by 09042-450-100 (option 1), Monday – Friday, 8:00 to 20:00 and Saturdays, 9:00 to 16:00 Calls to this number are charged at £1.20/min from BT landlines, but some mobile and network providers may charge more. In addition, callers from outside the United Kingdom and some mobile and network providers cannot access this number.

Appointments for Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) interviews by a consular officer should be made by calling 09042-450-100 Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, and Saturday between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. (Calls cost £1.20/min.) The service is not available on British or American public holidays. A live operator-assisted information service is also available at this toll number. Toll numbers are only accessible by calling from within the United Kingdom.

Non-Immigrant Visa appointments may now also be booked from the United States. Residents of the United States who wish to obtain information on, or schedule an appointment for an NIV interview at the U.S. Embassy in London may call the Operator Assisted Information Line on 1-866-382-3589. The call is charged at a fixed rate of $16.00 for up to 7 minutes. Payment must be made by credit card (American Express, Visa or Mastercard) and callers will not be given any information until a credit card has been accepted and they have been charged for this call.

One may also obtain a written response to information requests by writing to: (The Consular Information Unit, United States Embassy, 24 Grosvenor Square, London W1 1AE, U.K (a stamped, self addressed envelope must accompany the request) or by faxing +44 (0) 20 7495-5012 (faxes are treated as letter correspondence and responses are sent in order of receipt).

As a general rule, it is preferable to fax the appropriate consular unit (or individual officer) in advance of a telephone inquiry advising of the particular issue and when you are likely to call. Faxes of more than three pages are discouraged. The Consular Information Unit handles virtually all visa related inquiries. The Embassy discourages inquiries by courier even if prepaid as courier deliveries may be refused by Embassy security officials. In correspondence regarding immigrant visa (IV) cases, it is prudent to ensure that the London case number is always referenced.

As with all Consulates, local procedures and policies often change. Please consult the Embassy’s website at http://london.usembassy.gov for the most up to date information.

APPLICATIONS FOR NONIMMIGRANT VISAS

A nonimmigrant visa is required by anyone seeking temporary admission into the United States who is not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program or is not exempt from the visa requirement. Nonimmigrant visas cover visits for tourism, business, work or study.

Effective August 1, 2003, almost all nonimmigrant visa applicants will be required to schedule a personal interview with a consular officer at this Embassy.

Scheduling times for nonimmigrant visa interviews have been changed and expanded. Expedited nonimmigrant visa interviews, when granted for O, P, I and C-1/D visa applicants, are scheduled for 8:00AM, Monday through Friday. For routine applications, passports with visas stamped in them are normally returned to the applicants in 3 to 5 working days.

Interview appointments for all nonimmigrant visas are now available Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 2:30PM. Embassy schedulers inform us that applicants coming from London will generally be scheduled for the 9:00AM, 9:30AM 10:00AM and 10:30AM appointments, while the later appointments will be reserved from those travelling to the Embassy from outside London.

O and P Visa applicants may make expedited appointments through the Embassy’s Call Center by calling 09042-450-100. These appointments are generally given as early as the next business morning after calling the call center; however, if the applicant misses the appointment for any reason, another expedited appointment will not be granted and the application will have to wait for the next available general NIV appointment.

Nationals of the United Kingdom with approved H or L petitions may request an expedited appointment as certain days are reserved for the adjudication of such petitions.

Emergency appointments for nonimmigrant visa interviews, when granted for other visa applicants, are scheduled from 8:00AM, Monday through Friday. Please note that the NIV branch in London grants emergency appointments only when there is a life and death emergency. Financial/business emergencies are not considered emergencies for the granting of an emergency NIV interview.

Please note that ALL E visa applicants require a personal interview even for a renewal of an E visa and all appointments for ‘E’ visa interviews are now scheduled for 08:00AM.

The US Embassy in London will accept applications and grant interviews to anyone who is physically present in the UK and who makes an appointment for an interview. Interviews for UK citizens, however, take precedence over those for Third Country Nationals.

Please note that there is no right to counsel at either NIV or IV interviews and attorneys are not permitted to accompany applicants to their consular interview.

A visa applicant who falls into any one of the following categories will be required to appear in person for an interview with a consular officer, even if he/she may be applying to renew a visa of the same classification which has expired within the last 12 months, or is under the age of 17 or aged 60 or over.

• Anyone who has ever been arrested or convicted of any offense or crime, even though subject to a pardon, amnesty or other similar legal action. Those who have unlawfully distributed or sold a controlled substance (drug) or been a prostitute or procurer for prostitutes. Please note that the U.K. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to U.S. visa law.
• Anyone who has been refused admission to the U.S. or been subject of a deportation hearing, or sought to obtain or assist others to obtain a visa, entry into the U.S. or any other U.S. immigration benefit by fraud or willful misrepresentation or other unlawful means. Those who have attended a U.S. public elementary school on student (F) status or a public secondary school after November 30, 1996 without reimbursing the school.
• Anyone seeking to enter into the U.S. to engage in export control violations, subversive or terrorist activities, or any other unlawful purpose. Anyone who is a member or representative of a terrorist organization as currently designated by the U.S. Secretary of State, or has ever participated in persecutions directed by the Nazi government of Germany; or ever participated in genocide.
• Anyone who has ever violated the terms of a U.S. visa, or been unlawfully present in, or deported from the United States.
• Anyone who has ever withheld custody of a U.S. citizen child outside the United States from a person granted legal custody by a U.S. court, voted in the United States in violation of any law or regulation, or renounced U.S. citizenship for the purpose of avoiding taxation.
• Anyone afflicted with a communicable disease of public health significance or a dangerous physical or mental disorder, or ever been a drug abuser or addict.

Exceptions to the interview requirement are made for the following applicants:

• Children under the age of 14;
• Adults over 79;
• Diplomats and those travelling on official government business;

Visa applicants who are ineligible to receive a visa and those aged 14 or over who were born in or hold a passport from any of the 7 countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism, are required to apply for a visa in person. These countries are as follows: North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Iraq, Libya.

*The following information is required when booking an appointment:

Name;
Date of birth;
Place of Birth;
Nationality;
Passport Number;
Passport Place of Issuance;
Passport Date of Issuance; and
Passport Expiry Date; and
A major credit card to pay the $100 visa application and/or the $16.00 US telephone booking fee.

The applicant should not make final travel plans until the visa has been issued and the applicant is in receipt of the passport with visa issued in it.

Family or married couples applying for visas at the same time may schedule one appointment per family or couple. All others must schedule individual appointments. The parent(s) of a child under the age of 14 may bring the child’s completed visa application to the Embassy at the time of their visa interview. A child under the age of 14 is not required to attend the Embassy in person.

Applicants who arrive at the Embassy more than 30 minutes after their scheduled appointment may not be seen by a consular officer. They will be required to reschedule a new appointment for another day. Applicants should expect to be at the Embassy for approximately four hours if interviewed, and should expect their passports to be returned generally within 3-5 business days of the interview.

Applicants may apply for a visa by mail if renewing a visa for the same classification (apart from E visas) and if physically present in the U.K. if:

• He/She are aged under 14 (the lower age limit is 13 or under if the applicant was born in or hold a passport from one of the 7 countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism;
• He/she is aged over 79 and was not born in nor holds a passport from one of the aforementioned 7 countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism;

If the applicant is not eligible to apply for a visa by mail, he/she must schedule an appointment for an interview. Again, please note that if applicant is under age 14 and over 79 and were born in or hold a passport from one of the 7 countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism i.e. North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Iraq, Libya - applicant will be required to schedule an appointment to appear in person before a consular officer.

All nonimmigrant visa applicants, either for an interview or for a mail-in visa application, are required to:

• Complete the on-line electronic visa application Form DS-156 (with a bar code on the first and third pages); Form DS-157 for all male applicants between the ages of 14 to 65 and all applicants from China, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Vietnam. Form DS-158 is required for all applicants seeking J-1, J-2, F-1, F-2, and M-1, M-2 visas).
• Important: All visa applicants, even children and babies listed in parents' passports are required to complete the visa application Form DS-156.
• The electronic version of the DS-156 form, which can be found at The American Embassy London website at http://evisaforms.state.gov, should be completed on-line by filling in the applicable data fields. Fill in the form as completely as possible, leaving blank only those fields that do not apply in your case. If a field is completed incorrectly, a message will advise you on how to correct the entry. When you have completed entering your data on-line, press the Continue button and wait while the system processes your data and transfers it to a 3-page DS-156 form with a special bar code on page 3. Print the form and date and sign it. And affix one photo meeting NIV photo requirements to the Form where indicated.
• Pages 1, 2, and 3 with the special 2-D bar code containing the data you entered must be furnished when applying for the visa. This will help the Consulate process your application more quickly.
• Do not print unprocessed on-line data input forms. Do not complete blank or unprocessed data input forms by hand. Unprocessed data input pages or data input pages completed by hand will not be accepted.
• Failure to follow these instructions will considerably delay your application.
• Every visa applicant is required to pay a visa application fee of $100 before submitting an application. You must now pay the visa application fee of USD$100 over the telephone by major credit card when booking your nonimmigrant visa appointment. You will be emailed both confirmation of the appointment date and time as well as confirmation that the fee has been paid. You must bring both to your interview.
• Some applicants may also be required to pay a visa issuance fee, separate from the visa application fee, based on reciprocal fees charged to U.S. citizens for similar services by the applicant's government before an approved visa may be issued. If an issuance fee is required, the applicant will be advised and payment must be made to the Embassy cashier in cash (sterling or dollar equivalent) or by major credit cards only.
• Present a passport or other travel document valid for at least six months beyond the holder's period of stay in the United States with at least one blank page - the six-month requirement does not apply to United Kingdom passports;
• Provide one color passport type photograph which meets State Department regulations (a recent, full face, color photo 2” x 2” square);
• Issuance fees: As noted above, Nationals of certain countries are required to pay an issuance fee (currently USD $105) in order for an approved visa to be issued (reciprocity fee). A British Citizen passport holder is required to pay only an issuance fee for an L-2 or an E-2 visa.
• Additional documentation is required depending on the type of visa application i.e. original Notice of Approval from the USCIS, USCIS visa petition and supporting documentation etc.
• Please also be advised that the Embassy has changed its policy as of March 1, 2004 regarding the return of passports. In the interests of security and expediency, the U.S. Embassy has entered into a contract with Special Mail Services (SMS), a private courier agency, to provide courier services to individuals apply for U.S. visas and U.S. passports at the Consular Section. Nonimmigrant and Immigrant visa applicants who attend the Embassy for an interview with a consular officer will have their passports returned to them by Special Mail Services (SMS), a courier agency contracted to the U.S. Embassy; there is no other method of delivery available. Envelopes for the return of the passports will be on sale from the SMS in the Visa Branch waiting room on the day of the interview.
  
  Applicants will be required to purchase an envelope after the visa interview. There is a fee of £13.50, payable by debit or credit card or in cash. SMS provide next workday delivery for most areas of the United Kingdom once the passport has been released to them. Nonimmigrant visa applicants eligible to apply for a visa by mail or those who have been notified that they are required to submit additional documents in order for the application to be processed are required to use the services of SMS for the delivery of their documents to and from the Embassy. You may call SMS on 08709 501760 to arrange a delivery.

Please note that the Embassy does NOT offer a same day visa service. Routine visa processing takes approximately 3 to 5 business days. Your passport will not be released to SMS until the application has been processed. If applicants provide SMS with their UK mobile telephone numbers on their courier forms SMS will text the applicants when their passports are released.

Also, the SMS courier fee is charged based on weight. In general, the SMS courier fee is £13.50 per single applicant; £14.50 for a group of 2-5 passports and £23.50 for up to 6 passports. If you have any questions about the service, you should speak with the SMS representative at the Embassy.

SMS Courier Envelopes are purchased at the end of the interview process. Those whose application is unsuccessful, will not be required to purchase an envelope.

Applicants are advised at the time of their interview that their application requires additional administrative processing and should allow 60 days for their application to be processed. Their passport will be handed back to them while the Embassy conducts the administrative processing. The Embassy will notify the applicant when they are ready to proceed with the application. The applicant will then be required to contact SMS to arrange for the delivery of their passport to and from the Embassy. If this occurs, you will need to call SMS on 08709 501760 to arrange a delivery.

Applicants whose nonimmigrant visa applications are refused because the Embassy has determined that more documentation is required to adjudicate the application are advised that the additional documentation along with the applicant’s passport must be submitted via SMS it generally takes between 10 and 15 days for processing once the missing documents have been submitted.

Applicants requiring a waiver of ineligibility, or those requiring additional administrative processing, usually involving a request for a Special Advisory Opinion, are receiving their visas in approximately 16 weeks after their consular interviews.

Applicants for nonimmigrant visas who reside or who previously resided in the UK and who indicate either (1) an arrest or a conviction anywhere in the world, other than for minor traffic offences, (2) a refusal of entry to the US or (3) an affirmative response to the majority of the questions in item 38 of the DS-156, must obtain a UK Subject Access Statement from New Scotland Yard before their applications will be processed to completion. UK Subject Access Statements take approximately 40 days to obtain. Subject Access Statements presented to the Embassy must be less than 6 months old.

The US Department of State now requires a medical examination for any applicant who has been arrested or convicted for drunk driving within the past five years or who has been arrested or convicted of drunk driving two or more times in their lives.

The applicant must first appear at the US embassy for a visa interview and disclose the arrest. The Consular Officer will then refer the applicant to the Embassy’s panel physician for the examination, which the applicant must schedule. These appointments are generally scheduled within several days of the visa interview.

After the examination, the blood sample is sent to a processing laboratory where tests are conducted to determine whether the applicant has a long-term history of alcoholism. The results are returned to the interviewing Embassy approximately two weeks later and the applicant is contacted.

If the results of the blood test are satisfactory the applicant will be instructed to send his/her passport to the Embassy for Visa issuance.

Additionally, if you are eligible to apply for a visa by mail, or have been requested to furnish additional documents for your application to be processed, you must send your application to the Embassy by SMS. Please call 0870-950-1760 to arrange for pick-up of your documents and application. It is your responsibility to carefully review the requirement for submitting an application in this manner, as the SMS courier charges are not refundable, and cannot be applied to a personal appearance if your mail-in application if found to have been submitted in error.

Routine mail-in visa applications will take a minimum of 15 workdays to process before being mailed back to the applicant. Applicants who tick “Yes” to box 38 on the DS-156 Form should allow a minimum of 12 weeks for the application to be processed; some applications may take longer.

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, as a result of the ongoing review of visa practices by the State Department and other U.S. agencies, visa applications are subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past which means that in some instances visa applications are taking longer to process to conclusion than has been customary.

On completion of processing, the passport will be mailed back to the applicant in the envelope provided by the Embassy. Again, final travel plans or purchases of nonrefundable tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued and the applicant is in receipt of his/her passport.

Please note that Cuban, Chinese, Russian & Vietnamese nationals are required to complete two visa application forms DS-156, as well as a supplemental nonimmigrant visa application form DS 157, and to provide two color photographs. Only one visa application fee is required for each person submitting a visa application.

Please note that Northern Cyprus nationals are required to complete one visa application form DS-156, a supplemental nonimmigrant visa application form DS-157, and to provide four color photographs.

APPLICATIONS FOR IMMIGRANT VISAS

Processing Times and Procedures

The Embassy will accept immigrant visa (IV) applications from any person who is a resident of the United Kingdom, or whose last residence before entry into the United States was in the United Kingdom, or from Third Country Nationals (TCNs) who are lawfully present in the United Kingdom and who will be able to remain in the United Kingdom for the time required to process the application.

An immigrant visa is required of anyone who wishes to enter the United States to reside there permanently, whether or not that person plans to seek employment in the U.S. U.S. Immigration Law provides for the issuance of immigrant visas in four general categories: immediate relatives, family-based, employment-based, and Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, known as the “Green Card Lottery”.

As with nonimmigrant visas (NIVs), attorneys are neither admitted into the waiting room nor afforded the opportunity to accompany the applicant to the IV interview. IV interviews usually last approximately 10 minutes, unless a case has unusual problems.

Normally, preference visa applicants who have had their Packet 3 (DS-2001, formerly OF-169, and DS 230 Part I) received by the Consular Post and entered into the Immigrant Visa Automated Control System (IVACS) by the 15th day of a particular month are put on the London visa number request list for the second succeeding month. Thus, an applicant whose Packet 3 forms were received in London and the information entered into IVACS by June 15th would normally be scheduled for an interview during the month of August.

Within a calendar month of scheduled appointments, those IV applicants physically residing in the United Kingdom generally will be scheduled during the first half of the month, while those applicants in the United States (or elsewhere) generally are scheduled for the second half of the month in order to facilitate travel back to the United States. Individual adjustments of scheduled appointments within the same month can usually be granted for good cause.

Visa Issuance Rates

The great majority of IV refusals in London are relatively simple INA §221(g) refusals for lack of proper documentation. Most of these refusals are eventually overcome and the IV issued.

The Immigrant Visa Unit generally functions efficiently, with supervisory review available on all refusals. Attorneys are reminded to advise the Post by fax communication as early as possible if appointments need to be rescheduled. Advise your clients to make all reasonable efforts to stay in London the night before their interview day rather than rely upon the local transportation system, which is often delayed. Finally it is advisable for your clients not to make overseas travel arrangements on the same day as their interview date, since most IV appointments will not conclude until early afternoon.

Medical Examinations

The medical examination is performed by an embassy approved physician at Knightsbridge Doctors in London. These offices are located at 15 Basil Mansions, Basil Street, London SW3 1AP, which is very close to the Knightsbridge Underground Station on the Piccadilly Line and at the Alliance Medical Imaging Centre, 10-11 Bulstrode Place, W1U 2HX, which is within walking distance from the Baker Street Station on the Bakerloo, Jubilee, and the Hammersmith and City Lines. Applicants will be notified of which of the two offices they will attend when they make the call. Appointments may be made by phoning +44 (0) 20 7584-9458 Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Applicants must quote their case number (included in Packet 3 from the Embassy) when scheduling an appointment.

The cost for the medical examination is £200 (Pounds Sterling) for applicants aged 15, and £100 (Pounds Sterling) if under the age of 15. Payment by credit card (Visa and MasterCard only), debit card, or cash must be made at the time of the examination. If an applicant fails to keep his or her appointment without 3 clear days notice, they may be liable for an £80 cancellation fee.

Applicants will be required to present their passports at the time of the examination and bring one photograph for each applicant, the specifications for which are the same as those for the IV application. In most cases it will take about 3 days to have the medical report and X-rays couriered to the Embassy following the examination. Medical results remain valid for 1 year after the examination.

Vaccination Policies and Procedures

All applicants, including babies, must present their vaccination records at the time of their examinations. If one is not available, the physician will work with the applicant to determine what, if any, vaccinations must be administered. Payment to the designated physician for such vaccinations as are required at the time of the examination may only be made in local currency, in cash or by credit card.

Fiancé(e) visa applicants and those applying for the K-3 or V visas will be required to meet the vaccination requirement at the time of their application for adjustment of status in the U.S.

Discretionary Cases

If an attorney is going to make a special request for discretionary acceptance of an IV case, he or she must be sure to submit a full description of the reasons for the request by email. The case will be considered on its individual merits. Keep in mind, however, that requests are rarely granted due to post volume.

Following to Join and Derivative Cases

London will process such cases on presentation of proof of the principal’s LPR status and proof of relationship, together with completed forms DS-2001 and DS-230 Part I. Form I-824 is not necessary.

Immigrant Visa Photograph Requirements and Changes

On May 17, 2004, photograph requirements changed for Immigrant Visas (IV) at the U.S. Embassy in London. This is due to the fact that the Embassy is issuing a similar machine readable nonimmigrant style visa in the passport of each applicant applying for an immigrant visa. The same packet of information will be provided to the applicant and will be sealed for the Officer at the Port of Entry. A label will also be attached to the packet with the A number printed on it. The same rules will apply for the new IV visa in the passport and packet of information. Three photographs will need to be provided for IV appointments and an additional photograph will be needed for the medical examination as stated above. The photos will need to meet the NIV photo requirements i.e. full face frontal, color, 2x2”, white background, taken within six months. Most immigrant visas will be issued the next day. Fingerprints will be taken for all applicants applying for IVs. Even for those who are under 14 and over 79. Electronic fingerprints and an electronic photograph (for facial recognition) will be taken and the Embassy will be able to check information through electronic fingerprinting on a U.S. database. Applicants who travel to a third country (rather than their home country) for their IV interview before entering the U.S. may have problems if the third country is not issuing the same type of visa.

Nonimmigrant visa applicants are now subject to another new requirement: in order to ensure the quality of the (index) finger scans taken at the time of the interview, applications of persons with cuts or blisters on their index fingers will not be processed.

USCIS SERVICES

The USCIS London office is located within the embassy. Public access to the USCIS office is no longer permitted without an appointment. This office does not process refugees. Many other overseas adjudications are available, including Forms I-130, I-360, I-600/A, and the I-601. Further information is available at the USCIS pages of the Embassy website.

Immediate Relative Petitions

All such adjudications are done by the USCIS. USCIS London will only accept I-130 petitions from US citizens who can demonstrate that they “principally reside” in the United Kingdom, unless emergent or humanitarian circumstances permit discretionary acceptance. Any such request must be made in writing. Please see the USCIS webpage at the Embassy website by clicking on “Immigration”, to find more details about local filing procedures, including checklists to help put the petition together properly and to check on the progress of I-130 petitions filed with USCIS London. Note: All I-130 petitions must be filed by mail.

Immigrant Visa Waivers

USCIS adjudicates I-601 applications (and where appropriate I-212 applications) for the UK, Republic of Ireland, Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. The average processing time is approximately 15 weeks for the date of receipt from the Consular Section.

INA § 212 IV waivers are available in limited circumstances. If available, waiver applications are submitted on Form I-601 after the visa is refused. The applicant will be provided with written notification of refusal and the grounds for refusal at the IV consular interview and a waiver package consisting of Form I-601, a fingerprint chart, Form G-325A for the applicant and petitioner, and a request that each provide his or her hardship statement.

CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION

Nonimmigrant Visa Waivers

INA § 212(d)(3)(A) NIV waivers are now adjudicated by the Admissibility Review Office (ARO) in Bloomington, Minnesota. The change from adjudication of NIV waivers took place in mid 2005, and the ARO is currently reporting processing time of approximately 10 weeks.

INA § 212(d)(3)(A) NIV waivers are available for almost all NIV applications but cannot be obtained without the recommendation to ARO by a consular officer, or by the Secretary of State pursuant to 9 FAM § 40.301 N6.2, and USCIS approval. The post relies heavily on the criteria in 9 FAM § 40.301 N3(b) in making NIV waiver recommendations to ARO including how recent and serious the activity or condition causing the alien’s ineligibility, reasons for the proposed travel, and the effect on U.S. public interests.

Transportation Letters

Requests for transportation letters for Permanent Residents whose Permanent Resident Card has been lost, stolen, or expired, are available by appointment only. An appointment may be scheduled by calling the Operator Assisted Information Service on 09042-450-045. Calls to this line are charged at £1.20/min from BT landlines, but some mobile and network providers may charge more. In addition, callers from outside the United Kingdom and some mobile and network providers cannot access this number.

AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES BRANCH

The ACS Branch provides services to the more than 250,000 American citizens residing in Britain as well as to visitors with emergency needs. Among the primary concerns of the ACS Branch are:

Replacing expired, lost, or stolen American passports;
Registration of the birth of children born overseas;
Deaths and arrests of U.S. citizens;
Dual nationality issues;
Child custody cases; and
Federal benefits issues.

U.S. passport applications for children under the age of 14 require both parents’(or legal guardians’) consent. Parents must also present a birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad with both their names on it, or other evidence of their relationship to the child, and both parents must present I.D. documents.

In order to register a birth and obtain a U.S. passport, the British long form birth certificate (which lists full names and details of both parents) is required. Additionally, a U.S. passport should be presented for each American citizen parent plus a marriage certificate and any prior divorce decrees (or death certificates of prior spouses). Birth registrations are done by appointments or, if the birth is being registered in conjunction with the application for the child’s first U.S. passport, the appointment may be scheduled using the embassy’s web-based appointment system at http://210.177.22.41/LondonPassport/.

Often the question arises as to whether an American citizen endangers his or her American nationality by acquiring British nationality and a British passport. The U.S. government presumes that U.S. citizens intend to retain their U.S. citizenship when they obtain naturalization in a foreign state, subscribe to routine declarations of allegiance to a foreign state, or accept non-policy level employment with a foreign government. Persons who wish to renounce their U.S. citizenship may contact the Embassy for relevant information. American citizens holding other nationalities should be aware that U.S. immigration law requires the use of U.S. passports to enter and depart the United States.

For questions on U.S. passport and nationality issues the Passport Unit can be reached via the Consular Section fax number +44(0) 20 7495-5012, as well as through the general telephone number or via email at londonpassports@state.gov. The Passport Unit is open to the public Monday through Friday (except U.S. holidays and local holidays) from 8:30am to 12:30pm.

For more information on these services or to schedule an appointment with ACS please consult its website at http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/acs/index.html.

The Special Consular Services Unit of the American Citizens Services Branch provides assistance in cases where U.S. citizens are arrested or die abroad, are temporarily destitute or have other emergency welfare needs. SCS is the point of contact for overseas voter registration. The SCS branch also provides notarial services. In general, consular officers will provide any authorized notarial service for American citizens; for aliens, the SCS Unit can notarize documents for use in the United States. Those requesting notary services and their witnesses should bring their passports for identification. The first seal and notarial signature costs $30 and each additional seal and signature costs $20.

The Federal Benefits Unit of the ACS Branch assists eligible beneficiaries to request original or replacement Social Security numbers/cards, file claims for Social Security and Veterans Administration benefits, and provide advice and assistance regarding all federal benefits (SSA, VA, Railroad Board, OPM). Service hours are 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, Monday-Friday (except American and British public holidays); claims are by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled by calling +44(0) 20 7499-9000.

• Note: If you need to locate a missing social security number, you must appear in person with proper identification. If this is not possible, contact us for special instructions. SSA now follows this procedure in response to growing concerns about identify theft.
• For questions related to Federal Benefits only, you may fax requests to +44 (0) 20 7495-7200. You may also reach the Unit on the Internet at IN.GB.FSP.LONDON@ssa.gov. To keep your Social Security information secure the Unit may not be able to respond via the Internet. Please include your address and telephone number in your message.

Table 1: Requirements for Routine Vaccinations of Immigrants Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated (all fees are subject to change without notice).

Suggested evidence of prior vaccination is one of the following:
1) Written report from your doctor, indicating at least the month and year you received the vaccination; or
2) Written report from a medical laboratory indicating immunity.

Please bring vaccination reports with you to the medical exam. It will be determined at that time if further vaccinations are required.

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