Changes in the Big Apple: Return Shipping and Settlement Applications
11 June 2013
Since 13 May, UKBA New York has removed the option for applicants to purchase a return courier service for $12 USD. Applicants are now responsible for purchasing and providing their own shipping label, waybill or self-addressed envelope and the packaging needed to return supporting documentation.
On 21 December 2012, UKBA New York participated in a pilot programme where all settlement applications submitted in Canada, were decided at the UK Visas and Immigration office in Sheffield. After a review of the pilot programme, the UKBA have decided to transfer all settlement applications in the US and Canada to Sheffield for decision.
Applicants should be aware that from 13 May, all settlement applications submitted in the US and Canada will be processed at the UK Visas and Immigration office in Sheffield. After enrolling their biometrics, applicants are now required to ship their application and all supporting documentation, including passports, directly to the visa section in Sheffield rather than the visa section in New York.
All settlement applications, including those where priority service has been purchased, must be sent directly to Sheffield for processing after enrolling biometrics. UKBA New York is no longer accepting priority settlement applications from registered travel agents. Applicants who purchase the priority service are advised to mark their application package to Sheffield with their priority confirmation number.
