Visa Woes

So, applying for a Visa (a document which allows us to stay in the UK for more than 3 months) is really a pain in the you know what!!

Here is a list of what needs to be included in the Visa application process....and keep in mind we have to prepare one of these for EACH of us...so multiply all of this by two!

1) $495
2) A drive to Naperville, IL to get fingerprints taken
3) Online application submitted via the UK Border Agency website
 The following sent in an envelope to the UK Consulate in New York City
4) Printed copy of online application
5) A slightly different application filled out by hand (called the Appendix...)
6) Current passport and any old passports
7) a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies - basically a letter from our school proving that we have been accepted as students)
8) Proof of Loan acceptance
9) Bank statements that prove we have enough money to live in London for the year
10) Transcripts from undergrad studies
11) Copies of all the above mentioned documents (I'm assuming they keep the copies and send us back the originals???)
12) Prepaid, addressed envelope to send us our passports and the actual VISA, around $70

So yeah, it's a lot of work, and I probably forgot to mention a form or document or something....

Here's to hoping we did everything correctly and successfully receive our Student Visas!

Emily