US launches SMS for passports

[andrewmckay5]

US launches SMS for passports


The US Embassy in London has entered into a contract with Special Mail Services (SMS), a private courier agency, to provide courier services to individuals applying for US visas and US passports at the Consular Section. The contract has been undertaken in the interests of security and expediency.

Non-immigrant and immigrant visa applicants who attend the Embassy for an interview will have their passports returned to them by SMS.
Applicants will be required to purchase an envelope from the SMS in the visa branch after their interview, at a cost of £9.50.

At this time a tracking ID number will be assigned so that the progress of the envelope from the embassy can be tracked.

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

[Michelle]

Yes thay started doing this last April 2004, when we arrived at the Embassy to renew our 10 yearly 6 months stay visitors visa.
When you go in you pay for the SMS envelope then, which you then had to hand in with our paper work.If you are not accepted for a visa then the interviewer as well as giving you back the paperwork you took with you, they also give you back the grey plastic envelope for you to get your pe paid deivery payment back as you go out.