Passport requested by Visa Office - but vacation in 5 weeks :(

[graeme75]

Any advice from applicants who have already progressed their 2014 application please.

Just been requested to send my passport to the Visa Office, and failure to do so by 9th of January may result in high risk of refusal of application. Unfortunately I'm going on a 'once in a lifetime' trip to Japan on the 16th of Jan, until 7th Feb...

The approximate processing time is 6 weeks. There is only 5 weeks until my proposed trip. Any advice on if anyone has been able to get their visa process done quicker? This is the London, UK office btw. I don't do well with this kind of 'uncontrollable stress'

I understand the 'it's just a holiday - go for the visa', but man it's a tough one

Thanks
/Stressed out!

 

[Suryak86]

Email back the embassy saying that you need to travel to Japan and will only be able to send the passport after 6 weeks. Send them the proof of travel and express your helplessness to cancel because of the expenses already spent. They should understand.

 

[graeme75]

Email back the embassy saying that you need to travel to Japan and will only be able to send the passport after 6 weeks. Send them the proof of travel and express your helplessness to cancel because of the expenses already spent. They should understand.

I like your optimism! Thanks

Have reached out to representative for further advice. With Xmas and New Year too I do not expect they will be quicker than 5 weeks. I know the loss of a vacation is only money, though Japan is kind of once in a lifetime.
Appreciate your response.