AFTER SUBMISSION
Once you submit your application, you must wait until the Embassy has made a decision on your case. This process will take a minimum of 2 – 3 weeks depending on nationality, provided that a complete file is submitted. However, it may take longer in certain cases.
When submitting a visa application in our Washington DC, Miami, or Houston Visa Application Centre’s, you may choose to collect the passport in person at the end of the visa application process, or to have it returned by UPS Securemail courier.
For collection of passport, you need to bring an extra photocopy of the passport bio data page (page with photo) + signature page if your signature is not on the passport bio data page, for later collection purposes.
Applicants can opt to be notified via our SMS and Email service when the passport returns from the Mission and is ready for collection in the respective visa application centre, or sent by courier if requested.
You can check the status of your application Here using the reference number on your receipt (which is issued to you on the day of your appointment) and your date of birth.
If you have opted for the SMS service you will be notified via SMS and email regarding the status of your application. The final SMS you will receive will inform you when the application is ready for collection in the Visa Application Centre, or is being sent to you by courier.
Once you receive the notification, you can collect the passport in person with your collection receipt from the visa application centre, please click Here for more information.
Upon collection of passports, applicants are advised to check that the visa granted meets with their travel schedule.
Applicants unable to collect in person may authorise another person to collect the passport on their behalf. The authorised person will need to bring the passport photocopy with the receipt, an authorisation letter signed by the applicant, and proof of Identity with photo.
Example of an authorisation letter
If you have opted for the courier service, your passport will be dispatched to you via UPS Securemail
You will be able to begin tracking your UPS Securemail envelope on the day after you have been notified it is being dispatched to you from the Visa Application Centre. Please use the 18 digit number from the UPS Securemail sticker on your receipt to track your envelope. Please go to the following UPS Securemail website -
and enter your 18 digit UPS tracking number and your postcode. Please call UPS Securemail directly on the number provided on the website regarding any issues with delivery.