I began my visa application over two months ago, and the chaos started. Being a Rotary scholar I selected the application for scholarship applicant, but when I made it to the end of the app. I realized that I had selected the wrong app. I contacted the consulate who would receive my application, and they said that I could attach the required payment and everything would be fine.
So I sent everything in, and I waited. The consulate sent back my documents and informed me that I needed to reapply selecting a general-student application. I didn't really have another choice, so I reapplied. And, I waited.
Two weeks after, I received a package from the consulate. I thought it was my visa, but I was sadly mistaken. The consulate said that I had tried to breech UK immigration laws, and there is a chance that I could be banned for the next 10 years. What? I was flabbergasted. You see, when I applied there was a question that asked "Have you ever been denied a UK visa?" And, I didn't think that I had, so I selected "no."
The consulate deemed that I had lied, and stated that in 2006 I had been given a rejection. However, I never learned of such. In 2006, I applied to study in North Ireland. After sending in my application, I went to work at Y-Camp and my parents took care of my documents. My application was sent back, "pending further documents." So, my parents contacted St. Mary's University in Belfast and they got the documents and I then received my visa. I had never been given a flat refusal, though.
According to the consulate, I had been informed and so they figured I was lying. Also, they found fault with the majority of my supporting documents. I was in a bind. I had the option to appeal the consulate's decision, but the turnaround chance is less than 5% of hundreds of applicants. Or, I could reapply....again.
I began to email and call Judge Bailey (my Rotary rep) about the appropriate course of action. I immediately met with Mr. Bailey and Canton Rotary president, Peter Gleichman, and together we drafted an affidavit to support of my case. I had to contact Rotary International and tell my coordinators that their letter, according to the consulate, was not an official letter. However, RI informed me that I received the same letter as all the other scholars, and the majority had already received their visas. I pressed the issue, however, and RI made me a special with the corporate seal of RI's general secretary.
I also contacted the director of the International and European Politics program at the University of Edinburgh. As part of a new UK immigration law, one must submit a visa letter which basically states that one is a registered student. I had a visa letter, but when I was given the refusal, the consulate kept the visa letter. So, I had to obtain another. The people at the University waisted no time in drafting me a new letter and rush delivering it to me, so that I may have a chance for a visa.
All the while, I was talking with friends and family, and the prayers and support was apparent. I spoke to many different people all of whom were very positive that I would receive my visa. I cannot begin to thank everyone for all the support. From my professors, my friends, my family, other scholars, and Rotarians you all played vital role. Thank You.
I took care of my final supporting document and I reapplied....and, I waited.
I received word today that I have been approved for a UK visa. I leave in one week. I will be stopping by Belfast and seeing some amigos and then crossing the river on my way to Edinburgh.
Although it was a very stressful, I now know that I must, at all costs, live this next year to the fullest. Meet as many people as possible, listen, talk, socialize, and enjoy this extraordinary opportunity to the fullest.
Let us created "Pockets of Peace," and be the change the world wants to see.
