Does sweat ooze out you palms at the mere thought of talking to Immigration officers? Do you mentally choke on all the things that could go wrong?
Though border crossings and airport customs are especially nerve wracking, I’m thinking of all those earlier interactions you have, in order to get the visa that gets you to the border. All those multiple phone calls and online conversations made to sort out details of the visa application process.
Last week, I listed some general tips to help you communicate with Immigration officers. Here are a few more guidelines, specifically for speaking via the phone or by email.
Speaking via phone:
- Immigration officers may hear from a hundred individuals a day; so, in order to speed up your call, have your passport number and any other idea numbers (such as your application number) ready to recite.
- Calls are often answered by a general attendant, then forwarded on to the correct official. For this reason, when your call is answered, don’t launch into a detailed story. Just give a brief summery of your reason for calling and save the full story for the appropriate person.
- If you know the name/title of the person you wish to speak with, ask for them.
- Where possible, reference any previous communications you’ve had, or any research you’ve discovered regarding the visa. This will give the officer you’re speaking with a better understanding of your situation and show them how seriously you’re taking the visa process.
Speaking via email:
- Again, insert your application number or other identification numbers somewhere at the top of the email, so the respondee can easily recognize who you are.
- If you know the name/title of the officer you wish to speak with, address the email to them and add CC:their name in the email subject line. This way, even if your email is sent to a general department mailbox, it should be forwarded to the correct individual.
- If you don’t know the name of the officer responsible for processing your visa, you may either address the email Dear Sir or Madame, or Dear (insert country) Immigration Department.
- Be polite and professional in your email and keep it to-the-point. This should speed up the communication process and portray you as a serious individual worth granting a work visa.
- Sign your email with a salutation like Kind regards or Sincerely, followed by your full name. Provide multiple contact details – mobile and work number, second email address or Skype name – to allow the officer options for returning your correspondence.
~ Until the next adventure! ~ Kelli
Photo credit: Cambodia Immigration – shankar s, Flickr; email icon, phone icon – Pixabay