What is A Briggs Passport & Visa Expeditors and why am I hearing about it now?

·         A Briggs is a service that secures passports and visas on behalf of international travelers who are US citizens, residents or long-term US visa holders. A Briggs works directly with the US Department of State for passports and with foreign consulates located in the US for visas.

·         This service is particularly useful when a visa or passport application must be expedited.

·         As of January 2012, the UW has a contract with A Briggs to provide discounted fees.

What is a visa and when is it needed?

A visa is a travel document required by many countries, in addition to a passport, for entry to that country. Each country has its own visa policy. See the UW A Briggs web site for requirements.

What services does A Briggs provide?

·         Visa application processing on a non-rush, rush or emergency basis, when allowed by a consulate. Note, service fees are higher for rush and emergency visa applications.

·         Passport application processing which can be done in as little as 24 hours, subject to space availability. Note, service fees increase with the speed required for service.

·         UW A Briggs web site which provides up-to-date visa and passport document requirements, and links to applications and CDC immunization requirements.

·         E-mail updates of the application progress.

·         Web-based tracking function of application status.

·         Use of UW's FedEx or UPS account number for shipping. A Briggs can accept UW Procard as payment for services.

·         On-line access to accounting information for easy credit card reconciliation of charges and refunds.

·         Reporting tools that are available via web-based access.

·         An office in downtown Seattle in addition to 16 offices nation-wide.

For more information about this service, see the A Briggs Q&A. Contact Kate Riley, Global Support Project Manager, at 206.616.1603 or kater@uw.edu if you have questions about the A Briggs contract.