How to apply for a UK visitor visa from USA (Chicago)

Just wanted to share my experience about applying for a UK standard visitor visa from Chicago. This post does not start with the usual stuff every other website has (check if you're eligible for a visa on arrival, check if you even need a visa etc etc). It is just an 'express' post that just answers some basic questions. If you're a non-resident salaried employee in the US and you'd like to travel to the United Kingdom as a tourist (or to visit a friend) with you yourself funding your visit, this post is for you.

There are 4 steps to follow:

1. Complete your application online - Fill a separate application for each of your family members. As part of the application itself, it'll take your payment and schedule your biometric appointment with a USCIS Application Support Center. (Edit 1/23/20: Some readers have commented that these days they also require you to upload soft copies of your supporting documents on the VFS site after filling up this application).
2. Get your biometrics done at ASC on the day of your appointment - They will stamp your biometric appointment page. They ask to bring all documents but only check passport and biometric confirmation page.
3. Mail all your documents (including the stamped page above and a return label) to VFS Services @ New York - They insist on purchasing their own services but you could mail your documents using any courier service with tracking. For the return label though, make sure you only use UPS (2nd Day Air or 1st Day Air - they don't accept Ground). They return you all the documents you submitted (not guaranteed though) so the return package weight will be about the same you sent them.
4. Wait for your passport in mail (with or without) UK tourist visa - You cannot track your application online. You can either call or email them - both of which are chargeable. Since I knew my UPS return tracking number, I just signed up for alerts @ UPS website.

Documents required (no originals other than passport expected):

1. Passport with your valid US visa sticker - to show you're legally residing within the States.
2. Cover Letter - It is not mandatory but if you think it helps your case or you have anything you could not specify in your application, it is a good idea to write a cover letter that explains the visa officer why you need this visa, how do you plan to support yourself on this trip and why you'd come back once the trip is over. This is particularly helpful as you won't be attending any visa interview.
3. Letter of invitation from your friend - If you're going to visit your friend in UK, ask him/her to email you a signed invitation letter, his/her passport or a driving license copy and rent agreement for his/her place. These proofs are not mandatory but they will help your case by proving the person exists and resides in UK.
4. NOC letter from employer - stating your name, designation, employment start date, location and salary. It should also say that your leaves are approved, your company has no objection that you visit the UK between x and y dates and that you are expected to report to work on y+1 date. This is a very important piece of document IMO.
5. Payslips - for the past 6 months.
6. Bank statement - for the past 6 months. It should show the amount your payslips are showing getting deposited every month. It should not show any large sudden transactions - those imply you've just borrowed money for this visit and it is not your own.
7. Rent agreement - showing where you live in the US.
8. Any property deed/registration documents - showing you own a property outside UK. This will help prove your intention to return.

They don't need your flight bookings, hotel bookings or travel insurance while applying for visa - unlike Schengen visa requirements (which I've captured here).

My timelines: Documents delivered to VFS New York on 1st August. Passport (with visa) in my hand on 14th August. Good luck to all of you!