Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
United Kingdom	Question about assets, and a nice trade	We have decided to pursue a K-3 since they seem to be picking up the pace a bit, and will return for a CR-1. We're very early in the process but looking ahead. My husband has a considerable savings in his account at home in the UK, and we're wondering if it would be better housed where it is for the duration of the visa process, or if it would be wiser to have it here in our US joint account. On one hand we thought it might look good for him to show he had something to bring with him to get started on, and on the other we thought it might look better for him to beef up our joint assets here in the States. We could drive ourselves mad trying to guess and second-guess, so we're asking for help. Which do you think would look best for our case? For your kind responses, an critical link for those who will soon be living in the US: http://www.britishba...ritishbacon.htm Highly recommended!	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-08-25 23:23:00
United Kingdom	Why did we choose....?	I've been curious about this for a while and haven't found a same or similar thread in the archives. When each of us met our SO, we had to at some point make the decision who was going to move where. I think it would be interesting to see which reasons we VJers may have in common. In my case, John and I aren't particularly well off, and we feel that there are more job opportunities here in the US, the cost of living is somewhat lower, and home ownership is easier to achieve. This might sound a little bit silly, but we also felt that based on our respective personalities, he would adjust to the dramatic change better than I would. Why did you and your loved one choose living in America over life in the UK? Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-05 13:53:00
United Kingdom	I-130 Processing at London Embassy	Following the processing dates on the Embassy web site for I-130 filed with them, it appears they haven't processed any for at least five weeks. They have been stalled processing those filed on the 13th June since beginning of August. It is just our luck ours was filed on 14th June. Is this normal for this time of year or does anyone know of a reason why this has happened. Just trying to get some idea of when things might start moving again. Somebody told me (nice credible reference there, huh?) that in August a great number of the staff goes on holiday, so things tend to get backed up. I haven't been checking yet because we're nowhere near that far along, but your question seems to support that possibility. Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-07 12:39:00
United Kingdom	Where in the UK are you from?	Amelynn, Thanks for the information. I'm going to Google the Mumbles right now! ("I'm going to Google the Mumbles"? Man, that looks weird.) Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-05 13:57:00
United Kingdom	Where in the UK are you from?	I met my fiance while studying at the University of Wales in Swansea. Almost four years ago already! I really liked Wales too...although I was in Southern Wales, which is a different world than up North. It's beautiful there...the grass is always so green, and there's always flowers, even in winter! Can you suggest some nice places to visit in the South/West of Wales? Before John moves here for good I'd like to plan a trip in that direction, and he isn't at all familiar with South Wales considering he lives so close. We went hiking in Snowdonia a while back, and went to Caernarfon, Llandudno and Anglesey, but the bottom half of the country is still a mystery to me. JenM, no matter where you're staying make sure you have a meal at the Empire Hotel. We ate at several "good" restaurants when we were there, and this was by far the best meal we had. It isn't cheap, but it's well worth paying for. Alice Edited by Slithytoves, 01 September 2006 - 08:49 PM.	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-01 20:47:00
United Kingdom	Where in the UK are you from?	Hi, Newbie here. Name's Alice (Al). My husband John was born in Bath but now lives in Chippenham, Wilts. I have lived in the US since I was 5 years old but am originally from Mevagissey, Cornwall.	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-08-25 23:01:00
United Kingdom	London Hotels	I'm probably too late to be of help, Andie, but I've seen this property mentioned here before as being a good and cheap stay. I recommended it to a friend of mine who needed very inexpensive lodgings on short notice. She said her room was very small but clean and quiet, and the staff was pleasant. It is my understanding that it's quite close to the consulate. http://www.justlondo...earch_hotel.htm Good luck at the interview! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-11-10 20:05:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	Holiday time at the NVC	Do you think it's likely that the current stagnation at the NVC might be in part because USCIS is speeding up? With I-130's being approved so quickly lately, I've wondered how the State Dept would handle the potential bottleneck. Maybe these 65-70 days approvals are both a blessing and a curse?! JenM If you read some of the recent posts, it seems that part of the problem is the CSC isn't sending things along to the NVC in a timely manner. Beyond that, could be anything. Ah, well. As Doris sang it: Que Sera, Sera! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-10-17 07:49:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	Holiday time at the NVC	Just a Q for my own I. In the experience of VJ long-haulers, how does the NVC behave around the December holidays? Is there a last-minute push to try to get the desks cleared off a bit? Do they tend to get sluggish and postpone until after January 1? Or do they continue at the same plodding old pace? Some well-meaning soul is bound to come back with "Oh, don't worry about it", so I should mention I'm not worried in the slightest. I'm just generally curious about how the Machine works. Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-10-12 12:29:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	No joy at the NVC	As a rule, they treat whites better..thats why most of those complaining of delays are not bringing people from white countries. Thats just how USCIS/NVC/USA works, sorry. I read ignorant posts like this one and wonder why people like this want to come to the US at all, or if they're the USC, why they would subject their poor spouse to this horrible place they have such contempt for. I'm sure I'll get a lot of thrashing for this, but I'm really sick of people coming to VJ (of all places) and talking trash about my country, imperfect as it is. If you think we're so terrible, why don't the two of you pack off to Mozambique (or wherever your alleged partner is from) instead? *silence* Yeah, I thought so. IGNORE, IGNORE, IGNORE Alice Edited by Slithytoves, 30 October 2006 - 09:31 PM.	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-10-30 21:27:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	NVC 2 weeks	Our NOA-2 date for our I-130 was October 26, and on November 10 it was in the NVC system. I don't know if we got lucky and made it into a CSC>>NVC shipment right at the cutoff, or what the story was, but I started calling on the very first week after the NOA-2 and I'd say there's no harm in your doing the same. Worked out very well for us! I hope you get your case number soon. Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-11-14 16:51:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	Tax data release form/cover sheet for DS-230	Good morning! I have seen references on these forums to the Tax Data Release Form that must be sent with the I-864. I have looked around VJ and can't find a link. Sorry if I'm missing something - can someone point me in the right direction? Also, a similar situation with the cover sheet for DS-230. I have seen a post or two referring to a downloadable version here on this site, but again, I can't find it. Link? Is the one here a clean copy that just needs to be personalized, or do I need to know some additional info to make it suitable for use? I checked the guides, the downloads area, and example forms. It bugs me to ask unnecessary questions. Where else should I look when I do these searches? Thanks! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-11-28 09:19:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	On our way to London	The enthusiasm in this thread is so infectious I can actually feel it myself! I don't know you guys yet, but I have to say that I am very happy for all of you. Congratulations, and good luck, good luck, good luck. I hope you all get to meet up and celebrate together. Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-01 20:25:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	K3 Visa	Is there a fee?...If so, how much? There is no fee for transcripts. Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-05 11:14:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	K3 Visa	In the K3 process they ask for the last 3 years of taxreturn and W-2's.....I have copies of my W-2's for 2004 & 2005. I was divorced in 2003 and I cannot locate my W-2's for that year. Also, I dont have copies of my tax returns for any of those years. What can I do? Will they accept letters from my employer or can I find copies of my returns on an IRS web site? Anyone have any "good" news for me? Hi, Pendleton. You can request transcripts for up to the last five years by calling 1-800-829-1040, or order by mail using IRS Form 4506T. Below is a link to the IRS page where you can get the form: http://www.irs.gov/i...=110571,00.html I did an experiment and ordered two by phone and two different ones via mail. I got the phone orders within 10 days, but the mail order took a month. Hope this helps! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-05 07:40:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Timeline date	"Receive date" on the notice is considered NOA1 date. Thats the date they show online. The differencein number of days for members occurs cuz of mail delays. Glad this came up! I will correct my timeline to reflect the date shown online. Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-07 09:49:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Timeline date	Just for clarification.......... When everyone fills in the timeline regarding the NOA1 for example, what date do you use....the received date , the notice date or the date you actually had it in hand? I used the notice date in my timeline. Hi, CutienPurg. Next to NOA-1 on the time line page, it says "receipt" in parentheses. I interpreted that to mean receipt on my end, because I would figure that's what we want to track ... how long it takes for the applicant to actually be notified. Am I right? Wrong? Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-06 15:30:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	K3 approved.. should we carry on with it?	Yay our K3 was approved today!! But we are at a crossroads. Jeff has to the DS230 and I864 now he just nees to fill them in and send them off to the NVC then hopfully case complete and interview in a few months! so is there much point in carrying on with the K3?? Just dont know what way is the quiquest to gt to be with my love?? any thoughts?? Thanks Hi, Becca. I'm no expert, but I love to get my two cents in! Do you mean your K-3 visa was granted today, or that your I-129F petition got an NOA-2? I don't see any information about your I-129F/K-3 process in your timeline, though it looks like it must be the I-129F and not the actual K-3 that was approved. If this is the case, then I personally would say it's too soon to make that decision. I'd let them both ride to see which one makes it to the Consulate first, then choose. Timewise, they seem to be running pretty close lately. Good luck with whatever you decide! Alice Edited by Slithytoves, 06 September 2006 - 03:42 PM.	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-06 15:38:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-130 Approved!!!!!!!	Congrats! Best of luck with the rest of your journey! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-13 08:11:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-130 Approved SMANAM	Yaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy!!!!!! Best wishes to you! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-13 08:12:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	STEVEN'S COMING HOME TOMORROW!!! GOT VISA TODAY!!!	I'm so happy to see it all turned out OK! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-13 08:14:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	APPROVED.	Congratulations!!! My husband and I plan to hold out for the CR-1 unless the spread becomes too wide, in which case he'll come on the K-3 and go back to the UK for the CR-1 interview. It all comes down to money and personal choice. Tough to know what's best, I know. Just don't second-guess your final decision, as either way you'll be together soon. Best Wishes, Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-10-12 12:59:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	K3 APPROVED - 61 Days	Yay! That's great news! Let's hope all these speedy approvals can zoom through the next stages, too! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-10-12 12:53:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-129F Petition for Spouse	Add me to the list. I got two identical e-mails today re transfer to CSC. I just now opened them, and immediately came here to see what's up. Glad to know mine isn't an isolated case! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-10-25 11:35:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-129F Approved Yesterday	Thanks, everybody. Will be waiting to hear good news from each one of you in the days and weeks to come! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-11-07 10:34:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-129F Approved Yesterday	I woke up to an approval e-mail for my I-129F from CSC. We have more or less decided that the CR-1 is the way we're going to go, but I am still very glad to feel that both options are alive and well! Wishing the best for those who are still waiting, Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-11-07 08:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	USC Employment History	Hi Alice, and welcome to VJ!! I am going to be going the K1 route with my adorable UK fiance but I know that the G325-A form (that both the UKC and USC have to fill out) asks for the last 5 years of your employment. This form is also used for the visa you're going for. I'm not sure where else along the CR1/IR1 route you'll be asked (if at all) but I know someone smarter than me will happen along soon to answer that for sure. Good luck!! Congratulations on your engagement. I guess I'm a bit biased, but I think marriage to a Brit is a fine idea! I went to your photos to check out your UKC, but it wasn't such a great shot for a positive "adorable" ID. You sure look happy, though, and GSM Nat'l Park is a great place for feeling romantic. I'm on the other side of the hills from you, but I've spent a lot of time snuggling all over the Blue Ridge/Smokies. I've already filled out G-325A's for my I-130 and my soon-to-be posted I-129F, so that part I have covered. It's those years further back that would be a pain in the butt. As I said, hopefully I won't need 'em. Where'd you get your cool flags? Thanks for the welcome! Alice Edited by Slithytoves, 30 August 2006 - 01:16 PM.	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-08-30 13:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	USC Employment History	I've posted a little bit in my regional forum and in the introductions area, but this is my first post among the General Populace, so "Hi there" to all of you who I haven't met. I'm finding the people here to be delightfully friendly and informative. Topics are covered so well here in the guides and on threads that I haven't needed much else, but this one question has been bugging me. On the DS-230, my husband John (UK citizen) will have to account for a full ten years' worth of work history. I don't see anywhere in the forms or guides that I (the USC) will be asked to provide a similarly extensive list. Will nobody need this of me? I ask because I've had a few short stints here and there, and getting accurate dates could be time-consuming. I'll have enough else to do for all of this that I don't want to waste time on unnecessary goose-chases! Thank you, Slithy (Alice)	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-08-30 11:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-130 missing from current processing list at TSC	Thanks, everybody. I didn't really think it was a major crisis, but I also didn't know if it was common. I checked the page last week or so and the I-130 was listed, so naturally I was at least curious. Bradyvicky, thanks for your in-depth response. It made me feel much better. You're a very nice-looking couple. Do you both post here, or just one of you? And Sockmonkey, I see you're seeking a K-3. I'm going for a CR-1, but our time line and the location of our SO's is so similar that I will follow your case with great interest! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-08-31 09:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-130 missing from current processing list at TSC	I hope this is no big deal, and I hope that by mentioning it now I won't freak anybody out unnecessarily, AND I hope I'm not repeating something that somebody else already posted, but I just checked the processing times page for TSC: https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/Processtimes.jsp?SeviceCenter=Texas ...and saw that form I-130 is nowhere to be seen. I checked the other three centers, and saw that Nebraska also has no information for I-130's. What does this mean, exactly? Since I haven't got an NOA-1 yet (too soon), I am of course a little bit concerned. Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-08-30 15:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Change of plans	Cat, I'm so sorry to hear about your SO's illness. Count your blessings it was caught early on and he can get effective treatment, and that you haven't already spent too much money and time on the American visa. There's no good timing for cancer, but at least it seems like this isn't the very worst. I know two people who have applied in person at the British Consulate in NYC and walked out with a visa the same day, so the practical part of your change of plans should be virtually painless. Be strong and be good to yourself as you wait for your move to Britain. I'm sure it's hard to spend even a single day apart from him right now, but it sounds like you'll be together very soon. Best, best wishes to you both, Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-01 09:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	affidavit of support	I know I had to have my bank write me a letter with the amount of deposits for the past year because I think they want to see if there is any fraud and someone is paying you so they can get their visa. Ack! I'd be interested to find out for sure if this is automatically suspected if a modest account suddenly has a big balance. I understand the need to assess the possibility of fraud, but it's a catch-22 for the honest. If we're expected to act like a married couple and combine our assets, then of course the balance in the USC's accounts will rise quite suddenly and significantly, and of course the money will be from the foreign spouse! And if it's a brand new marriage, the likelihood of a sudden influx of cash is high, anyway. We got a ton of monetary gifts for our wedding, many from well-wishing friends and family who specifically wanted to assist us with this process. Ha! So I guess now we're looking mighty shady! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-01 20:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	APPROVED!!!	Congratulations! Best of luck to both of you in your new life together! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-06 12:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Email sample for ds-3032??	Email will suffice it. You don't need to mail the form. NVC will reply your email stating that your choice of agent is accepted. But the email has to be sent by the beneficiary. Great. Thanks for the information. Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-07 10:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Email sample for ds-3032??	If we communicate this by e-mail, do we still need to mail in a form? Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-07 09:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Original of all documents	Anything submitted to NVC in the original form is not required to be on hand at the interview. The list one receives in the packet from the consulate is generic and contains much of what will have already been submitted to NVC and forwarded to the consulate. eg mine requested everything be in a particular order for interview, with original and a photocopy in behind (and out of any folders). I just omitted anything already submitted to NVC. At the interview they will sight the original and take the photocopy. Thank you, Aussie and SimpleM. Crystal clear now! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-08 08:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Original of all documents	The originals are necessary at the interview. If you provided copies, they will keep the copies in your file and then give you your originals back after they have seen them at the interview. I was wondering about this, too, and I'm not sure I understand your response. You say "give you your originals back" ... so do you mean you do need to send them with the packet and they will be forwarded the embassy and returned to you at your interview? Of course I'll do whatever I'm asked, but I'm not crazy about trusting these people to keep track of my originals if I'm definitely gonna need 'em later!! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-07 12:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Touched?	Touched! I have my first Touch since my NOA-1. Yay! I hope this is an omen of good things to come! Alice Edited by Slithytoves, 12 September 2006 - 08:33 AM.	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-12 08:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	OMG - Unbelievable -- I130 Approved !!!!	Congratulations! I hope your great luck holds for the rest of your journey! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-13 08:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	APPROVED!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!	WOW - Congratulations! Good to see more approvals rolling in!!!! Alice	Slithytoves	Not Telling	United Kingdom	2006-09-13 07:51:00