biggish data

Congratulations on the Valentine's Day Approvals!!

Janaus, have you heard anything more concrete?

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-02-14 19:12:00

Wow, interview on Valentine's Day. How very apt!

Hope all goes well!! Good luck!

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-02-13 22:51:00

Congratulations!

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-02-13 19:04:00

Well, I've completed and printed out all those forms. Now I just need CSC to send the petition to NVC and things can get moving again.

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-02-12 12:26:00

QUOTE (NickyMcMillan @ Feb 12 2008, 04:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The embassy somehow managed to misplace my checklist, so I've had to resend that. How frustraiting!! Should get a date within the next few days.. he says..

Hope so! Good luck

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-02-12 11:41:00

QUOTE (weedebz @ Feb 12 2008, 03:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Q22 When do you intend to arrive in the US?
I had an idea of when I wanted so I put "early march"
Q26 How long do you intend to stay in the US?
will be applying for permanent residency post marriage to USC
Q27 What is the purpose of your trip?
marriage to USC and relocation
Q32 Do you intend to work in the US?
yes. once work authorized, employer currently unknown

thats what I put anyways. seemed to do the trick.

fantastic! Thank you so much! I think I'm just over-worrying about this. You basically said what I was thinking of putting down. Thanks again

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-02-12 10:55:00

I've been searching like mad for info. I don't seem to have the golden touch when it comes to the forum search here. Anyway, I worked out some of it but there are a few things I'd like some advice on:

Q22 When do you intend to arrive in the US?
I have an idea of when I'd like to arrive but haven't booked tickets yet. Basically what I'm asking is if you insert a date (say March or April 2008)will they try to accommodate an earlier interview?
Q26 How long do you intend to stay in the US?
What do I write here? 'forever and not before time'?

Q27 What is the purpose of your trip?
Marriage to the petitioner?
Q32 Do you intend to work in the US?
I guess the answer to this is 'no' even though I would prefer to be able to.

I think that's it for the DS-156. Thanks for your help - I guess I'm being over-zealous about answering the questions right, I can't bear any more delays on this thing

Edited by babblesgirl, 12 February 2008 - 10:45 AM.

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-02-12 10:42:00

I'm currently trying to get my embassy forms ready in advance of receiving Packet 3 (since CSC have still not forwarded our petition to NVC). Anyway, I want to try and make up for lost time (as much as possible) by being ready to send it back the day it arrives. Is there any detailed instructions/advice anywhere on filling out these forms? I'm currently filling out DS-156 and need some advice on some aspects of the form.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-02-12 10:23:00

QUOTE (DonnaB @ Feb 11 2008, 07:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks so much for your post.

Seeing it in writing on the NHS Direct website that there can be some flexibility in the timing of the doses of the vaccine is great news! Hopefully i'll be able to have all 3 in more like 5 months - that way they'll be done in time for my AOS.

Fingers crossed

No probs. It helps us all to be informed on these things. I hope all goes well for you

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-02-11 15:16:00

QUOTE (DonnaB @ Feb 11 2008, 06:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi

Is anyone here aged 18-26 and female?

I just had my medical today in London and heard about the HPV requirement for the first time. We have to have the vaccine and its 3 courses spread over 6 months at a cost of £120 a does!

What i'm not sure is if we have to have all 3 doses before we can adjust our status? I am turning 26 March 8th so I will be in the age range required. My visa interview is March 12th so I had hoped the adjust my status around the end of May.

Do I have to have had all 3 doses before I adjust. The nurse at the doctors surgery said if i had had the first one it shouldn't be a problem, but i don't think she really knew.

Please can someone tell me if I need all 3 before I adjust? And does it have to take 6 months to have all 3?

Thanks!

Donna, I'm outside that age range too but here's what I found about vaccination requirements in general:

K and V nonimmigrant (temporary) visa applicants. Individuals applying for a K nonimmigrant visa as the fiancee or the spouse of a U.S. citizen or for a V nonimmigrant visa as the spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident (LPR) (including those applying for V status in the United States with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services) must undergo a medical examination, but are not required to comply with the vaccination requirements at that time. They will be required to comply with the vaccination requirements when they eventually apply for adjustment of status. Source: here

I am not sure whether you have to have the vaccinations in order at the time of applying for AOS or when scheduled a medical. This might be a question to ask in the AOS forum.

Also, as regards the vaccine. Talk to your GP because according to the NHS the schedule is flexible. The second dose can be given 2 months after the first. The third ideally at six months but there is some flexibility. Here's some info on that:

The vaccination will be given as an injection into the muscle of your child's upper arm or thigh. Three doses are needed; if your child does not have all three injections, they may not be fully protected. The second and third doses will ideally be given two months and six months after the first. This dosing schedule can be more flexible; your GP can give you more information. Source: here

hope this is of help. I'm rather glad I'm old

Edited by babblesgirl, 11 February 2008 - 02:23 PM.

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-02-11 14:20:00

Congrats lil-lost-girl!

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-02-11 10:36:00

Congrats to the recent London embassy approvees

I have a question about Packet 3. I'm trying to get prepared so I can send packet 3 straight back as soon as I get it. Can anyone confirm that the date on the Packet 3 instructions is still Aug 2006 as shown here >>> Packet 3 photos

Thanks very much

What's the weather like Aly? Gimme some sauce on California to cheer me up! I've been experiencing the blues this past couple of days after my week of riding high on NOA2 receipt. Maybe it would have helped if CSC had passed my petition to NVC already but I am really missing Jesse a lot right now. I know it's the last leg and won't be too long but it seems to have hit me pretty hard this weekend. I'm just eager for things to get really going after all this waiting

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-02-10 13:59:00

Horray for Debz!!! Knew you'd do it and I'm so looking forward to reading your report on the interview. You really should sit back and chill out for a bit now

Well at least for a couple of days before you focus on stressing over the wedding!

Congratz!!! I am SO very happy you made it *hugs*

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-02-05 11:21:00

*hugs* and best wishes Debz. You'll be prancing through the streets of London tomorrow, I know it

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-02-04 14:55:00

QUOTE (julezabelle @ Jan 27 2008, 05:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks! I can't believe that your NOA2 is still in limbo! What the heck is going on??????

Regarding the "beacon couple", may our light shine brightly for you to follow!

I really hope you hear something soon!

Aww thanks. Seriously it is great knowing that a fellow July filer is actually starting the life we have all been waiting for.

The positivity is starting to return for me. Maybe because it's Monday tomorrow and we could well be hearing the news we've been waiting for. Strangely, the August approvals have been making me feel better. I think beforehand it was so chancy and never a certainty but now it's a distinct possibility

That's my logic anyway

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-01-27 15:54:00

QUOTE (julezabelle @ Jan 27 2008, 05:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (babblesgirl @ Jan 27 2008, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (julezabelle @ Jan 27 2008, 04:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Jeraly @ Jan 27 2008, 11:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So when we file the I-129f and send all that stuff to them... what happens to it?!?!?! Is this why they say make a copy of the packt you send?!

All the stuff you sent in with the I-129f and for the interview goes into the Mysterious Brown Envelope, which you hand in to Immigrations when you enter the US on your K1 visa.

Oh I wondered what was in there. Did Griff steam yours open?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I warned him at least 8 million times not to open it!

On a positive note, he's handing it at JFK this Thursday! Completely intact!

Hehe!

Great news about Thursday! I am so envious but very happy for you both! I shall look to you two as the beacon couple, offering light at the end of the K1 visa tunnel. Congrats

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-01-27 12:23:00

QUOTE (julezabelle @ Jan 27 2008, 04:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Jeraly @ Jan 27 2008, 11:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So when we file the I-129f and send all that stuff to them... what happens to it?!?!?! Is this why they say make a copy of the packt you send?!

All the stuff you sent in with the I-129f and for the interview goes into the Mysterious Brown Envelope, which you hand in to Immigrations when you enter the US on your K1 visa.

Oh I wondered what was in there. Did Griff steam yours open?

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-01-27 12:01:00

QUOTE (weedebz @ Jan 13 2008, 08:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

click on link in Jeraly's sig...she has them on her website to view

Thanks Debz! And thanks to Aly also for putting together this list. I'm sure it will be very useful to all going through interviews in London.

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-01-13 16:40:00

QUOTE (shadow42 @ Jan 13 2008, 09:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry if its been asked before but I have a question.
At the US embassy in London/ medical do I need the following monies ?

£14 for courier
$131 dollars application fee- i realise I can use a credit card but if I use cash does it have to be dollars ?
£180 for the medical.

Is this all the money I need and also another question

You know the geographic info for the G-325A at the bottom of the form it says put the your name in the bold box.

I haven't done that, or was my petitioner suppose to ? I realise we already sent them off and they were forwarded to London without problem, I'm just wondering.

I am getting so nervous

yikes!!

lol thanks for any help

Sorry I can't answer your questions because I'm not that far ahead but I do want to wish you the best of luck. From your timeline it looks like you've had a tough old time to date. Hope all goes very smoothly for you!

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-01-13 16:35:00

QUOTE (Jeraly @ Jan 12 2008, 04:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Oh - don't forget to PM me the questions you get asked and any answers you gave!!!! I'll add them to my list!!

Is there anywhere that possible questions at interview are all in one place? I don't know whether you've posted this somewhere or whether it's just a list you've put together for your own piece of mind but it might be a good idea to have them as a guide somewhere on the UK forums. That's if you don't mind.

edit: Peace not piece!

Edited by babblesgirl, 13 January 2008 - 03:12 PM.

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-01-13 15:11:00

well yep, I really wouldn't want to argue with her reasoning - especially considering the political and financial uncertainty right now.

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-09-29 20:41:00

QUOTE (Poiteen @ Sep 29 2008, 10:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Sep 29 2008, 11:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Holy cr@p people -- stop the presses. We had RAIN here in Burbank! I went outside and stared at the sky, like I had never seen the stuff before or felt the drops on my skin. I'm such a dork.

I was out, and C actually called me to say that that it was raining!!

he also told me that his mum asked us to stock up on water and canned goods, you know, because the sky is falling down

Rain here too in Bakersfield. A few heavy drops and it passed, but the first rain here since I came here in March.

Funny, a friend of mine told me today to stock up on water and canned goods - as a result of Pelosi reportedly declaring a state of martial law. He (my friend) might have a point tho!

Edited by bakofoil, 29 September 2008 - 07:12 PM.

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-09-29 19:11:00

I cracked up when the dog appeared behind 'How to think like Leonardo da Vinci'. Very cool, thanks! There's a few cemetry gates tributes on there. The Jules et Jim rendition is particularly cute.

My sister-in-law is totally hooked on Sephora - in fact I believe she has more shades of lipgloss than they have. My UK money finally ran out so I'm currently scrabbling through the last remnants of make-up.

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-09-28 19:08:00

one's enough

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-09-28 17:00:00

QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Sep 26 2008, 12:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yep, that's Conar the cairn terrier. He also did a star turn in the video for "Cemetry Gates" I did earlier this year. And he is partial to a cigar once in a while.

Man, this sparkly thing is F-U-N fun!

You made a video of Cemetry Gates!?? Sounds intriguing (does Morrissey know about this? He would probably sue for a share of the royalties) and it's my favourite Smiths song - although I have many fave songs by The Smiths. The Queen is Dead is my favourite album of theirs though.

I've been away from VJ a while but the blingy photos are hilarious...

QUOTE (Jeraly @ Sep 26 2008, 04:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well the haters sticker is a reference to all of those people who totally don't understand the need and desperate desire to have sparkly "love trophies" in their siggies... So all of the UK forum at the very least

I reckon you'll have a bling-loving posse elsewhere in the forums!

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-09-28 15:34:00

QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Sep 20 2008, 07:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry to come over all cryptic-like yesterday. B and I are both feeling a bit unwell and snipping at each other over stupid, insignificant and imagined slights. I honestly can't even remember why I felt like locking him in the workshop yesterday now. It was so weird -- I felt hungover all day but I haven't had a drink in a week. B says he's felt hungover for about a week, and he hasn't had a drink in about a year! Does anyone know what might cause hangover symptoms when you haven't had a drink?

dehydration or lack of a decent night's sleep can cause hangover symptoms I believe.

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-09-20 14:38:00

QUOTE (NickyMcMillan @ Sep 20 2008, 05:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

EAD approved & AOS case transferred to California today.

Off to Gaelic imports this weekend for Irn Bru & other bits & pieces I've not been able to enjoy since leaving the UK.

Have a great weekend y'all!

Congrats on the EAD!! I miss Irn Bru too

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-09-20 12:54:00

QUOTE (*julez* @ Sep 16 2008, 08:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (bakofoil @ Sep 16 2008, 04:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (*julez* @ Sep 16 2008, 08:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (English Muffin @ Sep 16 2008, 04:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I love haggis. Nom nom nom.

Griff loves it too. And those nasty faggots, chips and mushy peas. Added the usual side dishes just in case someone got the wrong impression! And steak & kidney pie. And liver, bacon & onion gravy.

No thanks on the offal. *gags*

mmm liver, bacon and onion gravy!

Its weird, cos here you can get liver & onions, or even liver, bacon & onion, but for whatever reason not the gravy. It makes Griff sad.

However, I still loathe the stuff!

AAHHH BISTO! Tell Griff he needs to get someone to send some. My mum brought me two containers when she came over. YUM!

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-09-16 15:28:00

QUOTE (*julez* @ Sep 16 2008, 08:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (English Muffin @ Sep 16 2008, 04:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I love haggis. Nom nom nom.

mmm liver, bacon and onion gravy!

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-09-16 15:23:00

QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Sep 16 2008, 05:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My sophomore year I was running 6 minute miles, but I ended up getting mono over the summer and I could never quite run as fast again. What amazes me is Paula Radcliffe...her world record is 2:15...so she's running 5:19 miles. She would be done and I would only be halfway done lol.

She's actually faster on average- since she stops to take a toilet break

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-09-16 15:20:00

QUOTE (NickyMcMillan @ Sep 15 2008, 09:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sad day for British music. Richard Wright died of cancer. Complete shock, did not know he was ill.

wow. That is sad

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-09-15 19:13:00

London Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors

Had my medical at Bentinck Mansions on Tuesday 12th March.

Bentinck Street is fairly easy to find and about a 5 minute walk from Bond Street Tube station. As you leave the tube station and come out onto Oxford Street make sure that Selfridge's is on the same side of the road and to your left then walk down Oxford Street away from it until you reach Marylebone Lane. You can then follow Marylebone Lane all the way to Bentinck Street. You will cross over Wigmore Street before reaching Bentinck Street. Bentinck Mansions is the first large building on your right. Press the bell for Flat 4 and the door is opened.

Inside you will find two windows, at the second window the lady took my passport, vaccination records, one US size photograph and the questionnaire that came with packet 3. She will not ask for payment until the medical is done.

In the waiting room you will fill out a second questionnaire and sign off an HIV test consent form. The questionnaire is, as reported, much like the first one you filled out but slightly different wording in places. When complete hand this back to the office staff and await the doctor or x-ray technician to call your name.

I was called first for X-ray. He was, as reported, very jovial and made me feel completely at ease. I had to strip off the top half of my clothing including bra and necklace and put on a gown. He took the X-ray and guided me into a waiting area where the doctor would come and collect me. I waited around 20 minutes here before the nice Irish doctor came to collect me.

The Doctor asked me to take a seat and went through the questionnaire with me and asked some further questions. If you tick any of the boxes (except for the smoking one) ensure you have a supporting letter from your GP which refers to your medical records, treatment and prognosis. This way you will avoid any delays in medical clearance and possible referral to an independent specialist.

I was told I would need more evidence for a period of depression that occurred over 4 years ago. Unfortunately my medical records had been in transit between two surgeries for a couple of months and my GP was unable to give factual evidence of treatment in the letter she had written for me or given an assurance that the depression would not return. I was told at this stage that this would delay my medical results and if an unsatisfactory response was received by my GP then I would need to have a psychiatric evaluation. I said 'ok' and asked a few calm questions to ensure that I knew exactly what was required. He assured me that this would not stop me from getting the visa but that it would just mean more time waiting. The US government want everything to be black and white. He was very kind to me about it and although it was difficult to hide my disappointment I made sure I kept calm throughout.

Next the physical examination. He asked me to lie down on the bed and he checked my ankles and stomach. He then asked me to sit up whilst he listened to my chest, heart and took my blood pressure. He then made a bit of small talk with me about how J and I met, where I would be living, the weather etc. whilst taking a blood sample. After the blood was taken he asked me to get dressed behind the curtain and he continued to chat to me whilst he filled out the remaining paperwork. He asked me if I'd had chicken pox and ticked the medical exemption section for varicella on the vaccination record. He reassured me again about the evidence required and told me not to worry then asked me to wait outside in the waiting room.

Out in the waiting room I realised he hadn't checked down my pants and felt pleased that I had got away with that part of the medical. After about 5 minutes he came back out to see me with a letter for my GP and he gave me a reassuring wink as he passed it over. I then paid my £170, received my vaccination record and left the surgery.

My GP got really involved at this stage and I discovered after my interview at the embassy yesterday that the Senior Doctor at Bentinck Mansions had signed me off on Thursday night and that my medical clearance would arrive at the embassy on Monday. Phew!

Hope this helps anyone awaiting a medical. Make sure you have a letter from your GP explaining any periods of illness that are covered on the medical questionnaire, treatment received and prognosis. Make sure it is completely black and white!

bakofoil

Female

England

2008-03-15 05:33:00

My fiance is uk citizen, im US citizen. which path should we take

To have the USC get a fiance visa to move to the UK to be with the UKC seems a lot of double work to me. Sure, that solves the distance & time apart issue, but what about the 'being settled in America' issue? Moving is such an ordeal & getting set up in a new environment is so hard...makes me wonder how it could be adventageous for the USC to leave, all the while planning to come back in less than a year. What about the job, house, etc?

well, we're both 'free to move' and have considered both options. My career prospects are more advantageous in terms of a move to another country than his but it was only after visiting with him that we decided that living out there would probably be the best option for both of us. At the time of posting, we were both pretty naive about the options and merely investigating all the alternatives open to us.

Thanks for your input, I agree with the comments you made. One huge consideration in all of this has been the fact he has a large family network and mine is practically non-existent. I think it would benefit us to have the support there from his family whilst we are finding our feet marriagewise and with one of us moving such a long way from all we know. His family have been very supportive of us.

bakofoil

Female

England

2007-04-25 16:15:00

My fiance is uk citizen, im US citizen. which path should we take

..on this thread, in response to the original question. Whilst the majority of responses appeared to agree the questioner should use the K1 process, one view was that given the opportunity again they would have chosen the 'easier' UK visa route and then transferred as a spouse to the US rather than take the K1 route.

It 'unsettled' me in so much that it came from someone experienced in the process and conflicted with research I had already undertaken. The concensus view appears to be that if the intended destination is the US then the K1 route is best. All I was seeking was some clarification on which route forum members favoured in terms of timeframe, expense and ease of application.

I have yet to submit any application and so am grateful for any input at this stage. It is always interesting when someone throws up an alternate view and I would rather not ignore that view without looking into it further before embarking on this process myself.

Ah, I see now.

Well, I bring yet another perspective..
Timeframe (to move), expense (to Permanent Resident status/Green Card) and ease of application (all the same, IMO) are good things to consider. As you look at timeframes, believe it or not because this is so screwy, it actually depends on which Service Center your US half uses that will make a significant difference. One SC that is lightning fast for fiance petitions is dead slow for spousal petitions (Vermont), so that can be a major factor.

Working, and how quickly the immigrant partner needs to do it is another factor, as is travel. We rejected paths that required us to wait for Advance Parole to travel because my husband needed to be able to leave the US at the drop of a hat (Mum's health). Depending on which children are involved and what they are doing will have a bearing. Finally, the country youi're immigrating *from* makes a difference--wait times for different types of interviews etc.

So there is some food for thought.. and remember: you can always count on me for an alternate view, it's my specialty!

I think, on balance, the K1 is the best option. We'll have to use CSC but the wait will be worth it. Seemingly, from what I've seen on this forum London is pretty quick once the NOA2 comes through so I'm prepared for a 6 or 7 month wait all told. We waited that long to meet plus we have such a lot of stuff to get done in the meantime so...

This site is fantastic...I've learned more about the different processes involved from the people going through it than ever seemed likely looking at the immigration websites. Thanks so much for your help.

bakofoil

Female

England

2007-04-25 15:58:00

My fiance is uk citizen, im US citizen. which path should we take

but then I got unsettled by some info posted previously on this forum.

Which information?

..on this thread, in response to the original question. Whilst the majority of responses appeared to agree the questioner should use the K1 process, one view was that given the opportunity again they would have chosen the 'easier' UK visa route and then transferred as a spouse to the US rather than take the K1 route.

It 'unsettled' me in so much that it came from someone experienced in the process and conflicted with research I had already undertaken. The concensus view appears to be that if the intended destination is the US then the K1 route is best. All I was seeking was some clarification on which route forum members favoured in terms of timeframe, expense and ease of application.

I have yet to submit any application and so am grateful for any input at this stage. It is always interesting when someone throws up an alternate view and I would rather not ignore that view without looking into it further before embarking on this process myself.

bakofoil

Female

England

2007-04-22 20:24:00

My fiance is uk citizen, im US citizen. which path should we take

I'm new to VJ having just returned from the US after meeting my fiance for the first time. I've found the message boards exceptionally helpful so far since the transition from being in love with a USC to actually making plans for a lifetime with them is a huge learning curve apparently.

After reading this board I'm somewhat confused as to what the best course of action is with regards to which partner goes where. Clearly, most of us would agree that the less time we spend apart is advantageous. However, from reading the threads I realise this is not always practical or possible.

After visiting the US we decided that it would be preferential longterm for me to live there, taking into account family support networks and the simple fact that I thoroughly enjoyed being there with him and his friends and family. My career is also transferrable, whereas his prospects are less firm currently...for a variety of reasons. So, I have looked into the K1 process in fine detail.

Having said all of this, when we initially talked about the future we did discuss the possibilty of him moving over to the UK. Since, it's going to take many months for us to gain a K1 visa, I wonder from the comments in this thread whether people who have already started the K1 process actually wish they had applied for a fiance visa in the UK then converted that to a spouse visa whilst living in the UK together when both parties were legally able to return to the states.

I have not started any process yet, having only returned a week ago, but I would like to get all the facts in order before I commit either way. Can anyone clarify the position on relative timescales of the fiance visa application for the US and comparitive timescales for the reverse situation bearing in mind that both he and I wish to live in the states ultimately.

Thanks!

Unless your fiance would be able to live in the UK with you an extended time (like just under two years), I'm pretty confident that you'll find the K1 visa the best in the long run. He can petition for you ASAP, and I believe it takes a little less than a year. Filing Adjustment of Status is a pain in the butt and pretty expensive, but the only way to get out of it without being apart for even longer is to have him come to the UK and file with the London USCIS once he's been here for a year (the official line is that he has to have Indefinite Leave to Remain to file in London, but most people are accepted after about 11 months on a non-tourist UK visa).

Filing with a US service center while living here in the UK is possible, but I've heard quite a lot of confusion and delay can be caused if you're not careful. So, I vote for the K1 visa and have him visit you in the UK as a tourist when he can. Also, if you have strong ties to the UK (job, lease/mortage, uni to finish), you should be safe to visit him the US as well. Since you want to live in the US with him within the next few years, the K1 will also be the least amount of money with the least time of separation.

Well, another option is for you to make another trip to the US, marry him, and return to the UK while he files the I-130 and wait for a CR1 visa, which has the most benefits. It would take a long time - usually a year from the date of filing - and would probably cause the most time apart, but it would also be the best visa and the least amount of money in the long run.

He couldn't work in the UK on a fiance visa, like you said, but homesickamerican is right that it doesn't take long to adjust. It takes a lot of money now because of the new fees but not a long time. You can see the new UK visa fees here -

http://forum.diveint...read.php?t=3593

That's a good forum as well.

Thanks, this has made things so much clearer. I figured the K1 was probably the way to go but then I got unsettled by some info posted previously on this forum. Many thanks to both you and homesickamerican for the clarification.

bakofoil

Female

England

2007-04-22 15:37:00

My fiance is uk citizen, im US citizen. which path should we take

It's ok, I got my answer. The USC would not be entitled to work on a UK fiance visa...so it's not a viable option.

bakofoil

Female

England

2007-04-22 08:14:00

My fiance is uk citizen, im US citizen. which path should we take

I'm new to VJ having just returned from the US after meeting my fiance for the first time. I've found the message boards exceptionally helpful so far since the transition from being in love with a USC to actually making plans for a lifetime with them is a huge learning curve apparently.

After reading this board I'm somewhat confused as to what the best course of action is with regards to which partner goes where. Clearly, most of us would agree that the less time we spend apart is advantageous. However, from reading the threads I realise this is not always practical or possible.

After visiting the US we decided that it would be preferential longterm for me to live there, taking into account family support networks and the simple fact that I thoroughly enjoyed being there with him and his friends and family. My career is also transferrable, whereas his prospects are less firm currently...for a variety of reasons. So, I have looked into the K1 process in fine detail.

Having said all of this, when we initially talked about the future we did discuss the possibilty of him moving over to the UK. Since, it's going to take many months for us to gain a K1 visa, I wonder from the comments in this thread whether people who have already started the K1 process actually wish they had applied for a fiance visa in the UK then converted that to a spouse visa whilst living in the UK together when both parties were legally able to return to the states.

I have not started any process yet, having only returned a week ago, but I would like to get all the facts in order before I commit either way. Can anyone clarify the position on relative timescales of the fiance visa application for the US and comparitive timescales for the reverse situation bearing in mind that both he and I wish to live in the states ultimately.

Thanks!

bakofoil

Female

England

2007-04-22 07:38:00

Has anyone thought about going the other way???

We had considered both scenarios. What it boiled down to for us was how supportive his family are of our relationship. They are fortunate, in that they have seen us together over two visits and can see for themselves how good we are together, but they are also just wonderful people who listened to their son when he told them about me and believed in his judgement. My family are a different kettle of fish, always wary of anything unknown. They will see for themselves this christmas!

Another consideration is the standard of living. We would have a hard time coping financially in the UK, we don't have a foot on the property ladder and it seems impossible to get on unless you're willing to mortgage yourself to a dangerous level.

Whilst I love the UK, California, well, it's just beautiful

bakofoil

Female

England

2007-09-19 20:00:00