ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomMEDICAL LONDON

If the medical comes back with any non prescription drugs (ie. canabis, coke etc) I do believe its a instant 3 or 5 year ban.


Nah, I think it just means you need to apply for a waiver, which takes a few months.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-29 10:03:00
United KingdomMEDICAL LONDON

because he had weed on his police report


When I read that, I chuckled. I'm so mature.

Seriously though, you don't sound convinced that he hasn't been smoking something. If you were ("he hasn't smoked in ages") then you wouldn't even need to be so stressed about the possibility, asking about the re-test, or start debating whether weed-smokers should be allowed in the US or not. Has your fiancee told you that he has NOT taken anything? If so, what's the problem? Sounds like a gap in trust.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-28 12:49:00
United KingdomCountry Portals
At the risk of sounding like a newb, what's a country portal?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-10 10:41:00
United KingdomCONGRATS TRACY AND CHAS!!!
Congrats on the end of your long road. :)
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-24 17:03:00
United Kingdomwatching british tv from usa
Thanks for this!

I've had trouble with FilmOn lately (keeps cutting out and needing a registration) so had given up.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-28 10:20:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
What happened?? It's such a shame that he couldn't do his biometrics before he left, as I think he's then eligible to get an emergency AP to leave the country and re-enter. But as Heather says, no use crying over spilled milk. Look at the Guides for the best available option, I think it's the CR-1 and the last time I looked there was a total waiting time of about 5-7 months. Please use this forum as your guidance though, lots of people have done it.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-04 12:52:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Congrats! I bet you're feeling so relieved (and also anti-climaxed). Let the countdown begin. :D
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-28 11:09:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Good luck! :)
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-27 16:23:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
I don't know about other people, but I STILL get people open my passport to see my I.D page but instead open/inspect the K1 page, and then tell me that my passport has "expired". As is the giant 'VISA' wasn't a give away.

Edited by Gemmie, 23 September 2010 - 09:33 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-23 09:32:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Congrats!! :)
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-23 09:13:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Congrats! :)
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-20 12:53:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Congratulations Dodi!

Same for you, Jill - don't you want to smack him?!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-17 16:37:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Yay!

Good luck :)
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-13 11:35:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Nah, you were rejected for a B2 visa. Everyone I've seen who has had that happen has been granted the K1, that's what it's for. :) You're right ,he'll be fine.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-19 11:28:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Yeah, it's not anything like a job interview. They're real friendly and ask like 3-5 questions that are really general.

Good luck!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-19 08:56:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Many congrats Melissa. I remember how it feels to know your case is *somewhere* out there up to no good, but I assure you, your happiness will peak when Julian gets approved.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-18 16:11:00
United KingdomWasnt given x-ray back
Yeah, you never need it.

It's not put in the sealed envelope either.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-28 18:22:00
United KingdomReunion for all of the UK filers!
I would be VERY interested if we can afford it.

I've always wanted to explore more of the US, what a great excuse to do so. biggrin.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-25 10:55:00
United KingdomVisa finally!
Congratulations... they were actually quite fast once they noted that they RECEIVED the document. Now the good times begin. smile.gif When is Nigel coming?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-03 14:44:00
United KingdomI love BBC America
QUOTE (Miss Jess @ Nov 23 2009, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My other half is obsessed with BBCA, Top Gear especially. I think it's gonna be my lifeline once i get over there but I really am mystified by some of the stuff the BBC deems worth to export to foreign countries....Cash In The Attic?! Are you kidding me? I don't want my American friends thinking this is the finest in British broadcasting!!!


laughing.gif Yeah, they sometimes play shite like that, and Bargain Hunt, plus cooking shows, Trinny and Susannah, How to Look Good Naked, etc. None of which interests us.

I watch BBC America for Graham Norton (airs days after it does in the UK) and Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares. Other than that, I try and catch PBS for Faulty Towers, Vicar of Dibley, Keeping Up Appearances, etc... they sometimes play Only Fools and Horses which I love!

Mostly we just watch stuff on DVD though (as we have it region-free).
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-23 13:02:00
United KingdomHow did you meet
QUOTE (*julez* @ Dec 2 2009, 02:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They did specifically ask my husband how we met. It is a very common question at the interview. They want to know, they just don't need to know (or care) about any unusual proclivities you and yours might have. You can simply explain that you initially met online and after chatting for a while you decided to meet in person and describe when/where that was.


yes.gif

I just said "we met on a forum in 2003 and then in person in 2005 when I traveled to Boston". They didn't ask anymore.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-01 21:32:00
United KingdomGetting Rid of Household Items
Books I listed on amazon, but bucause I left it so late, only one of them was sold.

My friends helped themselves to what they wanted, which wasn't really much...a book here and there, some clothes.

Everything else: I sorted things into YES, NO and MAYBE piles (that I wanted to take with me). The YES things were packed immediately or at least put next to a suitcase. The NO were taken to the local charity shop if none of my friends were interested. The MAYBE things were left until the last minute and then I became ruthless. Did I really need it? Did I have the space? Would I be upset if I didn't have this once in the US? Most of that pile was thrown in the NO pile and given to charity/friends. And I have to say, I don't miss the things that I didn't take. I took clothes, DVDs, a few books, precious gifts and scrapbooks, and that's it.

I know it sucks that you don't get any money back (unless you're very organised and can sell everything far in advance), but if you're like me - when you're that excited about finally leaving, who cares. smile.gif

Edited by Gemmie, 20 November 2009 - 01:03 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-20 13:02:00
United KingdomVisa Photos
"Thick" means stupid.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-10 10:35:00
United KingdomOld forgotten bank account, and Student Loans Direct.
QUOTE (Martin&Nat @ Dec 10 2009, 11:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think it's very unlikely they'll charge you any penalties as long as you prove you were under the threshold. How long have you been in the US for? Have you filed a tax return here yet? If so, you can just send that as evidence of your income (or lack thereof).


I've been in the US for 6 months and haven't filed any taxes yet, so hopefully it will be OK.

Doghandler, I understand now. My dad had me all panicked. If we ever do move back to the UK, I would have to either pay the missing amount or work for an extra few years to get the State Pension.

Just wondering though, my SIL is 20 years old and has never worked or filed taxes. She is currently receiving Tax Credits because she had a baby when she couldn't afford it (planned). How is it that she is eligible? I thought if you didn't pay a certain amount of taxes, you weren't able to get anything like that (just like in the letter I recieved, even though I have paid taxes in the past).

Edited by Gemmie, 11 December 2009 - 12:13 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-11 12:12:00
United KingdomOld forgotten bank account, and Student Loans Direct.
Nevermind. Turns out he was just being old and getting words mixed up, etc. tongue.gif

I've put together a packet of evidence (entry stamp, K1, GC approval along with some of my husband's pay stubs) and I'm going to send it all along with a cover letter and the Overseas Income Assessment form. Hopefully they won't be charging any penalties.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-10 15:58:00
United KingdomOld forgotten bank account, and Student Loans Direct.
QUOTE (Martin&Nat @ Dec 10 2009, 03:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Officially, you are supposed to notify the SLC within three months of leaving the UK by filling in the Overseas Income Assessment form - otherwise they are able to charge you the overseas repayment rate of £246 per month (from the date you departed!) in addition to a penalty of up to £150.

They happened to lose the form I sent them so I resent it around 18 months after leaving the UK - I was under the threshold since my departure so they didn't charge me any penalty. They simply confirmed I wasn't liable for any payments and that they would send me another assessment form in a year's time.

I hope this helps. Bottom line, file the assessment form with them to be safe - regardless of whether you are under the threshold or not. For the USA, the threshold is currently £12,000. More info at: http://www.slc.co.uk...olds/index.html

I hope this helps.


But the form is assessing your job and income, so when I looked at it, I just thought 'this is for people that are working overseas, so I'll contact them the moment I have a job". Am I to assume that they're going to charge me LOADS of money for not letting them know that I was moving?

Also.. my dad called me and told me that a letter came for me, asking why I hadn't been paying NI since leaving university. He then said they told him I owed them something like 250 pounds!

I'm very worried now..
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-10 12:29:00
United KingdomOld forgotten bank account, and Student Loans Direct.
Hmm I'm kinda in the same position so this thread was helpful to me too.

Regarding SLC... I was told that I MUST inform them if I leave the country or they have the right to fine me for a lot of money. When I went to download the forms to send them, the focus was all about my job in the other country. Since I was ovbiously not employed in the US, I just left it (as well as having a list of other things to do before I left). Am I right in assuming it will be OK if I just inform them and fill out this form ONCE I have a job in the US?

Also, the repayment threshold is lower here, the last I heard it was $12,000. As soon as you earn that annually, it's repayment time.

Edited by Gemmie, 02 December 2009 - 05:51 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-02 17:50:00
United Kingdomquestion on AOS forms
They're actually different. Other than the biographical (which need new dates and signatures anyway), the affidavit of support is a different form altogether. So all again, I'm afraid.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-14 17:46:00
United Kingdom8AM Interview in London - What time to arrive?
Mine was at 8am and I got there at 7:45am.... I ended up waiting 5 hours for my interview.

EARLY is the key. good.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-14 17:43:00
United KingdomTotal cost of K1 Visa
Ours came to a total of $1001 for the K1 process. That includes application fees, medical exam, passport photos and police check.

Add on the AOS and it comes to $2181 (not including flights, marriage license and wedding stuff).

We spent over $7000 on flights in our time together.

Wow, it really WAS expensive! Luckily, my VJ came to an end today, for the next 2 years. smile.gif

Edited by Gemmie, 14 December 2009 - 05:41 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-14 17:40:00
United KingdomsOME NIGGLING LIL QUESTIONS THAT NEED SATISFYING ON PACKET 3 STUFF
I would definitely still get the employer letter and pay stubs though, just in case. It was only in my case that they were only interested in the tax returns. I had everything (including 6 months of bank statements) in hand ready to show.

Yeah, the beneficiary doesn't need to show any evidence of finances. They don't care about your money situation, unless you're self-sponsoring.

So, so it does give you the dd/mm format, then? I only remember putting the month. Maybe someone else has some advice on that one..

Edited by Gemmie, 21 December 2009 - 02:45 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-21 14:44:00
United KingdomsOME NIGGLING LIL QUESTIONS THAT NEED SATISFYING ON PACKET 3 STUFF
QUOTE (Leeander @ Dec 21 2009, 07:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
First off, my finacee is sending me things obviously, does she need to send me her original birth certificate or is just a copy of hers ok?


To be honest, I'm not sure if I remember if it has to be the original. Originals only cost around $5 though, so I would get one anyway.

QUOTE
Also, does she need to send me her tax returns, she has a letter from employer and i also believe some pay stubs, she's not self employed so didn't think its needed ya know, cause she's providing other things?


Yes, she needs to send you tax returns for the past 2/3 years, I believe. People have been delayed for not providing tax returns, and I know that in my interview, they weren't even interested in the employer letter or pay stubs; they just wanted to see the I-134 and tax returns of the sponsor and co-sponsor.

QUOTE
Erm, then just on the DS157 form, where it starts asking you for dates of employment and education, ok to just fill in random days as i know the month n years of things but not the specific day date. So ok just to fill that in as i know they don't sit down and track everything lil thing you have every done on what day.


Just give the month and year. No one is going to remember what specific day they started and ended school years ago.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-21 14:27:00
United KingdomEyesight
They do test your eyes.

I asked if I could put my glasses on and then had to read one of the lines near the bottom of the chart with my hand over one eye. And then with the other. No reading it backwards or anything.

I can't say how far the distance is exactly as she just said "stand over there" with a point. Maybe 12ft? I dunno. Honestly, I didn't pay much attention. But I'm sure Nich's advice is the best thing to do, visit your optician before just to get some confirmation that you can see OK on a functional basis.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-28 12:33:00
United KingdomBritish Airways Strike!
http://www.thesun.co...ed-invalid.html

Looks like the ban has been cancelled??
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-17 13:24:00
United KingdomBritish Airways Strike!
I'm so, so sorry for everyone who is affected by this. sad.gif

I hope you all manage to get your money back, or at least get another flight out.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-14 17:22:00
United KingdomLioncub4 is almost home!
I'm so happy for you guys. smile.gif Congrats.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-30 13:47:00
United KingdomRant thread
Sounds like a great idea.

I know what you mean, my brother was in denial about me leaving too. I'd been telling him for 2 years and when it came within a few months of DOOMSDAY, he kept repeating that he couldn't believe that I was leaving, and he was calling me in a frantic anger about "are you moving for TWO YEARS??" when he found out about the green card. Within a month he had gotten his girlfriend pregnant because "I feel I've done nothing with my life". He tried to get me to stay by bringing up his birthday and his baby's birth, and finally he accepted that I was leaving. He came to my farewell party for about an hour. Since then, he's still made a few jabs at me for moving. He keeps bringing up how I'm not going to watch my nephew grow up, and last week he hinted that he wasn't going to send me any pictures of him because "it's not good enough". That is hurtful and annoying, because I already feel somewhat guilty. My husband and I do what we can. We call them twice a week, we send them gifts, we ask to see pictures of him.

I think some people have a really difficult time with change, especially when it's something huge like a family member leaving. I found that my dad responded better when I reminded him that I'm only a phone call away and there can be visits. Are you an only child? Or just very close to her?

Edited by Gemmie, 11 December 2009 - 01:06 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-11 13:05:00
United KingdomRant thread
QUOTE (FrostyMist @ Dec 11 2009, 11:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nik+Heather @ Dec 10 2009, 09:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, at least you won't have to deal with that any longer. smile.gif I am still looking at Nik and thinking "He's HERE! I get to keep him!" biggrin.gif


It's going to be really strange (in a fantastic, "can't believe this is real!" kinda way) not to have to think in the back of my mind that we'll have to say goodbye.



Oh I dunno, I STILL get that feeling after being here for 6 months. I guess after 4 years of doing long-distance, I still associate our being together as temporary. We drove down the same road that we used to take to the airport the other week, and my heart was beating fast and I was getting nauseous just by doing that. Then Bill stuck his middle finger up at the sign and kept on driving to the shopping centre. biggrin.gif I'll probably get used to it in time.

If the interview goes well (which it will), when are you planning on the re-union?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-11 12:18:00
United KingdomRant thread
QUOTE (Justine+David @ Dec 2 2009, 05:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Okay, this is me smiling, not ranting.

I was thinking of how, wow it's already December! And then how I went over to England to see David for the first time as a girlfriend and remembering how we were nervous about each other and I hadn't kissed anyone in a long time and was nervous for that first kiss...but man was it wonderful! We got a lot of practice that week smile.gif

I'm seeing him next week. I love him!

/gushiness. Sorry! It just had to come out!


How cute!

It's good to have those flashbacks to keep you going when times are hard.

Next week is the 4 year mark of when we first met in person... I was SO freakin' nervous as I walked into the arrivals room. There was an ice storm in Boston so we stayed in the hotel and watched films, and my nerves slowly melted away. biggrin.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-08 11:08:00
United KingdomRant thread
QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ Nov 23 2009, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Gemmie--that sucks...the part about sitting in the school office waiting to go to grandma's house. You are doing them a favor to take the time to visit her. Such a sweet thing to do. But to have to add those extra hours and transportation arrangements is getting over the top. I wouldn't do it because it's imposing on your good nature and personal time. And it's setting a precedence that will get harder to get out of. If they don't want grandma to drive then, perhaps grandma visits will have to wait until you can get a driver's license and car. Don't get in a trap that will be harder to get out of later. Just say how you feel and don't feel ungrateful. A short pop-in visit is one thing, but a scheduled marathon day being expected of you is another. I know you're trying to please the new family, but you ultimately need to please yourself and the best time is from the start.

It's hard being young, unemployed, and in a new environment. I applaud you for hanging in there knowing things will get better. You're very mature and sensible. star_smile.gif

And on an accent note...In south Texas we have a lot of Mexicans who speak with a heavy accent or have limited English skills. I'm used to the accent. So the funny part is Nick with his British accent trying to talk to Rodriguez our lawn guy. Neither one of them has a clue what the other is saying, so they need me as the interpreter. Nick also refuses to go through a drive-thru like at Jack-in-the-Box because they never understand him and it just winds him up too much.


Thank you, Nich. You are so, so right. I think I need to set this straight now.

Heather, I do think her driving has gone downhill. She takes longer to react to lights changing to green, and she drives slowly, parks strangely. She's one of those oldies that you get frustrated at when you're in a hurry. good.gif

Missus, I know what you mean about basically not acting like a child and saying things how they are. When it's my close friends, I'm able to do that. The reason I've been hesitant is because there's an 82 year old's feelings on the line here. I have some guilty feelings about not giving my own grandparents more time when they were alive, so it makes me realise how precious those relationships are. I don't want to come out with a line about "not wanting to spend 8 hours with her" or being "stuck up there all day" because it's not the nicest thing to hear, even for the in-laws. I'm trying to be polite about it, and still compromise.

Bill got home from work for just 30 minutes today and when he did, we talked more about the situation, and we're going to simply say that it's just going to have to wait until I have my own vehicle/license because the restrictions are getting too much. I can still talk to her on the phone every week until then.

Thanks for all the helpful responses, I love coming to VJ.

About the accent thing, it's also funny when there's another Brit around who wants to find out if YOU'RE a fellow Brit before they ask, so try and ask pointless questions so they can hear your accent. laughing.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-23 19:03:00