ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionBenifits of citizenship
Thank you hmh that is making it a lot easier to understand, so i will still have free movement within the EU as well as been an American Citizen ?
Nat & MarkNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-12-03 15:19:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionBenifits of citizenship
I thought the US did not allow dual citizenship you had to be one or the other ?
Nat & MarkNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-12-03 15:11:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionBenifits of citizenship
Im a citizen of the uk at the moment and going through the K1 now once I get over there what are the benifits of becoming an American Citizan or am i better keeping my british citizenship ?
Nat & MarkNot TellingUnited Kingdom2012-12-03 14:44:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (gmjdmj @ Nov 24 2009, 10:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, this is the "d" of "gmjdmj". I normally read rather than write on here. I leave that to "g", the much sweeter and better looking half!

First: The short version.

Don't worry too much about the interview. Not helpful advice, I know. When you are going to talk to someone who has the power to say you can't be with the love of your life, you're going to be nervous. But it really does seem that if you just do what you're asked, when you're asked to, it goes perfectly smoothly. I'm glad it is over, but I can't stress enough: I've had more vigorous grillings from friends over my international relationship! in fact the most problem I had came from the fact that I was lugging a case filled with documents that turned out to be completely unnecessary and it took time to shuffle them and find the one I wanted. I could have fitted everything I needed into a standard envelope. But I would rather be safe than sorry!

Now, the long version.

I got up super-early and headed in to London. I work in London, and I go past Bond Street tube station every morning without a second thought. I was so preoccupied that I somehow managed to get on the wrong train...

Outside the embassy they wanted to see my passport and invitation letter. I gave them the wrong letter, but it had the reference number on, which was all they really wanted.
They waved me to Security, where they made me take off my belt and x-ray everything that would fit into the machine.

I got to the front desk and took a ticket, and sat in the waiting area and watched the screens. I was I-855. The queueing system isn't really helpful for telling how long you have to wait (Will I-855 be seen before E-900? After N-163?) so I had to be on my wits.

When my number was announced I found myself moving to the window without even realising that I had heard it being called out. A polite and friendly man took two US passport photos, my adoption certificate (instead of birth certificate) plus copy, my police certificate plus copy, and sent me to the next window to pay. When I came back he asked for the I-134 and the last year's tax return. He handed me a pink slip to fill out my courier details and sent me back to wait.

I waited for a while, then was called up and a different, but really rather pleasant and friendly man interviewed me. It was the mildest interview I've ever had. He asked how we met, when and where we met in person. He did comment that "so things happened pretty fast between you", which made my heart stop for a second, until he smiled and said "When you meet the right one, it does". Finally he asked where she lives. He asked if I liked where she lives, and I told him that I love the people. That was it.

Oh, I also took a moment to check that the hyphen in my name wouldn't be a problem - he said the system just doesn't do them and that won't cause problems!

I gave the couriers my details, paid the money, then walked out half dazed. I paused briefly to search for my new home state's flag outside, then walked off wondering what I had been so worried about.



Congratulations!!! im so happy it went smoothly for you smile.gif all the best for you POE and wedding!!

Jo
Jay&JoFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-25 06:41:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
alrighty smile.gif this is the helpful link from the letter... which tells you more details about the interview.

http://london.usemba...forms/IV019.pdf

have you had your medical appointment?! the letter says you need to have either had your medical, or have one booked... although there's been a lot of dispute over the fact the embassy wants people to have their medical BEFORE the interview now.

then the final thing the letter talks about is if you want a carer/translator or a US citizen to accompany you. at which point you just need to let the embassy know, and that person requires ID to get in.

my interview is the day before yours!!! getting nervous as well, but pretty confident i've got everything sorted smile.gif
Jay&JoFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-20 17:33:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Wendy_n_John @ Nov 18 2009, 05:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jay&Jo @ Nov 18 2009, 10:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Packet 4 arrived this morning :-)

its official... december 3rd (2 weeks tomorrow!) 9.30am!

*waaaaaa* im so excited/nervous :-)


Congrats to you!! Best of Luck!

6-12 mailed packet 1
6-16 NOA 1
9-22 case sent to NVC
9-29 Hard copy NOA2 rec'd
10-6 case rec'd by Embassy
10-7 JG rec'd request for checklist
(need pol cert and MOC, requested on 10-7 and 10-13)
10-21 mailed checklist to Embassy for interview date :-ss they needed rest of forms.. sent courier on 10-28
10-28 MOC & Pol Cert recd
10-29 checklist rec'd by embassy w/ds forms by daniel /pol cert recd
11-10-09 per "Dana" at DOS - pkt 3 rec'd 11-05-09, give it 2 weeks for notice to be received of the interview date - diary for 11-19
11-13 called DOS "Allyson" said - we are ELIGIBLE for an interview!! Should have an interview date set up within 2 weeks! Called back at 2 pm - interview 1-4-10 - contacted Embassy and had moved up...
11-25-2009 9 am Interview



Thankyou :-) good luck to you too!!! we'll be fine, i know it!
Jay&JoFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-18 13:06:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Packet 4 arrived this morning :-)

its official... december 3rd (2 weeks tomorrow!) 9.30am!

*waaaaaa* im so excited/nervous :-)
Jay&JoFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-18 10:36:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
DEC 3RD 9.30am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cant believe how happy i am that london got moving today smile.gif smile.gif

so excited.. best.news.ever!!!
Jay&JoFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-13 19:06:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (JewelX @ Nov 12 2009, 04:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It seems like noone has been granted an interview date since mid-October. Am I wrong?

Our P3 got there today.. hoping everyone pending gets word of an interview date very soon. Especially those of you waiting since 10/12. Lets pray we hear something by tomorrow!!!


oh gosh... i totally agree!!! smile.gif it'll be here soon *we're almost there!!*
Jay&JoFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-12 15:29:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTax Transcripts
I just attempted to call the IRS number (800) 908-9946, to request copies of my 2010 transcript. After entering my information - the automated lady said they were unable to process my request.

So I completed the process online, on the IRS website- which seemed to work. They said I should expect it 5-10 days.

Is this a reliable service? I didn't get any kind of confirmation number online, and they don't have an option for a confirmation email. I don't want to sit around for the next 2 weeks waiting for it to arrive if it hasn't been sent!

What is your experience of the best way to receive your transcripts?

Thanks
Jo
Jay&JoFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-02-06 11:11:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAnother RFE

As I'm sorting through all my documents - it's surprising how much "stuff" is really just in my husband's name. Our electricity bill is just in his name, as well as our cable bill. I decided to write a letter explaining this, and directing them to the bank statements where they can see the money coming out of our joint account. Do you think this is the right thing to do?


Or should I send electric and cable statements that are just in his name to support this?
Jay&JoFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-10 18:02:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAnother RFE
As I'm sorting through all my documents - it's surprising how much "stuff" is really just in my husband's name. Our electricity bill is just in his name, as well as our cable bill. I decided to write a letter explaining this, and directing them to the bank statements where they can see the money coming out of our joint account. Do you think this is the right thing to do?
Jay&JoFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-10 17:31:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAnother RFE

Just to let you know, I was RFE'd back in August. *filed Nov.2011* We sent in basic items...mail with both names on...vehicle in both names..a couple bills...credit cards *copies* in both names...as well as my own personal ones, so that they saw it came to the same address. All my work schedules came mailed to me....photos and proof of us taking trips together.

There where NO income tax forms as I had not work, and my husband is on disability, therefore doesn't file. And he owns his house, no mortgage on it..so no lease etc and my name is not on the house. I explained all that in a letter along with the packet. I knew it was all weak, but I had a hope :innocent:

Along comes RFE.

So...now I had income tax, and just started a job this year where my husband is on a life insurance policy. We also sent 4 very strong affidavits from friends. Oh..and in the orginal packet sent bank account statements with both our names but it was from March 2011 until Oct. And they wanted to see the duration of marriage for that. So we back tracked to get the statements from 2009 *when we got married*. Lo and behold..my name wasn't on them untl March 2011! I thought we added it much sooner than that. So I wrote a letter and said I really didn't know what happened because the first few months after moving, getting married and going on trips were a whirlwind!! In a nutshell..I apologized for not having my act together better!! So we mailed off a very weak RFE.

Almost 5 weeks later, I got the email that my card was ordered!! I'm almost positive it was the affidavits that helped, but I'd like to think they got a kick out of my letter and thought it was just too cute not to pass! :blush:

Best of luck with everything!! I'm sure you'll be fine!! :)


Thanks for such a helpful post. My bank statements say my maiden name until February of this year - I wonder if I should send a note just mentioning that I thought the bank had corrected this - seeing as my debit card was in my married name for the past 3 years!!!

Obviously you chose to go with the affidavits route. Would you share what you wrote in these affidavits, and if you chose to notarize them? Thank you!

Jo :)
Jay&JoFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-08 16:55:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAnother RFE

That's pretty common for CC companies to do that. Most (except 1) of my CC statements look like yours.
I did photocopy all of the cards we have with the same name and just sent that. If they RFE - I'll send the statements too.

I only sent the statements for 1 card that shows both of our names on it.

You can send the statements along with the copy of the cards, they are not too dumb in USCIS, they'll figure it out. It's definitely NOT a red flag.


Alright, great! Thanks for the advice

Jo
Jay&JoFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-07 14:17:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAnother RFE
Could anyone help me out with this question:

We share a credit card, we both have a credit card with our own names on it. However, when I just went to print out statements from our credit card account online, only my husbands name is listed. Mine is not listed on any of the statements from the past 3 years.

I still want to prove we have a joint credit card account, so I was thinking of photocopying both cards (with our own names on) as well as printing out quarterly statements from the account, despite my name not being on there.

Is this going to cause a concern for the USCIS? I don't want to for them to see this as a red flag!

Thanks!
Jay&JoFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-07 12:20:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAnother RFE

Don't worry, it's not that bad, send more evidents such as:
- copy of your driver license and your spouse show same address
- copy credit card with both you and your spouse
- some affidavits (in form of letter is OK) let USCIS know you and your spouse are really married
- some bills such as phone bill with both your phone number and his
- you should send in your last 3 years of the tax transcripts
- and anything with both of your nane

The more the better and highlight everything ... LOL

Good luck and you will get it! Think about the bright side, they do look at your file, right?

Thank you!
Jay&JoFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-04 09:51:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)aug.17...2012..
good luck !!!! :thumbs:
jmackMalePhilippines2012-08-15 21:13:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)after k-1 approval

i would do medical 8 to 10 days before interview date.......but you can choose your interview date anytime after you get mnl # ...you can do it online 


jmackMalePhilippines2013-05-05 12:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHelp!!!

as soon as you have a mnl # you can pay visa fee ...just print the deposit slip off the web site and go to bank and pay it ...once you pay the fee you can go on line to embassy web site and choose your interview date ...after that go do your medical exam i would do the medical exam 8 to 10 days before interview date ...you can pre register on st lukes web site for your medical exam ...vj has all the sites and information on what to do ..or ask other members ....good luck ...


jmackMalePhilippines2013-05-05 22:48:00
United KingdomKimberley (Salgado?) Steve Reed?

Wow, what a crazy thing to have happen to you guys!  Hope it gets sorted out soon!!


BuvRahlMale02013-10-04 11:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview finished, some more questions and story inside

I actually had the same basic question, so thanks for asking it, and thank you to everyone who answered.

 

It wasn't until after I met my fiance the first time, and were planning to meet in the Caribbean for our second meeting, that I realized how difficult traveling can be for Ukrainian's (as an American who travels extensively, I know I take the ease of traveling for granted).  So this made me worry about transiting through another country/city (i.e. Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam) on the way to Atlanta.  I live in Birmingham, so it's an easy drive over.

 

Thanks again,

 

Lee


BuvRahlMale02013-09-04 13:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhere is everyone from in the states?

Birmingham, Alabama.

 

 


BuvRahlMale02013-09-04 13:09:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAirline question for visiting MIL

In the USA, you go through immigration in the first stop within the country.  So yes, she would go through immigration at NYC, but not at Orlando.


BuvRahlMale02013-10-03 14:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhich comes first?

Thanks for the info, vbtwo!  I appreciate it.  I'll look into the link.

 

Have a great day!

 

Lee


BuvRahlMale02013-11-06 14:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhich comes first?

Thanks 1happyguy, I appreciate the welcome and information!  Yes, it is starting to move fast, but even the first part went fast at 56 days!

 

Can't wait to have her and Vova with me.

 

Thanks again,

 

Lee


BuvRahlMale02013-11-06 08:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhich comes first?

Thanks TboneTx, I'll take a look there.

 

Lee


BuvRahlMale02013-11-04 13:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhich comes first?

Hey guys,

 

Probably a stupid question, but just trying to figure out exactly what gets paid when.  Our K1/K2 case is somewhere between the USCIS and NVC at this point, and trying to figure out what payment comes first.  I've looked at timelines, but most just talk about documentation needed, etc, and little about when payments are due.  I'm sure some of this has to do with each specific consulate, and Visa process, etc...

 

Our consulate is in Kiev, Ukraine.  Will the medical exam payments come first, and then the payments for the Visa's, or v/v?  Just trying to anticipate when the funds are due, and getting them to my fiance, etc.

 

Thanks for all the help,

 

Lee


BuvRahlMale02013-11-04 11:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUpheaval in Ukraine

Sorry so late for a response.  Glad people were posting, but I guess I didn't have it marked to see when responses came through.

 

So glad that things have calmed down in Kiev, at least for the time being.  Hopefully, the people will get a new government that responds to their needs openly, without corruption.  Also praying that Moscow stays out of it.

 

I know the US embassy was still open, the last I heard, but also that the US was discouraging travel to the area.

 

Anyone with stories of going to the embassy during this time, or leaving the country on a K1 Visa at this time?


BuvRahlMale02014-02-25 14:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUpheaval in Ukraine

Luckily for me and my Wife, and her son, we don't have to worry about our immigration process, since they are now in the US as of 2/3/14.

 

Just curious as to what people think may happen with any of the immigration processes, with the nightmare that is happening within the Ukraine right now.  I know any answers would just be speculation, but even answers based on history, and what happens with immigration when countries start to have these kinds of difficulties would be interesting to me.

 

Of course, the most important thing right now, is that we keep the people of the Ukraine in our thoughts and prayers, including my wife's family and friends.

 

Thanks,

 

Lee


BuvRahlMale02014-02-19 12:22:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExpedited K-3 Visa

Could she move form Western Ukraine to somewhere safer?

 

Actually, Western Ukraine, is probably the safest place you could be, inside of Ukraine.  Kiev, maybe not so much, due to it being the capital and the seat of power for Ukraine.  It's the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, that are the most at risk.

 

My wife lived in Kiev when we met, but she is from the western side of Ukraine, not too far from the Polish border.  We skype with her mother a couple of times a week, and apart from the sadness for friends family member's being called to the military, and the fear of what's happening to their country, she is very safe where she lives now.  How long that will continue, I'm not sure.


BuvRahlMale02014-07-25 09:25:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExpedited K-3 Visa

I don't have any knowledge of expediting visa's, but just wanted to send a note of support.  My wife, and son, are from Ukraine, and we had similar feelings before they were finally able to get here in February.  We will be thinking about you guys, and praying for you all, and that your family is brought together soon.

 

Having seen Ukraine's healthcare system first hand, if your daughter isn't being seen in a private clinic, I would strongly recommend that.  I hope she is doing well.

 

Lee and Mariana


BuvRahlMale02014-07-25 08:47:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)nvc vs USCIS

Really!! We filed with California service center... though been approved but xmas day made it 8weeks and still case haven't arrived NVC yet despite the congresswoman is on it and we have close relationship with the manager at NVC (tier 2) Still, there is still a hold as the case isn't showing up on the NVC screen yet that it's been received. 

 

Lets probably all wait till January, I guess they re a little laid back with xmas galore  :( or probably USCIS is waiting on approved cases to be a million before sending them to NVC to flood their office.. PISSED!!


Couples360MaleNigeria2013-12-27 04:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWill accompanying wife for interview help?
21 bro. Pakistan is a muslim country. Check usa today if u live in usa
aneel123Not TellingPakistan2013-08-05 11:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWill accompanying wife for interview help?
[quote name="h45549" post="6421964" timestamp="1375710197"]

Are you sure? nothing on their website or facebook page[/

Yup. In all muslim countries. Google it




aneel123Not TellingPakistan2013-08-05 10:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWill accompanying wife for interview help?
Embassy is closed for whole month
aneel123Not TellingPakistan2013-08-05 07:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIslamabad Interview

I don't know but it was very stressful. It was happening to a lot of people at that time and no one knew why. I don't know what's going on these days though

Did u keep calling them?


aneel123Not TellingPakistan2013-08-26 15:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIslamabad Interview

Hi all, I was just wondering what my husband should take at his interview?
Currently he's taking the nikhanama, copy of bc (they have original), copy of mc(they have original), passport, 2 passport photos, photo evidence (photos of our wedding and honeymoon), and of course the sealed medical package. Are we missing anything? Are they going to ask for any fees? Are cell phones not allowed? Should he leave it at the hotel? Can he bring water? Anything else we should know? 
Thanks in advance, we really appreciate all comments!




Y it took so long for nvc to recieve ur case??



aneel123Not TellingPakistan2013-08-26 10:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156 Electronic Form

I have exactly this problem. Does anyone know a sure fix?

 

I've tried updating abode and I've tried it with chrome and IE.


harvardNot TellingUnited Kingdom2013-06-19 15:29:00
United Kingdomuk vj member please help me regarding

I dont think the delay is anything to do with your indiscretion and subsequent caution.
More to do with them requiring extra security checks due to your place of birth being, and having lived in, pakistan. Unfortunate,but there is nothing you or your wife can do about it except wait.


Thanks for your helpful thoghts.as i know that its really hard to know the time period of AP but the thing that is stressing me alot is not the AP but its a caution,i dont know will i be ok or not cause i never been in prison but this caution comes in the category of CIMT,so that makes me stress that what will be the outcome.I appreciate your ongoing help and useful thoughts...thanks once again...
ahmed2012Not TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-09 07:21:00
United Kingdomuk vj member please help me regarding

London always does AP for those born in Pakistan. Your wait seems to be over the extra security checks involved. If you have a common name, it makes it harder to determine clearance. They will not give information on what they are checking, why, or how much longer, even if you call every week. . I don't understand how you will get your passport to London when they are done with the AP if you have returned to Pakistan. Did you have your case transferred to a consulate in Pakistan. Does London know you are no longer in the UK?


Thanks for your quick response.just to clear you that i start my process from pakistan and i left UK last year i had my interview in US EMBASSY ISLAMABAD,yes its a common factor that AP in pakistan can goes upto years and i can see alot of vj members in pakistan they are in AP upto 2 years and 3 months and still going on,regarding my passport cause i had my interview here in pakistan so at the end of interview he CO kept my passport aswel.but my name is not common at all in pakistan you can only find few name that are liberal one of them is me,every time same response from embassy and DOS pending AP.online status on ceac.state.gov site changes every week some time twice a week,my only concern is not long AP but iam much worried about that caution that it might make harder for me to get visa,but on the other side i never been to prison,so i dont know wat will be the outcome...
iam really thank full to you and the MINdTHEGAP for helping me regarding this situation.....once again thankx
ahmed2012Not TellingUnited Kingdom2013-02-09 07:16:00