Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Can the USC file for unemployment benefits?	Hello Rachel, As a UK citizen you may be eligible for help from these guys: http://www.britchari...WhoWeAssist.htm Good luck to you and your husband with everything! Hi there Helen. Thank you so much! And also thank you for the link. That looks very interesting... I think I would qualify for assistance. How do you know about that charity and have you had personal experience of working with them?	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2011-03-13 12:13:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Can the USC file for unemployment benefits?	Ahh I see. Thank you both! LIFESJOURNEY - you're right about too much info. I'm still a little confused with regards to the permanent resident though. What about the affadavit of support and not claiming benefits etc... and being a public charge? I was under the impression that I was not allowed to claim ANY public assistance. Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 13 March 2011 - 10:41 AM.	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2011-03-13 10:37:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Can the USC file for unemployment benefits?	a LPR can file it too - for the record. L...? Permanent Resident? Do you mean me? I thought that was a big no, no? Especially as I haven't started work within the United States yet either? We want to make sure we're doing everything correctly and following the law. I don't want to claim things that I am not permitted to because of my status.	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2011-03-13 10:30:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Can the USC file for unemployment benefits?	Yes the USC can claim un-employment, I am confused why he didn't do this the same day he was fired. Thank you. The reason was because we were confused as to whether it would affect my application for Removing Conditions when the time comes. This really is a last resort. Thank you too RICARDO4EVA2! Thats very helpful. Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 13 March 2011 - 10:25 AM.	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2011-03-13 10:24:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Can the USC file for unemployment benefits?	Hi there everyone, This is my first time in the removing conditions forum (me being the the permanent resident). I was granted permanent resident status in september so I have a while to go before removing conditions yet. However, in January, my husband (the USC) got fired unexpectedly from his job. We have been on the job search together since then and although several promising leads have come up, they have all fallen through. We are both feeling very depressed about the whole situation but we somehow managed to come up with the money for our rent and bills last month. This month we are really struggling and don't think we will be able to make it this time. I just wanted to ask if anyone knows if my husband is allowed to claim unemployment benefit? I know that as the permanent resident, I would not be able to, but would he? It's all very confusing because I thought they granted me permanent resident status based on his job and his income that would support me? We don't want to hinder my application for removing conditions in 18 months time but we are really worried and don't know which way to turn now. Advice is very much appreciated! Thank you. Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 13 March 2011 - 10:14 AM.	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2011-03-13 10:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	New to the whole process... any advice?	Oh and does anyone have any advice about what we can start to prepare in advance now? Ie - have ready birth certificates etc... We want to avoid discovering we need stuff later, so we really want to be prepared. Thankyou!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-01-25 13:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	New to the whole process... any advice?	Thank you so much for your reply, Melchior55! Well done on getting the k1!! Congratulations to you and your fiancee. I meant (about travelling back into the USA), once I actually have my K1 visa, that I would like to do it with my boyfriend with me - who shall be travelling back home after visiting me in the UK. I understand he will not be able to be with me at the POE and whilst I go through my documentation with the officials, but can he be out of his country whilst the application is in process after he files the I-129F? Hope thats clear. Thank you!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-01-25 13:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	New to the whole process... any advice?	My boyfriend and have both decided we are going to apply for the K1 visa and are, at the moment, compiling documents etc in preparation for sending away the I-129F petition. We both stumbled across this website and have found it so, so helpful. At first you feel as if you're the only people in the world having to go through this, but its so good to hear from all the other people out there experiencing the same. Russ plans to visit me for the months of May & June this year. On his trip home, I will travel with him to visit for the 90 days, so whilst I'm there, we are both thinking of mailing off the I-129F package and finally starting the process then. Once I arrive home in September/October, does anyone know if we are able to continue visiting each other whilst our application is in process. I've heard of possible problems with me travelling over to the USA, but would he be able to travel here, instead? And eventually when we have reached the stage whereby I have my interview date at the US Embassy in London, does anyone also know if he is allowed to accompany me and then afterwards travel back to the US with me aswell. We'd both like to re-enter his country together before we get married as I also have a pet dog I'd like to travel with and it'd be much easier (and less stressful and nerve wracking) if we could do it together. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!! Good luck to you all. Its so inspiring to read all of your stories!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-01-25 12:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	We've just mailed off our I-129F Petition today... Yay!!	We've just mailed off our I-129F Petition today... Yay!! And we'd just like to thank everyone including VJ creators for all their help and advice and continued help. We just don't know how we would have got to this stage without Visa Journey. Heres hoping our journey is a swift one. Good luck to everyone else!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-07-07 19:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NOA2 letter received!	Wow! Congratulations and in only three months! Well done. Good luck to the next step of your journey!!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-08-21 13:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Opinions Please - Wedding Planning...	Hi Arabella, I checked on your timeline today to see how you're doing with your NOA2 and you have it now! Congratulations! Hope everything else goes swiftly for you! Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 31 August 2009 - 07:08 AM.	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-08-31 07:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Opinions Please - Wedding Planning...	QUOTE (Arabella @ Aug 22 2009, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I can remember when my estimated adjudication date was in June, then July, August, and now I am coming up on Sept. When I look on the Canadian forums, I see people who got their NOA2 in June and sent off their packet 3s, and have no idea when they will have an interview! We filed back in March, and on March 13th I contacted a beach wedding planner and "reserved" the date of January 1 (with a small deposit). Since then I have contacted the wedding planner to let him know that our date may be later. The beach weddings are designed for people who like to elope, so they are really flexible and they do everything- you just show up. You might want to check into somewhere that has a ready-made wedding package that you can buy on short notice. I have also been planning what we'll wear, where we will have our recption (luckily I live across the street from the beach and I have a large entertainment room in my house so I am just going to decorate that room), what our wedding vows will be, stuff like that. Just for fun, here is the link to the wedding site I am using: www.cocoabeachweddings.com I don't really want to get married at the court house and then have a separate wedding at a later date. I would only do that a year later on our anniversary. I don't want two wedding anniversary dates. Also, I am sure that a year after our wedding we won't want to cough up money for a wedding, so I think it's now or never. Good luck! Hi Arabella, thanks for your input. Sorry you've been waiting so long. To give you an estimated date of only 3 months waiting for your NOA2 seems rather short in the first place though. 5 or 6 sounds more much the norm at the moment isn't it? I've looked at the figures for how long people have been waiting this year at Vermont and the average is 5 or so, apparently... So keep positive, yours will be with you soon. Have you checked on the USCIS site aswell to see how your case is doing? Also, thanks for the wedding info. I totally agree with you about not wanting two anniversaries, court house, separate wedding dates etc... Your arrangements sound really nice. We're all set for our plans though and I'm really happy with what we've organised. Should anything at all happen, we'll just have to move the date back and risk losing a few dollars. Its not the end of the world. I did think about a beach wedding at first though. That was our initial plan to get married on the Jersey Shore, but after visiting various beaches along the coast this summer, we've decided theres no way we'd want that anymore as its SO busy during peak season! Plus it would cost our guests a fee for each of them to enter onto the beach. So, we found a beautiful gazebo overlooking a lake instead. And its literally across from the beach. Good luck with your plans. I'm hoping your NOA2 is on its way now. Fingers crossed!!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-08-22 14:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Opinions Please - Wedding Planning...	Hi everyone thank you for your replies!! I've replied to you individually! QUOTE (*Len* @ Aug 21 2009, 10:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just please keep in mind the time lines are estimates. The Consulate will tell you precisely not to make any plans that cannot be changed until you receive your visa [b]Thank you Len, I know what they would say but unfortunately, thats not a practical option for us. I would much rather reschedule the wedding, rather than have nothing available to us and always regret not having the perfect wedding day. Neither of us have been married before and we really want a 'proper' wedding - no offence to anyone who wants a simpler ceremony - Thats just not what we have our hearts set on. We have done everything sensibly, including asking all vendors if they would reschedule in an emergency and I havent cut the date too close. I think that would be a small price to pay and at the most we would lose only a couple hundred dollars. Thank you for your advice though	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-08-22 08:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Opinions Please - Wedding Planning...	QUOTE (minnew @ Aug 21 2009, 09:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Duplicate post: http://www.visajourn...edding planning If you look, that was me that started that post too. But that was right at the beginning of our visa journey and was more directed towards the financial side of our problems. Thats why I started this one - more general and we've come along way since then. Thanks anyway minnew Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 21 August 2009 - 04:00 PM.	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-08-21 15:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Opinions Please - Wedding Planning...	QUOTE (Otto und Karin @ Aug 21 2009, 08:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (RUSSandRACHEL @ Aug 21 2009, 12:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I check on my timeline every day and since early July it has said Based on timeline data, your I129f may be adjudicated between December 9, 2009 and December 19, 2009 or thereabouts. Sometimes earlier... Has everyone found this estimate spot on or a very rough guide to to how it turned out for them?? Pretty close usually - they do tend to fluctuate at first but stabilize as you get closer to the actual/potential timeframe. Also, what I would like to ask is, in your opinions, and judging by some of you with your vast experience on this site, do you think the chances of us making the wedding for the date of June 27th 2010 next year are good? Ahh a June wedding... In my opinion, I'd say you have a very good chance of making that June 2010 date a reality. HOWEVER - things can come up so be cautious if you're planning a big ceremony and/or having people fly in from around the globe. I'd hold off on the invitations until you have your interview scheduled (if it were me that is). Thank you Otto und Karin. Thanks for your input and opinions. You're always so helpful on here! I know with anything, there is always the chance of things coming up but I just wanted a general opinion from everyone about whether we would make our date or not, based on their experiences. You have to keep positive, eh? People will be flying in I'm afraid but only very close friends and we know them so well that I'm sure they'd be understanding if anything, god forbid, got cancelled. We be devastated too. I'm thinking we're gonna send out our invites after christmas. Hopefully we'll have our NOA2 by then. But Im keeping everyone in the loop in the meantime anyway	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-08-21 14:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Opinions Please - Wedding Planning...	QUOTE (Stephen + Elisha @ Aug 21 2009, 08:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just a quick aside: you should consider the date printed on your NOA1 as the NOA1 Date, not the date it came in the mail. You may wish to adjust your timeline accordingly. Ahhh thank you!!! Wow! That should hopefully get us closer by a few days at least! Lol Thank you!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-08-21 14:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Opinions Please - Wedding Planning...	Hi everyone! My fiance (USC) and I filed the I-129F back in July and we recieved our NOA1 on July 16th (although date on it is 10th July). I would like to ask people how they are getting on with wedding planning - thats if you want the full shebang, not just to get married at City Hall or the equivalent. I know people will say, wait for the NOA2 before making wedding plans but that just not possible for us. Nothing would be available! So, we have gone ahead anyway and have booked almost everything for the wedding so far and luckily, every vendor we have met is willing to be flexible should by ny chance, anything come up with our K1 application. Fingers crossed it won't. I check on my timeline every day and since early July it has said Based on timeline data, your I129f may be adjudicated between December 9, 2009 and December 19, 2009 or thereabouts. Sometimes earlier... Has everyone found this estimate spot on or a very rough guide to to how it turned out for them?? Also, what I would like to ask is, in your opinions, and judging by some of you with your vast experience on this site, do you think the chances of us making the wedding for the date of June 27th 2010 next year are good?	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-08-21 13:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	Hi everyone, I got packet 4 this morning and our interview date has been set for January 25th at 8.30am in London!!! Yaaaaaay!!! Im sooooo excited! We're nearly together forever! Ahhhh!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2010-01-06 07:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	Hi everyone!! Sorry we've both been away for a while. We've been stuck into our wedding planning and then Russ came for Christmas - which was wonderful. He's still here in the UK actually. We've having the greatest time ever together. Did you all have a great christmas??? Our update is, I had the medical a week ago in London which I was really nervous about but it was nothing, quick and easy and our packet 3 was sent back at the beggining on December and I'm still waiting for an interview date. Hoping we will hear very soon! How are you all? Glad to see you all have great news and congrats to those with successful interviews and good luck to those up and coming!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-12-30 07:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	Yes, I have spoken to a few other people on the UK forum and it seems to be the case that London probably have recieved it they just havent got round to opening it and entering it into the system. Apparently they also do things in batches... waiting til they have a pile of applications for a couple of weeks and then putting them into the system at the same time, and then the same with packet 3 and also issuing an interview date. I'm hoping we hear something by the end of the month. Still, we're in no major rush. I've put on our forms that we plan to travel around February even though we prob won't til April. I just want to get everything out of the way... Do you have your medical scheduled yet Azra?	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-25 08:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	QUOTE (fPf_iMc @ Nov 23 2009, 03:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We got the PINK slip! My interview went well last Nov 20. It was only less than 5 minutes with the consul. Right after he said "Congratulations your visa has been approved, I was so teary-eyed right infront of him while I said "Thank you so much Sir!" And while waiting for my release slip, everything flashed back from day 1 of this journey that my fiance and I had... and i was just sitting in the blue seat crying by myself. Thank you God! Everything is indeed all worth it. I will be home soon my love. Good luck to those who will still be having their interviews and waiting for notices. Just keep the faith and patience. ASk for strength and perseverance and everything will be ok. Feel free to ask me anything if you like... God is so good! CONGRATULATIONS!!! Well done! Im so happy for you! Well... we are still waiting. Feel like we've come to a bit of a standstill. We are still waiting for London to recieve our case. According to NVC (which I dont know if I believe) they still haven't recieved it since it was sent on the 12th! Ahhh... the waiting game again!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-25 05:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	QUOTE (kitty23 @ Nov 20 2009, 08:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Good morning all! I have slept like a baby last night! I can't remember when was the last time I've slept so good! Thanks everybody for your wishes! I will keep on sending good vibes for all of you and I wish you all the best in the world! You've made my journey so much easier! Musho, I have taken with me all the documents refered to in the instructions page received from the embassy. I don't know if the instructions are the same for everybody. It was very important to have the originals of the most important documents - birth certificate, divorce decrees (both mine and his), criminal record. There was this girl who didn't bring the original of her american fiance's divorce decree so she was rescheduled for a later time (she was asked to call again and reschedule her interview when she has the document in hand). That was so sad! Also, to make sure they won't send me back to get God knows what I took every document and/or copy of documents - including those already included in the petition. I didn't need any though. At the end of the interview they treated me like I was one of theirs. That was nice! I will be leaving on December 17th. My port of entry will be Memphis, TN. I will keep you posted and I will keep on being here with you. The journey is far from over and over the last months I have come to know and care for all of you. It may sound corny but it's true. Hugs and kisses to all, Ileana Hi guys. Thats so sweet of you. We feel the same. Don't know how we would have got this far without you all. Glad you finally had a good nights sleep Ileana! Now you can RELAAAAX! Ahh! Once again, CONGRATS! We are soooooo happy for you both and glad that your interview went smoothly!!! Its so exciting that you will be going home on December 17th. I always refer to NJ as home now cos thats where my heart is Please keep us all informed as to how you get on (POE, Social Security Number application etc...) and also... when is your wedding??!!! Ileana, do you mind me asking, when you say you needed 'original documents', do you have to have the petitioners passport and original payslips, employers letter etc aswell..? Or will copies for those suffice instead? I say because unfortunately I will be going to the interview alone and therefore won't have these. Also we keep calling NVC to find out if London have recieved our case yet and they keep telling us, no not yet. It has been over a week! I keep thinking maybe it has been recieved but the info hasnt got over to NVC yet. I saw that on a few other UK timelines... Also I booked my medical for December 21st! Yay! So Russ will be able to come and hold my hand after all (Im not exactly looking forward to the blood test!? Hope you're all doing well. We keep you all in our thoughts. Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 20 November 2009 - 02:29 PM.	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-20 14:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	QUOTE (kitty23 @ Nov 19 2009, 09:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Good morning everyone! Today is the day! I will be going to the embassy for the interview in about half an hour. Whish me luck and keep your fingers crossed for me. I will get back with details later. Hugs to all, Ileana GOOD LUCK! Try not to worry you'll be fine! How exciting! Cant wait for you to fill us all in later	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-19 05:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	QUOTE (EasternDE @ Nov 17 2009, 01:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Last time I went to the USA, I went to the vet' to check my little ferret, she was more than 6 years old and she hasn't seemed very well for a while, and I wanted to make sure before I'd leave her to a friend for two weeks. It was making me very anxious, because I doubted she could survive such a long trip. 6 years is old for a ferret. Finally the day before I was supposed to fly, I headed to the vet. She had cancer... Vet said she could hope to live for 3 months max with heavy medication. In a blink, I had to make an horrible decision. I couldn't leave her to my friend like that, with the medication. It was during the summer, it was getting hot, and I could see she was suffering. So I decided to put her to sleep. It was my last day at work before vacation and I was supposed to finish and close a lot of files... All I did was crying all day long... Then I went home, and I started to dismount her cage and put away all her stuffs. I managed to cut myself very badly... On the way to the airport, I was still crying... I managed to loose my little neckband cushion thingy in the gates waiting room, more crying... I was the last one to get into the plane (because I tried to find my neckband back....) The air hostess said "I've got a good news for you! you're upgraded to business class!", MORE crying! We're here now, but speaking for myself, it's been more than a year I'm planning this journey, and I started to plan it thinking she would come with me... I really hope you'll be able to manage a fine journey for your dog, Rachel, it's important. Awww EasternDE I'm so sorry. That must be heartbreaking. I'm so sorry... Thats awful!! Russ works with animals aswell - including ferrets and he says that they are such sweet creatures. So mischevious - they move their plastic house during the night to try and make there way out of the cage haha! But I'm sorry for your loss. And thank you for your concern but Honey is like a child to us. We have to bring her with us and she loves Russ just like she loves me. I know its incredibly stressful but shes a young dog still and unbeknown to us, the transportation of animals is something totally normal to many dogs and the cargo department... just look at Crufts dog show... So, whilst we are very very anxious about the process of taking her, I know she will be ok. I met a woman who previously worked for Continental (who we'll be flying with) recently and she has assured us both that they really do take care of the animals well... temperature control etc... Its so unfortunate that your poor baby didnt get to make the journey with you... Im so sorry. But the journey with Honey is just something we have to get through. Its just something we have to get on with. I'm dreading it to be honest though.	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-17 10:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	QUOTE (kitty23 @ Nov 17 2009, 08:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Congratulations NewYorkSydney!!! Good luck with your new life in the US! I wish you a smooth adjustment! I am so sorry for what you have to go through Rachel! I hate people patronizing others just because they can. One of these days I will ask one of them if they are getting paid extra just to be abnoxious! Awwwww, your doggie is so cute!!! I want to get me one just like that when I get to US. We already chose a name for it - Dexter! Coleen, good luck! I keep my fingers crossed for you too! Thank you so much Azra! Have you scheduled your medical already? Sending lots of good vibes for you Batta! Hope everything will sort out soon. Keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, Hugs to all, Ileana Aww thanks Ileana! I know, she was so rude. I guess we just have to sit tight and wait for packet three now, but I'm dreading calling her back. The attitude... shes just a receptionist lol! But yes, labradors make the most wonderful companions. And such cute little puppies. I wont deny it, they are such hard work and dont mature for about three years but the returns are a million times over. Our Honey is such a loving dog. She'd protect us in a heartbeat! And CONGRATULATIONS NewYorkSydney!!!! We're sooooo pleased for you!!!!! Wow! What a relief! You can start to relax now and continue your wedding plans! Congrats again! Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 17 November 2009 - 05:31 AM.	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-17 05:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	QUOTE (roughsweet @ Nov 16 2009, 08:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Rachel, I can't believe they were so rude to you at Knightsbridge! To me that sounds like it goes against the new rule they just made wanting people to have their medical at least a week before the interview so the results are to the embassy in time. They should praise you for being on top of it, not reject you!! The arbitrary rules of this process just slay me sometimes! Anyway... you may know this already. But Russ can call the Dept of State over here in the states for info on your case. It does cost for a call to Washington DC, but it's much much better than the extortion line in London. They will tell him when you've been received and entered into the system, when your P3 is issued, even when your interview date is! The number is 202-663-1225. Press 1 and then 0. Hope this helps, and good luck with a swift remainder to your process! Oh thank you sooo much roughsweet! No we didn't know that! We'll do that tomorrow! Yay! I love VJ! You're all amazing!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-16 15:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	Hi Azra! Awww thats so nice of you. Yes our Honey is our pride and joy. Our princess! Lol! We are going out of our minds with worry about her big journey though. She gets herself so stressed out she has seizures sometimes. But we can't bear to not bring her with us. Here she is... (haha love the American bandana pic. We like to think shes dreaming of her new life in this one... Also (off topic) we ordered our bridesmaids dresses today! Yay! But... its starting to get to both of us... being apart. Its been 8 weeks already and its so hard. I dont know how you cope - 8 months since you have seen your love, Musho? How are things progressing? Have Bosnia recieved your case yet? We havent heard anything yet but according to the mystery package that was heading to the London Embassy, it was delivered this morning. Do you know if the consulates send out a letter, saying the case has been recieved before they start processing it? Hope you all have a great week!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-16 15:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	Oh and thank you Jewel-8, that info was really helpful. I think that may be our case on the DHL website, but I'm not sure. I couldn't seem to get it to work, to list all of the packages sent. Just kept saying 'error' on the website. Well, if that was our case it was recieved this morning at the London Embassy. How long till we hear from them now would you say? Is packet 3 the next info we hear or do they send a letter first to inform you that they've recieved our case?	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-16 11:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	Hi everyone! I just want to screeeeeeam! I just tried to call Knightbridge Doctors in London to schedule my medical and they were soooooo rude!!! I cant believe it! They wanted my case number and took it along with my name, date of birth and phone number. Then the receptionist asked me where I got their phone number from and whether I have recieved my packet from the Embassy instructing me to make the appointment when I said 'no not yet', she totally turned on me and said 'why are you bothering calling?' And 'how do I know that I need a medical if I havent been advised to have one yet??!!!' Omg! I told her we're fully versed on the visa process and want to be organised as possible as we've just recieved our new case number. She was so sarcastic and said 'well, thats not how the embassy works!' Cheek! So now we're no better off and now I may not get an appointment for when Russ arrives over Christmas. Grrrrrrrr! More delays... Fingers crossed for Kitty on your interview on thursday! Think of yoooou! Batta try not to worry... everything will all be sorted soon, I'm sure. And Eastern DE dont worry about your mistake, at this stage I dont think it will really matter. You can always clear it up with them at the interview anyway. Lets try to keep smiling!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-16 11:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	Hi everyone, we haven't been on here in a few days. We've been concentrating on getting all of our doggy's paperwork together. Our lovely labrador will be making our way over to the U S of A with us next year so we've been trying to get that all straightened. Seems this is all one headache after another. She has been ill aswell this week, she had a seisure on Saturday so I've been out of my mind with worry about that for a week... poor baby. So glad that that things are all moving swiftly for everyone. Its all good news! Good luck to those with interviews! Keep us informed! Anyway, yaaaaaay! NVC recieved our case on Nov 9th, and it was sent to London on Nov 12th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yaaaaay! Does anyone know how to track our case on the DHL website? We tried putting in 'EXPNOV12' as directed by another thread but that didnt work, so we tried 'LNDNOV12' and still got no joy. Does anyone know how to track it successfully and what is the next step? Do we call our local Embassy to find out if they've recieved it? And if so, how long do we allow for that? Also can I go ahead and book my medical now, for when Russ is here next month? QUOTE (pdcvcm @ Nov 11 2009, 10:57 PM) Russ& Rachel - Russ & Rachel (One of my favorite British posters! I mostly interact with the USC women waiting for their blokes ) Awwwwwww... so cute you guys are!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-13 16:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	Awwww congratulations Itt!!! We're all so happy for you! Ahhh at last! We called NVC yesterday... Russ was AMAZED at how polite they were on the phone! Nothing like USCIS! Anyway, our case hasnt been recieved just yet and we were advised to ring back Friday. I cant believe how fast they anticipate things to be happening now. Omg! I'm so excited! And we also recieved our NOA2 hard copy yesterday Musho. We have compiled everything for the interview I think. There was a checklist on here or something... we're just waiting on tax transcripts and police certificate. Good luck to Kitty23 on your interview! It will be fine. Don't worry. We've been through the hard part now. Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 10 November 2009 - 05:14 AM.	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-10 05:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	QUOTE (EasternDE @ Nov 6 2009, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> NVC # is 603-334-0700 press 1 then 5. Rachel, you should call NVC on Monday, it may be a little early but oh well. Well, you make Russ to call. NVC # is 603-334-0700 press 1 then 5. NVC hotline is opened only from 8am to 12 (not sure about the schedule but it's only in the morning) The line is always busy, so you have to try until you reach someone, but then NVC agents seem much more efficient than USCIS ones. You have to give you case number and both of your birthdate. The important information you need is your new case number because you'll need it to fill your packet 3. We are actually supposed to get a letter from NVC but not many people get one... Then you want to know when it arrived and when it left so you can proudly file your VJ timeline. Once you know which day it left you may be able to track it on DHL site but it's a bit tricky, and probably not accurate since there are many cases for London. Explanation about how to track your package is in the NVC section on this forum. Et voila Ohh thankyou Eastern DE! Thats an amazing help. Only one thing... where do we find our new case number. We havent had the actual NOA2 yet, just the email... Do NVC need that during the call?	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-06 15:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	QUOTE (Musho @ Nov 6 2009, 07:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Heyiiii!!! I HOPE THAT ITT WILL GET THEIR NOA2 SOON!!! Our case was touched on 5 th NOvember.. so I suppose that it was sent to NVC like you said Rachel! I dont know what to do after NOA2? I suppose that we need to call NVC after about 7 days? And when our documents arrive to our country, we should get packet 3 right? I dont know which forms does benificiary needs to have? I know that there is lot of work to do to get a visa, but I feel so much better after we got NOA2.. It is much less stress?! And Ileana.. My name is not Musho.. My name is Azra ! AND PLEASE.. DONT MAKE ANOTHER THREAD.. I WANT TO HAVE YOU ALL HERE! I DONT KNOW HOW COULD I MAKE IT THROUGH THIS WITHOUT YOUR SUPORT! Aww Azra! Its so good to put a name to your face. Even Russ was saying the other day, we should call you by your real names, but Musho is so cute! I definitely agree about all us sticking together. I don't know what we'd do without you all either. In fact I doubt we would have got this far without VJ! When I think about applying for a Social Security number, marriage licence and AOS my head goes But you're right, it feels soooooo much better now knowing we have completed the longest wait and the biggest obstacle. It feels so good to know that we may have our visa's in 2 months or so... Fingers crossed. The way I understood the next step is: 1. We call NVC to check they're recieved our case (?), then 2. Once they have it gets forwarded to our local embassy (?) then 3. They send out packet 3 (isn't that the checklist of things we need to compile for the interview and info about the medical??) I have already got everything together more or less - Russ's payslips, 2008 tax return, employers letter and medical records from my doctor. I also mailed off my police certificate application last week, so I should have that soon. Then when you have all that, you send it back to them and wait for packet 4 with your interview date. (I think this is all right, but not sure ) The other thing I don't understand is, how do you 'track' your case with DHL? Ive heard about a few couples being able to do this... And also, can we book our medicals now we have our NOA2's??	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-06 15:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	Hi everyone! Hope you're all doing well. Haven't heard any news from Itt. We hope they get their NOA2 soon. It is so great that we all recieved our NOA2 on the same night on the 4th! It makes the experience even better! Thanks to everyone for their continued support. We were starting to go a bit crazy towards the end. About starting a new thread, I think we should stay on this thread and stick it out to the end. Wow, we're going to be together for a while. Aww its nice to have a VJ family Ahhh... so anyway, we have kind of calmed down now after being super, super excited for a couple of days and now to the next step... What do we do now? Can anyone give us a bit of advice? Aren't we supposed to call NVC to check on our case? When should we do this? What are we supposed to find out from them and what happens after then? Also what info do they need from us when we call? We have been so focused on getting the NOA2, we didnt even think to look up the next step. Oh and our case was touched yesterday. Does that mean it was sent off to the NVC? Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 06 November 2009 - 02:42 PM.	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-06 14:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	Hi to everyone. We just wanted to let you all know that we have been approved!!! Yes, we finally got ur NOA2 last night at 11.45 US time!!!!!!!!!!!! We can't believe it! Russ rang me at 4am UK time and I couldnt sleep afterwards! Yaaaaaaay!!! I was so worried for the other two couples this morning that I actually sent them both private messages. But I just looked on here and theyre both approved too!!!!!!!!!! Omg Im so happy! I have been dancing around the house and singing all morning! CONGRATS EVERYONE!!!!!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-05 05:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	Hi everyone! And thanks Eastern DE for the lilly of the valley! How sweet! Well... we need it! Because we called USCIS yesterday, as directed, and got absolutely nowhere! The 'agent' who answered, knew absolutely nothing - I don't think she even understood what Russ was talking about to be honest - clueless! Anyway, she told us that no-one will even be assigned to our case until Dec 3rd! She even said that sometimes it takes 6 months to get an NOA2!!! We were both quite upset yesterday and it was a particuarly low day but after thinking about it, I have realised that when calling, they definitely do not really know what theyre telling us. I have a strong sneaky suspicion that its their job to solely get us off the phone because of the diverse range of answers Ive been hearing from them. So the waiting continues. Its really killing us... I'm starting to think, are we even going to make the wedding? Ahhh but thanks everyone for your support. It means such a lot to know you all have us in your thoughts! Oh and Musho, what is the Berkley's timeline? I know what Igor's list is but what is Berkley's??? Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 04 November 2009 - 04:13 AM.	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-04 04:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2009 Filers	Hi everyone! Well... Its another week and another month for all still waiting! Tomorrow it has been a week since we called USCIS and we've still heard nothing. They asked us to call again tomorrow to chase up our case, so we'll see what they say then. Thanks again to all of you offering your wonderful support. Oh and bring on Christmas!!! Russ bought his flight ticket yesterday! Yaaaaaaaaay! Its keeping us both going having that to look forward to!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-02 12:39:00
United Kingdom	London Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors	QUOTE (yorkshirerose22 @ Nov 5 2009, 02:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (hindocha @ Nov 5 2009, 01:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes mate. Book in your medical ASAP. All you need is your case number. Get hold of your vaccination history as well, as this will speed up the examination. If you can't get hold of it don't worry. ok cool ill get booked in then. thank u for yr help Me and my fiance have just found out our case has been recieved at London so I thought, like you, I would like to book the medical. I really wanted to get it organised in time for when Russ comes over for christmas so I called the other day and couldnt believe how rude they were on the phone. I was about to book my chosen time and date and they wanted my case number and took it along with my name, date of birth and phone number. Then the receptionist asked me where I got their phone number from and whether I have recieved my packet from the Embassy instructing me to make the appointment when I said 'no not yet', she totally turned on me and said 'why are you bothering calling?' And 'how do I know that I need a medical if I havent been advised to have one yet??!!!' I told her we're fully versed on the visa process and want to be organised as possible as we've just recieved our new case number. She was so sarcastic and said 'well, thats not how the embassy works!' Cheek! So now we're no better off and now I may not get an appointment for when Russ arrives over Christmas. Grrrrrrrr! More delays... Let me know how you get on booking yours yorkshirerose22, but be warned...	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-11-17 12:17:00
United Kingdom	FLYING WITH (LARGE) DOGS - CHECKLIST & INFO SWAP	QUOTE (Rebster @ Jul 27 2009, 03:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Have you considered having Honey fly out ahead of you? You are going to be dealing with an awful lot yourself upon your arrival. You will have to go through Immigration and have your Visa validated. This can take some time dependant upon the airport/staff. You can send her ahead and have your fiance collect her on the other end. I did this in reverse when I moved to the UK. I sent my cat via BA Cargo a few days before I came over. I didn't use a shipping company (this was in 2005) and I filled out the paperwork when I took her to BA's Cargo office at the airport. On the forms I put my (then) fiance's information so that he was authorized to collect them for me. The BA office gave me the stickers to put on her crate. I then said goodbye to her and they took her away to be put in their Kennel until departure a couple of hours later. Then when I arrived in the UK (and had to stand in line at Immigration) I knew she was already safely at his house. I was already stressed enough and appreciated not having to deal with everything on one day. That said, I do understand that you might want to know she is on the same plane with you. Just a thought. As a side note, I do need to interject that the 3-year rabies vaccine is available and widely used over here. The 1 year vaccine is in fact not that common in most states anymore. You should not have an issue with keeping jabs current on the pet passport. We have had no issue. This is the link to the USDA website. Good luck! Hi again Rebster! Yes I did think of that and thank you for your advice but there's two reasons why I dont think I can send her alone. 1 - I feel really anxious about sending my dog overseas (she has mild insulinoma which is controlled and she hasnt had any problems recently) but still, I feel I really need to be there on the plane with her for the journey just in case. and 2 - I wont see my fiance for possibly 4 months by the time I get my interview date (we have spent only a few weeks apart since meeting 20 months ago )so I really want him to fly over and say goodbye to my family -I dont think they'll be attending the wedding- before we fly off to get married. Also, I get really stressed in situations like this at the best of times so I'd really appreciate his support being there with me when I do fly over. But saying that, he could go on ahead of me (whilst Im having my visa validated) to collect her so save her being crated up for any longer. Oh and thanks for the rabies info. Very interesting!! Thanks also for all your advice! You've been a great help! Its really good to hear from people who've been through the same experiences. Talking to an anirline for info, is just not the same!	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-07-29 08:33:00
United Kingdom	FLYING WITH (LARGE) DOGS - CHECKLIST & INFO SWAP	Hi again! Thanks again for your reply! Its a great help. The reason why I said I didn't really want her to be boarded overnight is because pet shipping companies I've obtained a quote from in the past have all wanted to do that. I have no problem hiring the services of a pet shipping company though. Money is not the issue. We're by no means rich, but we're well prepared for the costs. My fiancee and I have been discussing this seriously for well over a year. Its not as if the price is really negotiable is it? Lol! We just have to do it! But I've heard on here from people who have shipped their pet (with cargo) themselves without using such company. Hmmm... I don't understand how that works then... Anyway, I've had a look at Animal Airlines. I did a search and they can arrange flights from Birmingham. Its really important that we travel from Birmingham Airport. We have limited help getting to the airport and travelling down to London is not an option, besides I dont want to put my dog through that aswell. I believe most pet shipping companies in the UK send pets out from the larger airports instead. Have you ever heard of them? It seems to me that getting into the USA with a pet is a million times easier than returning to the UK! Well thanks for answering all of my questions. I have requested an quote from Animal Airlines and we'll get the rabies vaccine done when I return home. Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 26 July 2009 - 07:36 AM.	RUSSandRACHEL	Female	United Kingdom	2009-07-26 07:33:00