ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomHow to get US Dollars into UK Bank Account
We have sent money back and forth for the last 2 years and now especially with the wedding coming up, I make a payment to Russ' savings account every month. I looked into doing it with my bank direct, but they charge £25.00 fee per tranasction so instead we use PayPal. I can send him currency in either USD or GBP and vice versa and it automatically converts. Paypal only take about 3.4% in fees and is also much cheaper than Western Union who we used once. I would recommend you use PayPal, pay the money from your TSB account into his US account, then he withdraw the money to pay from there.
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-28 08:18:00
United KingdomWedding Planning from the UK Chat
Hi everyone,

We also did what many people advised against - the thing your not supposed to do... We started planning our wedding after getting engaged in April 2009. By July last year, my dress was bought and I took it home with me to the UK in September. During my summer trip out there, we also booked the ceremony site (a beautiful gazebo overlooking the jersey shore one way and a lake the other), the banquet house for the reception, the photographer, the florist, the DJ and the officiant. We're only having 4 people attend from the UK (no famly unfortunately) and we're only having about 40 people in total there. We sent off our I-129F in July and my interview is on Monday. We gave ourselves a good 11 months and its worked out well for us. We did hear alot of advice about having a quickie ceremony and celebration later but that wasn't for us.. we want the dream wedding we've always wanted and didnt want to do it any other way. Can't wait for it to come around!!! :star:

Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 23 January 2010 - 05:27 PM.

RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-23 17:23:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
CONGRATS TO EVERYONE ON THEIR SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWS!!!!! :thumbs: Look forward to hearing more as the weeks go by.

In the meantime we have been fighting with realtors. Grrr. What is it with those people? :angry:

Anyway.... sighhh...

I wonder if someone can advise... My interview was Monday 25th and today I went on 'The DX' website to try and track my passport. It just says this message - 'Sorry, this combination of tracking number and postcode do not correspond with our records. Please check and try again.' Did anyone else experience this? Is there a problem or will it just get assigned when they have my package? I'm a little bit worried. I've emailed them to enquire but no response yet.
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-30 03:29:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Great idea! Thats what I did!
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-26 15:26:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Please don't worry NikkiUK. I know its a very easy thing to say but I was sick with nerves from the moment I woke up yesterday morning and in the queue to go in, I thought 'I'm going to have to leave the queue in a minute'. I felt so sick. I really had to control my nerves and think 'this is what I really want I just have to get on with it' Once I got in the building, I felt much more relaxed. I guess its the anticipation part that got me the most.

But just make sure you're 100% prepared. I was so suprised when talking to people, that they didn't even know the name of the visa they were applying for, or what forms they had filled in. One girl behind me in the queue got turned away because she still had her I-pod in her bag and couldn't understand why she couldn't take it in! If you're organised, you'll be fine. I don't know how people took books to read though, I couldn't concentrate on the magazine I bought with me, I was too busy listening out for my number! Which eventually, was never called out, it just appeared on the screen.

But the interview, as a few other people have said was fine, enjoyable even. The consular officer that interviewed me, seemed genuinely interested in my answers. He even made small talk. He was really friendly and pleasant. Honestly, I felt less interrogated than when I usually go through Newark Passport Control!!!

Looking forward to hearing how you get on. Good luck *hugs*

:star:

Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 26 January 2010 - 06:20 AM.

RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-26 06:16:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
WE'RE APROOOOOOOVED!!! :D I cannot believe it! I'm so so happy and so emotional. I can't believe its finally come! Thank you to everyone for their lovely messages of support and for all the advice on VJ. I don't know how we could have done it without you all! Yaaaaaaaay!!!!! :thumbs:
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-25 15:21:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

It is so great to hear this part of it. I hope we hear from more people as they cross over. :dance: :dance: :dance:

Also, good luck to the remaining January interviewees. Looks like UK Visa Journey is on a roll and will not be stopped. :)



Thanks guys!!! Off to London tomorrow afternoon! Yaaaaaaaay! Can't wait!!! :star:
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-23 17:07:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Great review Frosty! Absolutely wonderful to read. I have to say when I read 'welcome to the US' I felt a little choked up. :blush: I cant wait to hear those words.

At the moment Russ is house hunting for us and its so exciting. I cant wait to have a little home to call our own!

Reading your reviews though, I am getting a little concerned about the financials... Russ' 2008 tax return shows earning of about $5,000 but since 2008, hes secured a job and earns well above the poverty line. I have an employers letter and all of his payslips. Do you think it will be ok? He cant file for 2009 yet! :wacko:
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-21 04:29:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Visa approved :)


CONGRATULATIONS!!! YAAAAY! :thumbs:

Good luck to the today and upcoming interviewees. We are thinking about you and wishing you the best. :)

Thanks guys getting litle butterflies already :wacko:

And Frosty we're also still looking out for your review!
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-19 09:28:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

If no one from the UK has AOSed in 2010, I guess so! I just started the interview thread since it was going to be an earlier event for me than AOS :D

I am just about to start a UK wedding planning thread, coz the Canadian one is a wicked interesting read and I figure lots of us will be using UK suppliers of various bits and pieces....


Yay!! Do it do it! It seems no one else is interested in wedding planning on VJ but we are and have been planning since we got engaged April 09! :thumbs:
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-17 06:21:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Ohhhhhhhh CONGRATS Frosty!!! I'm so happy for you :thumbs:

I'm feeling quite stressed about my interview as the days tick by. Its so easy to tell people it'll be fine, but if you're the type of person to be easily stressed about stuff, nothing can help you feel calm.

But I look forward to reading your review! Hope you get your visa soon!
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-15 18:18:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

My interview was on the 8th January 2010! I was approved! :P


Huuuuge CONGRATULATIONS to you both! :dance:

Hope you all get your visas and passports back very soon. Its probably just cos of the snow. I know Royal Mail made announcements about expected delays...

Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 11 January 2010 - 04:16 PM.

RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-11 16:16:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Andrew + Bethany, we have been together over christmas too but had to say goodbye last Sunday :crying: Congratulations on your interview date its the same as mine!


The wheels are all in motion for our interview. I've just booked my coach fare from Birmingham (£7 for a return ticket - bargain) and also booked my hotel (complimentary at The Churchill Hyatt in Marble Arch) as I work for the company. Whooo hoooo! I didnt know there would be availability but turns out there is - BRILLIANT! :dance: Shame my sweetheart wont be here with me :blink:
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-07 13:42:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

APPROVED!!!!!! WOOOOHOOOO!!!!

Please add one of those red flashy stars by our name :-)

Can't even begin to express how excited we are!! Thank you, everyone, for your help and support! Now if we can just get Craig home from London, with the flights being cancelled....

I'm sure Craig will login soon to post his embassy review...



JUST HEARD FROM PHILL!!!! We are APPROVED! Please add a red twinkling star by our name!! I'm shaking I'm so excited!


CONGRATULATIONS GUYS!!!! I bet you're soooo happy!!!
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-07 12:40:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Hi everyone! We have finally got our interview date: January 25th at 8.30am! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! Im so excited! We're nearly there! :dance: :dance: :dance:
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-06 06:59:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

My package was delivered to the embassy on december 4th and I havent heard anything yet. My fiance (USC) is going to phone the DOS on monday so il let you know if I hear anything. Im worrying too!



Hi guys and thanks beatlesrebel! Its been over a month of waiting to hear back now though.

Thanks for replying NikkiUK. We'll give them a call on Monday too to find out whats happening. Maybe we'll hear in the next week or so? Fingers crossed :thumbs:

Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 02 January 2010 - 05:22 PM.

RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-02 17:20:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Hi everyone! Happy new year! :dance: I have only just found this thread. We returned our checklists etc... in packet 3 on 2nd December but still haven't heard about an interview date yet. We're Getting a little worried now, wondering if we're slightly delayed because of christmas??? We were anticipating an interview date at the end of January but as a few people have had theirs, we're now thinking is it going to be February instead???

Is anyone else still waiting for a date?
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-02 06:12:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Hi everyone! We have finally got our interview date: January 25th at 8.30am! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! Im so excited! We're nearly there! :dance: :dance: :dance:
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-06 06:58:00
United KingdomBrits in the USA
Hi guys! You can add us if you like but we havent moved yet... but very close!

RUSSandRACHEL - (Rachel - Birmingham, UK) - We will be living in South Amboy, NJ, Middlesex County as of 31st May, 2010!
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-18 05:32:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Hi everyone! I know there hasn't been a recent reply on this thread but I decided to visit VJ again today after moving nearly a year ago to the States so wondered how everyone's getting on... I moved from Birmingham in the UK to NJ with my Honey (a labrador) last May and although it was so incredibly stressful, it was worth it a million times over in the end! If anyone needs any advice or just words of reassurance please let me know or send me a private message!

Heres a little pic of the happy family!

Posted Image

Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 23 April 2011 - 04:05 PM.

RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-04-23 16:04:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK

Hey one and all,
Ive just sent my dog over to PA, USA...just last week actually. I used a UK based company called Animal Airlines...I had a guy called Mike who was just awesome throughout the whole thing...including the flight problems with our flight ban the other week as well.
I can not prase him enough, we was terrified of transporting Duke but theres no way we would have left him, he is part of the family. He is and 11year old Collie cross. The total cost was apx 1,266.00GBP (this included a crate made just for Duke) and worth every penny. I would email Mike with my worries so many times and he was so helpful and would call me up to calm me down if I was getting upset about anything.
Duke flew from Heathrow, again sooo very helpful Duke arrived in Philly,PA late Thursday and my other half picked him up and took him to see the new vet in PA the next day, we had the rabies shot then and afew other things too. Each state requires different things but we found the UK DEFRA to be useless on USA travel. we found a state vet and contacted them to seek advice on shots. My other half just needed to take ID and fill some paperwork in and then Duke was handed over.

When we started looking into taking the dog it seemed complicate and scarey, once we got Mike on board it was simple...all the flight paperwork was done for us and it went very smoothly. You can contact the Animal Airlines for a personal free quote. I would recommend anyone to do so. They where by far also the cheapest company not to mention the friendliest.
http://www.animalairlines.co.uk/

above is there website, you can let them know that Emma and Ken (duke) recommend them too.

Any questions dont hesitate to ask us xxx


Hi guys that is so kind of you to offer advice and thanks for the recommendation but we're all set with PBS (who have been fantastic aswell) for the 31st of this month! I cant wait! Russ, my fiance arrives in the UK on the 22nd and then Honey, our labrador, is flying back with us on the same flight into Newark, NJ so we're not too far from you at all.

I just wanted to ask, a few questions, if you dont mind...

Did you fly on the same flight with your dog?

What shots - apart from the rabies - have they recommend Duke get? I met a vet recently who recommended something about heart worm as an extra precaution. Our Honey is already having tick, tapeworm and the rabies shot as part of the Pet Passport.

If you did travel together how did you handle getting on the plane? Did you ask them to let you know that your dog had boarded and safe etc??? Did they mind doing this??

How much if you dont mind me asking was the customs charges on collection as no one will give us a straight answer to this!

And how was your doggie when he arrived? Quiet? Down? Or excited, happy and back to normal straight away? I'm just worried that Honey will be a bit traumatised by it all but I'm prob over reacting a little... You know what its like, you worry so much!

Many thanks in advance! So kind of you!!! Its great to talk to someone whos actually done it and worn the t shirt! Hope to hear from you soon!

:D
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-02 17:21:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Oooh and I also forgot to say that the kind people at PBS pet shipping also sent me an example of the health certificate to give to my vet. Thought you'd like to see too...

Attached Files


RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-28 08:09:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Hi Christine! Hope you're well. I havent been on VJ in quite a few weeks. We have been knee deep in wedding plans and have kind of put immigration on the back burner for a bit. But everything is still going to plan really well. Im so relieved that everything is all ok with the ash cloud and everything... I was stressing so much about that! As if we need more stress... But Honey is still going in her crate daily. I will email the pet shipping company soon for last minute paperwork they said they need to give me and Honey is booked for her final examination and health certificate on Saturday 29th May. I am feeling much less nervous for her now, it all seems so real now. I'm so excited. I cant wait to see Russ, I can't wait to get there and start our new life together!

Russ has been settling into our new home and he loves it. I dont know if I remeber saying before, but there are two dogs next door who are friendly so that will be nice for our Hun.

Let me know how you're getting on with things and speak soon :) xx
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-28 08:05:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Hi Christine! Well, I'm not 100% sure about whether the Tick & Tapeworm is mandatory but it is for us, as we've got the the Pet Passport (it even has to be Drontal to comply with the regulations). But its only costing us an extra £30 to have it and its done at the same time as the final exam - we're doing that on the Saturday and we fly out on the Monday. Our vet is also going to write on the health certificate that shes had those treatments too. One less thing to worry about...

When do you fly out? Only 8 weeks to go for us!! Cant wait to get the doggy trip over with to be honest. Russ moves into our new house in the morning aswell! Definitely an exciting time!! :D Speak soon!
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-31 16:17:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
It's costing us about £1,300 for us to fly Honey under Continental's PetSafe scheme and as cargo (they have no heat embargo like other airlines). We are going through PBS, a pet shipping company to do this as we wanted as little stress as possible and they take care of all the requirements. So I don't know about $550, it also depends on the size of dog.Our Honey is a labrador so has the 'giant size' crate and is therefore the most expensive tarrif. I would do your research a bit more before deciding. You need to actually speak to them in person and you also need to know a date of travel - your dogs need to be examined by a vet within 10 days of departure and need to have tick & tapeworm treatment within 48 hours. Hope that helps!
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-31 11:10:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Hi Christine,

I came across this great video today. Its about Continentals Petsafe programme. Thought you might like to see...
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-16 15:20:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
How is everyone getting on with thei doggy move? Honey now has her shiny new blue pet passport (matches Russ' USC one) haha! Yay! Oh and all three of us are booked for 31st May! Can't wait!!!!! :star:
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-08 15:18:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK

Hi Rachel & FrostyMist

With regard to the age thing - one of my dogs is 12 and I discussed this with my vet last week when both my dogs were getting their rabies shot. He said it's not about age at all, purely about the health of the animal. He said my 12 year old is fit as a butchers dog, strong as an ox, no heart problems etc and as he is such a chilled out dog, the flight would not cause any problems and he would pass the fitness to fly exam before flight. My other dog is 7 and there is more concern about him coping with the flight only because he has an an anxious disposition and recommended a new natural product called Zylikene which is highly effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and stress. It's not a sedative and therefore is allowed to be administered pre-flight.

The whole animal thing is the biggest stress for all of us. I'm actually thinking about finding out the price of chartering a private plane to do it. I am not joking! Anyone got any idea whether what ball park price we are talking? (if Paris Hilton or the likes of her on this site perhaps they can advise? lol!) If I can get one for £10k, I'm doing it and I'll take all yours on board for free. But it's more likely to be way more than that...but am gonna try and find out!

Hi again Christine! Thats great the vet advised that. I'm sure we will all be fine. I have to say I think I'm feeling quite stressed about the whole process... (my interview is next week!) particuarly the doggy part. Around christmas time Honey was ill and after my vet did some invesigative work they've told us that she has a mild epilepsy condition, only brought on by stress. She is a very anxious, sensitive dog and we were advised to try Zylikene too. I dont know if you have to take it for a month or so for it to work but we're going to try it. The vet also said you cannot overdose on it too as its natural, she didnt seem too keen on DAP which is another treatment for stress. But we're flying with Continental who I've heard are the best airline for travelling with animals. Russ even met an ex cabin crew recently who assured him to tell every single member of staff we meet that Honey is flying with us. Uuuuh I cant wait til this is all sorted. We're off to the vets tonight actually... Honeys blood test after the rabies shot was ineffective so she needs another...

And private jet?!!!!! Woooooow! Wish I had 10k floating around hehe :blush:
Good luck everyone! Keep us posted :thumbs:
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-19 11:46:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Hi Frosty Mist, congrats again on your successful interview! Mine is Monday uhhhhhh! :wacko: Can't wait til this is all over. I didn't know you were planning on taking over your animals to the US? You may have seen on here already that everythings in full swing in taking my Honey (a labrador) over to the states, fingers crossed on 27th April... What breed of dog do you have?

Im sorry to hear about your doggy. I seem to remember reading somewhere that it is not recommended to transport a dog overseas over the age of 7. Im not sure if the airline will refuse them but see what your vet says. It may be too much for her... :(

I don't know about downloading forms off the internet either I'm afraid. We are going with pet shipping company, PBS Freight International, who have been fantastic. Maybe if your budget cant stretch that far (but in my opinion its WELL worth it!) then just email them for some advice. Have you already had a quotation from the airline on a price to fly anyway? Why dont you ask for a quotation from PBS to see if its much more?

We already have Honeys crate and it was included in the quotation from them. It also came with all of the live animal labels. We'll also be recieving her Pet Passport soon so that will be another thing sorted and all other documentation, PBS will send us nearer the time.

Good luck! It is incredibly stressful transporting animals but we seem to be getting there with the planning step by step. B)
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-19 08:19:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK

Who are you using to transport her or are you doing it yourself. I wanted to bring my cat but the prices I've been quoted are ridiculous........


Hi there, we are using PBS Freight International. Their website is www.shipyourpet.com. They've been amazing so far! I had a bad experience with Pet Air UK so would urge anyone to stay away from them. It is expensive wherever you go but I cant recommend going with a pet shipping company enough. There are so many rules and regulations, its definitely best to be in someone elses experienced hands rather than go it alone. Good luck!

Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 06 January 2010 - 03:51 PM.

RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-06 15:50:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Hi everyone, sorry I lost this thread and it took me ages to find it again... Honey had her rabies vaccination the other week and her blood titre test last week. In a couple more weeks we find out the blood test results and they will issue us with the pet passport. Cant wait to get everything all sorted. Then, we've arranged with the vet to return 48 hours before flying to have an another appointment where they'll give us the health certificate and give her tick and tapeworm treatment. Then we're all good to go!!!

If anyone needs any further advice please PM me!
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-04 05:54:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Thanks BadWolfProphecy!!!

Its good to hear everyones success stories! We're taking our labrador, Honey with us next year and everyones face just falls when we tell them, like we're doing the worst thing in the world to her. rolleyes.gif rolleyes.gif People dont realise that pets travel all the time.

Well, our latest update is...

Be warned of the pet shipping company Pet Air UK everyone. I thought they were really nice at first, with all the sales speil and everything, and they always answered my queries promptly and helpfully. The responses to my emails changed tone eventually and I started to get the feeliing, they were not really interested anymore and this was around the time when we were about to pay them our deposit. So, my last query was more than 2 weeks ago and they still havent got back to me!!!! Hence, we have now gone with PBS - their website is www.shipyourpet.com. Emma who has been dealing with us has been fantastic and Honey's crate was delivered yesterday evening.

Its a bit scary though, it seems so real now!! Especially looking at the Live Animal Stickers that came with it. But I know she'll be in good hands. My fiance Russ also happened to meet someone who used to work for Continental the other day (who we'll be flying with) and she assured us that Continental really do take care of the animals they transport. They are the only airline with temperature controlled areas and she urged us to insist that the airline staff check that she has boarded and is ok. Apparently they are happy to do that.

Good luck everyone!! We have a provisional date to fly as 27th April (pending my interview though) Can't wait!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif


Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 25 November 2009 - 05:37 AM.

RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-25 05:33:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
QUOTE (nickandkayte @ Aug 26 2009, 02:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I would like to bring my 8kg dog (Caboose!) to the USA with me...Not really sure how to go about it. I already have the dog living with my fiancee and I know how to ship within the continental US (because my fiance's dog arrived that way) but not internationally :-S. I think he may be to big/Noisy for the cabin but I would like to have him up there, and I know I am going to have to get sedatives for him as hes a bit of a shaky traveler.

Can anyone recommend how to take him across with me? I was thinking of flying with Virgin in to the USA from London. Or if anyone can give me a step by step guide to booking him on a flight with estimates that would be grand :-) Many thanks!


Hi Nick and Kayte,

I am also going through the same thing. i have a 100lb+ labrador (her name's Honey) I'm going to bring with me when I have my K1 visa next year. Hopefully, all going well, we're going to make the move in late April. I have been researching transporting Honey for at least 12 months now, so while I havent done it already I can probably pass on the info that I have learnt. It took me absolutely ages! There are so many myths out there and there's not many people who can give you a straight answer but I have been in touch with every organisation you could think of (including a vet who's a pet passport specialist) and this is what I have discovered:

In order for your dog to travel to the USA, the USDA only require:

Ø Health Certificate dated within 10 days from flight departure

Ø Rabies Vaccination certificate (older than 30 days and not expired)

However, should you wish to cover all eventualities of being able to return to the UK, or travel within the EU, your dog with need to apply for a PETS Scheme Pet Passport to enable him/her to re-enter the UK without being held in quarantine.

To apply for this you will need your dog to have:

Ø Identified with Microchip

Ø Vaccination against rabies issued before 30 days of flying (in accordance with the recommendation on the vaccine manufacturer’s data sheet).

Ø Blood tested at an EU approved laboratory and get a satisfactory result.

Ø Issued with an EU Pet passport or, in a non EU country, a third country official vetinary certificate.

Ø Treated against Ticks and tapeworms prior to travel.

Ø Export health certificate – Dated within 10 days of departure.

We're applying for the Pet Passport and are getting started with it after Christmas.

Two things in your post that you mentioned, will not be permitted though - your dog will not be allowed to travel in the cabin, unless he is the size of a cat and can fit into a small crate suitable to cats or other small animals (although some airlines still dont permit this). He will have to be checked in and fly as 'cargo' underneath the plane. And the other is absolutely no pet will be allowed to fly after taking any sedative or tranquiliser.

I do understand though, my dog is a very nervous dog as well but giving them any kind of medication may apparently alter their blood pressure which could be fatal in an aircraft. I've found something called DAP spray which Im going to spray on her crate instead. Its a hormone that nursing mothers naturally excrete to calm their puppies. Also, why not include a t shirt of your in the crate too? That way he/she'll have your scent to make her feel calm?

Hope that helps!

Edited by RUSSandRACHEL, 27 August 2009 - 02:32 PM.

RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-27 14:29:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Hi everyone! I'm new to VJ. Me and my boyfriend are just starting to compile all the info needed together to file the I-129F and get things moving this spring. However, I have a dog, a labrador called Honey and have the worry of taking her over to the US hanging over my head aswell as all the other worries I'm sure you all know about. Does anyone have any experience or tale to tell about travelling over on their K1 with a dog in tow. Also any info about the process. Rabies shot, pet passport etc?? We'd all like to be fully prepared on the process. We'll be flying with Continental from Birmingham btw.

Thanks and good luck to everyone!
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-26 14:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAt the embassy interview, do you need to present pay stubs aswell as a tax return and employers letter?
My fiance has been self employed for many years. He doesnt have tax returns to prove this and earnt very little during that time (not enought to meet the poverty line requirements). He now has a permanent job and by the time of our interview will have 6 months pay stubs showing a very good salary.

Upon preparing for the interview, would it suffice, having several pay stubs and his employers letter? Or does he need to give me a tax return? I thought that was only necessary for self employed people? If so, we need to do this now so he can get his tax return sorted as its already late April. And also, if they do need the tax return, how do they take into account whether he meets the requirements? By his current situation or his past?

Sorry for all the questions, just very confused...
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-25 16:35:00
CanadaMixed feelings about having civil wedding first
Hi there,

We are in exactly the same situation as you. Despite many, many helpful people on VJ advising us to get married in a courthouse or the equivalent and then having a bigger celebrations months later, we just don't want to.

Like you mentioned, we don't want two wedding dates and also we have waited far too long to be married and we want to do it properly, the way that we feel is right for us and for us that can only happen one time, the way that we have always dreamed of. I know that planning a wedding is expensive and many vendors need notice to secure the date for you (and also deposits) but we've decided it is worth the risk.

We filed our I-129F in July and we're planning our wedding for June 27th 2010. We will be getting married under a gazebo next to the beach infront of a beautiful lake in New Jersey and then we have a banqueting hall booked for our evening reception. Everything now, is all booked and while we have explained our prediacament to vendors, most have agreed to change the date in an emergency. Those that won't, we figure it is only a small price to pay. We have also negotiated with all vendors and paid minimal deposits to everyone.

My advice is although be sensible, give yourselves plenty of time and be aware of every eventuality... go ahead and plan the wedding of your dreams. Think positive and make realistic, sensible descisions when paying deposits and securing dates. Although what I'm saying doesn't seem to be the general concensus on here, (and [people have warned me against it) it can be done. I have heard positive stories fom people who have done as we're doing and have never looked back. Good luck! good.gif
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-08 08:03:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussioncan anyone take a look at this? opinions?
Very good. Good luck! The only thing I would say is to mention the exact names of your husbands sister and your husbands mother. I just think it shows you have built up a relationship with them and also should they want to, they could contact them to verify this as well. I think it sounds more personal. Just trying to think along the lines of how USCIS thinks...

Very good though! good.gif
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-21 13:49:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionCan the USC file for unemployment benefits?
Thanks everyone for your assistance! As I mentioned above, unemployment insurance doesn't really apply to us anymore nor will it be an option we can investigate more.

RICARDO4EVER, we don't have any co-sponsors nor have we ever so that doesn't help us anyway. But thanks!

Extremerecluse, thanks for the link but thats not an area me or my husband would be able to go into either. I probably should have mentioned earlier, but we both also have other sidelines aswell (which are just about keeping us going at the moment). So we wouldn't have time to start studying all over again.

We just have to continue on the job search and this morning we have had some promising news so we'll just have to wait it out a little longer.

Thanks to everyone for their help and support. If our situation was different we would have definitely gone down this route with unemployment insurance, but its good to know for the future.
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-14 09:54:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionCan the USC file for unemployment benefits?
Thank you so much to everyone for your help!

My husband and I have discussed the situation again this morning about applying online and after talking, I don't think he will qualify. This is because back in September, he voluntarily left his previous job to go into a new job working for a so-called "friend". This friend paid him via a 1099, with no tax deductions taken out or anything. Looking back it was such a dodgy situation but my husband got paid well, it was a job he loved doing and he trusted this guy as he had known him 20+ years (he even came to our wedding last year!) Then in January, completely out of the blue, my husband got a call from him saying he was fired. No explanation or anything. We still don't know the reason why this happened.

So, my point is, I don't think he will get unemployment because 1) he wasn't fired from his previous job back in September and 2) he never made any contributions towards unemployment with his last job. Theres also a bit of other history in his past as to why he won't get it too. Its just a really bad situation... I don't know what we're going to do. He is going to apply anyway though as it can't hurt to try, but his online password no longer works so we'll have to call them instead but they're not even open until tomorrow!
I just hope and pray that a job offer comes through this month!

Thanks to everyone for your help anyway :)
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-13 12:32:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionCan 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?
RUSSandRACHELFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-13 12:13:00