ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomPreparing for leaving the UK: Final checklist

 

If she plans to go to school she will have to have her qualifications transcribed into something US colleges understands.

She will have to use the services of an International Credential Evaluater.

Such as World Education Services Inc. www.wes.org, Be prepared to drop a few $100 for this service.

.

 

Thanks

 

I figure we'll need to do this.  She hasn't quite decided what she wants to do with her psychology degree.  She loved volunteering at the nursery, so she's considering pursuing what requirements are needed to teach Kindergarten.  

 

Frankly, as long as she's here, and happy, I could care less what job she has :)


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-06 15:09:00
United KingdomPreparing for leaving the UK: Final checklist

So if the account draws bare interest, and is mainly a rainy day account more than anything for paypal and online purchaes, there's really not much to concern with leaving the address the same then right?


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-05 15:33:00
United KingdomPreparing for leaving the UK: Final checklist

Medical records were requested already.  She just has to go obtain them.  My constant reminder for her to do it is probably annoying her more than anything.

 

In regards to banking, I'll ask her if she draws interest on it.  I doubt she does.  As for the account, she uses the card more with paypal than actually the card itself.  I think in her 7 years visiting me in america, sometimes for almost 90 days straight, she's never used her card in America.  


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-05 14:01:00
United KingdomPreparing for leaving the UK: Final checklist

First and foremost, let me clarify I read the "Before leaving the UK forum" in its entirety.  I know that's a recommendation, and I did follow up.  

 

Now that I got that out of the way, is there anything else people recommend my fiancee does before we leave the UK on August the 25th?

 

Here's what I've got so far on the check list:

 

  • Obtained copy of long birth certificate (and requesting 1 more additional copy)
  • Requested what to do about dental records.  Dentist will fax/forward if required to dentist in the states.  Would not provide hard copy
  • Obtained any references from previous jobs
  • Cancel phone
  • Submit information to student loans
  • Obtain any medical records
  • Mail forward (may not do only cause still lives with parents)
  • Obtain course history data
  • Obtain copy of degree
  • Does not have to worry about taxes (lives at home, previous job was volunteer for references)
  • Because she plans on keeping her account open in the UK, she will not cancel her banking account to transfer funds
  • Saying goodbye to all friends and family (nan, sisters, brother, parents, etc etc)
  • Boot sale the stuff she doesn't want to keep
  • No furniture to sell, no car to sell, nothing that probably can't be packed in 3-5 suitcases between the two of us traveling together on the 25th
  • Kept separate the medical data, vaccinations sheet, and do not open package to not get damaged
  • One way travel Flight booked (Esta not required to travel on K1 visa...about 99% sure that's correct)

Am I forgetting anything major?  Or minor?  Or last minute advice here?  Thanks for reading!  It's been a hell of a journey, not done yet (yay AOS) but wouldn't have gotten this far without people like Nich, Trixie, Lost at Sea, mattwood and others.


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-05 11:02:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors

My fiancee's case updated date changed today.  Medical was 4/16, resubmitted Readiness of Action on 4/23, updated date was 4/24.  I didn't think readiness of action form updated the case updated date (though I can confirm emailing the embassy does), so I'm hoping that was the log of the medical results.

 

Hope that is helpful for someone as well :)


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-04-24 10:40:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors

They don't really want to answer that kind of question for the whole world (not just London). That could be why DOS quit giving out info. Too many people asking "did you get this or that" , leaving them little time to sort out real problems. Assume your results were received yesterday (Friday and Monday were embassy holidays). If you have also submitted the Readiness for Interview for, then you are set. I have seen people recently who got an interview letter in about 2 weeks (fast!) rather than the 4-6 the embassy says to allow. So wait until May 6 before you get too antsy is my suggestion. (May 5 is another embassy holiday).

You can see how the average processing times change by looking at these graphs. London is shown http://www.visajourn...-k1-historical. Up and down, so always hard to guess on a timeline.

 

 

Sounds good Nich.  Thanks for answering this.  Was afraid this question might get missed with the current issues populating the threads in regards to Knightsbridge.

 

I submitted the readiness form in Mid march (original medical date was March 12th) then she got bronchitis so we postponed it a month to April 16th, so as a precaution, I submitted the readiness form again.  

 

I'll try to hold my antsiness and not bug them until either May 6th, or the date changes on the CEAC website.  Whichever comes first.  Thanks again 


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-04-23 11:37:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors

Hey Nich (or anyone for that matter)

 

If our medical at Knightsbridge was on April 16th, how long should I wait before I start bugging NVC or emailing the embassy if they recieved the doctor's results?


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-04-23 10:23:00
United KingdomToday I discovered that my interview date was the 30th of October

This thread is very relevant to my interests, as I'm trying to be as prepared as possible when my time comes.  I'm still waiting on NAO2, and should have to wait a while anyway, but just so I can be prepared, would someone help me fill in the blanks in case I have to deal with this further on down the road?

Once NAO2 occurs, the case is sent to NVC.  I can contact them at  603 334-0700.  I should contact them and get two confirmations from them.  The confirmation they received my case from DOS, and the confirmation when they ship it to the London embassy.  Is the CEAC update the same as where I check my status at Department of State?  Or is that something else entirely?  Right now all I do is check my status daily on Department of State.

 

Once London embassy receives the case (should I call them to confirm they receive it? If so what number?) they send the checklist to my fiance who can then go ahead if she hasn't already send the forms needed

 

Once they receive the forms, the medical can be set up (do we set up the medical or they set up the medical for us?).  Once the medical has been completed, and we've sent in all the needed forms, then after waiting about a week I need to check CEAC or DOS status updates, and as soon as we see a date change, call Department of state (is it the same number we already use?) daily to figure out what happened, and we can find out from Department of state what the interview date is (in case London embassy fails to sent letter 4 of the appointment?)

 

What do you do if you show up for your interview and the Embassy hasn't sent you the appointment letter because they never sent it?  Isn't the appointment letter required?  Do you pester Department of State to get the hard copy or do what?  If you haven't received the appointment letter notification, how do you prepay for your interview/appointment and what not to get the MRV reciept?

 

Any help to fill in the blanks would be great, and best wishes to those who are already having to deal with this.  I hope through my research I can avoid it happening to me.


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-07 12:05:00
United KingdomLondon embassy twitter account - K applicants can check processing date of e-forms

Meh, why not.  They can have me as a follower.


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-08 15:26:00
United KingdomWho is waiting for an interview date?

Ok thank you.  I know I have a while to wait, but both the engineer and boyscout brain in my head is always trying to be prepared.

 

This new development on their failures to notify you of your interview date is a concern of mine.  My fiance has a mild case of asperges (I'm hoping since that's not depression, she won't require any other info during the medical) and I know she'd feel a lot more comfortable if I flew in and went to the interview with her.

 

Kind of hard to book a flight when that time comes if I don't know when the date is ha ha.  Hopefully they hire non imbeciles before my time comes.


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-07 12:49:00
United KingdomWho is waiting for an interview date?

Just out of curiosity, if your packet 4 never arrives for some reason, but you call department of state and get your interview  date (like soapface brought up) how do you show proof of your interview at the security checkpoint before they let you into the embassy for your appointment...


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-07 12:12:00
United KingdomImmunization question: MMR vs MR

That is our current plan.  Her tetnus is over 10 years old, so we'll be requesting

 

1.  MMR (another dose)
2.  Influenza (flu shot)

3.  Tdap or TD.  
 

Anything they won't let her get at her clinic for free I'll be pushing to be paid for (by me regardless ;)) at Knightsbridge to not fool with it in America.


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-25 13:50:00
United KingdomImmunization question: MMR vs MR

Good Afternoon

 

We're trying to review my fiancee's immunization records.  She has everything but the shot for influenza already done, so she's going to try and research where she can get that done.  But from all the readings I've saw online, everyone recommended that the person having the interview have two shots of MMR.

 

If you've never received one shot of MMR, you can't get both at the same time (you need two in your lifetime) and would have to wait four weeks before having another one.

 

That part is crystal clear, no questions there.

 

But upon looking at her shot record, she has 

1 shot of MMR

1 shot of MR (measles and rubella)

 

Would she have to get another dose of MMR to get the second shot for mumps?  Or is one shot of mumps enough?  Or is there quite frankly a mumps shot?

 

Just wanting to help her before she goes back to the doctor to request the influenza shot what to do.

 

Thank you in advance to everyone who reads this.

 

Michael


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-21 15:31:00
United KingdomLondon Interview - Birth Certificate

In my fiancee's case, I got lucky.  The one she scanned and faxed me without was her original copy, that didn't have her parents name.

 

But one of the copies she got recently to send in for her passport renewal month's before had it.  So in the end, we should be ok.


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-19 12:23:00
United KingdomLondon Interview - Birth Certificate

Do you have to list something separate in the instructions to make sure you get the long version instead of the short version?


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-09 12:31:00
United KingdomLondon Interview - Birth Certificate

So if her BC says she was born in the Registration district of Lambeth to call them?   Or would where she lives now, Leigh on Sea, be enough?

 

 

I found this site.  I think this is what she will need on who to contact.  http://www.lambeth.g...calSearches.htm

 

 

Also, good luck on your upcoming interview.  We're still waiting on USCIS to send the approved NOA2 to NVC...


Edited by CLMIKE, 09 December 2013 - 11:28 AM.

CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-09 11:20:00
United KingdomLondon Interview - Birth Certificate

Yeah, this backs up what else I read while desperately ringing around... I played it safe, at great cost... the only local office that could issue it was 200 miles away, so bought a new train ticket and made a stop there on the way to London (on a day the office was closed! - luckily I called this morning and they were willing to help me out, just needed to ring the doorbell). It's been a mare of a day but hopefully it'll all pay off tomorrow smile.png thanks for letting me know!

 

Ok now I'm curious

Why was the only local office that could issue it 200 miles away?  Was it because of the last minuteness?  Or was it because it's difficult to get the long version?


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-09 10:53:00
United KingdomLondon Interview - Birth Certificate

I just checked my fiancee's birth certificate, and she's got the same problem.

 

Who should she contact in order to get a long version?  I'm not really sure what "council office" means as to where she'd have to go.


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-09 10:41:00
United KingdomLondon 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread

Got off the phone with both Department of State and NVC today.  They told me that it has been taking now around 8 weeks for NVC to receive petitions from service centers.  But DOS wouldn't confirm if that was for Texas, Vermont, and California or just one or the other etc etc.

 

Still, I'll wait.  As long as needed.  Part of life.


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-26 14:03:00
United KingdomDidn't receive packet 3, received something else entirely...ideas?

So we just now opened up the letter we got from the embassy on 12/31 (we forgot to open it sooner, was celebrating me surprising her with the ring for New Years Eve...

 

It was not packet 3 letter as we hoped, instead it was the following:

 

Date:  27, Dec 2013

Dear (name with held)

 

We refer to our communication the reciept of an approved petition according you status as a fiance(e) of a United States Citizen.

 

As of this date we have had no reply from you.  Please inform us within sixy days whether you intend to proceed with an application for a non-immigrant visa to marry and reside in the united states.  We would appreciate a response even if you wish to abandon the application

 

Sincerely

 

Chief, Immigrant Visa branch

 

Case number

Name (p)

 

Why did we get this letter?  We wouldn't have had any time to reply yet when it was shipped the 27th if it wasn't received at the embassy till around the 23rd...

 

Any clue who to email on this?

 

 


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-10 22:21:00
United Kingdomconfusing letter from embassy?

Fantastic news otter!

 

Good Luck!

 

I got a response from the Embassy and it was very good actually, helpful which is the complete opposite of the last one...

 

"Thank you for your inquiry.

 

The letter to which you refer was sent in error. 

 

We are pleased to inform you that the Immigrant Visa Unit has received an approved petition in support of your fiancé visa application.  The next step in the process requires you to complete additional forms and collect applicable documents.  Please refer to the Immigrant/Fiancé(e) Visa Interview Checklist, available at http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html, for detailed instructions.  

 

The K1 petition is valid for four months from the priority date (listed at the bottom of this letter).  If your interview will occur after your priority date, your fiancée must submit a statement of intent to marry within 90 days of your arrival in the U.S., in order to revalidate the petition.  Photocopies will not be accepted. 

 

Information regarding registering for the courier service will be included with your appointment confirmation letter. 

 

The Issuance of a K visa is not guaranteed.  A Consular Officer will evaluate your case and make a final determination. You are advised not to make any travel plans until you receive your visa. 

 

Should you need to communicate with the Embassy regarding your case, please provide your case number exactly as it is listed below. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Immigrant Visa Branch"

 

Ha I got the EXACT same reply yesterday.  Word for word.  Ha oh well it's still a good reply


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-14 10:03:00
United Kingdomconfusing letter from embassy?

I got the same letter.  I was recommended by a friend of the forums to use this.  Emailed them late last night, will update you if they respond.

 

http://london.usemba...ntact_form.html

 


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-11 10:20:00
United Kingdomknightsbridge medical

But it's so cheap ($20) so why not just get it when/if I need it in the US?

 

I don't see the advantage to having to before?

 

 

Difference is you can only get it from a civil surgeon in the US.  Not just a regular boots like you can in the UK before the Kinghsbridge medical

 

Civil surgeon to get 1 dinky flu shot might be way more expensive, as they may require a full exam instead of being helpful and only doing one shot.  $$$

 

 

Edited:  Ah I see someone beat me to the response.  Still, worth it to do it now.


Edited by CLMIKE, 14 January 2014 - 11:43 AM.

CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-14 11:42:00
United KingdomRecommended Hotels for night before London interview

Yeah Southend isn't that much of a travel.  Her dad does it every day for work to London.  But on such a stressful day for her (no matter how much I tell her she'll be fine...ha ha) I think booking her a room would be a welcomed treat.


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-27 16:07:00
United KingdomRecommended Hotels for night before London interview

Preferably under 120 pounds a night, but again, her comfort is more important to me than my pocket book.


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-27 13:59:00
United KingdomRecommended Hotels for night before London interview

For my fiancee's upcoming interview (no date yet, will probably be in March), her mother is going to go with her to the interview to help nerves wise while waiting and wait for her at a coffee shop nearby during interview.

 

However, because they'll be traveling from Leigh on Sea, I'd prefer to treat them to a hotel the night before near the embassy.

 

Could someone redirect me to either an older forum thread of recommended hotels and information, or could someone provide their own recommendations as to which hotel they'd suggest for them to stay the night before?

 

Much obliged in advance.

 

CLMIKE


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-27 12:43:00
United KingdomInterview tomorrow - final checks and jitters!

Just remember to keep calm, be relaxed, and don't go in there thinking they are trying to trip you up.  The only questions they can possibly asked you are based on the files they have.

 

So as I tell my fiancee, as long as you remember my name is Michael, I'm an Engineer in Arkansas, with no siblings and basic other family information, she'll be fine.

If she tells them I'm a weatherman in Alaska with 10 brothers, well she might fail....:P

 

You'll be fine :)


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-10 17:21:00
United KingdomAnybody Stateside Watching "90 Day Fiance" Stateside?

I'm not going to lie, that would be funny to be part of that show.  

 

I'd just want to be on the show to show off our awesome his and her man/woman cave full of Lego's (mine), Sailor moon stuff (her's), Army of Darkness everywhere (mine), Mass Effect Lithos (her's), Bruce campbell autographs (mine), Norman Reedus autographs (her's) and so much more.

 

That and I think if my dad was on TV for less than 30 minutes, he'd get an offer to be in a comedy sitcom...or a dutch oven cooking show...or some crazy hybrid of both.

 

 


Edited by CLMIKE, 25 February 2014 - 02:53 PM.

CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-25 14:53:00
United KingdomDS 160 previous education entered disappeared in review

Here's another screenshot.  I would think, even if she had answered no, that question would still show up in the history as a no.  instead it's just gone (when she answered yes and provided all info)

 

I read on some other forums dated around 2010 that not everyone gets asked the same question depending upon your other responses, and some people were saying females don't get asked about previous education (really?  come on...)

So since A.  It was 2010 forums.  and B.  Those forums weren't visa journey.  I figured I'd check with you guys.

 

We're going to submit it tomorrow probably regardless, but I hope someone on here has some clue ha ha

 

(forgot to edit out the application number first time...derp)

 

Untitled2-1.jpg


Edited by CLMIKE, 09 February 2014 - 08:04 PM.

CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-09 20:01:00
United KingdomDS 160 previous education entered disappeared in review

Untitled.jpg

 

Did that about 10 times.  It never shows up in the review.  And it will not show up in the edit either.  Screenshot included.  Question is just flat out...gone...


Edited by CLMIKE, 09 February 2014 - 07:54 PM.

CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-09 19:53:00
United KingdomDS 160 previous education entered disappeared in review

Yes Nich.  We answered yes.  Which is why we had to fill out all the other info.  And that question has completely disappeared now.  It no longer exists even as an ability to click yes or no anymore.  


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-09 19:39:00
United KingdomDS 160 previous education entered disappeared in review

Question

 

When working on the DS 160, there's a question of Have you attended any educational institutions other than elementary schools?

It asks to provide information, which she did, such as name of institution, institution's complete address, course of study, date of attendance, etc.  She did this for her degree in philosophy and for Academic.  The higher education levels she went in and entered everything.

Now she's ready to submit the form, we're on the review part, and that question no longer appears, nor any of the data saved for previous education.  And if you go back to that part to edit, that question is not even there anymore, just have you worked someplace before on the history.  



Is that normal?  We're ready to submit the DS160 but this has us a bit concerned.  Any help would be appreciated, we're so close to the finish line :)


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-09 18:52:00
United KingdomQuestion in regards to Notification of Applicant Readiness form

Wow the embassy replied extremely quick.  No on the parent.  Here was their reply

 

Thank you for your inquiry.
 
 
 
To clarify, visa applicants over the age of 18 can only be accompanied to their visa interview by their petitioner, by a carer if they are disabled and require assistance, or by a translator if they are unable to speak and understand English. 
 
 
Ah well, her mother figured she'd be hanging out around the embassy regardless.  Hopefully this info helps someone else as well.

CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-05 11:30:00
United KingdomQuestion in regards to Notification of Applicant Readiness form
Good Morning VJ'ers
 
So close to the finish line, but I have one more quick question that I'm curious on.
 
We're about to submit the Notification of Applicant Readiness form, as we have everything ready except for the medical (scheduled Wednesday March 12th), and I have a question in regards to the comment below.
 
" I understand that one person may accompany me to my visa interview. He/she is my spouse, fiancé(e), parent, adult child, carer or interpreter. He/she must present photo ID on the day of the interview."
 
My fiancee's mother is traveling with her for the interview.  She had planned on just getting coffee and waiting for her during the entire process outside the embassy, but after reading the comment below, it does say a parent may attend.
 
Is this correct for a K1 visa?  Can her mother actually sit with her in the embassy for support?  I know she's not traveling with her when she flies, but I wasn't sure if that comment was correct on parent can attend for K1.
 
Any thoughts?  Any one else try this or was your guest with you normally just fiancee?
 
I'm going to email and ask the embassy as well.
 
Thanks
Regards
 
Michael

CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-05 11:07:00
United KingdomCEAC Status "Case Created" Date changed?

I also thought I'd throw my two cents in as well.  Twice we have emailed the embassy to ask a question (she's got her medical next week).  Both times after they replied to the email, the date as last update on the CEAC website changed to that date.

 

So if you include your LND number in the email of the question you ask, they do update something online.

 

Hopefully that nugget of info is helpful for someone.


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-06 09:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow long should it take for them to cash the I-129F check?

I hope you are right.  Everything online is telling me USCIS is working, but I have that inner fear that the people at the Dallas Lockbox Mailroom may not so it won't get sent to the service center...

 

Oie vey

 

 


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-02 10:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow long should it take for them to cash the I-129F check?

My I-129F form was received by the Dallas Lock Box on September 27th at 4:40 am in the morning.  They signed for it, as I received the green USPS certified mail confirmation/reception verification in the mail.

 

I've called the bank every business day following their reception, and they have yet to cash the check.

 

I understand that the NOA1 should take like 2-3 weeks to receive in the mail, but I would have thought with the enotification form I sent in I'd have at least received a text or email confirming they received it (since the form says they would after 24 hours of accepting).

 

So, in order to confirm my paranoia is just paranoia (this shutdown isn't helping), and they hopefully didn't lose it...already...how many days on average did it for others for them to cash your check?

 

And at what point should I call if they haven't cashed the check by?

 

Is this something important enough to warrant requesting a Tier 2 supervisor when I do call or just the regular person?

 

I swear, I can handle the waiting for the NOA2, that won't be an issue...but this lack of them cashing is causing me to go through WAY to many antacids already.


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-02 10:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsEmail

England, it will be the US Embassy in London


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-02 16:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsEmail

 you know whats so funny i just received a text message from the USCIS WITH A RECEIPT NUMBER AND NOTICE. smile.png They said form i-797 would follow in the mail Thank you ill keep you all posted 

 

 

Whats even funnier is several hours after I tell you I'm in the same boat as you I get the text I was waiting on.  And now you get it too!

 

SWEET


CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-02 16:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsEmail

You should get your soon.  I just got mine.  Here is what it said.

 

Your case has been accepted and routed to the USCIS Texas Service Center for processing. Within 7-10 days by standard mail you will receive your official Receipt Notice (Form I-797) with your Receipt Number CENSORED. With the official Receipt Notice (Form I-797) you may visit www.uscis.gov where you can check the status of your case using My Case Status. We suggest you wait until you have received your Form I-797 before checking My Case Status.
 
This confirmation provides notification of the date USCIS received your case.  This notice does NOT grant any immigration status or benefit. You MAY NOT present this notice as evidence that you have been granted any immigration status or benefit. Further, this notice does NOT constitute evidence that your case remains pending with USCIS. The current status of your case must be verified with USCIS.
 
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE

CLMIKEMaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-02 14:31:00