ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionForm changes for London Embassy

The first sentence has been up a couple of weeks, and we have discussed it a bit in the UK forum because there was no link to the new form or explanation. It was just today (eleven days late) that they added the rest of it explaining the letter receipt is the deciding date. And they added the link to the form.

It has been taking London a long time to dish out packet 3 and interciews and visas before this change. London was a big mess well before the Sept new online form.

 

Glad to know it's not just me worrying alone! I guess after it got shipped from NVC, I thought we were on the way down and didn't have to stress as much, hence why I didn't worry about checking the forums and the site much. My fiance in London was the one that caught the change. We were about to send off everything anyway before we even got Packet 3 so that we could be ahead of the game. Glad we didn't!

 

Do you think this will help speed up London' processes a little or are they still experiencing growing pains?


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-12 08:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionForm changes for London Embassy

Just FYI for UK-filers (From London Embassy website): 

From September 1, 2013 the DS-230I & II  is replaced by the form DS-260.  If you received your instruction letter after September 1 2013, you should complete forms DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157, DS-2001 and DS-260.  The DS-260 form is completed online via the Department of State's website - https://ceac.state.gov/IV/Login.aspx 

 

We noticed that our Packet 3 letter was taking a long time to get to my fiance, and now we know why. At least, I hope this is the reason. :)


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-11 15:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Interview on Friday, Nov 1 but still no letter

 

Hi there

 

I'm in the same situation as you, I'm just going to turn up on the day! Nowt else for it really!

 

Good Luck!!

 

Thank you, and you too! :)


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-28 14:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Interview on Friday, Nov 1 but still no letter

Called DOS on Friday 10/25 and they said our interview is this Friday, November 1. We still haven't received our Packet 4 letter though. Any thoughts on what we should do?


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-28 09:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Interview on Nov 1-when to expect courier to have visa?

I know I replied and said I had mine delivered today but to be honest, I didn't expect it while next week. The CO said it would take 7-10 days. Did you check your CEAC status? Sorry, if that's a dumb question.

Hope you get it soon.

Best wishes for your future.

 

Lisa

 

Our CEAC status changed to "Issued" yesterday, and my fiance got an email today (after I had messaged you, Lisa) saying that "The U.S. Department of State Consulate located in London has released document related to your Visa application to our courier DX Group. The document is being sent via the courier option you selected at registration."

We have a tracking number and it said it should be 1-2 business days before it arrives. So, some good news! We were hoping he could fly out this weekend, but I'll take the beginning of next week too. :)


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-07 16:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Interview on Nov 1-when to expect courier to have visa?

This may just be me getting antsy, but when should we expect to hear from the courier that they have our visa from the London Embassy? I know that there are a lot of different potential answers to this question, so maybe anyone with recent interviews can give their experiences. We were hoping, just based on the timelines I looked at here on Visa Journey, that we would be getting it this week. 


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-07 12:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch 2013 Filers I129F

Our K1 was originally sent to the Vermont Service Center and received on March 22, 2013. We got notice of it being moved on July 10, 2013. Any clue on how long it will be until we hear something further? I've read elsewhere that December and January filers are already getting approvals after having to wait so long. I hate it for those people that they had to wait so long, but I'm hoping for good news soon!


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-17 11:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 6 filer APPROVED! VSC to TSC transfer!

That's great news! Congrats! It's very encouraging for all of that were transferred last week. :)


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-18 14:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsRFE response confirmation

I received an email from them saying they had received it and it was being processed. Also, if you check online for a status update, it shows it as "Request for Evidence Response Review." 


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-31 12:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch 21 Filer VSC to TSC APPROVED!!!!

We are so excited!! Got the email last night around 7:45. James is visiting me right now, so it made the news that much more exciting to receive!!

 

March 21 FIler to VSC

Transfered to TSC July 10

RFE July 24

NOA2 August 1


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-02 08:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 Letter-is it possible to skip NVC?
I thought that it seemed crazy to think that it might go right to London, but a girl can dream! :) Thanks, everyone!
JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-07 07:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 Letter-is it possible to skip NVC?
We received our approval letter today and it reads "The above petition has been approved, and forwarded to the listed consulate. Please contact the consulate with any questions about visa issuance...." It also has a "Valid from 8/1/2013 to 11/30/2013" under the notice type.

This may be a ridiculous question, but is it somehow possible that it is going directly from the TSC to the consulate?


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-06 19:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA1 March 21 transfered to TSC from VSC July (merged)

We were approved last night!! March 21 filers. So excited!!!


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-02 08:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsRFE info and wait time

We got our RFE letter on July 25, got it turned back around that day (we were missing our almost TOO simple letters of intent, so it was easy to get done same day), and got notification that they received it on Monday, July 29. I'm really hoping that means it won't be long at all before we get our NOA2. Best advice is just to get it turned around and back to them as quickly as possible. 


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-01 15:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAPPROVED: London

You were there at the same time as my fiance and he was approved today too! Congrats :)


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-01 15:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApproved K1 with case creation date changed

Hey,

 

Had my K1 Visa interview on the 1st of November and got approved!!! smile.png

Yesterday my 'Case Creation Date' changed to the 4th of November and 'Status Updated Date' just changed to todays date but my case status still says 'Ready'

 

Does anyone know what this means?

 

Our's did the same thing. I don't think it's anything to worry about. Our's changed to "Issued" sometime this morning, so hopefully your's will too!


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-05 09:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdisappointed to receive a RFE

RFEs can be for anything. We had one as well and it was because we forgot to include a simple little document that showed intent to marry....silly us, we thought that by showing contracts for wedding venue and photography would be enough. :) But we got the required document mailed out on the same day that we got the RFE letter in the mail, and we were approved about 8 days later. Like someone above said, whatever they're asking for, just get it turned back around as quickly as possibly. Good luck!


JamesandJamieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-18 16:05:00
PhilippinesMother-Daughter Petition

Is your mom a US citizen already?


Nope
joyapNot Telling02013-01-01 00:41:00
PhilippinesMother-Daughter Petition
oh, i see. What a shame for us! a lot of people have told us to petition my sister right after we came to USA 5 years ago, her papers would have been processing right now
:bonk:
my godmother told us to just petition them after we become U.S. Citizens for the reason that it would take a shorter time :(
joyapNot Telling02012-12-29 23:48:00
PhilippinesMother-Daughter Petition

if she is Filipina,then it is faster for your mother to be a LPR but your sister must be unmarried all the time.

the wait for unmarried children over 21 of a LPR is 10 years, for Filipinos, if your mother becomes a USC she can keep her LPR category because the wait would be 15 years or so


is that so? I stumbled upon this site, would you mind explaining to me what the "processing time" means?
i have attached it because the site reference i have posted wasn't working :bonk:

Attached Files

  • Attached File  AA.jpg   433.59KB   7 downloads

Edited by joyap, 29 December 2012 - 08:39 PM.

joyapNot Telling02012-12-29 20:35:00
PhilippinesMother-Daughter Petition
As of Today 12/29/12
I am posting this in behalf of my mother, our primary question is: Is it faster for a U.S. Citizen than a Permanent Resident to have their petition for my sister/her daughter, who is unmarried and over 21 y.o., get processed?
joyapNot Telling02012-12-29 19:37:00
Australia and New ZealandAny Occupational Therapist moving to USA?
Hi I'm an OT trained in Sydney Uni 2001-2004 Bachelor degree, and worked a few years as OT in Sydney and UK.
Then I found my man (USA) online and is going to move there.
Unfortunately in late 2007, the USA OT association changed rules, bachelor OTs will have difficulty register in USA to practice.

I won't mention the process i went through with OTED in the last few months, GOSH. just wondering any OTs here in Australia is also moving there, if you can't work as an OT, what kind of job will you do?

Thanks!
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-02-22 21:30:00
Australia and New ZealandPacket 3 - Help needed - Australia
so now I got pkt3, i haven't got medical and police check yet, i can send DS-230 on it's own first?
Then the rest ASAP:
1. DS-156,
2. DS-156k,
3.DSL-1076 (readiness for interview form),
4. medical report,
5. police check,
6. my fiance's I-134 with supporting documents
7. my birth certificate?
8. passport?
9. two recent US-size passport photos?
10. proof for 'ongoing relationship'?

What happens after I send them the DS-230?

Also since i live so close to the consulate, can I deliver them myself in person?
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-02-28 06:23:00
Australia and New ZealandWhere to get US size passport photos in AUS?
Oh there is a list? That's so cool! Wish I looked here first, i finall got some, 4 for $18 in city, opposte Haymarket Post Office.

And for the 3 for medical, i think i wil use my spare ones from the last 3 years, all different ones, don't know if they will accept them. Otherwise that's another lot of cost. $12 for 4 or 8 Aus size.

Thank you KLS!!! :o)
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-03-02 01:20:00
Australia and New ZealandWhere to get US size passport photos in AUS?
HI seems the requirement for photo submission has changed over the years for K-1. Correct me if I'm wrong ----- We now need 2 of these for DS 156 form, (paste on the form?) and 3 regular Aus size for the medical exam.

So in Sydney where can I get the US 50mm square passport photos? The regular passport service places only made Aus size. I haven't tried AUS Post yet.


Can I make my own?

and on the day of interview, we don't submit more passport photos?
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-03-01 21:10:00
Australia and New Zealandhow long for packet 4?!
Yeah with the dropping off, it's also an issue with whether I can get up there to drop it off. Cos under my impression, consulates are very strict, they search your bags at the entrance and ask you why are you visiting etc. Is it?
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-03-03 04:42:00
Australia and New Zealandhow long for packet 4?!

Oh my!

While I have no clue on how long it takes in Australia, I feel your pain!

I dropped mine off, personally, on Feb 16th... we've had 3 holidays since then; which means the Embassy staff didn't go into work. I'm so anxious Posted Image I think I'm going to go shopping or something... to ease up on the anxiety!

I keep telling myself "Tomorrow you'll wake up and find an Email from the Embassy".... so far it hasn't worked.

Staring at my email inbox, hoping to magically produce the email, hasn't worked either lol Posted Image


Wow you dropped yours in in person????? Is that allowed? I asked the same question and an experienced VJer told me not to, as they sort the mails differently. Did you ask people in your country?
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-03-01 21:13:00
Australia and New ZealandI got NOA2, booked medical then.............
EVAF now. So when I send my Packet 3, it says I should include 2 copies of DS-156, which I completed online and printed with the barcode on page 1 and page 3 (EVAF) has a big bar code on the bottom half. And it says "please be sure to submit this page with the rest of your application".

1. When I send the 2 copies, i send 2 copies of the EVAF (page 3) or just 1 copy? (what's the point of 2 copies anyway????)

2. And i paste my US size photo on this form?

3. Proof of engagement or ongoing relationship. I don't need to send any proof in Pkt 3 right? I can bring some to the interview?

UPdate: I finally did the police check on last Thur morning before 9am, see how many days it will take, they said 15 working days.

Edited by Athena13, 05 March 2012 - 12:55 AM.

Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-03-05 00:54:00
Australia and New ZealandI got NOA2, booked medical then.............
Doh I wish i remembered about police check in Dec!!!!! This morning I called up Kings Cross police and finally got to do my fingerprint check. Now have to wait 15 working days. hopefully i get everything ready after the medical then most all of them then i can get my visa in mid April.

will post my DS-230 tomorrow.
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-03-01 07:35:00
Australia and New ZealandI got NOA2, booked medical then.............
Thank you KLS! Yes it's odd, today I called Kings Cross, they said i can't do it today, because 'someone is in custody, so they can't take me to that part of the building or something like that'. That's their reason for why I can't make appt since they don't know if someone will be in custody that day or not.

I will try tomorrow.

and my fiance got packet 3 in email today!!!!!!!!!!!!! yay~~~~~~~ Thank God for this speed! I really should get the police check done asap. I did heaps before for my employment, yes it can be slow.
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-02-28 01:31:00
Australia and New ZealandI got NOA2, booked medical then.............
Just called NVC, nice lady answered, and told me my case number and said my case has been forwarded to Sydney on Feb 23. I will wait and do my other forms now :) :yes:
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-02-27 19:16:00
Australia and New ZealandI got NOA2, booked medical then.............
ooooh I can call NVC? ok I will tomorrow.

I called Dr Waks reception, she said it's ok that I don't have the case number now (2 weeks before the appt) but I don't know if they'd be happy if I still don't have it on the day :hehe:

Tomorrow i will try to go to my local police station (Kings Cross), they said it's draw of luck if they got someone to do the procedure, I can't book. I tried city police, they said they usually do it on the weekend and only for locals.
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-02-27 04:28:00
Australia and New ZealandI got NOA2, booked medical then.............
Yeah seems Dr Millar is retired, in Sydney we only have Dr Waks (the other Doc will be available after mid March) since I want it sooner, i only booked Dr Waks.

I'm not sure how strict he is, tomorrow i will call n ask his receptionist then i will let you guys know. and my fiance can only call on our Tue (USA Monday) to NVC to ask for my case number.
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-02-26 02:11:00
Australia and New ZealandI got NOA2, booked medical then.............
HI guys thank you for the prompt replies!

The urgent question now is, since we got NOA2 on Feb 14, if I call NVC now, will they have the case number ready? If not, then that will affect my medical (I think)????!?! :hehe:
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-02-24 08:37:00
Australia and New ZealandI got NOA2, booked medical then.............
Hi guys
I've been on this forum a bit, read a lot of useful info, especially by Vanessa. Thank you guys!

We put in our K-1 form at the end of Sept 2011, got NOA1 early Oct, and waited eagerly for NOA2 which arrived on Valentine's Day! (In USA, by mail). So i've booked medical on March 13th in Sydney with Dr Joseph Waks, they are asking some info to be sent asap before the medical. One of them is my case number.
1. Now looking at the NOV2 letter (aka I-797), under Beneficiary (my name) there's a number starting with A, is that the case number?

2. I know i will get police check (by using P900 form?) asap WHILE waiting for Packet 3 to arrive here in my address in Sydney? any other things I need to prepare now? passport photos? the DS156 & 156K forms?

3. My fiance in USA should also send me his I-134 form (he got most of the paperwork for it already), but does he send me originals of those supporting documents or copy? what else does he need to send me? copy or original? I already have a copy of our K1 form.

4. Further down the track, i will pay at the interview, I can only use USD? cash or cheque form?

Any other things I missed? please let me know, appreciate your time!
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-02-22 23:10:00
Australia and New ZealandEAD/AP Approved Finally
So do you usually get the EAD and AP in hand before the interview or after?

I thought as soon as I got my AP i will leave USA to have a wedding here in Aus. If I get my K-1 in late April, fly to USA in mid May, get married in early July, send AOS package immediately in July, i should be able to come back to Aus in Nov?
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-03-07 00:42:00
Australia and New ZealandElectric appliance converter plug
OK thank you guys.
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-03-08 20:02:00
Australia and New ZealandElectric appliance converter plug
You guys are so great!
Im only taking small appliances, and yes I checked those small ones only has Aus voltage on them.

here is the pic of the expensive plug I got, maybe its a transformer.

Attached Files

  • Attached File  plug.jpg   115.49KB   5 downloads

Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-03-07 22:48:00
Australia and New ZealandElectric appliance converter plug
HI guys, not sure if you guys can answer this, but thought I'd try my luck here.

we know USA has 110V or watts power plugs, 2 flat prongs, different to the 3 flat prong Aus ones. I got several converters, some cheap some expensive (universal one i bought in UK). When I used a hair iron from UK in USA, i used a cheap USA converter, it worked but it doesn't get as hot. When I used an Australian hair epilator (rotating wheel to pluck out hair) in USA, i also used that cheap converter, it doesn't rotate as fast as it did in Aus.

I haven't tried the expensive converter. Someone told me the expensive one will make things the same.

Is it true? anyone has this experience? I wanna bring some appliances over to USA instead of buying them there.

Thanks~~
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-03-05 23:02:00
Australia and New ZealandPolice Check NSW
OK I got my check in the mail!
So i suggest you to do the online way! Although getting the fingerprint done at local police can be a 'by chance' thing (In NSW at least), go in early morning i suggest, before 9am.
Athena13FemaleAustralia2012-03-13 21:11:00