Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Changing Return Flight?	QUOTE (Luke and Deanna @ Feb 22 2009, 06:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Guys. May seem a silly question but if I were to fly to the US on the Visa Waiver program and whilst there change my return date but still within the 90 days, is that allowed and if so would I need to tell anyone? I want to visit my fiancee and my return is set for 2 weeks but I may want to stay longer depending on if our case gets adjudicated while I am there. Hope everyone is well and happy. Luke and Deanna. I was looking at the VWP as a way to bring Patricia here in the event her house sells quickly before her K1 is granted. While they do require you have an exit strategy (return ticket) I didn't see anything that said the return date can't be changed. (Still keeping withing the 90 days) Having said that, don't take my word for it. I'm just another amateur researcher going thru the same journey. Good luck, Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-02-22 21:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Got our NOA2 and another new question...	QUOTE (Brookeluvsadam @ Mar 3 2009, 09:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We just got our NOA2 and so are preparing for the next step... My Fiance is a bit worried about when it comes to the next stage, the visa being denied based on one or both of these reasons.. Can anyone give us any information about this? * He has a small amount of UK based credit card debt * He hasnt had steady work for a few months since returning to the UK from the US Are they going to look at either of these things as a negative or will this play no role? Thank you in advance, Brooke Congrats on getting your NOA2! Your's was one of the time lines that was near ours. Good luck on the rest of the trip! Bob and Pat	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-03-04 08:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	VJ Immigration Timeline Question	QUOTE (mingus_drake @ Feb 26 2009, 09:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Was wondering if anyone could explain this- what's changing with the data being inputted in there to cause it... we got our NOA1 from CSC on Feb 5th and for ages it said we may be adjudicated early May- now in the last few days it's slipped to early June, then later June- August, now it says Based on timeline data, your I129f may be adjudicated between June 21, 2009 and July 23, 2009*. Anyone else getting this? Also, I'm assuming by adjudicated they mean they will issue an NOA2 (or reject us) Thanks, sorry if it's a silly question or the wrong forum. We got our NOA1 in early December and over the last 3 months our estimate fell from May 5-15 all the way down to March 2-8. Then last week, it suddenly jumped back into June. So much for estimates, we got our NOA2 on Thursday Feb 26th. Hang in there, it's a wild ride! Bob and Patricia	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-03-02 12:37:00
USCIS Service Centers	December/January filers???	QUOTE (ABENITEZ @ Jan 15 2009, 05:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ok, I got NOA1 on December 23rd, so I'm almost January, I am at California. First of all, When I started comming on here, I read alot that Vermont was SLOWER than California? Is that not true? Second, where is this California service center thread? Or January filers thread? And how do I find iggors list and what is it??? Sorry, but I'm new and I dont know a thing yet! PLZ reply!!!! Here's the December CSC Thread. Come join us and congrats on your December NO1A! Yes, Vermont is currently running behind and some petitions have been transferred to California. Theres a pretty cool graph of how the two service centers have been handling cases here. Be sure to fill out your timeline. Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-01-16 06:55:00
United Kingdom	UK Electric	QUOTE (Magenta @ Mar 2 2009, 03:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> For the cost of shipping (purely by weight) I don't know if it would be cost effective to bring it, personally. I do know that I had a friend bring her UK hairdryer over to the USA on holiday one year. She used it in the hotel and managed to blow the fuse for the entire floor. I hate Dysons, I think they are an overpriced piece of #######, but I am the Vacuum Cleaner Destroyer, so maybe it's just me! We're considering a container for shipping things so weight and/or size isn't really an issue. (But shipping is a whole 'nother thread) Thank you everyone. VJ'ers rock!	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-03-02 17:27:00
United Kingdom	UK Electric	QUOTE (govols @ Feb 27 2009, 04:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You can buy Dyson in the US Yes, they sell all over the place here, but she already owns one. The sewing machine is also something she wants to bring. Granted we can buy one here, she's kinda partial to its 'personality and quirks' QUOTE (*julez* @ Feb 27 2009, 07:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Two weeks ago I was in the UK with my husband visiting my father-in-law. While we were there he required the services of an electrician, who explained that most US appliances shouldn't be used in the UK, even with a plug in converter as it will burn out the appliance very quickly. He also added that some appliances have "built in" coverters, allowing the appliance to work at the standard US 110 volts, or the standard UK voltage (240?). For example, we purchased a new camera in the UK that came with a battery charger. On the charger it says that it can accomodate a range of voltage, 110 to 240. We need to make sure we have the right type of plug for a US outlet and it will work fine. If you have any electrician friends you might want to ask them about this. Good luck! Yes, electronics and the like will generally work with only a physical adapter. Motors like sewing machines and vacuum cleaners are a whole 'nuther beast. I have 220 volts in the house but I was most concerned about the line frequency or 'cycles'. Electricians tell me the motor might run faster or it might burn out completely. I guess I was looking for real world experience. Thanks both of you! Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-02-27 12:44:00
United Kingdom	UK Electric	Slightly off topic question here (or maybe it's not) We're making a list of things Patricia can bring here when she moves and what she'll have to leave behind. Obviously most of the things left behind are items that require electricity. The TV set and other entertainment items are no biggie, but we're really hesitant to leave the new Dyson vacuum and her sewing machine. I know the power there is 220 volts but I'm not sure of the line frequency or cycles or hertz.. I'm thinking it might be 50, where its 60 here in the states. I have a few 220 outlets here in the house left over from the days of window air conditioners. It's a piece of cake to change the plug or outlet so that things physically mate, but I'm unsure if they motors will function with the different line cycles. I tried Dyson customer service and the official line is, "we do not recommend doing that as it will void your warranty." Has anyone done this before? Did it work, did the motor run fast or slow or burn up? Thanks Bob (who will score lots of Brownee points if we can bring her Dyson over)	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-02-26 22:58:00
United Kingdom	do anyone know of a prepaid cell that allows text to uk	QUOTE (paulinespens @ Feb 25 2009, 07:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I used to use an american cell to text but ask people to text back my uk cell. My UK cell still works here. I still get texts and free email and free mms on mine. Ditto. I have AT&T here in the states for sending out texts ($.25 each) And a Vodaphone pre-paid UK SIM to receive texts at $.00 each. Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-02-26 22:40:00
United Kingdom	Wish me luck fellow VJ'ers	QUOTE (skparker @ Mar 11 2009, 05:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello all, just thought i would let people know that, in about an hour i will be on my way to London on a nice relaxing Virgin train on the quiet coach to Euston for my interview at the London Embasy, tomorrow Thursday 12th March 2009 at 8:30am. Im staying overnight because for me it takes a little over 2 hours on the train to get there and i have such an early interview that the first train of day only arrives at Euston at 8 o clock, which will not be a good idea as you have to be there half an hour before the interview, plus i dont want to rely on UK public transport to be on time and all. So my companions, wish me luck as the nerves will surely be kicking in later on tonight. Oh and i hope i can fina a pub (obviously i wont be drinking the alcohol ) that shows the Manchester United game tonight, hope it isnt Arsenal everywere, but you never know, there might be more United fans down there than up here, haha, wouldnt surprise me. Stuart Looking forward to good news and a report tomorrow. We especially want to hear about the hotel. Pat also lives in Manchester, and and we're planning on making an overnight of her interview. Bob and Pat	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-03-11 19:09:00
United Kingdom	Plan B anyone? (K1)	QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ May 14 2009, 08:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (rebeccajo @ May 14 2009, 06:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Some of us just get our chance at happiness later than others, Bob....... Indeed! We got a few PM's on this and it's really no secret. Pat and I are comfortably in our 50's. Both of us are parents through former marriages and Pat has 2.333 grand kids (yeah one on the way) Thanks for all your answers folks! Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-05-14 09:45:00
United Kingdom	Plan B anyone? (K1)	QUOTE (mr and mrs @ May 13 2009, 09:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> you seem to be poster-children for K-1's. I just woke to see Pat off to work and decided to look in on VisaJourney to see what was going on. I almost snorted my water reading that! Actually I think we're the poster grandparents of K1's. Looking around, it seems we are the ages of most of your parents. That's why we've been in such a hurry to get this thing done. We're oldddddddddd. And we're not worried. Like I said it was just idle talk one day on Skype. Like Nik+Heather, rkl57 and PB&JAM said a move to England certainly isn't the end of the world. I told Pat from the beginning that if I had to move i could. But trying to find a good job there at my age would be a bit more difficult. Hell I wouldn't even want to switch jobs here right in the states now. Pat and I tell each other we wouldn't have this for just anybody.... and we're certainly glad we had the chance to make this visa journey with this group. You've been wonderful, Thank you one and all! Us	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-05-14 02:10:00
United Kingdom	Plan B anyone? (K1)	Patricia and I were discussing this the other day and neither of us really had an answer. I'm sure we're not the only ones that have considered this, so we'll throw it out to the collective group. Is there a Plan B for anyone seeking a K1 visa? I assume there is some sort of appeals process and we can certainly get my Congress critters involved. But what after that? Is a K3 a valid option? At what point do you decide to live outside the US or throw in the towel completely and be miserable the rest of your life? (The idea of life without Patricia is impossible for me to even comprehend) I posted this in the UK thread because we're interested in the opinions of others that are in a common situation as us. Please note this is question is hypothetical and grew out of some idle chat the other evening. We're quite secure in the merits of our petition and have no doubt we'll join the May approval list when our time comes. Thanks for reading this, Bob and Pat	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-05-13 14:42:00
United Kingdom	Woo Hoo ! I have my interview date in London.	QUOTE (Gary_UK @ Jun 6 2009, 06:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello everyone. Just wanted to report in to say I have had my Visa interview date set at the London embassy for.... JULY 31st. That's a long gap between submitting the packet 3 ( May 18th ), Having my medical ( May 22nd ). I have already had my fiancee send me all her paperwork and stuff in perperation... Now the long wait begins... Has anyone else been allocated a July Interview ? Gary, You'll find a group of people bound for London interviews at this thread. I haven't seen any July dates mentioned yet. Did you put down any travel/wedding dates on the form IV-15? That often determines when London schedules interviews. Hit me up with a PM if that's the case... it is fixable. Good luck Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-06-06 07:34:00
United Kingdom	British food stores	QUOTE (HuffyTheSlayer @ Feb 2 2006, 03:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Good job I brought a big jar over then. And thank goodness my family will send me stuff when I need it. They're going to have a big list of stuff to bring when they come over for my wedding. Pat and I talked about rellies can't come over without our grocery order. When she was here last we spent the better part of one day looking for curry paste.. never found it. Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-03-05 16:42:00
United Kingdom	Brits in Chicago	QUOTE (MARM @ Oct 29 2009, 09:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (pdcvcm @ Oct 25 2009, 11:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> What college? I spent my first 2 years at Illinois Benedicine nka Benedictine Univ but that was a loooonnnnnggg time ago. I am a Benedictine Alumn! (won't say which year, because it is pretty recent, within past 4-6 years) All my siblings go there too, BU is very special for me, still go there to revisit my undergrad days! Also am familiar with North Central College...Downtown Naperville is pretty. Marm, I think you mentioned something about being familiar with the Chicago area in other posts... I was wondering what the connection was and now I know. For anyone currently in the area. The Chicago Brit Expat Meetup is getting together for Guy Fawkes on November 5th. Pat and I are going. Info at http://brit.meetup.com/50/ I don't think you have to be a meetup member to go. Cheers, Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-10-30 07:55:00
United Kingdom	Brits in Chicago	QUOTE (pdcvcm @ Oct 25 2009, 11:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Bob and Patricia @ Oct 25 2009, 02:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Bob and Patricia @ Oct 19 2009, 01:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Once upon a time I stumbled across a thread on VJ for British expats in the Chicago area. From what I recall it was an active group with occasional social events. As luck would have it, I lost the thread and no amount of searching can find it. So... HELP! If anyone knows of any such group, please let me know. Bob Thanks for the input folks. I've been busier then a one-armed wall paper hanger lately and finally got back to check on my own thread here MonkeyJuice, we'll have to arrange something better then our wave at the Manchester Airport. Let Pat and I know when you two are going to be back in town. Damian and *julez*. Yeah thats right I saw it in OT, and I do remember some chatter about somebody getting burned because of no-shows. Amanda and Tony, Thanks for reminding me about Meet-up. I've used it for other events before. Don't know why I didn't think of it now. pdcvcm, it sounds like you had a nice time in the area. And I'm familiar with Naperville, my daughter and my money go to college there. Leenie, good luck in your visa journey. Just remember to roll with the punches and it's all good in the end. What college? I spent my first 2 years at Illinois Benedicine nka Benedictine Univ but that was a loooonnnnnggg time ago. North Central College in Naperville.	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-10-28 22:01:00
United Kingdom	Brits in Chicago	QUOTE (Bob and Patricia @ Oct 19 2009, 01:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Once upon a time I stumbled across a thread on VJ for British expats in the Chicago area. From what I recall it was an active group with occasional social events. As luck would have it, I lost the thread and no amount of searching can find it. So... HELP! If anyone knows of any such group, please let me know. Bob Thanks for the input folks. I've been busier then a one-armed wall paper hanger lately and finally got back to check on my own thread here MonkeyJuice, we'll have to arrange something better then our wave at the Manchester Airport. Let Pat and I know when you two are going to be back in town. Damian and *julez*. Yeah thats right I saw it in OT, and I do remember some chatter about somebody getting burned because of no-shows. Amanda and Tony, Thanks for reminding me about Meet-up. I've used it for other events before. Don't know why I didn't think of it now. pdcvcm, it sounds like you had a nice time in the area. And I'm familiar with Naperville, my daughter and my money go to college there. Leenie, good luck in your visa journey. Just remember to roll with the punches and it's all good in the end.	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-10-25 02:39:00
United Kingdom	Brits in Chicago	Once upon a time I stumbled across a thread on VJ for British expats in the Chicago area. From what I recall it was an active group with occasional social events. As luck would have it, I lost the thread and no amount of searching can find it. So... HELP! If anyone knows of any such group, please let me know. Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-10-19 13:41:00
United Kingdom	Countdown	QUOTE (Kirsten UK @ Jun 27 2009, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well, that was the most enjoyable flight I can remember, good films, food was actually quite tasty , flight took off on time, landed early and all in all was straight-forward! POE was a little bit nerve-wracking...after going to the customs desk, the guy put our passports and sealed envelopes into a clear plastic wallet and handed us a number '2' and told us to go to a seperate interview area *gulp*. I had done this once before at Charlotte and was given the third degree and told not to return to the USA for at least 8 months! So this worried me, but after being kept waiting approximately 30 minutes, a nice customs officer (I know, I've not met many nice ones before ) called us to his desk and asked me why i'm here, then wished us good luck for the wedding and congratulations . That was it, easy-peasy!! So we're here, soaking up the sun. We get married next Thursday, I am so very excited. I have so far refrained from checking out much of the next stage of the visa process, apart from fees etc. I'm going to enjoy the weekend then start reading up on here on what to do next. This forum is just the most awesome resource out there, there is no way we could have got this far without it, so thank you to everyone that has offered advice, we really appreciate it Glad things were alright in the end and welcome to the states. Congrats too on the upcoming wedding. 7 days 0 hours 26 min until Pat's plane lands in Chicago. 39 days 23 hours 46 min until we board the sail boat to get married. Bob and Pat	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-06-27 12:14:00
United Kingdom	Countdown	QUOTE (Gemmie @ Jun 16 2009, 11:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm here, UK peeps. Soooooo happy and sooooo sad... I never thought I would feel this way. I'm over the moon one minute and in tears the next because I miss my friends already. I can't thank you all enough. That's understandable and welcome to the states! We're planning on a lot of time on Skype talking to her family and friends back home. Bob, who is counting down the 18 days, 1 hour, and 22 minutes until Pat's plane lands.	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-06-16 11:35:00
United Kingdom	Countdown	QUOTE (Gemmie @ May 22 2009, 06:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yeah Bob, we have to make sure the place is fit for a girl too. Bill is taking down the plane posters and we're going out together to pick up some nice things for the wall. Plus a nice dovet cover, maybe cushions etc. Funny you should mention a duvet cover. About a year ago Pat bought a new bedroom suite for herself (back before I turned our world on it's ear by proposing). The furniture all came from a store there known for it's customer service reputation, but for the sake of this story shall go nameless except for it's initials of M&S. To make a long story short, everything was fine except for a wardrobe which was damaged in some way each of the 5 times it was delivered. After a year, she sent the whole suite back, got a refund and eventually worked some compensation out for her time off from work etc, for each of the 5 deliveries. Of course the compensation came in the form of store credit. Looks like we'll be using it to buy bedding for our home here. Bob 44 days 6 hours 12 min, until she arrives and I don't have to send her back after a week.	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-05-23 07:08:00
United Kingdom	Countdown	QUOTE (Nik+Heather @ May 21 2009, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Bob and Patricia @ May 21 2009, 10:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Who's counting but its 44 days, 0 hours, 13 min... Yup, my own brit lands on Independence Day.. (has to be some symbolism there) Its going to be one long wait after she leaves notice @work. Bob (who is clearing closet space and generally trying to make the house ready for a woman to live there) You make me giggle! I haven't Girl-ified the house too much, but despite not living there for more than a year, and having the biggest closet I have EVER had in my LIFE, the closet is full of stuff already. I wonder, is cleaning the closet out "joyous" work, or just a chore? I can't decide. Would it be too mean to leave it to Nik to organize since he won't be working anyway? (I kid, I kid!!!) We are at 143 days, 6 hrs, 7 mins to being married. We haven't settled on/purchased tickets for PoE yet, but looking at the last few days in September, so Maybe 130 days. Seems like a long time, but at least then it will be over for good! Cleaning the closet was joyous work for me anyway. Pat watched on web cam and we were talking on Skype the whole time. I've been alone in the house for 5 1/2 yrs now so it's definitely got the bachelor look.. something Pat promised to remedy.. Hell she'll off work for a while too. (Ditto on the I kid!) Our wedding will be in July, August, or September... no definite plans yet except for the venue. (Sailboat off the Florida coast) Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-05-21 14:33:00
United Kingdom	Countdown	Who's counting but its 44 days, 0 hours, 13 min... Yup, my own brit lands on Independence Day.. (has to be some symbolism there) Its going to be one long wait after she leaves notice @work. Bob (who is clearing closet space and generally trying to make the house ready for a woman to live there)	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-05-21 12:46:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ May 1 2009, 05:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Bob and Patricia @ May 1 2009, 03:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks Nich-Nick you've always been a beacon of sanity and knowledge in this crazy journey. Bob It's because I'm ancient but thank you. But still probably much younger then we are. As far as people we've met here go, Patricia and I seem to be the elder VJers.. (All the more reason to hurry this thing up) Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-05-02 09:11:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ May 1 2009, 02:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Bob--I'm kinda lost in all the emailing and calling DOS and Embassy as to what you've done, but if you haven't already and really want a May interview...why don't you get Patricia to call the Embassy to get the email code to write them that she has sold her house and needs to be out by June 1 so her plans have moved up. Since you didn't put dates, all the eager beavers are jumping ahead of you. Ask the Embassy for a specific date like "may we request an interview for the week of May 18-22?" Our cover letter with P3 requested a specific time frame and they accommodated us. If you don't ask, then how can they guess you really, really need a May date when your plans on the checklist are blank indidcating 'whenever'? If it doesn't matter to you that much, then wait it out. I know, hard to wait on something so important. I do believe they don't want to schedule anybody too early before their plans so you get full use of the 6 month validity. Would be silly to knowingly give a visa to somebody now whose not travelling before October. Then that person would have a tiny window of opportunity to use the visa if their travel plans got delayed for unknown reasons. So if you haven't pushed for a May date, go on and ask for a specific week. They can only say not available, you get June. My motto is ask for what you want. Example: Customer service over a bill. I call and say what I want the result to be..."I want you to credit my cable account for $XX because it was out for two weeks due to the hurricane. It worked. Yes its easy to get lost in trying to follow all these couples and events. I have not done any emailing just calling the DOS number on a daily or every other day basis. You do give some very good advice on calling the extortion line to get the email code. I've been thinking this a while and have Pat just about convinced that we need to act on it this way. We've been pretty fortunate so far with the timing and teh way things have flowed, so it's been easy to sit back and let it all come to us. It's now getting time to take teh bull by the horns.. especially with her house being sold. Thanks Nich-Nick you've always been a beacon of sanity and knowledge in this crazy journey. Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-05-01 15:04:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 30 2009, 06:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (mr and mrs @ Apr 30 2009, 07:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> another may interview. glad to see they are still available. : ) feels good, doesnt it, laura? yea it feels great haha. and hopefully that gives other people some hope to still get may interviews as well, since there doesn't seem to be many yet! There are some May dates left yet. The friends I mentioned the other day that had a June 19th interview got it switched to a May 19th. June was outside their travel dates.. Guess the embassy flubbed up somewhere. You know its bad when you committed the DOS phone number to memory. Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-04-30 21:12:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 30 2009, 02:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (MonkeyJuice @ Apr 30 2009, 03:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 30 2009, 12:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (MARM @ Apr 29 2009, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Packet 4 letter received today! (for new interview date) Got my fiance's interview date by calling DOS today! May 19th. They said they already sent Packet 4. Congrats! This has got to be one of the quickest timelines I've seen!! I'm slightly jealous! thanks! we have definitely been REALLY lucky. I did see someone who got through even quicker than us..through London..i can't remember who right now though. But I wanna say it was around 90 days NOA1 - Interview? ....i do feel guilty that we have been this lucky when there are people who have been waiting forever.... Don't feel guilty.. It doesn't seem to be a proper first in/first out queue. Luck was on your side and you can't control that. Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-04-30 15:07:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (colinjess @ Apr 27 2009, 05:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I got approved today pending medical results so happy thank you for all your help !! Hey congrats!	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-04-28 15:39:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 23 2009, 01:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I just called DOS...they haven't recieved Packet 3 yet. They were supposed to get it by today at 11, according to Sven. Does anyone know how long it usually takes them to put it in the computer? I'm not worried YET, but i want to know in a timely manner whether they have it or lost it lol. We returned our packet 3 on the 11th (12 days ago). I just called the DOS and they said Pat is approved for an interview but they have not set a date yet. 2 days ago when I called, they couldn't tell me anything except that her packet 3 did arrive. Just another data point.. your mileage may vary. Bob Edited by Bob and Patricia, 23 April 2009 - 02:12 PM.	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-04-23 14:09:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (Ellie-and-David @ Apr 23 2009, 07:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Happy St George's day!!!!! I am very happy that I can now officially join this thread. After a horrific day yesterday, I goosed my fiance into ringing NVC whilst I was on a call with him last night and....we have been released from NVC! After 36 days stuck on administrative processing... it was such a relief. Welcome to the group, there's some great info passed around in here. And Happy St Georges day! Bob and Pat	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-04-23 08:35:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (DisneyLovers @ Apr 23 2009, 04:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (paul. @ Apr 21 2009, 02:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> CR-1 interview on Tuesday, 28th at 0830hrs. Should I get there stupid early? Also, anyone know a cheap way to get train tickets, I'm looking at 60 quid return from Colchester! we couldn't find any cheaper than that last year unless you have a young persons rail card and it takes a certain percent off, but you have to get your tickets on the day so no being able to save by booking online or anything and you'd have to leave before 9am so no cheap day return option either, we left from braintree and got charged about 60 for both of us to go before 9am as for being there early, we got there for our 8.30 app at around 7.50 fiddled around a bit and joined the queue around 8.15, and we were second on the non-immigrant visa list thing that looks like you've walked into an up-market Argos LOL, they say no more than 30mins before your app to be there but that early the line wasn't that long, nor was it at whatever time we got out of the embassy either When we went for Pat's medical last week, we paid 68 quid each, for a round-trip Manchester - London on Virgin Trains. That's even leaving Manchester after rush hour and returning on an 8PM train. We could have reduced it by 20 if we opted for standard service both ways, but, instead we returned first class.. definitely a nice ride. Happy St. George's Day to all the fiance(e)'s in England! Bob Edited by Bob and Patricia, 23 April 2009 - 06:43 AM.	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-04-23 06:38:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	Pat and I went for her medical yesterday. She lives in Manchester so we decided to take the train rather then spend all day in the car. This is our route and the costs we incurred. Her appt was for 14:00 at the Knightsbridge Doctors at Bentinck Street (West End) branch. We caught the Virgin Tain from Manchester Piccadilly at 10:35, arriving at Euston London at approx. 12:40. Standard class (coach) cost us £66.19 for the two one-way tickets. At Euston Station we purchased a pair of zone 1 day passes for £11.10. We picked up the tube on the Victoria (Blue) line south. We took that to the 2nd stop where we transfered to the Central (Red) line west. We got off the red line at Bond street which is the first stop. On foot, we made a short right on Oxford Street, (where the Bond street station empties), and then turned left on Marylebone Lane. The doctor's offices were located facing Bentinck Street, and in the SE corner of Bentinck Street and Marylebone Lane. I'll leave Pat to give a review of her experiences at the Doctor's. While we were in London, we wanted to use part of the time as a reconnaissance run for Pat's embassy interview. We needed to make sure we knew where the embassy was located. And, as we'd prolly be coming down the night before her interview, we wanted to find a reasonably priced hotel. We didn't have a local street map so I tried using my mobile phone with GPS and Google maps. It routed us to the embassy but only after taking a longgggg 2.5 mile hike out of our way. We stopped at a local pub for dinner and made our way back to Manchester via the tube and Virgin rail. The return rail trip was £68.00 for the pair of tickets. It would have been £58.00 but we opted for first class for this trip. It was nice ride with big seats, drinks, sandwiches, fruit, and WiFI internet access. Here are some links for further info. Knightsbridge Doctors (Use Map B ) Underground (tube) maps Virgin Trains	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-04-15 09:14:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (MARM @ Apr 15 2009, 03:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Bob and Patricia @ Apr 15 2009, 03:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (RBAL_TN @ Apr 14 2009, 06:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> And for those who haven't sent in package 3 yet, you might want to considering filling out both wedding date and travel date fields even if plans aren't finalized. The IV-15 form asks what your travel and wedding dates might be, but I wouldn't consider putting in a date just to jump to the front of the queue. I'm not sure if it's related to assigning an interview date, but question 18 on the DS-157 form asks, "Have you made specific travel arrangements? If YES, please provide a complete itinerary for your travel, including arrival/departure dates, flight information, specific location you will visit, and a point of contact at each location." If I'm wrong in tying this to wedding/travel plans, somebody please correct me. Bob Bob, The IV-15 form questions about travel and wedding dates are used for determining the K-1 interview date by the embassy, because this specific form, IV-15 is a checklist to inform the embassy that you are ready for the interview. As far as the DS-157 #18, do not put in wedding/travel plans or flight/trip information. You are not supposed to make definite plans to travel until after the K-1 (technically). Just mark "no" for question #18. We did that too and so did everyone else we know. I kind of suspected that when we filled ours out, but we error'd on the side of caution and left the IV-15 dates blank. Thanks for the correction! Bob and Patricia	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-04-15 04:05:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (RBAL_TN @ Apr 14 2009, 06:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> And for those who haven't sent in package 3 yet, you might want to considering filling out both wedding date and travel date fields even if plans aren't finalized. The IV-15 form asks what your travel and wedding dates might be, but I wouldn't consider putting in a date just to jump to the front of the queue. I'm not sure if it's related to assigning an interview date, but question 18 on the DS-157 form asks, "Have you made specific travel arrangements? If YES, please provide a complete itinerary for your travel, including arrival/departure dates, flight information, specific location you will visit, and a point of contact at each location." If I'm wrong in tying this to wedding/travel plans, somebody please correct me. Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-04-15 03:34:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (PB&JAM @ Apr 9 2009, 06:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Anyone else feel weird about going to their employer and getting the letter for the I-134? I've been putting it off, havent been able to muster up the nerve. Was no big deal really. My HR department said they get requests for that sort of thing often. I even used the notary in our legal department to notarize whatever items needed it. Your mileage may vary, Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-04-09 06:27:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (KnightAndMagpie @ Apr 5 2009, 10:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (mr and mrs @ Apr 5 2009, 07:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> im still exactly 50-50! dammit! im worried that the ticket prices are going to jump DRASTICALLY in the next month. (omg, i might be married exactly one month from today! ahhh!) but, really, the money isnt the most important thing, and if it cost $2000 to get him here, (poor magpie), thats what we would do. another exercise in patience. im horrible at being patient. EXCEPT, that i have been able to wait 5 years to be with jamie. almost done!! I know. I'm on a student budget too, so I have to really skimp depending on what prices are. I'll just have to see how things go. Magpie. While reading this thread yesterday, and just for grins, Pat and I started pricing airfare for her trip to the states. We're hoping for a late May interview and she has to give a month's notice at work, so we're looking for travel near the beginning of July. At first we priced a one-way from Manchester to Chicago on American Airlines. They have one non-stop each day. In our travels back and forth we found them to be the most reasonably priced for that route. This came out to be £745. Next we ran the same departure with a return in October.. (a return we will probably just throw away). This time the fare came to £454. It pays to hunt around for airfare and try a round trip even if you are only planning one-way. Note, that one-way tickets might also subject you to additional security screening procedures. Just my $.02 Bob (and Pat)	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-04-06 04:52:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (MonkeyJuice @ Mar 29 2009, 09:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> P.S How gorgeous is the weather today. I'm in Manchester & sat outside with cuppa tea & Heat mag!! lovely! Oh please keep the nice weather in Manchester. I'm flying there in 2 days for a 2 1/2 week visit with Pat. Bob	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-03-29 20:10:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (Laura+Tom @ Mar 28 2009, 12:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Those who got their police certificates recently, how long did it take? I sent for mine, 1st Class, on the 11th March and still haven't received it. Pat got hers back in less then a week (this was about mid-March). She paid for the express service which expedites the whole process. The express option was about twice the cost of the standard service. Bob and Pat	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-03-28 16:46:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (skparker @ Mar 25 2009, 02:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks!! yea tomorrow I get to see him finally! and take him back to the new apartment that he has never seen. We have a very busy first day--since we are goin to get our marriage license right away and that way we can set a reservation to get married by the courts in the Chicago Cultural Center (some can get married in the regular courts in a basement...or for $10 extra you can get married in a gorgeous cultural center...so i pick the 2nd one, ha) Good luck to everyone! Wow there really is a light at the end of the tunnel! Enjoy the cultural center wedding... we've opted for a sailboat wedding off Florida, prolly sometime in June/July. Congrats to the two of you from the two of us... and looking forward to dinner some evening in town when Pat gets here forever. Bob and Pat	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-03-25 14:57:00
United Kingdom	People between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~	QUOTE (Laura+Tom @ Mar 20 2009, 10:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (skparker @ Mar 20 2009, 03:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Laura+Tom @ Mar 20 2009, 10:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Due you think I'd be able to book a medical for June now? Or would they make me wait a couple more months? I want to book it before I go away. as long as you have your NVC number--the number the NVC gives you on the white piece of paper in the mail--you can schedule it Yeah I know that, I have my Packet 3 anyway. Just wondering if they will have an issue with me booking it so far in advance. I suppose I'll find out tonight. Pat could not book hers more then 30 days out. You can certainly try though. It's not like they are going send you to detentions or anything. Edited by Bob and Patricia, 20 March 2009 - 11:01 AM.	Bob and Patricia	Male	England	2009-03-20 11:01:00