biggish data

Got given a copy by default . Apparently that's the norm

The vaccination sheet yes, not the entire medical results which you had previously said you were going to ask for.

Incomplete anyway without blood results.

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-17 13:28:00

Ok, my interview experience was much like Kittys,
<snip>

You didn't ask for a copy then, in case your results got lost after POE??

Edited by Stu4Lee, 17 July 2012 - 10:09 AM.

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-17 10:08:00

quick question can medials and interviews be done on saturdays???

Mon-Fri only.

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-03 06:02:00

Forgot to say above, I was in and out of the medical in just under 60 mins :thumbs:

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-03 05:51:00

As I got my tube ticket at Victoria, "You off to see the Americans??" said some kind of official standing by the machine.
Wow did I look that obvious??? :lol:

Very easy to find from Bond St tube station, not even a 5 min walk up Marylebone Lane, Bentinck Mansions being on the corner with Bentinck Street.

Handed over the police certificate, photo, passport and questionnaire at reception and was given the "official" questionnaire to complete in the waiting room. Within a couple of mins of handing it back, the doctor called me in.
"Take a seat, so what can I do for you today?"
WTH?? I'm thinking...Is this some kind of trick question??
"Errrm I'm here for the US immigration medical"
"Sorry, I was in GP mode there"
Maybe it was her opening line to everyone, who knows.

Went through the "yes" answers on the questionaire, hospitalised for tonsil removal 43 yrs ago and the drink driving 28 yrs ago.
She seemed to focus on this throughout the whole medical, randomly asking about it and going back to it several times.
How much had you had to drink?? 4 or 5 pints
How much was your fine?? £120
How long were you banned from driving?? 12 months (the minimum)
Did you get your ban reduced by going on the drink/drive awareness course?? Not an option, it didn't exist way back then.

As the police certificate was "no trace" I asked her if a 28 yr old offence was a problem? "I will have to check" and she went out.
When she returned she moved on to the rest of the examination with no mention of an answer.

Next was asked to strip down to underwear.
No height and weight check, she just noted what I had filled in on the questionnaire.
Simple eye test reading from the chart, then she checked just 1 ear, just 1 eye and the mouth very quickly.

Blood pressure followed, "borderline" she reckoned but didn't have to do it again.
Then the bloods taken, easy and fast.

"So tell me about your drinking then?" randomly thrown in again, before checking the breathing with a surprisingly warm stethoscope.
Then had a quick lay down on the couch for the stomach prodding and a foot tickle.
Finally was the "can you drop your underwear?, I need to check for lumps and bumps"
"OK that's fine" No touching just a quick glance.
Got dressed and she asked me again about the drinking as I was putting my shoes on.
"Is this going to be an issue?" I asked, trying not to sound irritated.
"It's not for me to say, that's up to the Embassy, but you seem to have changed your attitude to drinking now"
At the time I wasn't sure whether to feel reassured by this or not, now I am.

All the notes she made, she was covering them up with her arm so I couldn't see, reminded me of school days in a test :lol:

Back to the waiting room, only a couple of mins, before being called for the x-ray.
Found it quite an awkward position to stay in, my shoulders are not as flexible these days I guess.
"Everything ok?" I asked as she burnt the cd
"well you have 2 lungs and 1 heart so looks like it to me"
Probably said that line a million times lol

Back to the waiting room, only a couple of mins again, before being called down to see the vaccination nurse.
She explained the different options to me, they were not options at all to be honest. One of them was having the MMR second dose in a month and then the medical would be passed on, another was blood test for immunity @ £150.
No thanks.
I needed 2 jabs, very fast and gentle.
Returned my passport and police certificate and gave me a vaccination record for the 2 jabs.

Back to the waiting room for a longer wait in case there was a reaction to the jabs, was only 5 mins at most.

Called to reception to pay and was given copy of the DS-3025, reminded to hang on to it for AOS.
They wished me good luck with the rest of the process as I left, nice touch.

Verdict, a very slick and efficient operation. :thumbs:

Took a stroll down to see where the Embassy was before I headed back, had 3 hrs to kill waiting for the return coach.
Got good info for the interview visit, soon I hope.

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-02 14:36:00

Interview At Embassy :'(

Sorry to hear the interview didn't go well.

As has already been said every case in unique, however it has made me think though that maybe I was beginning to get complacent about my London interview, given what I have read about previous experiences there.
Personally I have taken this as a wake-up call.

Good luck OP

Edited by Stu4Lee, 05 January 2012 - 05:58 PM.

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-01-05 17:49:00

Want a Flu Shot?

Just found out that most Tesco stores are now doing Flu Shots for £5.

Just had my one done today, thought you'd like to know.

Do you get Clubcard points tho ?

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-03-08 15:26:00

I don't know what to do

funny enough stu thats exactly what he did ! he got it at the post office today, to pay for his trip into london the fee for delivery, and then has a little extra for whatever he may need, possibly paying to put his stuff away in the pharmacy while he goes to his interview. but i'm so relieved, thank you !

Good stuff :thumbs:

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-03-14 17:30:00

I don't know what to do

OK here's another -

http://www.postoffic...avel-money-card

If you purchase your card online it will be sent by First Class post and arrive 6-8 days after your order.
If you purchase a card in a Post Office® branch it will be given to you immediately.

If you purchased your card online you can call to activate it as soon as you receive it through the post.
If you purchased your card in a Post Office® branch you can call to activate it from 10.30am the day after purchase.

Applying in a Post Office® branch

With approximately 3000 Post Office® branches offering the Travel Money Card Plus instantly, you can pick up a card the day you apply.
There are 4 simple steps to follow in a Post Office branch:
Choose your currency from Euros, US Dollars or Sterling.
Decide how much you wish to load on your card. Minimum load on the card is £50 and the maximum is £750. Payment can be made by cash, credit card1 or debit card1.
Activate your card and retrieve your PIN from 10.30am the day after purchase by calling 0844 809 4564* or +44 20 7600 7797* if calling from abroad.
Register your card online to benefit from our SMS and online servicing and to increase your holding limit to £5000 (subject to us verifying your details).
You will need to provide your passport or full UK driving licence when applying for your card in branch.

:thumbs:

Edited by Stu4Lee, 13 March 2012 - 11:30 PM.

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-03-13 23:25:00

I don't know what to do

Get him to look at these, most others are 7-10 days from my quick look -

http://www.cashpassp.../en/thomascook/ (card mailed to home in 3 working days so they say)

http://www.payzonemo....php?country=uk (looks like you get a temp card issued in store with perm one to follow in 7-10days)

There may be fees involved for these and for loading cash but if time is the issue then c'est la vie.

Good luck :thumbs:

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-03-13 22:23:00

Police check in U.K

Sent for mine in Feb/Mar this year, got it back in 8 days.

http://www.acro.poli...rtificates.aspx

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-05-07 15:55:00

Whose fiance/fiancee is attending the interview?

Work and finances won't make it possible.
Though it's probably a good thing, Lee gets flustered and tends to waffle :lol:

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-03 09:37:00

Military in London

Saw this video clip about security for the Olympics. Don't know if its viewable other than in the US. Big naval ship up the Thames. Surface to air missiles in place on the ground. Wow, just wow!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/48180615#48180615

They had to sub-title the sacked employee

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-14 14:35:00

Just got my interview date!

Congrats!!

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-16 10:12:00

Visa Approved

Congrats!!

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-12 15:44:00

I GOT MY INTERVIEW!!!!

Wow, I'm still in shock!

I was skyping with my fiance this morning, before he went to work and he quickly checked his emails. He took a sharp intake of breath and then said I've forwarded something to you. It was a response from the embassy from the email we sent last week.

INTERVIEW DATE; AUGUST 2ND, 8.00AM!!!!!!

3 days notice! I AM SO HAPPY!

WOOOHOOOO told ya!!! :dance:

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-30 14:03:00

APPROVED!!!!

Congrats!! Knew you would do it!!

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-08-02 11:37:00

Well at least I know now

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-28 10:33:00

I seem to be one of the only ones waiting for there interview affected by the Olympics?

I sent my packet3, DS2001 and covering letter on July 6th and I'm still waiting to hear an interview date. For the last two weeks when I phone them all they say is I'm eligible for an interview, but no date has been set. A few friends on here have got interview dates at short notice, next week, but I'm still waiting?

I was hoping to be out there mid August, as my son's school starts August 24th and I was hoping to get him settled in first. My 'window' is getting smaller and smaller.

I know it's frustrating getting the same response but keep calling!!

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-28 09:28:00

Many thanks for that link, it's really helpful. I have already been filling out the overwhelming form DS-230 & will be ordering my police report & getting vaccines done shortly...I just wanted to ask about the I-134? My fiance was going to submit all his recent pay cheques, he earns over 6 figures & until I can work in the US, I will be living off savings & his support. Are his pay cheques enough evidence as I keep reading differing answers & now see that a tax return copy would also be beneficial?

Thanks

For proof of income I am taking

- tax transcripts
- letter from employer (how long there, position held, salary etc)
- pay slips

I would suggest you ask questions in the thread linked above though.

Good luck with the rest of the process :thumbs:

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-26 13:57:00

Considering that just 2 days ago they allocated an interview for Monday July 30th, during the games, I would say it has no effect on my case.

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-26 13:35:00

Hi there,
Thanks for the info. This is very disheartening but I guess it's out of our control :/

Every case is different, I wouldn't worry about it having "that" much of an effect.

If you are smart you can still save some time, suggest reading this thread http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-26 13:06:00

I did actually read about there being a slow-down right now, even with still 6 weeks to the games.

How lame an excuse, London won't be coming to a standstill.
Leave for work earlier then if you are affected by transport issues.
These folk have got it easy or what?

Or maybe I just used to work for a dictator :lol:

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-06-19 20:12:00

Have read this in a few posts on here.
How would the Olympics in London have any effect on US embassy timescales?

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-06-14 10:40:00

Need help urgently !!!

I had my medical with no vaccination records, rather than mess about later I had the required 2 jabs there and then.
Cost £73 total for the Td and MMR, was out of season for flu so not needed.
Won't be anywhere near £300.

Edited by Stu4Lee, 18 October 2012 - 05:02 PM.

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-10-18 16:56:00

Sent them everything and anything could get hold of and were approved.
See post 68 of this thread.

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-10-25 15:07:00

Well, that's very good news!

Can you share with us how you achieved your goal?

Indeed it is

After a mountain of cut-n-paste, printing and Lee sending back cards she had kept, called the courier to collect it all and the passport.
Sent them 1300+ A4 pages of Facebook chat (13 months worth), some screenshots from Facebook chat (about 1 per month), skype and phone records, Valentine and Birthday cards, didn't need to go back down there thankfully. The courier was pretty gobsmacked when he came to collect it all, it was a struggle to fit it into the "envelope" he brought.

It weighed almost 10 pounds, however the cost was the same as if it were only 1 sheet of paper, thanks DX.

I had no other communication with the Embassy since the interview.

The cards were sent back to me with my passport and sealed envelope, I wasn't expecting the cards to be honest, but nothing else.

I'm sure it seems like overkill, especially to those that got approved with no evidence at all, but as the CO said at the time of refusal, "the more the better".

Well they got it and job done, visa in hand

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-10-14 06:44:00

great - congratulations !
what's the validity of use dates? IE - do you have a 6 month span or something less?

Expires Dec 28th 2012 (6 months after medical Jun 28th)

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-10-12 09:43:00

Congrats Stu! Wow a 10 week wait, better late than never though! Good luck with everything. Have my interview on Wednesday & praying I don't get your lady!

Indeed, hindsight is a wonderful thing though :yes:

Thanks, good luck to you too :thumbs:

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-10-10 15:52:00

UPDATE - visa delivered today

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-10-10 15:38:00

I'm not going back to the Embassy though, its being taken by the courier, I was thinking on a cd instead of paper.

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-08-02 14:23:00

Does all evidence have to be supplied in paper form??

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-08-02 14:01:00

I got approved today at window 16, I took loads of photos and telephone records and cards and they never asked to see them, No-one even asked for the up-dated letter of intent either.

Congrats!!!!

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-31 17:27:00

Bad news - yeah, sucky and time consumiing

Good news - not a denial

Fix it, I am sure you have the evidence, maybe just didn't submit it?

Turn it in and you'll be fine, not a denial

Good luck

You are right of course, it's a refusal.
Can a mod please change the title of this thread to "Refusal for lack of ongoing relationship evidence!!" ??

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-30 16:57:00

yup, same woman stu.

very weird, and i'm sure totally reversible once you chuck a load of chats and cards and stuff at them... maybe some written statements too, for good measure? from your sister or daughter? what do people think? i hope this doesn't offend anyone, i know its a MASSIVE generalisation, but i would have thought it was fairly normal for soppy, vain, 20 something couples like me & andrew to have a lot of cheesy pics and valentines cards, and for older couples with a divorce or two behind them and grown up children to be less concerned with such things. unfounded?

none of us know why they did but only one of us spent an hour with stu this morning, chatting about our lives and relationships and experiences in this process... and so i like to think i'm especially able to attest to how lovely stu is and how capable he is of getting this sh*t sorted out! good luck matey, it'll all be okay. hope lee is handling it okay too. down.. but not out, remember!

It's not often I'm speechless but

Kate, it was a pleasure to meet and spend some time with you too, a real sweetheart :yes:

Lee has bounced back this evening :thumbs:

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-30 16:11:00

WOW... I think my guy had the same woman, he mentioned around the same age, brown hair and glasses!! I'm so sorry you have to deal with this, but it made me really happy to see your positive attitude. Like you said, you have 13 months of chat logs, records, etc. I'm sure this will be very easy to overcome.

Good luck and keep us posted. You're in my thoughts

I'm positive because I know it's genuine.
Thanks, will do :thumbs:

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-30 15:27:00

Usually it comes out that there is a story behind the story.

Thanks for your useful contribution :thumbs:

Stu4Lee

Male

England

2012-07-30 15:18:00