ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
I had my medical today at Bentnick Mansions in London; at 10.30.

I arrived at 10.30 and was asked first of all to hand over my photograph, passport, vaccination proof and the form I'd signed. Then I had to fill in a 2nd identical form- same questions but different font and layout- and sign a form to say I understood the implications of having a positive HIV result!

Whoever said it is mostly waiting, was right! It was past 11.00 before I got called in by the doctor- male, young, german- he was very pleasant and welcoming but at times hard to understand.

He went over the form I'd filled in, repeating the same questions -I'd answered no to everything so there were no 'complications'. I was then asked to strip to my underpants and lie on the couch. (I'd asked for a chaperone and she came in at this point.) He examined my throat, ears, listened to my chest and back, took my pulse on my feet, again on my wrist, took my blood pressure, examined my breasts for lumps and then had a quick look down below to check I was all female!

(I asked him about this last bit afterwards- did they really get females who turned out to be males; he said yes, they'd had 3 this year already! But he said they really do that as a way of finding out about syphillis. hardly anyone admits 'yes' on the form when asked if they've had a sexually transmitted disease, but when they are asked to pull their underwear down they become nervous or agitated and refuse- he said that's a dead give away that they've had something!

Just thought I'd share that with you....I'm nosy like that and I'm always finding out useless bits of information by asking questions!)

Then he had me read from the eye chart, took blood to test for syphillis and HIV, and told me to get dressed. He then spent a while chatting to me- telling me about his work in tropical diseases, asking me about my family etc. Afterwards he said that was to 'get an idea of my mental state of mind- to see if I was angry, aggressive or agitated! Apparently anyone who fits that description is referred for a psychiatric evaluation, he showed me that he had ticked 'normal' on my form! As if I expected anything else smile.gif

I asked him what the Embassy were looking for- what would make them turn me down, and he said that, apart from HIV and Syphillis, and anyone who would be a danger to themselves or others, they were looking to see if I would be a drain on their resources. he gave an example of a woman aged 70 who put on her form that she was on an nhs waiting list to have a hip replacement- she'd been on it 8 months and was told it would be another year at least. She failed the medical and was turned down for her green card because 'she needed surgery and would be a drain on their resources'.

It hadn;t really occurred to me that it was all about money- although I knew about the HIV and syphillis; I'm quite naive!

That part was finished. I then waited another half hour before being called for my chest x-ray. Then I had to pay- although it was £170.00, not £180.00 as I had been told on the phone in early Jan when I booked it!

I asked whether the results would be ready for the Embassy by Monday, which is when my interview is. the doctor said it usually took 2-3 days to get them back and that i should tell the receptionist to mark them as urgent.

When I told the receptionist, she said-
'no, it takes 5-6 working days to get your results back and they won't be ready for Monday, and the doctor does not understand how this works!!!' Then she said that if the results aren't at the Embassy on Monday, I won't be told whether I have been approved at the interview- they'll have to wait for the result before they can stamp my passport and send it to me.

Which SUCKS!!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-06 13:16:00
United KingdomUK electrical goods, US medical insurance, Freight Forwarders
Hi everyone..
I have some 'general' questions about moving from the UK to the US, which I've just posted them in another part of the forum (new life in America, I think) but having found this sub forum I realise this place might be where I should have posted!

Here goes again....thanks to anyone who can help!

Freight Forwarders
Can anyone recommend a Freight Forwarder in Southern England?
We are wondering if we will get a better rate if we can book some months in advance!


UK Electrical goods
Are there any specific ones that are worth taking /possible to take to the US?
i.e. Computers, printers, laptops, digital radios, fridge, freezer, tv?

Medical Insurance
Can anyone recommend good health insurance? The one I know of is Blue Cross Blue Shield- is there anyone else that's worth looking into?

For people who had their policy start as soon as they stepped foot on US soil, how far in advance did you apply?
My husband (the american) isn't covered on a US policy either as he's been living in the UK for about 19 years now, so we need to start the whole thing from scratch.

We're filing the I-130 on Monday - can't wait to get started!!
Thanks for any thoughts, advice etc! All will be much appreciated.
Jess
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-29 16:35:00
United KingdomJust sent off the I-130 !!!!!!
QUOTE (Poiteen @ Oct 11 2007, 05:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well I suppose there aren't that many of us then!

Ah well, maybe we'll find some more as the process wears on. It's good to know other people going through at more or less the same time to make sure that timelines and info are up to date.

Thanks to the two of you that did reply though, I suspected there might have been a few lurkers that would be tempted to post, but ho hum.

xxxxx
heart.gif


Hi guys!
I've been lurking for a couple of months, getting a few answers to questions before we'd even posted off our appliaction - love this forum! there's some great help here.

We're at the beginner sstage too, tho' a few weeks ahead of you. We DCF'd in London on Sept 15th and got receipt on the 18th, but not a peep since then.
I know it's early days yet, but the waiting's tough! How're you guys all doing?

Jessica
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-10-14 16:15:00
United Kingdompolice cert in hampshire
Hi there

We're still at the early stage, having only just filled I-130 in London. I'm wondering about the police certificate that I'll need- whether to apply for it now, just so that it's to hand for the next stage? I'm assuming that it would be the Hampshire police as this is where I've lived for the last 5 years- how far does it need to go back before that? Do I go to my local police station, and what is the certificate that I need? Is there a fee for it?

Thanks in advance. This forum is a real find- thank god for being able to chat with other people going through the same thing!
Jessica
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-10-15 03:01:00
United KingdomHampshire Police Certificate
Hi everyone

I have just read the thread from the person needing a Police Certificate in Manchester. I need to get one in Hampshire and am hoping to get to my local police station tomorrow to do that, but I am assuming that the Hants form will be the same or at least similiar to the Manchester one?

What is the exact name of the form I need to request?!! Is it just called 'police certificate', and what is it (information I require) that I have to tick?! Is it convictions?! Feel silly asking this, I am sure it is obvious but omg these forms are doing my head in!

Does anyone have any idea of the processing time for the Hants police/ New Scotland Yard before the information is sent back to me?

Thanks. Any info will be really appreciated. This wait is doing me in!!

Jessica
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-01 14:53:00
United KingdomPolice Check- how many years?
Ok, Now I'm really confused.

The Police Check application I have says:

'....If you have lived at the above address for less than 10 years, please give your previous addresses for that period below. Continue on another piece of paper if you need to.'


The US Embassy notes I have (DS-230 Visa Processing- downloaded from the website) says:

'All applicants over 16 are required to furnish....to cover any period of residence of twelve months or more since the age of 16.'

So do the police forms only cover 10 a ten year period? Do I need to get, and pay for, another 2 police forms??

I'm not sure they could make this any more complicated. Sigh.
Thanks guys.
Jessica
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-11 13:45:00
United KingdomPolice Check- how many years?
Hi guys

Am just filling out my Police Check from so that I can nip it down to the local Hants Police Station tomorrow...still nothing back for the I-130 but I'm trying to get ahead...although I have just worked out that 40 days from tomorrow is about December 20th....I hope they don't close early for Christmas holidays, cos that will really slow things up for me!

Anyway, my question is, do I need to list every single UK address I have lived at since I was 16?!! It looks like the Police check form only covers the last 10 years....

I was a nanny for about 6 years and did a lot of temp work so some houses I was only in for about 6 or 8 weeks....I can't remember all of those addresses! I'm finding it hard to even remember my addresses from 15 years ago...am I the only one who doesn't keep records etc??!!

How much info do I need to give exactly? Thanks for helping guys. good.gif
This wait really sucks.

Jessica
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-11 13:15:00
United KingdomI-130 approval question
I'm just wondering...when we get approval for the I-130 (that's the optimistic in me:), how will it come? By post or by e-mail?

And is it one letter that comes, notifying us of approval, followed by another letter telling us what to do next? (-packet 3, or something?)
Or does it all come in one letter?

We had confirmation from the embassy that our petition was received/ dated Sept 18th and I just saw on the embassy website that as of Sept 19th they are processing petiotons filed Sept 17th.

So, we should get approval any day now, right??!!

Jessica yes.gif
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-19 07:01:00
United Kingdomno vaccination records- help!
QUOTE (Poiteen @ Nov 19 2007, 11:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
'Touched' doesn't apply to you, bunsk2007, because you are happily applying through London USCIS, and they don't do touches.

You should be watching your mail closely over the next few days though, cos today's update says they're processing petitions submitted on Sept 17th!!



Oh...well, I guess it's okay I'm not being 'touched' then...I was really beginning to wonder what that was all about!!
Thanks Poiteen.

Yes, I'm practically hanging out of the window looking for the postman!!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-19 12:18:00
United Kingdomno vaccination records- help!
That's funny, I was 24!

I was doing a temp nanny job - 11 days, and I came home with chicken pox. Only had it from the neck up...horrible!

Anyway- I wanted to ask you- what do you mean when you say in your timeline 'touched'?!!

I keep seeing that in everyone's timeline, except for mine, because I don't know what it means!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-19 08:07:00
United Kingdomno vaccination records- help!
Thanks guys!

My GP was really helpful, although he seemd as much in the dark about the whole things as I was. He confirmed that there doesn't seem to be any record in the Uk of my childhood injections, ao maybe my memory is wrong and they were done in India where I was living at the time. I did have a tiny little yellow booklet recording what I had had done but can't find it now....not even sure that I have it.

I never thought I'd need it...how wrong was that!

Anyway, he's given me the Flu jab, Measels, Rubella, Mumps, Diptheria Tetanus, and Pertussis, so I'm a bit sopre but happy that I didn't have to pay for it! He told me to get a bloodtest to test for antibodies for chicken pox as I have already had it. I think I saw another thread about this on here- that someone had a blood test to proove they had the antibodies and that that was accepted by the US Embassy.

Now I just have to sort out my children- 13 and 14- who have american passports so don't have to go down this route; but I gather that the schools are very strict about the kids needing to have vaccinations done before they are accepted. Does anyone have any experience with that?

Thanks again, all help really appreciated!
jessica
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-19 06:48:00
United Kingdomno vaccination records- help!
Hope someone can help with this... good.gif

In preparation for the medical examination (not that I'm at that stage yet, still waiting for NOA1 but should be soon) I've been looking at the 'required vaccinations' list posted on the US Embassy site.

I know I had a whole lot of them as a kid but, problem is, I can't find my records. I lived abroad until I was 16, but we were airline folks and came back for annual health checks at Heathrow, which is where I remember having them done. But like I said, i can't find any records as to what I had done, so am going to see my GP tomorrow with the list of vaccinations I'll need...hopefully if he can do them it will be less expensive than the emabssy doctor.

Question is, if I can't prove I've already had them/ don't know if I've had them; do I have to get them all done now? Even the ones that I would probably have had as a toddler? What about the chicken pox one which isn't available here ....?

Also, does the US Embassy / Embassy doctor contact my GP for any medical info or my records?

If you can help- thanks guys, really appreciate it!

Jessica
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-18 18:42:00
United KingdomAnyone just got I-130 approval?
QUOTE (Poiteen @ Nov 21 2007, 12:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Gwen - did you get an email approval or just the paper one?

bunsk2007 - Did you put an email address on your I-130 form??

I'm still a long way off, but very excited to hear of any approval news
xxxxx heart.gif


Hi Poiteen

Yes, my dh put his e-mail address on the form and that was what they used to notify us that it had been filed. Have just checked our emails in case...but nothing yet unsure.gif

It is exciting to hear when other people get good news, yes! It makes it seems all the more encouraging for us folks still waiting!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-21 15:50:00
United KingdomAnyone just got I-130 approval?
That's great you got it! You must be feeling so happy! At least that's the first part out of the way.

I guess mine should be here any day...although I just realised the Embassy will be closed for Thanksgiving tomorrow and maybe Friday which may push it into next week.

When you say your filing date was Sept 13th, I'm assuming that was the date the Embassy filed it, not the date you posted it to them?
I posted on the 15th Sept but being a Saturday they didn't get it/ file it until the 18th.
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-21 11:49:00
United KingdomAnyone just got I-130 approval?
Anyone applied for their I-130 on or around Sept 18th through the London Embassy had approval yet?

The Embassy website has been updated to say they're now processing applications dated Sept 17th, so I'm really thinking mine must be just about approved and on it's way in the post to me now, right??!!

This waiting is terrible. I'm practically attacking the postman in the street to search through his postbag in case he's missed it. (I get a lot of wrong deliveries at my house, believe me!)

Any other 'Sept 18th's out there?! unsure.gif
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-21 08:53:00
United Kingdominjections
QUOTE (waitingsucks @ Nov 21 2007, 05:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi,
im having the medical injections carried out by my own doctor over the next few weeks, starting in an hour helpsmilie.gif
could someone tell me what is required in the form of proof that i have had these please?
would a letter printed on the surgery's letterhead be adequate?

also

was anyone ill after having these injections?

also

i had chicken pox when i was a child, my doctor has no record of this in my notes, how do i prove i have had the disease and do i need the injection? if i do need it i would rather my doctor gave it as it saves £25 on the bill! (he is only charging for varicella and hepititis b good.gif ) i also got measles polio and rubella vacinations when i was at school (im 38 now) do i need these injections?

cheers for any help!



Hi there

I had my injections done by my GP 2 days ago. To answer your questions:

Firstly,

He said that if the nurse had done them I would have got a little booklet that she would have stamped and signed to show which injections were done.
But as he was doing them, I just got a computer print out of the entry he did for that day in my medical records. He had to print it out twice becuase the first one had lots of other medical notes for me that he said I wouldn't want the Embassy doctor reading..well, I wouldn't! In the end the print out just shows my name, birth date and address, doctors name and practice address, date and list of the injections I had.

Hopefully that will be enough! He seemed to think it would be adequate.

Secondly,

I was fine that day but am sore today. Not ill though, and it's not stopping me doing anything. He did both arms, one is fine and you can't even see a mark; the other one is swollen and sore around the area but paracetamol helps. He said it could be sore for up to a week or so afterwards, and that I could feel 'flu-like' symptoms but that hasn't happened so far.

Thirdly,

I have had chicken pox so he said that I should get a blood test at the local hospital to test for antibodies. He will get the result 2 days later and I will then call to see if I am immune to it. If I am, he'll give me a copy of the blood test; if not he said he'll arrange for me to get the injection. He says it is available in the UK but not widely given.

That would be the one I would have to pay for. The ones he did for me are:
pertussis
tetanus
diptheria
mumps
rubella
measles
flu

I printed off the chart form the US Embassy website to show him, and from that, he decided what I needed. I have had the mmr etc as a child but can't prove it because I have lost my little immunisation book! (Slap on the wrist mad.gif )

He said I didn't need Hepaptitis B because I am whistling.gif older than 19....now I'm wondering if he should have given it to me?! Help!!

I think that if you get the chicken pox blood test and it shows you have immunity, you may not need the injection. If you have the medical records (or your GP does) to show you had the measles, polio etc at school, you won't need them, but I think you will need documents to prove it. If, like me you can't proove it, you will probably need to get them done again.

Good luck! Hope the first one today wasn't too bad good.gif
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-21 12:11:00
United KingdomExporting our dog to america
QUOTE (selly @ Nov 19 2007, 06:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
DO NOT USE THE PET CARRIERS!! If you fly with Delta or NWest you can take your dog as accompanied baggage for $100. You still need the formal vet certificate, vaccinations and an approved transport kennel but trust me it is no hassle at all. I received loads of quotes for my lab and I fail to see how the carriers can justify 1200 pounds for something that I managed all in for approx 250 inc the extras. The websites for those two airlines have good information on travelling with your pet, you do however need to book your flight direct with the airline.

Do not worry too much about getting your dog in to the USA, it is far easier for them than us suspicious humans I can assure you.

Dont worry about the non standard vaccinations until you get over here. Heartworm testing is needed when you get here as it is a nasty mosquito carried problem.

Bess is now enjoying her retirement here in Florida and is a million times better off for being here too.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do. good.gif



Hi Selly

Your post is very encouraging yes.gif ! We have a lab and a cat to move, although not until Feb so we still have some time.

We'll be travelling with AA most likely and I will contact them, but can you tell me where you got the 'approved transport kennel'? Also, did anyone - vet or airline?- give you advice as to how to ensure the lab was happy/ healthy on board the flight?

Thank you!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-11-20 03:01:00
United KingdomNotice of I-130 Approval received- questions?
Oh....sad.gif Do I feel silly now!

You're absolutely right- there is an x only in part 1! I didn't even notice the x or the shading...must have been a very long day for me!!

Thanks for clearing that up for me blush.gif

My packet should come very soon then...maybe between Christmas and the New Year.
Thanks ladyynara!


QUOTE (ladyynara @ Dec 18 2007, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I recieved my notice of approval on the 14th, and got my packet today, so it should just be a few days smile.gif

Looking at mine, the only bit that mentions I-485 is part 4, which doesn't have an X by it for me, only number 1 does which is the bit that pertains to me, the rest I'm supposed to ignore. Is this what you mean? I have they X'ed the wrong one for you?

bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-12-21 13:48:00
United KingdomNotice of I-130 Approval received- questions?
Thanks for the reply smile.gif

I feel better after eading your post. I was beginning to worry about why they were talking about Form I-485, especially after I looked up the form on the forum and saw that it was definietly for folks already in the US. I hope they haven't sent me the wrong reply!!


QUOTE (MargotDarko @ Dec 17 2007, 09:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It sounds like they don't have a NOA2 letter for those who are doing DCF, which is really stupid and confusing. You should not be doing a I-485 so it is stupid for the NOA2 to have mentioned it. You should receive Packet 3 soon, which will contain the DS-230, DS-2001 checklist, and info about the medical. Hopefully you will have it within the week, but it might be different around Christmas time. If you do not have it by the new year, I would contact the embassy.

As for saying when you are not available for interview - first, it is very unlikely they would schedule it that quickly, and secondly, you only have to say that you are "unavailable" between - and - dates. smile.gif

If you want to have the visa and move to the states end of February, I would try hard to get everything in around the start of January. You only send them the DS-230 Part 1 and the DS-2001 checklist, and you can include a letter about the dates when you are not available. You hold on to the I-864 forms and police check, etc. to bring with you to the interview. So I wouldn't wait for all the forms to be finished before sending off the DS-230 and DS-2001 as you would have time to finish them before the interview. smile.gif

EDIT - I should clarify that I don't mean it will likely take two whole months. I just mean that is a much safer amount of time to allow.

bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-12-17 09:32:00
United KingdomNotice of I-130 Approval received- questions?
Thanks for the reply smile.gif

I feel better after eading your post. I was beginning to worry about why they were talking about Form I-485, especially after I looked up the form on the forum and saw that it was definietly for folks already in the US. I hope they haven't sent me the wrong reply!!


QUOTE (MargotDarko @ Dec 17 2007, 09:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It sounds like they don't have a NOA2 letter for those who are doing DCF, which is really stupid and confusing. You should not be doing a I-485 so it is stupid for the NOA2 to have mentioned it. You should receive Packet 3 soon, which will contain the DS-230, DS-2001 checklist, and info about the medical. Hopefully you will have it within the week, but it might be different around Christmas time. If you do not have it by the new year, I would contact the embassy.

As for saying when you are not available for interview - first, it is very unlikely they would schedule it that quickly, and secondly, you only have to say that you are "unavailable" between - and - dates. smile.gif

If you want to have the visa and move to the states end of February, I would try hard to get everything in around the start of January. You only send them the DS-230 Part 1 and the DS-2001 checklist, and you can include a letter about the dates when you are not available. You hold on to the I-864 forms and police check, etc. to bring with you to the interview. So I wouldn't wait for all the forms to be finished before sending off the DS-230 and DS-2001 as you would have time to finish them before the interview. smile.gif

EDIT - I should clarify that I don't mean it will likely take two whole months. I just mean that is a much safer amount of time to allow.

bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-12-17 09:17:00
United KingdomNotice of I-130 Approval received- questions?
Am very excited this morning:)

Have just received the 'Notice of Approval of Relative Immigrant Visa Petition'- at last!

I have some questions though.....not least of all, what happens next!

1/ Do I (the beneficiary) receive a packet of paers in the post for my application, and how long does that usually take to come?

2/ The letter states that the petition has been forwarded to the US Consulkate at London etc...
Then it says:

The Petition states that the beneficiary is in the United States and will apply to become a lawful permanant residence. The enclosed application for this purpose (Form I-485) should be completed and submitted wby the beneficiary within 30 days .......'


So my question is this- firstly, I am not in the States, I'm in England- so is this a mistake on their part? Does it matter that it says i am in the States?!! (Panic setting in!)

Also- there wasn't anything enclosed with the letter, so what do they mean by the 'enclosed application'??

My police check is due back later this week, then I have to wait for my husband to come back from the States on Christams Eve- he needs to do the affidavit of support for me (his parents also)- he will be coming back with a job offer and we'll put his parents house down as our intended address...

So- last question. If I get my paperwork back to the Embassy by mid January, could the green card be granted by late February? Does that timescale sound possible to you guys, or will it be likely to take longer than that?

We are away in the States mid Jnauary for 2 weeks, so I will have to tell them I am not available during those times for the interview. Should I be honest and say where I am going? Or be vague and just say that I will be away?

Thanks for any thoughts and info- all will be much appreciated!
good.gif
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-12-17 08:42:00
United KingdomMother-in-law Affidavit of Support
Ok..thanks, Elmcitymaven! This seems very straightforward yes.gif Feel better now!

I'm just dying to get there. The waiting sucks. sad.gif

QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Dec 21 2007, 02:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You're DCF, right? You'll be doing the I-864 which does NOT need to be notarised so not an issue for you. I also assume your husband is not living with his mother, so they must both complete separate I-864s; your husband is the main sponsor, and his mother is the joint sponsor. For DCF you bring the I-864s with you to the interview -- do NOT send them to the Embassy!

Don't worry too much about the job offer/contract issue, as London is fairly relaxed about the whole domicile issue. I had no job offer, contract, tenancy, etc (although I did have a US bank account and a letter from my UK boss saying I had resigned contingent on my husband getting the CR1) and this was not an issue. A written job offer is, however, great proof and you should definitely bring it along if you have it. good.gif

bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-12-21 14:34:00
United KingdomMother-in-law Affidavit of Support
A quick question about my mother-in-law's affidavit of support for me-

Who does the notorisation? It is the value of her house that is being used as her assets I guess, can that be done by an American estate agent who has just valued the house for her? Or does it need to be a lawyer as well?

Does her paperwork then get sent in with mine, or seperately?

My husband is out there at the minute visiting, but when I send Packet 3 back in January, he won't have started a job in the States yet; he'll still be living/ working here with me. Will it be sufficient for him to produce a written job offer, with salary listed? Or will he need to show a job contract?

On this basis, is this sufficient for my husband to be joint affidavit of support with his mother? I'm assuming they would they fill in seperate forms?

Thanks everyone yes.gif
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-12-21 14:09:00
United KingdomPacket 3 and Medical Form questions
It's been a good day today....my police certificate and Packet 3 came through my letter box together!!

With Christmas and all that, i wasn't expecting it until after the 2nd, so I'm feeling lucky today kicking.gif

A couple of Questions about Packet 3:

in particular, 'Instructions for Immigrant Visa Applicants':


1/ I obviously have my Marriage Certificate for no. (8); but I'm don't understand what (9.) means- what they want.

I am the beneficiary of a family-based immigrant visa petition (being the wife of an American)- do I need to this one? Is my marriage certificate enough? (We have been married for 16 years....it's not like a few months!)


2/ Actually, this seems to me like a really stupid question, but I just feel I should check....... blush.gif

It is only me, right, that needs to fill in the OF-230 Part 1....which says 'Complete one copy of this form for yourself and each member of your family who will immigrate with you.....'

It's our children I'm wondering about....

They were born in England, British passports etc; but we registered their births at the US Embassy so from days old they had their american passports and social security numbers etc. They leave the UK on the Uk passports and land in the US on their US passports, and while we're visiting the family in the States they are. to all intent and purposes, american.

So, I haven't included them in any of this, other than when asked if I have children...they don't need to fill in these forms, do they??!! They're not immigrating, they're 'going home' (although that's not quiet how they see it!)

Anyway...just need to check that one with you guys helpsmilie.gif

3/ Re: the Medical Form

Does the examing doctor or the US Embassy contact my doctor for information on me? Or get to see my notes?

I am 100% fit, I'm sure yes.gif so I cna't see why they would need to....but I am worried about the first question on the medical form, asking if I have ever been hospitalised?

I was involved in the Kings Cross (underground fire) disaster, after which I was hospitalised for almost 2 years in a psychiatric ward because I had post traumatic stress. This was a long time ago....in 1987-89 and I can't see it's relevance now, to this application.

I would rather leave that information out because I am concerned that if I say yes, I have been hospitalised; they will insist I have to have a psychiatric evaluation and that will prolong and delay everything. I have read that it is standard policy with London that if you answer yes to having had a psychiatric record that is what they do.

Help. What do you guys think?

This has turned out to be more than the couple of short questions I thought....thanks for your patience guys, and of course for your help with the answers and advice!!!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-12-22 13:01:00
United KingdomPacket 3 question- what civil documents?
QUOTE (Lansbury @ Dec 26 2007, 01:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What is the question you are asking. For us to explain what the Embassy means by original documents or what documents to produce to satisfy a particular part of the checklist.


No, I know what is meant by 'original documents.' If this is just saying that all the documents i take with me need to be originals, That's fine, I know that.


I am asking if question 9 is asking for any particular documents?


Are they saying that I need to produce 'extra' documents (which must be originals) , to prove my relationship to my husband? I mean in addition to my marriage certificate, which they refer to in question 8.

I have read of people taking to the interview boxes of letters, anniversary cards, photographs,and letters from friends saying they have known the couple for some years- all to prove that it is a valid relationship.

I am wondering if this is what question 9. refers to? Do I need to take anything like that? (Have been married for 16 years and marriage cert. would show that of course.)

Thanks.
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-12-26 14:00:00
United KingdomPacket 3 question- what civil documents?
Hi all

Happy Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours...

I really need help with a Packet 3 question- 'Instructions for Immigrant Visa Applicants'-

Regrading the check list of documents I need to get together, I don't understand this one:

(9). Original Documents

I guess mine is a family-based immigration visa petition as my husband is the american, but I don't understand what they are asking for.

My marriage certificate (no. 8) would establish our relationship, is that enough?

What did other people use for this one?

I really hope someone can help!! Thanks everyone. good.gif
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-12-26 12:25:00
United KingdomHelp!! I-130 returned- incomplete.
When i saw that the US Embassy in London are now dealing with I-130's filed on Sept 18th, i was so happy because that's my date! And when the letter from the US Embassy fell on ly doormat this morning, I was thrilled- I was so sure it had been granted!

But it hasn't! Instead, they have sent a letter saying:

our application has been found incomplete for the reasons they list, and that once we have got the information required we have to 'post all the relevant documents in on submission to the London Embassy in the uK.'

The reasons listed are:

1/ I changed my surname by deed poll a while back, and although I provided them with a photocopy of the original deed poll, they are saying I have to provide a Statutory Decleration which has been executed under the Statutory declerations Act of 1835.

(We assume that means that a deed poll is not good enough and are going to a solicitor first thing tomorrow to pay for a Statutory Decleration.)

2/ My husband (the petitioner) didn't know the year his parents were born, or the cities they were born in, so he only filled in his parents names and day and month of birth. The Embassy are saying his G-325A is incomplete without his parents full details! I know he is unusual in not knowing these details but they are not close!

Anyway, we are gutted! We can get the in the next few days- asap- but we honestly expected the letter would be telling us it was approved!!

My question is this- has anyone had an experience like this when they were told they hadn't sent in everything correctly? And if so, how long did it delay everything? We are worried. Will the Embassy just pick it up as soon as we send it back in and process it, so it may only delay it a couple of weeks; or will this application be put at the bottom of the pile, meaning we have to wait another 11 weeks??


Also, should we just send in the letter with the 2 pieces of information, or should we send in the complete lot of paperwork and documents that we originally sent in?

Sob, sob sad.gif

This was not the 'good news' we expected when we opened the letter today. I hope soemone can help, thanks.
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-12-05 14:20:00
United KingdomEmbassy interview early Feb?
QUOTE (Gwen666 @ Jan 12 2008, 08:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'll venture so far as to say it's not unlikely, but that December packet 3-ers are getting mid February interviews now.

The scheduling has picked up a notch since the holiday, so you may get lucky.



I got lucky- I'm so happy!!

I just got back from a trip arranging schools/ house etc....all falling into place;
and a letter from the Embassy was waiting for me - my interview was set for Monday Feb 11th!!

I wasn't expecting to get the letter before the end of the month, so this is a big surprise!

Have my medical on Wednesday, that should be straight forward.

If all goes well, I could be moving at the end of February. Although I haven't arranged the shipping yet......wish I had done that already now!!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-04 16:34:00
United KingdomEmbassy interview early Feb?
Am trying to work out - roughly- when my interview with the London Embassy might be scheduled for.....

I sent Packet 3 back on Jan 10th -guaranteed to get there the next day; and told them that my medical examination is scheduled for Feb 6th. I also told them that I would 'not be available for the interview between Jan 16- Feb 4 because I would be away'.

I'm hoing to get the interview early to mid February......does this sound vaguely possible to you wise folks out there? Is there any way of finding out beforehand? Other than waiting for the appointment letter?
Anyone with a similiar timeline to me?
Anyone with a crystal ball?!......

Thanks!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-12 07:08:00
United KingdomEmbassy interview- questions!
QUOTE (Gwen666 @ Feb 4 2008, 07:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
1. You can check your mobile in the security hut, but it's an at-your-own-risk thing.

2. We both went to the interview, for both the K-1 and DCF. No problems there.

3. You need to take tax transcripts OR tax returns and w-2's for sponsor and co-sponsor. This is part of the I-864 instructions. It is there!

4. You can get there no sooner than 1/2 hour before your appointment, they won't let you in the queue before then. They aren't kidding when they say you will be queueing in the rain if it's cr*ppy out, so make sure you bring an umbrella if it's raining!

5. Yes, all can be paid in USD. We just paid by card.



Okay, thanks to you both for all the info. I think I will take my other half with me...won't be as fun celebrating on my won! I'll just make sure he has his US passport with him.

This has moved so fast in the last couple of weeks- we weren't prepared and haven't even arranged a shipper yet! But we're so excited and nothing's going to hold me back now. We're trying to see if we can get out there before the end of this month- I'm assuming of course that I'll pass the interview!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-05 05:30:00
United KingdomEmbassy interview- questions!
My interview is going to be on Monday February 11th- I'm so excited!
But a little nervous as well......I just hope I think of everything....

A few questions that I hope you guys can help with...

1. I gather I can't take my mobile into the Embassy? Is there a place there that I can leave it safely? I don't want to go all the way up there without one really...I'll have loads of people to call when i get out of the interview.

2. Am not sure whether to go alone or with my other half....I know he's not required for the interview, but thought it would be nice to have a celebratory lunch or something....what did you guys do?

3. What do i need to take in regards to his (he's the us citizen) filing his US taxes- do I need to take his tax transcripts or something? I have had no info on this from the embassy!

4. My appt is 9.30 am. What time should I get there? How long should I expect to be there?

5. I can pay all the fees in US dollars, right? Does this include the courier service, for which I have been quoted the price in pounds sterling?

Any other tips or advice would be appreciated! Can I take water in with me , or is there a place to get a drink there? I take it that I can't take a coffee in there.....sad.gif

Thanks all! Any help will be hughely appreciated. I will of course post my interview story once it's happened.
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-04 16:52:00
United Kingdomthe good, the bad and the interview
Congratulations- it's great news!! I'm glad it was short and sweet- and that she had some tissues for you.

I'd better go find a box for myself- I might need them on Monday!!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-06 12:24:00
United KingdomMy Medical is tomorrow- I have more questions!!
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Feb 6 2008, 05:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yeah - defo recommended although my doc looked confused by it all laughing.gif



Thanks to all the replies! Oh- and the directions for getting there, that definitely helped!

I had my medical this morning at 10.30, will post about it in another thread.



QUOTE (bunsk2007 @ Feb 6 2008, 12:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Feb 6 2008, 05:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yeah - defo recommended although my doc looked confused by it all laughing.gif



Thanks to all the replies! Oh- and the directions for getting there, that definitely helped!

I had my medical this morning at 10.30, will post about it in another thread.


Oh- I told him I'd had chicken pox and he said I didn't need the injection then...
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-06 12:18:00
United KingdomMy Medical is tomorrow- I have more questions!!
QUOTE (NickyMcMillan @ Feb 5 2008, 11:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (bunsk2007 @ Feb 5 2008, 04:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi there...

My Medical is at 10.30 tomorrow.
I really hope someone who has already had their medical at Bentinck Mansions can help!!...

I was sent a medical questionnaire form with the letter form the US Embassy, and told to take that to the appointment tomorrow. Are there any other medical forms I have to fill in at the appointment? Do I have to give them my GP's details?

Also, I was told when I made the appt that charge incl vat is £180.00- can someone confirm this?

On the 'Pricing Information' sheet it lists Item 3 - Bacteriological examination of sputum £90.00
What the heck is that?! And will I need that? I have had all the injections done by my GP- except for varicella but I can't have that in this country can I?
What about DNA Specimen Collection £85.00 and Drug & Alcohol Specimen Collection £40.00?

Are these extras that I am unlikely to need done/ to pay for?

And if my interview is next Monday, will the Embassy have had my results by then? I noticed that they said it can take 3 working days to get the results to the Embassy...if that's correct, they won't have it by Monday. Would that mean that the Embassy won't give me an answer on Monday?

Thank you! I just don't want any nasty surprises....money-wise, at least!!


I had my medical last Tuesday..

You will have to fill in another form at the medical, similar to the one you got with packet 3. There is also an aids form you have to sign. That's what the blood test is for. Your signing to say you understand this.

Yes the medical is £180. No other extras unless you get vaccinations done there. You don't need to worry about the other items on the price list.

You will be asked if you have had chicken pox. If you have, you don't need to worry about varicella. You don't have to give them your GP details.

Hope it goes well for you. It goes very quick. You'll spend more time waiting.



Thank you- this makes it sound very simple and straight forward! I have had chicken pox and have the scars to show for it!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-05 13:58:00
United KingdomMy Medical is tomorrow- I have more questions!!
Hi there...

My Medical is at 10.30 tomorrow.
I really hope someone who has already had their medical at Bentinck Mansions can help!!...

I was sent a medical questionnaire form with the letter form the US Embassy, and told to take that to the appointment tomorrow. Are there any other medical forms I have to fill in at the appointment? Do I have to give them my GP's details?

Also, I was told when I made the appt that charge incl vat is £180.00- can someone confirm this?

On the 'Pricing Information' sheet it lists Item 3 - Bacteriological examination of sputum £90.00
What the heck is that?! And will I need that? I have had all the injections done by my GP- except for varicella but I can't have that in this country can I?
What about DNA Specimen Collection £85.00 and Drug & Alcohol Specimen Collection £40.00?

Are these extras that I am unlikely to need done/ to pay for?

And if my interview is next Monday, will the Embassy have had my results by then? I noticed that they said it can take 3 working days to get the results to the Embassy...if that's correct, they won't have it by Monday. Would that mean that the Embassy won't give me an answer on Monday?

Thank you! I just don't want any nasty surprises....money-wise, at least!!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-05 11:22:00
United KingdomShippers- not sure where to post this?
Am not sure if this is the right place to post this question- but I can't find where else to pst this and someone will tell me if it isn't!

Has anyone heard of, or used, either HAVAS packing & Shipping, based in Hartfield, or DRAKE MARITIME Ltd, in Brentfordd

We got a list of 'personal effects shippers' from the BIFA. Apparently they are not allowed to recommend anyone, but they sent us a list of about 20 names, all of who are registered with the BIFA.

The only name I recognised on the list was Seven Seas Worldwide- has anyone used them?

Thanks in advance for any replies!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-06 13:28:00
United KingdomHelp!! Turned down for filing in London...Has this happened to you?
QUOTE (Lansbury @ Feb 7 2008, 04:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Having read the other thread one thing jumps out at me.

The visa applicant told the Embassy staff the USC wasn't domiciled in the USA. That IMHO was a pretty stupid statement to make and one which the Embassy staff have to take note off. Especially as domicile is required.

They take a pretty lenient view of what being domiciled is. My wife hadn't lived in the US for 10 years but had an Oregon driving licence with our sons address on it. They didn't even ask to see it. But if they are told the USC isn't domiciled what are they supposed to do.


Lansbury, I don't understand this....
In my case, On the I-160, I think that dh said he was domicile in the UK. How could he be applying through the London Embassy, if he wasn't domicile in the UK?? If he was domicile in the US he would have to apply out there, right?!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-07 16:35:00
United KingdomHelp!! Turned down for filing in London...Has this happened to you?
Thanks for the replies...

Lansbury, the forum is DiveIntoAmerica and the link for this particular topic is

http://forum.diveint...57124#post57124

Rebbacjo, where do i search for posts by 'saywhat'- just in the search box at the top of the page? I tried that and nothing came up.

Elmcitymaven- I'm going to try to add more to the 'domicile dossier', yes.

Proof of leaving Job
DH can't provide proof that he resigned his job- what actually happened was that he was only 3 months into a new job, and got written off for two weeks becuase of illness. During that 2 weeks we went to the US to look at houses, schools, and for him to have job interviews. When we got back there was aletter waiting saying the company were giving him one months notice and terminationg his employment. He wasn't bothered of course becuase he would be leaving anyway. But this letter would not prove his intending to leave his job in advance of his move to the US.

Proof of Giving Up Rented
This is what he has so far, to prove his ties to the US:

he has a US bank account, that he's had for either 1 or 2 years (it has only recently been actively used though)
he opened a 2nd bank account last week
he has a US drivers licence
he is registered to vote (at his parents address)

So we can take his voters registration form, his bank statements, the written offer he made on the house, and I think we brought back letters that had been sent to him at his parents address....

In addition,
he has 4 interviews lined up when he goes back to the US next week for 5 days
we put an offer in on a house we want to purchase- we have this offer in writing, but the negotiations are still ongoing so we don't -yet- have a house! But he is hoping to move this along next week.

School Registration
We have chosen the school but were told we couldn't register them until we could proove we were living in the district.

I have been so careful to check we were doing everything right!!

My concerns are-

1/will they say my mother-in-law can't co-sponsor me because my husband is 'not an american citizen/ proving domicile'?!!

2/we- I think, I'll check in a minute- put on the I-130 dh's place of residence as the UK. Was that the wrong thing to put???
How could we have put his place of residence was the US, when it needed to be the UK in order to file at the US Embassy?

Oh boy sad.gif . Am getting myself worked up now! Thanks for the replies so far.
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-07 16:15:00
United KingdomHelp!! Turned down for filing in London...Has this happened to you?
Has anyone having their Embassy Interview during this last week been in this situation ?!

US/UK married couple, living in UK, decide to move back together to US where USC mother lives......
USC files for UKC at London Embassy, petition is approved.

UKC files their part, all seems to go well until interview at London Embassy when the USC is told -I think I have this all correct- that

she is not (regarded as) a USC because she is living in the UK, even though she has birth cert. etc to proove it...

Embassy goes on to say that the USC should already be resident in the US and filing in the US on behalf of their partner...
I have just read this on another forum- it appears to have happened today. I was hoping this poster was also on this forum but having looked, can't find her here.

** To the lady who posted this!! I can't find you on this forum. I hope you don't mind me posting about you! **

I am trying to see if this has happened to anyone else- even the US spouse's US immigration lawyers in London are baffled and have not seen this happen before! They can't understand why the US spouse's petition was approved, if they are now saying she filed incorrectly.

Someone has posted a reply to this USC saying they wonder if the problem is that the sponsor to her UKC husband is resident in the US- he's wondering if the petitioner has to file in the same country that the sponsor is in?

I am nervous now- my interview is on Monday!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-07 14:14:00
United KingdomAffidavit /Proof of relationship needed?
I have come across another question raised on another forum...

Do I need an affidavit/ more evidence to take to the interview to prove I am in abona fide marriage?

I have our marriage certificate from16 years ago, children's birth certificates etc. Do I need more?

I have heard about people gathering photos, letters to each other, anniversary cards etc; but as well as that, having friends write letters to say that they verified their marriage. I'm not sure where the 'affidavit' bit came in...

Has anyone here done all this/ needed all this?

Thanks smile.gif Don't know what i would do without these forums!
bunsk2007FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-07 19:19:00