ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (mrs_sdp @ May 27 2009, 05:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All ....

I just wanted to wish Bob and Patricia good luck for Friday .... good.gif I hope the interview goes well for both of you!

I'm just putting the finishing touches to my packing ... my flight is at 6am tomorrow morning ....

This is such a confusing time for me. On one hand, I'm so happy to be going to Iowa to marry Steve - after three years of waiting - but on the other, I'm so sad to be leaving my family. I know everything will be fine and that they will visit us and we will visit them .... I'm just going to miss them so much .... They have been so supportive about the whole visa process - they just want me to be happy ....

Och, I'm being a silly woman again .... how can I be homesick already? I haven't even gone yet!!

Take care everyone ... I'll be back online in a few days once I've settled ....

Wishing FAST visas for all those waiting .....

Moira x


good luck at POE! let us know how it goes!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-27 18:11:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (John and Camie @ May 26 2009, 05:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Aww, thanks for the well wishes, Chris and Julie and Moira! Fortunately, my Honey is as cool as a cucumber, while I'm the one bouncing off the walls here in SoCal! It's our usual dynamic - he's like the Camie Whisperer, that guy. laughing.gif

Cool to see us finally on the grid. LOL! Thank you, MARM rose.gif


congrats and good luck camie!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-26 18:10:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (PB&JAM @ May 23 2009, 04:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you so much guys!! I'm getting teary just reading all your sweet messages! You guys are all super n your comfort means so much!! heart.gif. We're gonna try n forget it for the weekend, let it sink in, then get to work on it next week.

I like that Bob n Pat, "fill out your forms and get your man here!" yes! thats what i need to do. Its only gonna be 4 more months n $500, but doesnt matter, all that matters is being with my best friend n love of my life.

On a positive note, at least the interview is over n i'm not sick to my stomach anymore haha.

Thanks guys! Wish I could give u all a big hug! rose.gif


Like someone else mentioned, I also know an immigration lawyer here in the US...it's my dad's law partner's daughter...my mom just talked to her once to make sure I hadn't screwed anything up (I hadn't...thanks mom). But, if you want her contact info I can give it to her..you can tell her you know me haha and it should go well I hope!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-23 09:03:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (PB&JAM @ May 22 2009, 08:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks guys! talked about it more with paul, the CO just made it seem like we have a few papers to fill out n it has to be sent to DHS. he gave paul the forms we need to fill out, he's sending some for me to fill out too, plus we need letters of extreme hardship. we submit those n then Embasy will contact us with what to do with his passport.
i'll post over in waivers tomorw. havent been to bed n its after 5am. i'll need a bit of time to recover, and need sleep. nerve wracking day ended in me bawling my eyes out. i'll be ok. we'll get through this. thanks everyone! =)
sorry to be the bummer of the group! sad.gif


you are not a bummer to the group! we are here to help and support you!! don't be sorry!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-22 10:43:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (PB&JAM @ May 22 2009, 06:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Bad news guys.
"your visa has been denied under section 212(a)(2)(a)(1) of the immigration act A waiver of the applicable is available."

I dont know what this means, my fiance told me: "I dont qualify for automatic approval its up to homeland security to approve me a waiver, only this time we both have to write letters explaining why a denial would cause extreme hardship, more forms to fill, $538 to pay, at least 15 weeks more to wait, "

We are eligible for a waiver but have to prove extreme hardship.

I am utterly heartbroken and crushed. He cannot even visit me til we get approved or denied. I am gutted! I dont know what to do! I cant be with the man i love?? I'm in tears...... Sorry to break the lucky may streak! sad.gif sad.gif sad.gif


Omg I am SOOOOO sorry. I can't believe this sad.gif Your post almost brought ME to tears...I feel horrible for you!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-22 06:59:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Brookeluvsadam @ May 21 2009, 07:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats to everyone else with the recent approvals, and good luck to those waiting!

You can officially add us to the list too- Adams interview went smooth as silk today and we are approved! yay! kicking.gif


Congrats!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-21 19:47:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Brookeluvsadam @ May 20 2009, 11:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
so i havent been around much.. but just wanted to jump into this thread.. My fiance will be leaving for his interview in about three hours!!! Im so nervous I dont know what to do with myself!!! Wish us luck!


Good luck! I stayed up most of the night with nerves...I fell asleep for 2 hours and then when he called to say he was approved, he woke me up and I was up for hours after that! then I crashed haha and slept a good part of the day.
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-20 22:59:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (krystiandjon @ May 20 2009, 12:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Another interview date to add to the list...June 1!!!! We're so excited!

I'm planning on going out for the interview but would really like to only take 1 day off work (Need the rest for the honeymoon!). What do you think my chances are for catching a 2:30 flight at Heathrow if the interview is in the morning (I don't know the time yet, but lets assume its for 8 am)?


Congrats! I think you can find out the time by calling DOS?
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-20 11:28:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (mrs_sdp @ May 20 2009, 11:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (H&V @ May 20 2009, 10:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ May 20 2009, 03:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Sven just got a text that his visa is being delivered TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really hope its correct though...



Yay! Seems like they are getting back up to speed maybe! I'm sure it is correct, from the timelines someone approved Monday also got theirs today, plus the date on my visa shows Monday, even though I was approved Friday. Congrats!!



My medical results were delivered to the Embassy on Monday and I just got a text to say that my visa is being delivered tomorrow too .... kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

Moira x


CONGRATS! do you know what day you are gonna POE? would be funny if you did it together!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-20 10:18:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Sven just got a text that his visa is being delivered TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really hope its correct though...
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-20 09:55:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Nik+Heather @ May 19 2009, 07:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
YAY for all of the approvals! Laura, I wanted to come in and check on you earlier, but work ended up being really busy! Not sitting at the computer all day (for once!!!).


I'm not feeling nervous about our interview at all yet, but then again, I've got a couple of weeks to fret about it yet. smile.gif

-H


Those couple weeks will really go pretty fast! Now I am trying to read up on AOS, because we want to send it off as soon as we can, to get the EAD asap!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-19 18:26:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (mrs_sdp @ May 19 2009, 06:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MARM @ May 19 2009, 02:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
January 2009 Graduates of the US Embassy, London
Jason&Sarah, Hannah+Vito, Mrssmith, ShannonNick, adrianandlinsay, Marmite Lovers!

February 2009 Graduates of the US Embassy, London
Rob&Dawn, Zoe and Hal, Terri and Seb, Talyss, TeeKol

March 2009 Graduates of the US Embassy, London
Stinky Monkey, skparker, Laurence+Lauren, pothergavel, paumanda, texpat cymru, obbynox, jhonscotland, Caminic, Furious Biscuit, ahlpo, jojo_gee

April 2009 Graduates of the US Embassy, London
DairyFarmer, skeez&titanic, SwanTiger, miss g, LondonLad, niniel71, mr and mrs, Stinkerpotsam, Marty J, prima and jay, Helen&Dougie, KAT&Allie, KnightAndMagpie, paul., Kirsten UK, Colinjess, Alixhilary


May 2009 Interviews
1st May 2009.....Graziumphry..................K-1
1st May 2009.....emma77........................K-1
5th May 2009.....Monkey Juice.................K-1
5th May 2009.....Gemmie.........................K-1
12th May 2009....MARM...........................K-1- APPROVED PENDING PASSPORT
12th May 2009....mrs_sdp.......................K-1- APPROVED PENDING MEDICAL
15th May 2009....H&V..............................K-1
19th May 2009....laura819......................K-1
22nd May 2009...PB&JAM.........................K-1
29th May 2009...Bob and Patricia.............K-1

June 2009 Interviews
1st June 2009......JimandChristy...............K-1
4th June 2009......Nik+Heather.................K-1
12th June 2009....Ellie-and-David..............K-1


Still waiting for approval
stevi1123..........16th October 2008 - Approved pending additional documentation
Marie620..........12th January 2009 - Denied
Dave and Jess..10th March 2009 ?
The Dip Sticks..25th March 2009 ?


= APPROVED
Updates/New entries/changes highlighted in blue - will go to normal color in the next update.
Please let us know if you have an Interview Date to add to the list, updated information or corrections.



Hi All ...

Hey Marm ... have you got one of those little red stars going spare? I called the doctor this afternoon and I passed my medical - they delivered the results to the Embassy yesterday - so I am officially APPROVED!!!

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG ...... I did it!!!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

Laura .. congrats ... ((((HUGS))))

H&V ... that was a quick print of the visa ... good.gif Paul ... I'm sorry you have had to wait so long ... I'd be climbing the walls by now!! All the lovely peeps on here will verify that I'm not known for my patience ... no0pb.gif

Hmmm, who's next on our list of May approvee's???? PB&JAM ... wishing you loads of luck for Friday!!!

I just wanted to say ... thank you all for everything ... for all the help and for all the support ... and for keeping me relatively sane ...

Moira x


Thanks to everyone through ALL of this! And thanks for the congrats of course! Moira...I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU! Maybe your visa and Sven's visa will get delivered around the same time!


When is everyone planning to do AOS?
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-19 17:57:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (H&V @ May 19 2009, 10:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Eeek - just got the text message to say my visa will be delivered tomorrow! Let's see if it turns up before 8am like it's supposed to.....!

Paul, I'm really sorry it's taking so long to get yours, sorry I can't think to anything else to suggest than what you've already done though. If you were in AP I take it the DOS would know? Hope your senator gives 'em a kick up the ..... Fingers crossed it gets there soon for you!


Congrats! hope we are that lucky!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-19 11:05:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Gemmie @ May 19 2009, 06:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations Laura!! kicking.gif


Thanks! He'll POE a few days before you if everything goes well with the visa being delivered *crosses fingers*

I only slept about 2 hours...and now I am too keyed up to sleep! Ahh. Hopefully I will be able to sleep soon!

Now lets end May on a good note with even more approvals!

Bob, let us know how it went for your friend today as well!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-19 06:02:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (PB&JAM @ May 19 2009, 06:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
wooooo Laura, I'm doing the happy dance for you n Sven!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif I'm so thrilled for u!! My deepest congrats!!! star_smile.gif star_smile.gif star_smile.gif


Thanks! Now I can be nervous for YOU instead of me! haha. Sven had such an easy time...I am sure you will be fine!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-19 05:21:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (laura819 @ May 19 2009, 05:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
APPROVED! ....or atleast I think so! He called from a pay phone I think and he got cut off really fast, but he said we have been approved and they took his passport, so no additional docs. at least! I will get the whole story as soon as I can!

Thank you for all your wishes everyone smile.gif


Just talked to him! He said the interview was incredibly easy. They asked how we met, and he explained that we met while he was studying abroad at my uni, they then asked if i had ever studied abroad, he told them yes, in japan. they asked when the wedding was, and then said congrats you're approved!

I am kinda nervous though because although they told him the normal time for receiving the visa, they then said there's a bit of a backlog..as we know....so who knows how long its gonna take him to get the visa. He paid for the before 8 am delivery.

QUOTE (H&V @ May 19 2009, 05:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ May 19 2009, 10:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
APPROVED! ....or atleast I think so! He called from a pay phone I think and he got cut off really fast, but he said we have been approved and they took his passport, so no additional docs. at least! I will get the whole story as soon as I can!

Thank you for all your wishes everyone smile.gif



Whoo! Congratualtions, awesome news. I'm sure it's fine, that's what happened to me, they just took my passport so now the waiting for delivery starts smile.gif

So pleased for you! Who's up next...?!


Thanks! I think PB&Jam is next?
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-19 04:42:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
APPROVED! ....or atleast I think so! He called from a pay phone I think and he got cut off really fast, but he said we have been approved and they took his passport, so no additional docs. at least! I will get the whole story as soon as I can!

Thank you for all your wishes everyone smile.gif
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-19 04:12:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Alixhilary @ May 18 2009, 10:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey All!

Just want to say that my visa coming 2mos..... Finally biggrin.gif

Hope everyone doesnt have to wait as long as I did!

Rich




Congrats on getting your visa! And thanks to everyone for the good luck smile.gif will let you know how it goes as soon as sven calls me!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-18 13:19:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Gemmie @ May 18 2009, 07:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good luck on your medical, Ellie. smile.gif

And good luck for your interview, laura's fiance. smile.gif


Thanks Gemmie and Ellie! And Ellie, good luck on the medical!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-18 08:00:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Julie Ivy @ May 16 2009, 08:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi UK guys, I know this is the interview thread and I am interrupting serious eurovision chat, but we have just been approved (NOA2 through VSC in 3 and a half months) and I am soooo excited. Have been reading this thread with much excitement and am looking forward to putting our interview date on the list. All the best to everyone, Chris xxx kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif


congrats! the rest of this goes so much faster!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-16 20:08:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (MARM @ May 15 2009, 02:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
POE at Ohare only seems bad because of the long lines...as I have also read else where in the forums here (although the reviews have noting significantly bad to say about Ohare). I know a few people who came in through family-based immigration and they had no problems at all except the wait time because of the long lines. I live about 30 min from Ohare and my family and I frequently fly in/out of Ohare internationally and domestically and we never had any issues ever, I don't even remember the last time I had to wait long in line. You will be fine, there is no reason to stress about POE at Ohare no0pb.gif


Thanks MARM! I will admit...I am going to miss living only about 40 min from O'hare like when I was at school...I ALWAYS fly out of O'hare...and a 40 min drive is much better than 2 hours! haha. I used to take the Metra to Chicago and then the Blue line..obviously, that takes a long time lol but so cheap...and then i had a HORRENDOUS experience on the blue line and I will NEVER ride it again unless I am with my SO or another male, ever. So the expensive cab rides back sucked but...haha.
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-15 13:48:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Damian P @ May 15 2009, 02:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ May 15 2009, 01:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Damian

Could you tell me whats so bad about Chicago? I have checked the reviews and haven't seen that many bad ones...

My SO is planning to POE at Chicago, but we can easily change that to another airport if needed...we were just trying to get a direct flight as he doesn't like flying...


Laura

Please ignore me; I didn't mean to put the frightners on you! It's just that every time I've flown into O'Hare, the queues at immigration have been horrendous. By comparison, Minneapolis is like going through the line at a small regional airport like Southampton!

And if Chicago is his final destination, absolutely fly there direct. good.gif


Oh yea I definitely agree with you! the lines are horrible! But I thought you meant like, the IOs were horrible or something (which I have actually heard tons of stories from people coming in on the VWP about problems but I hope thats different when you have a visa!). I live 2 hours away from O'hare...but its the closest International airport and driving there to get him is actually easier than having him take a flight to my hometown's tinnnnny airport..there's always issues!

Thanks for calming my nerves...as the interview gets closer I am a MESS! haha
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-15 13:34:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Damian P @ May 15 2009, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KnightAndMagpie @ May 15 2009, 12:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Question!

Because my flight connects at Minneapolis, and I don't actually go through immigration, my POE would technically be Anchorage (my destination), wouldn't it? I have the mysterious brown envelope and everything...




Magpie.


Magpie,

Unless there's some sort of special rule for Alaska that I'm not aware of, you go through immigration at your initial POE, in your case (like mine) Minneapolis. It's soooooooooooo easy (compared to nightmarish POEs like Chicago) and they have a deidcated line clearly marked for new immigrants. good.gif


Damian

Could you tell me whats so bad about Chicago? I have checked the reviews and haven't seen that many bad ones...

My SO is planning to POE at Chicago, but we can easily change that to another airport if needed...we were just trying to get a direct flight as he doesn't like flying...
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-15 13:18:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (KnightAndMagpie @ May 15 2009, 12:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
YAY Kat&Allie!

I HAVE MY VISA IN HAND TOO! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
EEEEEEEEEEEE :: passes out ::




Magpie biggrin.gif.


CONGRATS!!!!!!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-15 11:52:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (KAT&Allie @ May 15 2009, 12:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (H&V @ May 15 2009, 11:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Happy to report we are approved!!!! Wow, now the rest of my life can begin! On the train home now so will write a full report later but wanted to say thank you to everyone on here for all the help, advice and support we've received. This place has been a godsend and I intend to stay with it for all the other processes and form filling to come. So thank you!!

Gimme one of those shiny stars please! smile.gif



CONGRATS H&V!!! Nice to see another approval. kicking.gif

BTW, my visa turned up this morning. Had a text last night but still refused to believe it will be delivered until it was sitting in my hand. The courier couldn't find the address so he made it with 2 minutes to spare to 8am. I've reschedule the flight for this Sunday and I had an almighty fight with Virgin's customer representative but after 45 minutes on the phone, we managed to agree to something. Cheeky so ad so said he'll send my e-ticket in 48 hours. By then I lost the will to live and just pointed out that I'll hopefully, be on the plane already by then. We definitely spoke different languages today as his English was really difficult to understand. Done and dusted and I'm off.

Good luck to everybody and especially to all of you still waiting for your interview dates or to get your actual visas from the Embassy. good.gif


Ah! I am SO happy for you that you finally have your visa!!! Good luck at POE!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-15 11:30:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (H&V @ May 15 2009, 06:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Happy to report we are approved!!!! Wow, now the rest of my life can begin! On the train home now so will write a full report later but wanted to say thank you to everyone on here for all the help, advice and support we've received. This place has been a godsend and I intend to stay with it for all the other processes and form filling to come. So thank you!!

Gimme one of those shiny stars please! smile.gif



Congrats!!!!!

.....oh my god, I'm (well my fiance) next!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-15 08:53:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (MARM @ May 12 2009, 10:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats Moira!!!
Drum roll please...
My fiance is APPROVED PENDING PASSPORT!!!

My fiance completely was so engrossed in his thoughts that he forgot to take notice of your book...I asked him and he said I even forgot the title of book you said she would have! blush.gif

But we are SO RELIEVED...thank you so much to each and everyone of you all here on VJ who supported us with simple words of encouragement or answered our million questions (you know who you are!). So I will be posting our review in the "reviews" section as well, but here goes for all of you (who are dying to know, I know yes.gif)

My fiance arrived at the embassy for his 8:30 AM appointment at 7 AM sharp. He was the second person for immigrant visas to enter the embassy. At the security point outside, he was asked for appointment letter and passport: he showed his appointment letter and UK Resident Card, he was allowed in. After passing security clearance, he was asked for his passport and appointment letter again by the receptionist and he presented his UK Resident Card & appt letter. The receptionist asked him where his passport was and my dear fiance was ready to bust out his "Evidence of Why No Passport" folder especially for occasions like this, but the receptionist did not give him a chance to do that and gave him the go-ahead after hearing his reason and confirming with some people (IOs I think). Within 45 minutes of taking a seat, he was called to the first window for the initial document screening by an African American lady. My fiance gave her his UK Resident Card when she asked for his passport. She asked him, "What is this?" And he told her the whole story and she said ok hold on and she took the card along with a printout of the email we sent to the embassy regarding his "no passport situation" and said she would be right back. She came back and proceeded to tell my fiance, "Ok, you are fine" and then asked for b.c. and his p.c.s and he gave her each original one with a copy. Then she asked for the Affidavit of Support and my fiance handed her the whole stack (all prepared with little post-it stickies marking co-sponsor/sponsor/original/copies of all documents). She looked through the whole stack, took off the post-it stickies and put them in his file without a word and then told him to go pay at Window #13 (which was the window right next to the window he was at) and bring the receipt to her. Well, turns out the embassy's debit card machines are down so my fiance asked if he could go to the bank/ATM and come right back, he was given the go-ahead and was instructed not to wait once he came back inside but rather to stand at the same window and if someone was there, to wait until he/she finished. So my fiance dashed out of the embassy, came back with the money, was waved in by security after he showed him his ticket and appointment letter (that the lady at the window gave him to show for on his way back inside), went through security clearance again and back to the window. A person was being attended to so he waited 1-2 minutes and then the lady took his receipt, gave him his x-ray and told him to fill out the courier slip she handed him as well and wait for his # to be called again to a different window. And she said to him, "Good luck". So then my fiance sat down, filled out the courier receipt (even though he wasn't going to use it today) and within 10 minutes he was called to another window and faced a young American woman. This IO GRILLED him with at least 30 questions, sometimes asking repetitively in "clever ways" (as my fiance put it). She asked him a number of questions about how we met, why me, what he will do in the US, what he studies, when does he plan to leave, what do I study, when do I graduate, why did I only go to visit him instead of him come to the US, how we keep in touch, how we met (yes, again), confirmed dates with him about various trips, etc, questions about our engagement party, about his passport, the standard questions as well (have you been involved in any crime, etc) and whether he has traveled to any countries besides the UK and Pakistan. She did not ask for any evidence of relationship even though my fiance was ready with about 40 pictures and evidence of trips. Then she handed him a paper with 221g marked for "suspended until receipt of additional documentation" or something like that with "passport" written under it, and she also gave him a paper with the SMS courier information and instructed him to send his passport to the embassy once he receives it back from the UK Home Office. My fiance (who likes straight answers as we all do yes.gif) asked her, "So I can go now? Am I approved? Am I done for the day?" And the IO laughed and said, "yes you are done, just send in the passport via SMS once you get it back from the UK Home Office." So when my fiance called to tell me all of this, he asked me to confirm the results of his interview with DOS. I called DOS right away and was told by a heavily-accented lady that his case is suspended until they get his passport, and I (like my fiance) outright asked her, "So is he denied? Is he under Admin Processing? Or are we only waiting for his passport?". And the lady after a few moments of silence said, "They are waiting for his passport, when he sends in his passport, they will process the visa." So I said thanks and informed my fiance...and we are so thankful to God Almighty and so relieved that his interview has been a great success even though he did not have his passport, and now we just wait for the darn passport and he sends it via SMS to the embassy.

I would also like to add, I know the US immigration system can be frustrating and knock you out (wait times, etc) but in our experience, we are very happy with them. We have the UK system to compare it to, and never in a million years would we EVER deal with the UK Home Office for anything, we would rather move to a totally new country if it came to that. So...thanks from the bottom of our hearts to the US immigration system for understanding our circumstances and always honoring our requests and giving the correct information every time and never giving us a reason to lose our faith in them.

QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ May 12 2009, 09:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Where did Marm go? I saw her here and posting. Now nothing. I can't hold my breath any longer. :::gasp::: wacko.gif
And I'm 10 min. late leaving my house for somewhere I need to go.


Sorry Nich blush.gif I was busy writing down the whole story...with the happy ending yes.gif


IM SOOOOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!! when I saw that you posted, I seriously held my breath hoping for a good report!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-12 09:18:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (KnightAndMagpie @ May 11 2009, 03:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MARM @ May 11 2009, 09:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks Rob&Dawn, Magpie and everyone else for the best wishes. DOS says my fiance can go to the interview tomorrow w/o his passport. He just needs to bring proof as to why he does not have it, which is no problem. DOS said it is not unheard of, people have issues with their passports and it will not be a problem. If everything goes well (God willing) he will be "approved pending additional docs".
I am so happy that he can attend his interview at least, I knew I could count on the US (as opposed to the UK Home Office wacko.gif )


Whew! What a relief to hear that. I'm so glad things worked out biggrin.gif. :: Hugs! ::



Magpie.


Soooo happy for you MARM! Glad things worked out! Good luck tomorrow!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-11 14:10:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Ellie-and-David @ May 11 2009, 12:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi guys...

Happy to say Dave called DOS a few mins ago and we have been scheduled for an interview....

12th June smile.gifsmile.gifsmile.gifsmile.gifsmile.gif

He couldnt believe it when she told him....we were expecting confirmation of packet 3 recieved only....and got our interview date biggrin.gif


yay! congrats!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-11 11:18:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (mrs_sdp @ May 8 2009, 02:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
YAAAAAYYYY!!! I'm so glad for you ... another one for our May list .... kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

Have a great weekend everyone ...

Moira x


Moira, Sven finally got packet 4 today! Hopefully you got yours on time as well, although it doesn't really matter! Good luck with your interview smile.gif
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-09 08:09:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
OK so I started freaking a little bit, and called DOS again to make sure I had the right interview date! The confirmed the 19th at 8:30 and then told me Packet 4 was sent out on April 30. Sven still has not received it. So on Monday he will call and get the email code..
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-08 13:14:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (mrs_sdp @ May 8 2009, 03:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MonkeyJuice @ May 8 2009, 02:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Visa in hand!! Hallelujuah! biggrin.gif I just can't believe it. It feels like this has been the longest process ever & I'm so glad this part is over. At least we can go through AOS together! star_smile.gif

Laura..It does seem like your packet 4 is taking a while. I got mine within 2 days from DOS saying it was sent.

But I wouldn't worry about it, phone extortion line, get email code, tell them DOS said packet 4's been sent, you haven't received it. I'm sure the Embassy will tell you what they told Moira & that you can print their email reply as an entry permit for the Embassy. Don't panic. star_smile.gif




Hi Laura ... I agree with MJ!! No point in panicking as I did - it was all sorted out in the end ....

Congrats MJ ... at last eh? Bet it feels amazing .... biggrin.gif

Good luck!!

Moira x


Moira, did you end up getting Packet 4 in the mail, or will you just use the email they sent you? Sven is going to call on Monday if we haven't received the letter by then..
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-08 09:05:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Stinkerpotsam @ May 7 2009, 08:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Bob and Patricia @ May 7 2009, 09:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Damian P @ May 7 2009, 10:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Bob and Patricia @ May 7 2009, 08:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My April visit to Pat almost ended before it started. To make a long story short, I waited for 2 1/2 hours at passport control. They almost didn't let me in because they thought my American Express Gold card and £150 in currency was close to vagrancy.


laughing.gif

QUOTE
They called Pat twice and then embassy to confirm our stories.


Why did they call her twice? Did the first person that called her not understand English? wacko.gif


I got a few personal message on this so I'll tell the whole group instead of one at a time in PM.

I said it was a long story, you've been warned

At passport control. The nice lady asked why I was here, and I told her i was on holiday... visiting a friend. She asked me who and how long I had known said friend. I said it was my fiancee and I had known Pat 3 years. I don't know if this is a red flag but this turned into a cross-examination.. are you here to get married. where does she live, whats her birthday, where does she work here, will we be living in the states or the UK, has she lined up a job there yet.. do you have a job, do you own a home... and on and on.. I muddled thru the answers as best I could.. I got little sleep on the plane and my body clock was telling me it was 2:30am. She asked where I was staying and how much money I had.. I told her I was staying at Pat's house and had my American Express charge card, my bank debit card and about £150 in currency. She then wanted to know if Pat was there to pick me up and I replied no, Pat was at work. So I got asked how I was going to find my way to her house. I told her i was taking the train into Manchester and meeting Pat at her office... this seemed to satisfy her. She wrote down so many notes on the entry card I filled out on the plane that she had to go to a separate sheet of paper. I was motioned to a holding area and she came back every 10 min or so to ask more questions and then disappear again. At one point I even broke out my 2008 1040 tax return to show that I make damn good money, and I'm not thinking about skipping the US.

Eventually she called Pat who of course confirmed the fiancee story and said I was staying with her. Immigration told her they were concerned that I had so little money on me and was Pat going to be responsible for my living expenses while I was here. I guess people that carry gold class credit cards are destitute. Satisfied with Pat's answers, they told her they'd release me. 20 minutes later I'm asked more questions about our relationship, where we're at in the visa process, etc. The Immigration lady left again for some ungodly time and comes back saying the embassy in London has no record of Patricia and suggests that my entry into the UK might be fraudulent. Now I'm sweating bullets and all I can envision is waiting until the afternoon return flight and thinking I'll be put on it.. in handcuffs.. (yeah i know it was a bit dramatic but I was really worried). I tell her call Pat again to get her LND number. (All my paperwork is in checked baggage and they haven't/won't let me get to it.) They place another call to Pat, get the case number and call the embassy. Another 20 or 30 minutes later I'm finally given my passport and allowed to go. All told, I'm held there for nearly 2 1/2 hours.. sheesh. Then I get downstairs to baggage and my bag is sitting in the middle of the floor completely unattended. All I could think of is a thousand airport PA voices saying Do not leave your bags unattended, Unattended luggage will be disposed of by the fill in the blank police department.


Bob


I made it through several trips until this last time when I made the mistake of saying "here to visit friends and family" ...... Family???? FAMILY??? I said well my fiance and his family but they are like my family already....what followed was exactly the same line of questioning but I wasn't held hostage for being vagrant..not sure why was I never travel with more than 20 US dollars on me and my ATM card. They were more interested in if I was invading England or if I was taking one off their hands. wink.gif



I've always just said sightseeing and friends. No mention of boyfriend/fiance. And its true, because I also visited friends while I was there. The most I ever got questioned was the first time I went, they wanted to know when I was graduating school, and if I had gone to Japan on my student visa yet, and I said I was going there right after returning from England.

Changing the topic...Sven is starting to get a little worried about Packet 4? We have yet to recieve it...when I called DOS and got the Interview Date, they said it had been sent..but where is it? Or does it always take this long? He lives in Canterbury..

Edited by laura819, 07 May 2009 - 08:27 PM.

laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-07 20:25:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (MonkeyJuice @ May 5 2009, 05:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just got back & would like to say we are APPROVED!!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

OMG! I was a nervous wreck waiting for my number to be called & I'm so glad I went at 7.30am for a 9am appointment. I was number 5002 and that took 1 hour & 15 mins to be called to the 1st window. I was only asked for Passport, 2 pics, Birth Cert, Police Cert, I-134 & 2008 tax return. Didn't even ask for the W2'a or 1099's.
Then I sat back down & waited 45 mins to be called for interview. Had the lovely, smiley American guy. He asked lots of questions but if you know your fiance well, it'll be fine. He said the docs were all in order & he was delighted to approve my visa! woo hoo!!

I'm so relieved & it defo wasn't an anti-climax for me! Though I so glad this part is over. Next step...POE Chicago! star_smile.gif


So happy for you! And welcome to Chicago/Indiana! When Sven finally gets here you, me, and Bob/Pat should all get together haha.
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-05 08:15:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
good luck tomorrow girls!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-04 20:17:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (emma77 @ May 1 2009, 02:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MonkeyJuice @ May 1 2009, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yay...Congrats Emma! Excellent start to the month kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif



Thank you, good luck to you for yours!!!


Congrats Emma!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-01 13:27:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (mrs_sdp @ May 1 2009, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MonkeyJuice @ May 1 2009, 11:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mrs_sdp @ May 1 2009, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All ...

I just phoned the DOS and my interview is on 12th May at 10am ... I am over the moon - I thought they had forgotten all about me ...

Can someone please post the telephone number that I need to call to book my medical? I don't have the paperwork with me at work and I don't finish until 10pm!! I want to get it booked asap in view of the holiday weekend.

Thanks in advance ... have a BRILLIANT FRIDAY!! WOOT!! kicking.gif

Moira x



Yay, fantastic news!! See the email did the trick!! good.gif good.gif




Thanks everyone! MonkeyJuice, I only called the DOS to make sure that the information from the email had been transferred to my file ... and she said an interview had been scheduled!! So it did work!!

Thank you so much for the telephone number Bob - you are a life saver - I don't think I could have survived until Tuesday to get my medical sorted out ... biggrin.gif

I couldn't get my medical on the Monday before my interview because it was such short notice, so the receptionist scheduled it for the Wednesday after. I didn't realise you could have your medical AFTER your visa interview, but she assured me that I could and that it was fine ...

So timetable is ... fly down to Luton early Monday morning .. spend the day sightseeing with my Mum. Interview on Tuesday 12th at 10am and medical on Wednesday 13th at 10.30am

I am sorted ... I am happy ...

Have a great weekend everyone ... I know I will be!! kicking.gif

Moira x


Yep you can have the medical after the interview, but the visa won't be approved until they get the medical results. You could try calling the medical place every day or something and see if there is a cancellation for Monday...but even then the results still won't get there in time for the interview, so it may not be worth switching.
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-01 12:20:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (mrs_sdp @ May 1 2009, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All ...

I just phoned the DOS and my interview is on 12th May at 10am ... I am over the moon - I thought they had forgotten all about me ...

Can someone please post the telephone number that I need to call to book my medical? I don't have the paperwork with me at work and I don't finish until 10pm!! I want to get it booked asap in view of the holiday weekend.

Thanks in advance ... have a BRILLIANT FRIDAY!! WOOT!! kicking.gif

Moira x


Congrats!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-01 10:29:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Bob and Patricia @ Apr 30 2009, 11:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ Apr 30 2009, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Embassy time charts
The days on here are just based on VJ member timeline data and aren't reports from the embassy. But a VJ sampling is often a good indicator. So it's averages and not what's the quickest I can get a response and an interview. Some delay interviews like we did, and MARM has, so it skews the averages longer. Then others put an immediate wedding date and London puts them in ahead of those who didn't give a date, even though they sent in forms earlier. Like Laura said, it's kind of all over the place but maybe the overall averages work out to be fairly accurate for the fairly average case. None of you are "average" BTW...it's those other blokes we don't know. hahahaha


Well said. And for all my belly-aching we're ahead of where we thought we'd be at this point in time. It's just when you see that light at the end of the tunnel..... Well that and Pat accepted an offer on her house.. come onnnnn May interview date!

Bob and Pat


I thought I'd still be waiting for NOA2 at this time. We have definitely been lucky!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-30 22:38:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (KnightAndMagpie @ Apr 30 2009, 10:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
biggrin.gif biggrin.gif Thankums again guys. Oohhh, what a relief. I can't sleep, I'm so excited, and I have an exam today...oops! Everyone's support here has tremendous luv.gif.

Also, there's no pre-interview AP of any sort, guys smile.gif so you have nothing to worry about. They will take a bit of time getting back to you so you have nothing to worry about. Eeeeeeeeeee!




Magpie, still hyper at 3:30 in the morning.


I'd still be hyper too! I'm so happy for you smile.gif!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-30 21:36:00