ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomTime frame for legally staying in the United Kingdom
QUOTE (MARM @ Sep 30 2009, 12:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks guys! star_smile.gif Yeah, I couldn't beleive that they actually called my fiance, and then gave him a fax #?!? Last time I checked, London doesn't even reply to our emails! Can't wait until his visa is actually printed and in his hands!


hopefull you are almost done MARM!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-01 09:43:00
United KingdomTime frame for legally staying in the United Kingdom
QUOTE (MARM @ May 26 2009, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Update: We withdrew his "supposedly under processing" student visa application and the UKHO confirmed his address and then told him that he will get his documents and passport returned to him within 10 business days (by June 05, 2009). Hope we get it back before then!


yay! glad to hear it MARM!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-26 18:11:00
United KingdomTime frame for legally staying in the United Kingdom
QUOTE (MARM @ Apr 9 2009, 12:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiance has written 3 letters and is planning on sending them in on Friday to the various offices we were recommended to send letters to at the UK Border Agency.

Will keep everyone updated. Everyday is filled with hope for the passport...

Already we have waited 170 days for NOA2, everything went very smoothly after NOA2 at NVC and the US Embassy in London, we got an interview date for March 30, but then had to reschedule for my fiance's college trip and passport issue, and my fiance's biometrics for his student visa extension was rescheduled 3 times by the UKBA because of their IT failures...and he finally got them done by traveling all the way to Cardiff from London on Feb 25, 4 months after his submission of his extension application. Now we are hoping to get the passport in time...and then it will be onto waiting for his Admin Processing after his K-1 interview. The waiting seems to go on and on and on...for one thing and then the next...hope our efforts do not go in vain.
Keep us your prayers/wish us luck!
-Marm

ETA: We even had to reschedule the medical a few times...the first time with his GP because he did not have the MMR vaccine available, then wrote a prescription for it that my fiance needs to pick up next week Wed and then go to the GP on the same day...hopefully we will not have to reschedule again...and hopefully we get a medical date at Knightsbridge that is ASAP.


hopefully they keep a few appointments open for things like this..but my fiance scheduled his medical a few days ago, and couldn't get anything until April 24. Good luck with this whole situation....it sounds horrible sad.gif
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-08 23:44:00
United KingdomCountdown
QUOTE (KnightAndMagpie @ May 27 2009, 03:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
biggrin.gif Just a quick message -- I'm HOME! God, what a journey it's been, and both me and my Beanie are so happy here. I'm going to go and deal with dinner now, but lots of love and HUGS all!


xoxox Magpie.


congrats! sooo happy for you!!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-27 07:39:00
United KingdomCountdown
QUOTE (MARM @ May 25 2009, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hope to hear from Magpie and MonkeyJuice....from this side of the pond finally yes.gif


Good luck Magpie and MonkeyJuice! Cant wait to here how it goes!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-26 07:43:00
United KingdomCountdown
Sven is planning to POE June 9...19 days! He is booking the ticket tomorrow, so after that we will know for sure!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-21 22:57:00
United Kingdomlondon interview checklist
QUOTE (mr and mrs @ Mar 25 2009, 07:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Mar 25 2009, 04:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just am trying to make this the easiest for HIM, since I am assuming if I call the IRS for transcripts, my dad would need to call for his?


i requested my (possible) co-sponsor (my mother)'s (awesome punctuation, eh?) AND mine on the phone. you just need the SS# and the mailing address for each person. it was really pretty easy. so you can do it for your dad if you have that info.


OK now i have one more question...since my parents filed their taxes jointly, are they BOTH co-sponsors? if so, do they each fill out a I-134?
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-25 18:36:00
United Kingdomlondon interview checklist
QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ Mar 25 2009, 02:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MonkeyJuice @ Mar 25 2009, 12:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As all the accountants are in the busy end of year season. What if for people who are probably gonna get an end of April interview & 2008 tax returns/W2's haven't arrived? I have the 2007 documents but I'm just really worried about the 2008 ones.

Would we have to re-schedule the interview? whistling.gif


It's that "toss-up" time of year about whether to call 2007 your latest return or 2008 which is due April 15. Shaz took a 2007 complete return as the latest from Todd, but also a copy of his 2008 W2 just to have something else that showed current income, kinda like showing a paystub. I don't think he had completed his 2008 return at the time she was preparing. So MJ are you saying all of your 2008 tax documents have been sent out to an accountant and they won't get them back to you until last minute? I do my own taxes on Turbo Tax so have all my stuff. I think technically the date the USC signs the I-134, it's the latest tax return at that time. So if the I-134 was signed before April 15, you could argue that 2007 was the latest return. If you've got two weeks, I would personally wait on 2008 documentation. One thing you really want to get right with the Embassy in London is the Affidavit of Support in my opinion. You can print pictures and chat logs and wear an engagement ring if you like, but London is going to look over you support documentation carefully, so that's the thing I would stress over getting done well.

Laura819, you mentioned your Dad needing to get his tax things copied..so I'm assuming he's going to be a co-sponsor. In that case, dont forget to send a photocopy proof of his legal status in the US with his I-134 (US passport bio page or US birth certificate, naturalization papers, green card.) That's for the co-sponsor only.


Yes, either he, or my mom (they file taxes jointly) will be the co sponsor...my dad is a lawyer who has his own practice, so I am guessing having my mom be the co-sponsor (she works for a school) might be easier, as she has W2's, and my dad says he does not. Thank you for the reminder about the passport page smile.gif
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-25 13:32:00
United Kingdomlondon interview checklist
QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ Mar 25 2009, 12:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Laura+Tom @ Mar 25 2009, 08:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's whatever is easiest for you. The embassy will accept photocopies of either the transcript or return. Whatever you decide to use, if it's easier for you to photocopy returns, do that.

Agreed. Whatever is easiest for you. I only mentioned the transcripts because I see alot of RFEs (especially in AOS because people don't send a complete return for the most recent year that they have a return. The leave off the W2s or say "I sent the W2s and got a RFE. Do you think I should have sent the 1040 also??" With a transcript you have the whole deal in one document and it's sorta certified by the IRS as true because it's from the IRS records. I thought you had plenty of time since you just got NOA2. My transcripts were received in 4 days, but it's tax season now so they have alot of other things going on and could take longer.


I probably do have plenty of time, I just want to know all of my options! My dad is mega-organized and I believe he has W2s and Tax return (thats the 1040 right?) for both myself and him for all recent years. I just am trying to make this the easiest for HIM, since I am assuming if I call the IRS for transcripts, my dad would need to call for his? He's super busy so I am just trying to save him frustration on the phone smile.gif But if they really do fax the information immediately, then I might go that route anyway, because like you said, atleast its sorta certified! haha.
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-25 11:25:00
United Kingdomlondon interview checklist
QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ Mar 25 2009, 08:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Mar 25 2009, 07:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
when you say it has to be signed, I can send a photocopy of the tax return for past years, even if the signature is part of the photocopy right? sorry because i feel like i'm being unclear...


Why don't you just get tax transcipts free from the IRS. Fax this form in. Form 4506T You can get 3 years of returns and will have them for AOS application. You want to check box 6a in the request. The proper fax number is listed on the last page by state. Mine came in a week in the mail. You can also call it in and ask it to be mailed or faxed to you. 1-800-829-1040. A transcript is even better than submitting a tax return and it's FREE.

You won't be able to get a 2008 transcript yet probably unless you already filed a long time ago. It wouldn't hurt to order one and see if its available.

So if sending a tax return send a photocopy of
--your signed 1040 (or 1040A or 1040 EZ)
--any W2 statements that go with that return (and 1099s if they show income, but not as common for most people)
--any schedules that are part of your return (Schedule A, B, D, etc if you had to complete those for your income. Not all do.)

OR

Send an IRS tax transcipt and nothing else with it. (I would make a photocopy for him to turn in so he can bring original back)

I agree with MARM...no notarization required for taxes.


Well basically, what it comes down to is the time it takes to get the transcripts from the IRS. If it is as easy as calling and they fax them immediately, then great, but if not, it's much easier to make copies of what my dad has on the second floor of the house I am currently in, isn't it? We have everything needed to do that in my house, so...

So what I am asking now I guess is, if I call them and have them fax the forms, will they do it immediately? And how is this easier than making copies of what I already have?

Sorry for being so difficult sad.gif

Edited by laura819, 25 March 2009 - 08:07 AM.

laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-25 08:07:00
United Kingdomlondon interview checklist
QUOTE (MARM @ Mar 24 2009, 05:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MonkeyJuice @ Mar 24 2009, 03:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, I just read on Captain Ewoks post on the Embassy thread that tax returns need to be notarised. Is this right?
It's so confusing knowing what to get notorised & what not to!! wacko.gif


No one that has been to the London embassy for K-1 interviews ever reported that they showed notarized tax returns in support of the I-134. They do not need to be notarized. Just make sure they are a true copy (meaning signed) and be sure to include the W-2s. That is it.


when you say it has to be signed, I can send a photocopy of the tax return for past years, even if the signature is part of the photocopy right? sorry because i feel like i'm being unclear...

laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-25 07:35:00
United Kingdomlondon interview checklist
QUOTE (PB&JAM @ Mar 24 2009, 01:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Mar 23 2009, 09:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How can I download your checklist? I couldn't find it, and I wanna see what it is like!


Its at the top of this thread, page 1. I clicked on the image, then right-clicked it and checked Save As...


thanks! for some reason when I was looking at it before, the scan wasnt there!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-24 07:30:00
United Kingdomlondon interview checklist
QUOTE (mr and mrs @ Mar 20 2009, 06:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KnightAndMagpie @ Mar 20 2009, 09:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
laughing.gif Looks like we started a trend, Lisabette!



Magpie.


yay!

i love organization. AND OFFICE SUPPLIES. the best thing about all of the red tape with this visa was having an excuse to buy some new supplies. color coded-folders, binder clips, colored post-its (i even found CLEAR post-its! awesome. : )), special sharpie pens (i am a devotee of this fine point) etc.

and, yes, my list is pretty exhaustive because, for me, it is not much extra work to get all of the items mentioned as possibilities for submission at the interview. i think jamie with have a core packet with the main items we will submit, and then a folder with back-up items, in case all hell breaks loose.

i think if there were things i couldnt get, i would not be worried about it, but since i can get basically everything, im making all of them available to the embassy should they want them. im sending jamie the originals, and everything is scanned and uploaded and therefore immediately available to him as copies.

i am sure that, like most people have said, we will only need the core items (appointment letter, passport, birth certificate, police record, 2 photos, affidavit of support + evidence, and payment), but there is no way that we would show up without all of the incidental items just in case. it will lower our stress level which is invaluable.

and i dont take offence at all to the critiques. i know everyone does this differently. im pleased for the discussion. i actually have a couple of questions, but ill see what i can research and them post them.

i appreciate all of the feed back. : )

okay, thats enough for the minute.



How can I download your checklist? I couldn't find it, and I wanna see what it is like!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-23 23:18:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (Julie Ivy @ May 26 2009, 02:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi guys - just had some good news, called the NVC and our file has been sent to London. Happy Days!!! It all seems to be happening scarily quickly!! no complaints though - just waiting on packet 3 now. Our target is to be out by July 24th - we might just manage it, fingers crossed. Good Luck to everyone,

chris and Julie x


I think you have a good chance to be together by the end of July, but if you want to speed things up a tiny bit to make sure, you could go ahead and send Packet 3 after you are sure the Embassy has your file...and not wait for them to send you Packet 3. I think waiting for Packet 3 after the Embassy got my file was the longest part of the Embassy stage for us...
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-31 09:11:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (MARM @ May 1 2009, 10:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone know whether DOS gives updates on whether the medical results were received at the embassy and the date they were received? I was just thinking to verify that the embassy received my fiance's medical results. But I remember once I called them to ask whether P3 was in there system and they had said yes and when I inquired about the date, they would not give me a date, there reply was "we do not give dates". Is this the same case with the medical? Anyone call DOS to confirm when medical results were put in the embassy's system???


They did give me a date regarding Packet 3, but would not tell me anything about the medical. It would be worth trying though! If they do tell you, I may try calling again...
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-01 09:27:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (mrs_sdp @ Apr 30 2009, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Bob and Patricia @ Apr 30 2009, 10:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 30 2009, 06:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mr and mrs @ Apr 30 2009, 07:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
another may interview. glad to see they are still available. : )

feels good, doesnt it, laura?


yea it feels great haha. and hopefully that gives other people some hope to still get may interviews as well, since there doesn't seem to be many yet!


There are some May dates left yet. The friends I mentioned the other day that had a June 19th interview got it switched to a May 19th. June was outside their travel dates.. Guess the embassy flubbed up somewhere.


You know its bad when you committed the DOS phone number to memory.
Bob



How bad is it when you have them on speed dial and your case number trips off your tongue without having to check it?

tongue.gif

Moira x


I too have the case number memorized.

Bob, what time is your friends interview? Just wondering if someone will be at the embassy with my fiance!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-30 21:30:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (mr and mrs @ Apr 30 2009, 07:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
another may interview. glad to see they are still available. : )

feels good, doesnt it, laura?


yea it feels great haha. and hopefully that gives other people some hope to still get may interviews as well, since there doesn't seem to be many yet!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-30 18:58:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (Ellie-and-David @ Apr 30 2009, 05:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Bob and Patricia @ Apr 30 2009, 03:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 30 2009, 02:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MonkeyJuice @ Apr 30 2009, 03:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 30 2009, 12:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MARM @ Apr 29 2009, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Packet 4 letter received today! (for new interview date)


Got my fiance's interview date by calling DOS today! May 19th. They said they already sent Packet 4.



Congrats! This has got to be one of the quickest timelines I've seen!! I'm slightly jealous! star_smile.gif


thanks! we have definitely been REALLY lucky. I did see someone who got through even quicker than us..through London..i can't remember who right now though. But I wanna say it was around 90 days NOA1 - Interview?


....i do feel guilty that we have been this lucky when there are people who have been waiting forever....


Don't feel guilty.. It doesn't seem to be a proper first in/first out queue. Luck was on your side and you can't control that.

Bob


I'm with bob. Some people are luckier than others. I didn't think I was going to get my NOA 2 until about June. When it came through in March I cried a little with happiness and felt so lucky. There are people who filed before me who are still waiting for a NOA 2 and there are people who filed after me who are already in the US....but hey....that's the way it goes.

Congratulations on the interview date Laura. You got one quite quickly!!! Gives me hope smile.gif

I received my packet 3 today.....and returned it today special delivery for it to get there tomorrow before the bank holiday (I'm eager and didnt trust the post office not to lose it over the 3 day weekend smile.gif) so I cant wait for them to assign a date! I'm hoping for one in early / mid June. I put 30th June as my leave date.....so fingers crossed.....


Thanks! My fiance put June 9 as leave date....so I bet you will get early or mid June for sure! Don't panic if it takes a few extra days to get in the London system. Its normal smile.gif
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-30 16:58:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (JimandChristy @ Apr 30 2009, 03:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 30 2009, 06:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MARM @ Apr 29 2009, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Packet 4 letter received today! (for new interview date)


Got my fiance's interview date by calling DOS today! May 19th. They said they already sent Packet 4.


That was quick ohmy.gif

I sent back my Packet 3 on the 26th April, had signed delivery confirmation on the 28th April, rang up DOS today and they said according to their records London has not received Packet 3 yet. blink.gif



we sent it on the 22nd and it took them 5 days to look at it. I only know it was delivered the 23rd because my fiance had it go by next day delivery or something like that, that guaranteed when it would be delivered. I think the reason we got an interview so quickly is because we put June 9 as travel date, and then under that we wrote "first available interview". If you didn't write a travel or wedding date, or its farther away, you are going to get a later interview most likely.
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-30 14:48:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (MonkeyJuice @ Apr 30 2009, 03:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 30 2009, 12:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MARM @ Apr 29 2009, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Packet 4 letter received today! (for new interview date)


Got my fiance's interview date by calling DOS today! May 19th. They said they already sent Packet 4.



Congrats! This has got to be one of the quickest timelines I've seen!! I'm slightly jealous! star_smile.gif


thanks! we have definitely been REALLY lucky. I did see someone who got through even quicker than us..through London..i can't remember who right now though. But I wanna say it was around 90 days NOA1 - Interview?


....i do feel guilty that we have been this lucky when there are people who have been waiting forever....
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-30 14:42:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (MARM @ Apr 29 2009, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Packet 4 letter received today! (for new interview date)


Got my fiance's interview date by calling DOS today! May 19th. They said they already sent Packet 4.
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-30 12:53:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (PB&JAM @ Apr 26 2009, 05:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 24 2009, 07:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MARM @ Apr 24 2009, 05:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KAT&Allie @ Apr 24 2009, 04:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks MARM. Stinky Monkey suggested the same so I've called the 09042 line, got the code, sent the email and got the automated response back. Now all is left to do is to sit tight and wait. But thanks for the info. I'm sure it will useful to number of other people as well.

Good luck tomorrow on the medical.


Your welcome, and the review is up for my fiance's medical, he had it earlier today smile.gif, it went well.


Glad to hear that! My fiance finished his about an hour ago. The first thing he said was that it was horrible. But, the more I asked, I think everything was fine in the end, but just not a pleasant experience. He had the Indian woman doctor, and it sounds like she was every bit as mean to him as other people have said. Am waiting for him to get back home so I can call and find out the rest, then I will write a review.


Is there a way to swap interview dates?? Laura i know you wanted an early one, we got ours for May 22!


Even if there was, you have been waiting far long enough! You deserve having a fast one smile.gif I wouldn't trade with you after you've waited so long! But if someone who HASN'T been waiting so long wants to trade.......just kidding!

laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-26 17:27:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 24 2009, 10:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MARM @ Apr 24 2009, 05:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KAT&Allie @ Apr 24 2009, 04:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks MARM. Stinky Monkey suggested the same so I've called the 09042 line, got the code, sent the email and got the automated response back. Now all is left to do is to sit tight and wait. But thanks for the info. I'm sure it will useful to number of other people as well.

Good luck tomorrow on the medical.


Your welcome, and the review is up for my fiance's medical, he had it earlier today smile.gif, it went well.


Glad to hear that! My fiance finished his about an hour ago. The first thing he said was that it was horrible. But, the more I asked, I think everything was fine in the end, but just not a pleasant experience. He had the Indian woman doctor, and it sounds like she was every bit as mean to him as other people have said. Am waiting for him to get back home so I can call and find out the rest, then I will write a review.


OK, now that I have talked to my fiance properly, turns out, the Indian doctor "wasn't that bad". I have NO idea why he told me it was horrible! I think the "horrible" part was just that it was in London, and it was a doctor. I couldn't believe he said the Indian lady wasn't that bad. And from what he told me, she WAS pretty mean in a few ways. I don't know.

He wasn't supposed to get to Xray back right? When does he get that?
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-25 08:22:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (MARM @ Apr 24 2009, 05:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KAT&Allie @ Apr 24 2009, 04:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks MARM. Stinky Monkey suggested the same so I've called the 09042 line, got the code, sent the email and got the automated response back. Now all is left to do is to sit tight and wait. But thanks for the info. I'm sure it will useful to number of other people as well.

Good luck tomorrow on the medical.


Your welcome, and the review is up for my fiance's medical, he had it earlier today smile.gif, it went well.


Glad to hear that! My fiance finished his about an hour ago. The first thing he said was that it was horrible. But, the more I asked, I think everything was fine in the end, but just not a pleasant experience. He had the Indian woman doctor, and it sounds like she was every bit as mean to him as other people have said. Am waiting for him to get back home so I can call and find out the rest, then I will write a review.
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-24 09:06:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Apr 23 2009, 03:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It can take several days (or more) for P3 to get inputted into the system. Nothing to worry about, it's par for the course. I wouldn't start hassling anybody about it until a couple of weeks have gone by.


Thats what I figured.
I won't be calling again for like 2 weeks. We are just hoping for a really quick interview date, and we want to know what date they give us as soon as possible to prepare..not that thats different from anyone else here.
It's just nice to see what other people have experienced smile.gif
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-23 14:33:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
I just called DOS...they haven't recieved Packet 3 yet. They were supposed to get it by today at 11, according to Sven.

Does anyone know how long it usually takes them to put it in the computer? I'm not worried YET, but i want to know in a timely manner whether they have it or lost it lol.
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-23 13:53:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (Graziumphry @ Apr 23 2009, 09:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 22 2009, 04:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Graziumphry @ Apr 22 2009, 11:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 21 2009, 11:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MARM @ Apr 21 2009, 01:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 21 2009, 11:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh my god! I am soooo happy for you! Congrats!!!!



Thanks laura819. Did you hear about your interview date yet?


Oh no..he hasn't sent packet 3 back yet. I think he is doing it tomorrow. So I am sure we won't hear atleast for a few weeks if not longer.


Strangely, I had to resubmit my packet 3 as I did it wrong and missed out two forms (the important ones!)

I sent packet 3 off again with a next day delivery. The next day they told me my interview date was the 1st May. That was on the 20th April! I will keep my fingers crossed that you will get your interview date very soon! also that it is as quick as mine was!


What forms were those? Now I am scared! How did they inform you of your interview?


It was the DS156, 157 and 156k that I missed (silly really as they are right at the top of the page!)

I actually got informed of my interview when I rang them up. I called them as soon as I sent the packet and then the day after to see if they got it. I suggest you do the same every day until they have your date :-)

good luck!


Its just DS-230 Part 1, DS 156, DS156K, and DS 157, and the IV -15 checklist that we send, right?

Did you call the embassy, or DOS? I'm the USC so I am tempted to start calling DOS everyday lol but I might wait a bit first?
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-23 09:08:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (Graziumphry @ Apr 22 2009, 11:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 21 2009, 11:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MARM @ Apr 21 2009, 01:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 21 2009, 11:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh my god! I am soooo happy for you! Congrats!!!!



Thanks laura819. Did you hear about your interview date yet?


Oh no..he hasn't sent packet 3 back yet. I think he is doing it tomorrow. So I am sure we won't hear atleast for a few weeks if not longer.


Strangely, I had to resubmit my packet 3 as I did it wrong and missed out two forms (the important ones!)

I sent packet 3 off again with a next day delivery. The next day they told me my interview date was the 1st May. That was on the 20th April! I will keep my fingers crossed that you will get your interview date very soon! also that it is as quick as mine was!


What forms were those? Now I am scared! How did they inform you of your interview?
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-22 19:40:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (MARM @ Apr 21 2009, 01:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 21 2009, 11:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh my god! I am soooo happy for you! Congrats!!!!



Thanks laura819. Did you hear about your interview date yet?


Oh no..he hasn't sent packet 3 back yet. I think he is doing it tomorrow. So I am sure we won't hear atleast for a few weeks if not longer.
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-21 14:23:00
United KingdomUK posts being made invisible

But then HA's posts were never made invisible and I see PlatyPius's post 7 ish back hasn't either, when it clearly should, so there's no point in this thread really.

It's not what you know, it's who you know?


If Mags is asked to ban me, she will. I expect no special treatment. I simply have no tolerance for those who habitually go from thread to thread making snippy little comments to people who didn't deserve it. With the person in question, this has been an escalating habit - more since "organizer" was added to her title.

As for others, I don't know if Ewok even knows that Mags is my wife. I wouldn't expect that to affect his decisions, though. Mags has asked me to chill out, so I will do so. She doesn't want me to put her in an "awkward position". After making a few crude comments to her, I pointed out that it doesn't matter to me one way or the other. If I get in trouble, I get in trouble. I can only take so much of the "oh! I'm so persecuted! Look at all of the people picking on me!!!" martyr ####### before I have to say something. I've done so now, and will shut up about it.

Just don't think for one second that Mags wouldn't ban my ### - she would.


LOL Your posts are brutally honest and funny to boot.
JoeCanukMaleCanada2007-06-23 07:02:00
United KingdomUK posts being made invisible

Going forward, I'd like to see:

- invisibility as last result. It is big brother & unneccessary unless racist, threatening, etc.
- warnings to chill out
- consistency in which posts get censored
- less bias

-If a threadmust be name changed, say why. This thread had no business being renamed, or moved.

I do appreciate your work, mods!


Am I the only one who doesn't really give a sh!t what Devilette would like to see? I wasn't aware she had suddenly become board owner.



suggestions were asked for Platy. :star:



Sorry.... I got through most of the first page and all I saw was "Me! Me! Me!" type stuff, and it really got to me.


Sorry to lal or me?


Lal


yeah, I doubted you would admit you spoke out of turn, let alone apologize for it.


:o
JoeCanukMaleCanada2007-06-23 06:59:00
United KingdomUK posts being made invisible
Sometimes a good kick up the rear end is as useful as a bucket load of sympathy and moderation should bear that in mind. If you post in public for all to see you must accept all opinions posted in reply.

I agree. I wonder why I'm not allowed to be that one giving the "kick up the rear end" though. lol
JoeCanukMaleCanada2007-06-22 16:56:00
United KingdomUK posts being made invisible

Wow.

A lot of stuff happens when you are out trying to keep your real estate deal from falling apart plus trying to land a new job on the same day.

I think Y, mags and lal are doing a pretty decent job of the thankless task they've been asked to do. Moderating this community has got to be a lot like herding cats. It'd be unfair to personally criticize any of them given the rowdy bunch of hooligans that comprise VJ.

But I guess it doesn't hurt to ask the hooligans what we think of the system, now that it's in place.

I'm not for making posts invisible. Or for splitting posts out of threads. Both are unnatural to the way real life conversation and learning occur. So that's my take on that part of moderation.

Mods moving around as invisible - what's wrong with that? Didn't your mother do that to you? Did it kill you? Or did it keep you from acting like a little curtain climber? I'm using the analogy of a child because that's the kind of behavior (IMO) that is causing problems in this community - both in the past and in the present.

We are supposed to be adults here. Yeah, a lot of the people on this board are wired up because they are separated from their SO or caught up in some other bureaucratic paperwork snafu. Guess what? SO WHAT! That's life folks. We are here to help you through it, but we aren't here to wipe your nose over it. We can support each other and love each other without enabling each other on a bad immigration day. That means I'm not going to sit here and help somebody feel better about themselves on their bad day at the expense of others. If you are acting like a bratty potty child, and generally spoiling the learning atmosphere of this community by asking over and over again for your cookie, you aren't getting my sympathy. You might still get my love, but you'll get it with a reminder to grow up and put your big-people pants on.

Sooooooooooooooooo, why the ramble? Because IMO moderation around here should be more about dealing with adults as children when they are acting like it. If they don't want to be big people and take responsibility for the words flying out of their mouths, then they need to be given a timeout, or they need to be grounded, or they need expelled.

I'd rather see the schoolyard bullies dealt with as the immature troublemakers they are, than see censorship or re-direction of the conversation of mature adults.

My 2 cents. Take it or leave it. Have a lovely day. Elvis has left the building.


"I'd rather see the schoolyard bullies dealt with as the immature troublemakers they are, than see censorship or re-direction of the conversation of mature adults."

I agree with much of your post. However, I wanted to comment on your statement that I quoted. Too often on message boards roles are mixed up. The new person is the school yard bully and the person who has been around for a while is the 'mature adult'. Whether or not that is even the case, that is the way it is perceived. There has to be a standard for deciding who are mature adults and who are schoolyard bullies.
JoeCanukMaleCanada2007-06-22 16:48:00
United KingdomUK posts being made invisible

Wow. I noticed that my post offering my sympathy to H_A was removed. My post was genuine as was my sympathy for her and her situation and there was nothing at all to suggest that I was trying to inflame the situation further. So, remind me how my post was inflammatory? :blink:


This one?

http://www.visajourn...h...st&p=998178


Yup. My sincere apologies Mags. Not trying to start anything...really. I didn't look beyond the first page of posts. My bad.


You just had me puzzled is all, I remembered your post and thinking that there was no reason for it being removed! :D


Keep the suggestions coming!


Obtain a hat, Laura. Works wonders.



:lol: THAT is up to charles :P he is the hat supplier!


Actually, mawilson gave me the hat. Charles pimped it up for me! :lol:


I had to save that cat pic to my computer.
JoeCanukMaleCanada2007-06-22 15:27:00
United KingdomUK posts being made invisible

Going forward, I'd like to see:

- invisibility as last result. It is big brother & unneccessary unless racist, threatening, etc.
- warnings to chill out
- consistency in which posts get censored
- less bias

-If a threadmust be name changed, say why. This thread had no business being renamed, or moved.

I do appreciate your work, mods!


I have to say, devilette, I agree with this post entirely!


:o :lol:


:o I know! No one was more surprised than me!!!!! :lol: Maybe we should take this opportunity to kiss and make up! :P


Let's get back on topic.

Why don't you poll whether people prefer locking or, um, "invisiblizing"? I personally prefer locking so I can see what happened. Flame wars can always be stopped with a lock, but posts disappearing disturbs normal conversation and leads to resentment no matter how accustomed people get to it.

Actually what I have never understood is then need to keep forums conflict-free. Everyone is an adult, but many adults are really immature, and most of us act in a less-than-becoming fashion once in awhile, and there are bound to be flamewars now and again. If they're not allowed to dominate a board, I see no issue.


Especially when you can just put someone on ignore eh?
JoeCanukMaleCanada2007-06-22 15:12:00
United KingdomUK posts being made invisible

example on how NOT to act on a thread so a flame war doesnt start i nominate the behavior of JoeCanuk


Well this was pointless. Newsflash: the war was already going on. All I did was come in and say what devilette needed to be told. She then went on to lie about me and ignore the mods.

Try not to get so personal next time m'kay.

It has everything to do with it.

Sigh. No it doesn't. You're reading meaning into the word censorship that doesn't exist. If you don't see that, then fair enough I tried to explain it to you.


Sigh. And I tried to explain it to you. We just disagree. That is allowed you know.



Take it to PM. On topic now. No final comments. Please pretend you read this -- thank you :).


No pretending about it. I read it.
JoeCanukMaleCanada2007-06-22 15:08:00
United KingdomUK posts being made invisible

example on how NOT to act on a thread so a flame war doesnt start i nominate the behavior of JoeCanuk


Well this was pointless. Newsflash: the war was already going on. All I did was come in and say what devilette needed to be told. She then went on to lie about me and ignore the mods.

Try not to get so personal next time m'kay.

It has everything to do with it.

Sigh. No it doesn't. You're reading meaning into the word censorship that doesn't exist. If you don't see that, then fair enough I tried to explain it to you.


Sigh. And I tried to explain it to you. We just disagree. That is allowed you know.
JoeCanukMaleCanada2007-06-22 15:05:00
United KingdomUK posts being made invisible

TO EVERYONE: Stay on topic and lets make this a constructive conversation. If you want a side bar take it to PM please. No attcking each other, no digging up the past. This post was doing great and getting some constructive new ideas so lets keep it on topic please :).


Seriously, this is what I'm talking about. The ADMIN & mods are in this topic, yet Joe has been allowed to go on & on & insult?


He did three posts in the space of about 5 minutes. We are not superhuman, we do not have the ability to type at 2000 wpm! I'm not sitting here monitoring this thread.

You are all for leaving posts visible. Are you now saying that you feel these posts SHOULD be made invisible?



Capn replied twice about it during that time, yet nothing has happened.


And what did he say? He said there was no TOS violation and he asked us ALL to keep it constructive. He was talking to you too.
JoeCanukMaleCanada2007-06-22 15:02:00
United KingdomUK posts being made invisible

It's not censorship when you don't have the right to say what you want in the first place. You prove it with your last sentence. Even though I did nothing wrong. And I'll repeat what someone else said on the first page of this thread: The OP was inflammatory...along with being pointless.


censorship |ˈsensərˌ sh ip|
noun
the practice of officially examining books, movies, etc., and suppressing unacceptable parts : details of the visit were subject to military censorship.

Censorship has nothing to do with if you had the right to say something in the first place. If you post something, and someone removes it, its censorship. Plain and simple. You don't seem to understand this, and appear to be mixing up censorship with "The right to Free Speech". Nobody has the right to free speech here, as anything can be censored.


It has everything to do with it. If you don't have the right to freedom of speech, then you are not being censored. If you're in the military and you are not allowed to tell the enemy your nation's secrets are you going to say that's censorship? If you post something and someone removes it, that is not censorship because a) you are a guest and you do not have the right to just say whatever you want and B) the mods feel it broke the rules. Ergo, that is not censorship. You're right, nobody has the right to free speech here (I've been saying that), therefore, nothing is censored.
JoeCanukMaleCanada2007-06-22 15:01:00
United KingdomUK posts being made invisible

TO EVERYONE: Stay on topic and lets make this a constructive conversation. If you want a side bar take it to PM please. No attcking each other, no digging up the past. This post was doing great and getting some constructive new ideas so lets keep it on topic please :).


Seriously, this is what I'm talking about. The ADMIN & mods are in this topic, yet Joe has been allowed to go on & on & insult?


I haven't insulted you. However, the one who said my posts were pointless and inflammatory insulted me. But I'm not going to make a big deal about it.

If I were going to insult you I'd do it via PM so as not to cause a disturbance. You would then be free to report it. However, I did not insult you. Why would I insult someone who inspired me to make a great signature?
JoeCanukMaleCanada2007-06-22 14:58:00