ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Congrats Rito, looking forward to your fiance's embassy review. Quickly though, what time was his scheduled interview and what time was he actually out of there by?
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-06 07:54:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Royal mail finally delivered my P3 documents to the embassy! I only sent them signed for 1st class on Thursday but for some reason 1st class wasn't working that day. The package was accepted at 6.30am so their day obviously starts early there! Now I guess I'll have another 4 week wait before I hear anything. Good luck with all the medicals / interviews during the train strike.
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-29 17:05:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Ah there's nothing like the announcement of a rail strike over your medical date when you have to get from Leeds to London...sigh.

And I was supposed to be going away with British airways this weekend too!! Lol


Let's hope that you have better luck with the visa process that you do with travel :lol:
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-25 16:24:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Hi Sundrop,

Can you please add me to the waiting for interview list? I am minutes away from walking to the post office to post the P3 forms. P3 arrived yesterday.
Thanks,
Emma
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-25 03:45:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Congrats Moss! :dance: :thumbs: I can't wait for that day either.
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-22 05:04:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Not booked the flights yet, but when i do then it will be through either cheapair or ebookers to find out prices before going to the actual site. I''m not holding to much hope about an interview before June so thats why i haven't booked but as soon as i have an idea of when it will be then I will. I will more then likely be flying out of London gatwick and into either oklahoma city for my friends wedding 1st and then down to tampa, or just fly into tampa as i can always get a non-stop there and it may be cheaper, see the SO for a few days then go up to Oklahoma.


I've discovered that flying through Canada seems to be considerably cheaper than flying direct to the US. I'm also biased in that I don't like any US run airlines so I'll go out of my way to avoid them. I think that I'm going to end up flying either Manchester - Toronto - Indianapolis or Heathrow - Toronto - Indianapolis. I've been finding flights for less than £500 in June on these routes. But as I say, I'll go out of my way to fly a decent airline and I'll actually spend more money to fly a decent airline. I've been spoiled by using Air NZ and the asian airlines all my life :) Kayak.co.uk is also a good website for finding well-priced flights.

Also, I've read really good reviews about Toronto as POE.
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-19 08:47:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Three exams, my husband and two step children. Our appointment was at 1:10, and they took them back one at a time starting at about 12:50. They got vaccines (The flu vaccine wasn't on my checklist - not sure what happened there) and then we went into another waiting room. Then they took each one back and did the physical. Then my husband had to have blood drawn and an x-ray. I think we got out of there about 3:30. It's a pretty busy place. We went to the one nearest Bond Street Station. The people working there were really nice.

As far as per person, they had my husband back for vaccines for maybe 10 minutes. He got two (one my GP wouldn't give him because he was "sure he'd had it as a child" but we couldn't find record of it, as he moved a lot as a child). They also discussed the children's vaccines and everything. It probably only took 3 minutes with each child for the vaccines. Then the exams took maybe 5-10 minutes per person, and my husband's bloodwork and x-ray 10 minutes? You sit and wait mostly. We weren't sure how long it would take, which is why we booked our train out so late. Better to sit around and wait for it than to miss it and have to buy more tickets.


Thanks Jenny. Nice to know that the time they spend with you is short. About the flu jab, on the list of required vaccines it says annually for 60+. Why did they do the flu one? Maybe I'll go and have that one done before I go too.
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-16 09:08:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Even though they started taking the family back 15 minutes before our appointment, we were still there for about 3 hours.


Hokie, how many of you were there and how long did it take per person? Just trying to guage what time to book my return train.

Thanks.
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-16 07:46:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Hey, just booked my medical!

For anyone about to do so I was told that they have availability from the 24th of March.

I chose a date in mid-April due to work / family / Yuri committments so hopefully London will have processed me into the system by then.

I chose a mid-afternoon appointment and I plan to travel down early in the morning and spend some time at the V&A or Imperial War Museum, go to the appointment, catch up with some family friends for a drink and then head home late in the evening. I hope it works out, even if I have to miss my activities. I just didn't want to have to spend money on a hotel room twice!

Glad that David was on the ball, Justine. Less stress for the both of you. Good luck with getting the process done and dusted!

Emma
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-16 05:43:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Yay, happy news. Got the letter from the NVC that our paperwork will be winging it's way to London this week! Now hopefully the processing times will be improving at this end and I can get over there by June :) Have to give 1 month notice at work though so the July wedding may not happen :( Might just take a risk and book a flight for 3 weeks after the interview and resign the week before.

Good luck to all those with upcoming interviews and those still awaiting further paperwork :D
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-15 17:40:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

You know, even though we've done long distance for five years now, I think these last few months are the hardest. :) Go go embassy go!


5 years long distance?! You two are amazing and my idols. It's been 1 year for us and it's so hard - so many times when I thought that we wouldn't get through it. I bow down to you and I wish you a quick approval of visa process :yes:
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-13 15:44:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

They don't have my medical records except for stuff I've had done with them - so no childhood vaccinations record :angry:

I have a similar problem in that we left the city that I had my baby vaccinations (and the hospital closed down) so there's no records available. That's why I stared the thread asking about what they actually ask when it comes to vaccinations. I'll let you know if I get a better response than 'I just had them all done again.'

I read in the Canadian forum that there's some kind of blood test that can be done to show what you're immune to but I don't know if that needs doing for the K1 visa or if you tell the doctor your reasons for not having or that you have had the vaccination they'll take your word for it.
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-12 06:56:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Yes, what about us poor Belfasters! :) Actually, as the petitioner, I seem to be more annoyed about than my dutiful beneficiary. The boy says he's happy to take a £35 flight to London every now and then. I bet he wouldn't say that if he had a 9-5 job in NI, though!


Stupid - cheaper to fly from NI than to take a 3 hour train journey from Manchester - and quicker too! Oh for cheap public transport, sigh...
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-10 18:06:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

And, to add to the debate on why have only 1 medical location for the whole of the UK, why does the US Dept of State not make full use of their other consulates in NI and Scotland? I live a couple of streets away from the US consulate in Edinburgh. The flag flies, the doors are open, but very few people going in there! Goodness knows what they do in there, but it doesn't look like the are even remotely busy and if they at least carried out the interviews for the Scottish people, it would take the pressure off London. I know the US government aren't soliciting my humble opinion, but it would make sense.


I totally agree with this. It seems stupid that they can't at least offer one location in each of the Home Nations if nothing else. It would probably be cheaper for me to get to Edinburgh from near Manchester than to London (and I'd prefer to head back to a city I know). What about poor people on say the Outer Hebrides and in NI!
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-10 16:00:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

January 2010 Graduates of the US Embassy, London
Jewel-8, Claire and Troy, lirwin2000, laura00412, beatlesrebel, Kimmy and PJ, NotworkSte, xSweeTiex, FrostyMist, viol8torUK, TeamMoran
D_G, Andrew + Bethany, RUSSandRACHEL, david'sgirl/Scotinmass, Nikki-UK, earlgreygirl, jonoger1984, jenanddan2010, amykathleen2005

February 2010 Graduates of the US Embassy, London
Hindocha, munkeynuts, yorkshirerose22, .Jay'n'Terri, ajbe1986, brit la, Think~Pink, h1a1, karenista

March 2010 Graduates of the US Embassy, London

April 2010 Graduates of the US Embassy, London

May 2010 Graduates of the US Embassy


March Interviews (* days between (K1) returning P3/ (CR1) returning DS-3032 and Interview)

Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-10 15:52:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Congratulations, Justine and David! Good luck for everything that is to follow :dance:

I look forward to seeing your review of the embassy if you only had 5 minutes of interview!

Edited by Y&E, 10 March 2010 - 09:18 AM.

Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-10 09:17:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Thanks Justine and David,
I think I'm sorted. Just need to sign and date and hope that my Police certs arrive soon, and the bits that Y needs to send.

Do you know, could I book my medical as soon as we know the LON number from USC or should I wait until I hear the P3 has been sent?

Good luck to everyone who is interviewing in the next month or so!
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-10 07:41:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Is it just me or does it look like London is really slow processing to send packet 3 and then allocating an interview date? I thought the slow bit was USCIS but some people's timelines appear to show a 5 month wait just to interview! I was hoping to be in the US by June but as our case has only just gone to NVC (fingers crossed it has arrived) that's not looking likely. Any thoughts on this?
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-10 06:52:00
United KingdomMoving Packing and generally getting to the states
I used fastlane international and selected their DHL USA service. They picked it up on Tuesday, I left on Wednesday and everything arrived on Friday. Speedy service and the cost was competitive to other companies that I looked into who had longer shipping times. I believe that someone else has mentioned that packing smaller boxes (same weight) ends up costing less than packing big boxes.

You should also do a search on here as this topic has been discussed frequently.
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-12-18 14:24:00
United KingdomQuestion about the acpo police cerificate
I think that there's actually a list of accepted professionals in the ACPO instructions.
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-01 11:15:00
United KingdomDonating blood
It's not just the US. My Kiwi father was in NZ for 2 months of 1980 and a few years ago NZ decided to change the rules so that he could not give blood. After years of doing so he became ineligible despite the likelihood of him carrying CJD being essentially nil. It's a silly rule, but I think that the medical field likes to get their knickers in a twist and protect themselves more than to just give in to common sense and proof of no transmission through blood. It's a shame for David, Justine, that as one of the rare people willing to donate blood he is denied the opportunity.
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-09 08:19:00
United KingdomDriving in the USA
Indiana BMV aren't going to give you anything and when you finally move here and have all your docs sorted you will have to take the written and practical test. They don't recognise prior experience other than to give you a licence rather than a permit as a result of the testing.
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-17 11:29:00
United KingdomBlood Titre Test in the UK (Spelling?)
I just had the vaccinations done again for the ones that I didn't have records for. In fact, one of my records was just wrong. The doctor said that it wasn't harmful to have them redone and it was free. Maybe that could be an option. I think that there are only about 4 that are required once you've reached a certain age.
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-01-26 14:47:00
United KingdomBrits in the USA
Nice to see some other VJer's in Indiana. I thought I might be the only one. Will send details for you to update when interview / visa finally happens.

Nice to meet you all :)

Emma
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-16 05:00:00
United KingdomRidiculous objectification of our SOs thread

'#######' 'bollux' or 'balls' rather than swearing.


But these are swear words - buggering was in fact illegal until not quite so long ago :)
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-09 15:29:00
United KingdomRidiculous objectification of our SOs thread

Rowr...

My exotic Limey, skin so fair, shiny Docs, raising whinging to high art, parked inside the carpeted, wallpapered pub for the football, downing pints of Stella and using very, very bad language. :luv: (L)

Rowr...


Posted Image Posted Image
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-08 22:10:00
United KingdomRidiculous objectification of our SOs thread

For the benefit of those of us who did not grow up on that side of the pond, what the heck is whingeing.. animal vegetable or mineral?



Whingeing is complaining about everything and anything but most particularly the weather. Not for nothing us antipodean's refer to the British (mostly my Mum) as whining POMs.


Sorry, I'm the 'brit' so I can't objectify myself.
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-08 22:07:00
United KingdomVaccination records for UK

They can't take your word for it. The form requires specific dates be written in. It's not a yes/no tick box. Here's what the CDC says:

Vaccination Documentation
Acceptable vaccination documentation must come from a vaccination record, either a personal vaccination record or a copy of a medical chart with entries made by a physician or other appropriate medical personnel. Only those records of doses of vaccines that include the dates of receipt (month, day, and year) are acceptable. The document must not appear to have been altered, and dates of vaccinations should seem reasonable. Self-reported doses of vaccines without written documentation are not acceptable.

Here's a document discussing immunization for your AOS which is the ultimate reason why you're worrying about shots now...so you can get a green card. You get the visa with or without shots. http://www.cdc.gov/i...nstructions.pdf

I prefer this document which goes into great detail in the footnotes about each vaccine, the intervals between, the contraindications, etc. The only thing that makes this document out of date is the reference to HPV and Zoster which were removed from the requirements in Dec 09.
http://www.cdc.gov/m...mmunization.pdf

No matter what your childhood record says, you're going to need a Tdap or Td as a booster most likely. (Note: that is not just a Tetnus booster. It has diptheria and anti-cellular pertussis) The other shot UK adults will need is the MMR series. If you don't have record of that, then plan ahead and get started with your NHS. Many give it free, but even if they charge, just do it. There's 3 in the series. The first two are 4 weeks apart. You'll need that by AOS, so get started while you've got nothing to do but moan about not hearing if London logged your packet. (Not talking to you specifically Y&E) Have the second dose before your medical so both can be recorded on your record. The third dose is 6-12 months later, so you'll be okay wthout that because you'll file for AOS before it's due. Or you can wait until you get to the US to do everything. But you'll be back posting in AOS forum that you don't know where to get a shot cheaply, you can't drive and somebody has to take off work to get you there, yada yada. I vote for getting it done and dusted while you're in your comfortable familiar environment with the possibility of getting it free if your NHS doctor is nice. And try to get that history of chickenpox documented by your NHS on the form you take to Knightsbridge of your shot history. It'll be easier.


Thanks for the info. I had the Tdap done (and was told that they don't bother with boosters over here anymore) and I had MMR when I was 11 and luckily my parents were back in NZ this month and managed to visit the surgery who admininstered it and have got a record. So, I guess that they're not interested in records of vaccinations that people are out-of-age-group for? Because if that's the case I'm covered. BTW - the 'p' in Tdap is for polio not pertussis (whooping cough) but I read that it's accepted because the Tdap is only available in the US and the initials are the same. Well, that's what someone said in another post.

Edit to add: Surely they have to take your word for it that you've had chicken pox? Most people don't see the doctor if they've had chicken pox as children so they're not going to know or have a record of it. Unless they're one of the unlucky ones who gets adult chicken pox, which I've heard is awful. I had it when I was 2 so luckily I don't remember it being awful.

Edited by Y&E, 12 March 2010 - 09:01 AM.

Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-12 08:56:00
United KingdomVaccination records for UK

I couldn't get hold of my vaccination records either so I just had them done again before my medical.

Yes, I suppose that's one way to go about it but since I remember some of the vaccinations being done I don't see what use it would be to have them redone. I saw mention of a test you can have done to test for the antibodies. I think I've had that done for Hep A before. Has anyone had that done? What I really want to know is, is it necessary to have the test done or would they just take my word (and specific memories) about the fact that I've had those vaccinations?
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-11 06:21:00
United KingdomVaccination records for UK
Hello,

Can anyone who's been for their medical give some info on how they check your vaccinations? I've just read someone on the Canadian forum saying that they want your vaccinations back to when you were a baby! Well, not only did the hospital that I was born at close down (it became an Art School) but we moved to another city when I was 5. I doubt that there's any way to get medical records from pre-5 and I only have a few records of vaccinations after age 18.

Also not so helpful that I grew up in NZ and now live in the UK. My Mum's trying to find out if she can get my records from age 5 - 18 from the local GP but I want to know just how necessary that is.

Thanks for any help.

E

Edited by Y&E, 11 March 2010 - 06:02 AM.

Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-11 06:02:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSome people are such big meanies!
[quote name='Brad and Vika' date='Feb 27 2010, 12:49 AM' post='3750054']
Reported for being too polite and apologetic


Okay then, not sorry at all, nah, nah, nah :P
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-26 19:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSome people are such big meanies!
I apologise for being the first one to reply to that thread... paranoid poster or what? Anyway, I'm very sorry and I won't do it again :blush: :bonk:
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-26 19:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNeed help bringing wedding rings from SPb to LA
Can't the jeweller ship them, insured of course? It's illegal to carry things for someone else unless they're a gift that you yourself have bought.
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-21 02:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine feminists protest ‘Win a Wife’ competition
Typical of The Rock. I wonder how much the bride agency paid them?

And way to go Greg, free trip to Europe!

Edited by Y&E, 01 March 2011 - 11:12 AM.

Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-01 11:09:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBooks
Along the lines of suggestions in young adult I would recommend Cynthia Voight (sp, sorry it's been years).
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-06 18:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCheapest Way to Send Money TO America?
There are quite a few discussions about this on here and XE trade seems to be a popular choice. I used them and I think I only paid £15 in fees.
Y&EFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-14 14:20:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaJamaican Embassy

Does anyone know where to go in Kingston to request the police report? My husband said he didn't see that information in his packet.

Thank you.


The main Police Station in Kingston. Any taxi in Kingston should be able to bring you to the right location. Downtown I believe. I can find out if you need better details.


Are you going to attend the interview? I am expecting to be in Kingston arround that time. My company is reopening our New Kingston call center. The actual travel plans have not yet been made So I could leave any time. Tarket date for the opening is currently the 27th.

Got to love it when you are paid to go to JA and visit your wife. I only wish the timing was better.
eric_drewryNot TellingJamaica2006-03-08 21:26:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaJamaican Embassy



eric,

since you have been through this before, I was wondering if you can answer a few questions for me about your experience. my case was completed February 23, 2006 and shipped to JA. I was wondering if you may have any idea when the interview will be set. how long after your case was completed did you receive an interview date? also can we request an earlier interview if needed. what type of questions did the CO ask your wife? I notice you decided to go to the interview with her this time around, why? Do you think it is better for the husband/wife to be at the interview?


My previous time, was with the K3, at that time the interview was scheduled online. Things are quite different now. Though I see you know have a date, thats great. There is no particular reason I plan to be at the interview this time. I just think it may help.

Hopefully my wife will get one around the same time. If so I may luck out and get my trip paid for. It looks like my company is going to open their Kingston office back up in 3 weeks, if this turns out as it appears I'll be in Kingston at the end of March for work.


We never really discussed the fist interview, due the the denial for ganga the rest of the interview seemed unimportant at the time.


Eric, May I ask what company you work for?


TeleServices Direct, the Jamaican branch is TSD Jamaica LTD
eric_drewryNot TellingJamaica2006-03-05 17:49:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaJamaican Embassy

eric,

since you have been through this before, I was wondering if you can answer a few questions for me about your experience. my case was completed February 23, 2006 and shipped to JA. I was wondering if you may have any idea when the interview will be set. how long after your case was completed did you receive an interview date? also can we request an earlier interview if needed. what type of questions did the CO ask your wife? I notice you decided to go to the interview with her this time around, why? Do you think it is better for the husband/wife to be at the interview?


My previous time, was with the K3, at that time the interview was scheduled online. Things are quite different now. Though I see you know have a date, thats great. There is no particular reason I plan to be at the interview this time. I just think it may help.

Hopefully my wife will get one around the same time. If so I may luck out and get my trip paid for. It looks like my company is going to open their Kingston office back up in 3 weeks, if this turns out as it appears I'll be in Kingston at the end of March for work.

eric,

since you have been through this before, I was wondering if you can answer a few questions for me about your experience. my case was completed February 23, 2006 and shipped to JA. I was wondering if you may have any idea when the interview will be set. how long after your case was completed did you receive an interview date? also can we request an earlier interview if needed. what type of questions did the CO ask your wife? I notice you decided to go to the interview with her this time around, why? Do you think it is better for the husband/wife to be at the interview?


We never really discussed the fist interview, due the the denial for ganga the rest of the interview seemed unimportant at the time.
eric_drewryNot TellingJamaica2006-03-05 11:52:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaJamaican Embassy


HI,
I am going for the K3, but doesn't it seems like everyone is doing a K1. I have not even filed as of yet. I am waiting on the return of the G325A and pics.
Good luck on your journey. (L)



Hi,

It may seem as if EVERYONE IS DOING k1. But you are not alone. I just sent in the I864 and Ds230 (I hope everything goes well) so if you have any questions I will try my best to help answer them. This site is really helpful. You will find a lot of good information on it.

later,
Simone


It took a little over 2 weeks to receive the notice from the NVC that they have completed processing the IR-1 case and have sent it to Kingston after both the I864 and the DS230 were sent in. In my wifes case this happened on the 23rd of last month. The K3 process went smothly back in 2003 until the interview/physical. She tested positive for Ganga. Hoping for an April interview. I plan to attend this time.
eric_drewryNot TellingJamaica2006-03-03 07:00:00