ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomLondon US Embassy processing time?

Mine took 5 weeks from submitting packet 3- I'm now waiting for my passport to be returned so that I can book my flight! Approx passport return time is 5-10 days!


Nice work! I just read your review of the interview, very helpful! I'm such a doofus this is the bit that concerns me as I always sound really nervous when I get to customs in the US and this is just that multiplied by a million. Silly thing is they are just average questions its the pressure that goes with it!! :)

Enjoy your new start!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-20 05:07:00
United KingdomLondon US Embassy processing time?

Eh, I think it all depends on the couple's preference. I know it's not recommended, but when I was in the K1 planning stages, I talked to a few people who took their best guess on when the visa was in-hand and booked a small venue. It's a lot easier to book something with a $500 deposit and cancel if you need to, than scramble to find a place at the last minute if they really want to have a ceremony with close family/friends.

At the end of the day, losing however much for a deposit sucks, but when you factor in all of the K1 costs that we'll have to undertake, it's not the end of the world. I kind of like the idea of having an end goal/date in mind :)


Exactly. A lot of people do make arrangements, which is why the Embassy ask you to put it in your cover letter. Its only a booking, anything can be moved and I'm lucky enough to be holding the ceremony in my new garden.
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-20 04:55:00
United KingdomLondon US Embassy processing time?

why on earth did you set up a wedding before you got the visa. anything could happen or go wrong in the meantime!


I'm a positive person :)
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-20 04:48:00
United KingdomLondon US Embassy processing time?

Hi,
Don't worry. We did the exact same thing with a July 15th wedding and just got our interview date (June 21st) by calling DOS and expect to get our official letter today or tomorrow. My fiance called the embassy and was told basically the same thing. They don't promise anything of course but it seems they do try to accomidate wedding plans. I should think you will make your date as well. You can look at our timeline to see how quickly it was done.


Thank you Glen and Wendy!

You've done very well with yours from 5 weeks of sending your paperwork in :) I hope mine follows suit! And great to see you are Leicester too, good luck with your journey!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-13 10:18:00
United KingdomLondon US Embassy processing time?
Hi Guys

I just paid my K1 visa fee over the phone and got told that processing is taking 2-4 weeks and then they will issue the visa interview letter which could be another 4 weeks after that!

I have my wedding planned for August 21st, I put this in my covering letter and also explained I have all documents ready and that I am available last minute to fill cancellations.

Are these the standard timings they are currently working on? Has anyone received their interview letter quicker than this?
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-13 07:54:00
United KingdomVisa Approved

Congratulations!! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: I'm looking forward to reading your review of the embassy!



Me too!!

congratulations!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-13 06:13:00
United KingdomInterview
Hi there

I have mine tomorrow at 9am. My train back is booked for 2pm. Mainly because I have got a late checkout from my hotel and also due to the olympic madness. Being in it all today you need to give yourself enough time to get around!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-26 16:43:00
United KingdomPort entry - any particular procedure?

Ive not done it yet but take a look at the POE reviews here http://www.visajourn.../poereviews.php

I hope you get some more accurate answers. BE forum probably just said "Google it"...



Best to read the reviews for your airport because they vary a little. Some process you right at the counters where everybody goes through, but most take you off to a secondary processing room where you can sit until it's your turn to get served.

Your A# is on your visa and the CBP officer may write it on the I-94, but no place you fill out requires you to write the A#. You will need to know your name, flight you arrived on, where you're staying and phone number. Here's a sample from CBP of what you fill out http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/arrival.pdf

TIPS:

  • Write very neatly on the form. Your entry gets recorded in a database from that form. When you go to Social Security to get you SSN two weeks later if they can't find "Mary Jones" in the database because it was entered "Many Janes", you have to be manually verified. That takes some weeks/months.
  • Don't leave the room without the lower portion of the I-94. It usually gets stapled into the passport, but may just be handed to you. You need it to show at Social Security. You need to photocopy it for submission with your Adjustment of Status related applications.


You also fill out a Customs form. See it here http://www.cbp.gov/x...ration_form.xml

You list and value things you're bringing into the US and leaving. Don't be confused about that because you don't have to list all your possessions. If you bought liquor or perfume at duty free or have a gift for somebody, then list those items with a value. But for your general personal possessions you are moving to America, don't list those.


Thank you both! Very helpful - JFK looks to be a straightforward port of entry, and thanks for the heads up on the customs form.
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-30 09:10:00
United KingdomPort entry - any particular procedure?
After the joy of getting approved, my focus has now turned to the next stage of getting into the country.

My chosen port of entry is New York. Is there any particular procedure I should be aware of? or any thing I should be taking with me along with my package.

E.g. When you fill in those custom forms on the plane, is there anything I should be putting on those? Someone on the BritExpat forum mentioned using their alien number from their NOA2. Is this necessary?
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-30 04:00:00
United KingdomOlympics causing London slow down ??

Yep, I know it. I said to the guy, my son does'nt even have to come to the interview, but he said they need the extra time to go through the extra paperwork? I paid twice so I have 2 appointments and as my son is so young and travelling with me, they have to do a double appointment. Yes hogwash! :wacko:

But, I feel better knowing my case isn't gathering dust on someones desk who's on holiday.

I've already emailed them at the start of the week and reminded them! The guy told me today, they have all my paperwork and my medical and I'm eligible for an interview, but I guess there waiting on that 'magical double appt' to be available.
Stu4Lee said, the call today should be logged and hopefully I'll either get moved up the list or maybe someone will notice.

Thanks for crossing your fingers, I hope I hear this week coming! :)



This is a bit weird...I had my interview on Friday and I'm taking 3 kids with me, there was a lot of paperwork but I didn't have to have a double appointment, I did however pay the 3 fees.
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-29 10:15:00
United KingdomVisa delivery turnaround

Just a quick update to everyone - My guy arrived this evening safe and sound! He's currently in the other room testing his guitars to make sure they traveled OK :)

Absolutely no problems at POE. The customs guy didn't ask any questions, he just approached with his passport, I-94, blue form and do not open packet and said, "hi I'm entering on a K1." The customs guy didn't ask any questions, just opened the packet, read through everything, circled a few things and said, "OK great." My guy said, "is that all? do you need the medical exam CD" and the customs guy said, "nope, you're done" and stamped everything.

I'm SOOOO happy!!! :) It is really true that everything goes a lot faster after the NOA2 and I'm so thankful for everyone on this board, I wouldn't have been able to do it or get through the time we've had apart without the support of everyone here! Now we have to figure out how we want to get married and work on getting a green card - yikes! I'm sure I'll be back with more questions hehe :)



Great news Orange!! I look forward to doing the next stage with you :)

We arrive tomorrow, I moved our flight forward, our POE is now DC!!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-08-07 05:28:00
United KingdomVisa delivery turnaround

nothing for me yet.. will be a week since interview on monday. flight isn't til 28th august anyway but i just wanna see it!!! :P also, i just sent my driving license off for renewal so i don't actually have any ID at the moment! (i'm 25 but look about 14 unless i'm wearing work stuff!).


hahahaha! Same here Kate, the courier thought I was 18 (33...) you can use a bank card too, I did.

I'd check the tracking online from your receipt as that was updated a day before I got my text! I'd also be prepared for it to arrive tomorrow :)

Exciting!!!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-08-05 04:12:00
United KingdomVisa delivery turnaround

Congratulations!!! :D I'm so happy for you!!!


Thanks Lady :)

A few more days for you!!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-08-03 09:19:00
United KingdomVisa delivery turnaround
Whoopeeee!!!

The loveliest courier ever arrived today at 10am with a large package full of 4 brown envelopes and 4 passports. He did well to find my parents house which is off the beaten track and we had a lovely chat about his daughter emigrating to Australia :)

Once inside me and my 5 year old daughter looked through the passports and we both cried with joy and excitement (and relief for me!) when we saw our visas stuck in there!!!

We fly next Thursday to New York :)
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-08-03 05:23:00
United KingdomVisa delivery turnaround

Wow! that was quick! I'm now waiting on my 2 visas. Hope to get them next week sometime :)


Good going Sunshine! I hope you and your little one have a wonderful new start :) x
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-08-02 15:24:00
United KingdomVisa delivery turnaround

Oooh I have an update! :) My guy just forwarded me a text he got:

"DX Secure has scheduled your US Embassy item ########## for delivery by the arranged time on 01/08/2012."

So, if the text can be trusted and all goes well, that means he'll have his visa in-hand exactly 7 days after the interview :dance:


Thanks for the update Orange!

Great news!!!!

Just checked my tracking on the DX website and delivery is scheduled for tomorrow!!!

Whoohoo!!! and that's 4 visas done in 5 working days!!!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-08-02 05:13:00
United KingdomVisa delivery turnaround

Yes, mine was two. Interview Tuesday morning, visa arrived Thursday morning.


Wowser!! that's good going!! But then I'm waiting for 4 so mine might take a while longer :)
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-31 06:49:00
United KingdomVisa delivery turnaround
So from the recent interviews, I thought it might be useful to log the grand arrival of the glorious Visa! That way people can have a general idea of when to expect it or to see if there is a pattern or not.

I'm sure like me, everyone got told a 7-10 day turnaround although it seems an average turnaround is 3 days. I just thought this might be helpful!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-31 06:44:00
United KingdomBritish Back Bacon FOUND!
you have made me and my Scottish friend so happy!!!!!!!!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-11-19 09:53:00
United KingdomLondon NVC Case complete to Interview

Congratulations!!! :) That does suck about your interview date being on such a busy day, but at least you're a step closer and hopefully you'll be able to change it.

My guy's interview letter still isn't showing up in his embassy portal, so I'm really glad I called.



Thank you!!!

Yeah, I'm thinking not to trust that portal thingie, although it does show your appointment number which I'm hoping will help in the moving of interview.
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-28 10:24:00
United KingdomLondon NVC Case complete to Interview
I called the DOS and got my date of July 27th! Happy that we've finally moved through the process a step, I'm going to try and request a new date however, as this is my daughters birthday AND its Olympic Opening Day...getting to the embassy will suuuuccckk!!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-28 09:57:00
United KingdomLondon NVC Case complete to Interview

I'm definitely excited :) I got the DOS number from your post above: 202-663-1225. If you press 1, then 0 right away, you go directly to a person and don't have to listen to any of those long recordings. All you need to provide is the LND case number you have to look up your file.

The appointment letter isn't showing up for me on the embassy portal as of right now - I'm thinking there's probably a delay in documents being posted on there with switching from the DOS database to the embassy database, to the public posting, etc. If my guy doesn't receive the hard copy letter in a week and it's not on there, I'll probably call again to confirm :)

If the embassy has everything, definitely call the DOS number and see what they say :)


Great news! At least I know not to rely on the portal for updates then, I'll just keep calling this number for updates :)

Thanks so much!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-27 03:46:00
United KingdomLondon NVC Case complete to Interview

So... I got impatient and called the Department of State today (the U.S. area code 202 number). They said everything was received and his interview date was scheduled! They said it would be on July 25 and that his packet 4 letter should go out today. We're so excited!! :) :dance:

The London olympics are scheduled to start on July 27, so I'm not sure if they tried to fit us in before all of that or what, but my timeline seems to be in line with other K1 filers going through this embassy recently.


This is great news!! Do you have the DOS number? I just checked on the portal for downloading the appointment letter but no date for me on there yet.
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-26 11:34:00
United KingdomLondon 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread

Hi! You got your visa already? That's awesome! Ours is supposed to come tomorrow. Have you read any of the POE reviews at the top of this forum? There's reviews for any city you'd be flying into: http://www.visajourn.../poereviews.php



Did you get a text message Orange??

The reviews are really helpful, what's your POE Donis? As that also plays a part in the ease of getting in. I'm due for New York next Thursday and according to the reviews this is low hassle.

Bad luck on the wrist, that could have been a game changer right there!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-08-01 09:00:00
United KingdomLondon 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread

Ahhh! Lucky!!! I'm glad yours went smoothly :D


Thank you!!! Still so glad its done!! burst into tears when I called my fiance!! Relief!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-27 13:26:00
United KingdomLondon 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread

Congrats! Did they ask you for pictures?



No they didn't1 I didn't even get shown the ones I sent in with the initial application. I also didn't get asked for the supporting evidence of income with the Affidavit of Support. She was just more interested in my answers and really only got asked about 7 questions from what I recall.
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-27 11:54:00
United KingdomLondon 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread
Approved!!!

Thank you so much to everyone here for your valuable information and support!

I shall do a full review when I get home as I know how much it helps!

I highly recommend the Raddison Blu Berkshire Hotel on Oxford Street, their service has been amazing, they did a ton of last minute photocopying for me at 11pm last night at no cost and gave me a free room upgrade!!

Off to Selfridges for champagne!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-27 05:42:00
United KingdomLondon 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread
wow! heard already..its a no go..they say due to Olympic planning (whatever that means..) they cannot change the interview date.
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-29 05:34:00
United KingdomLondon 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread

To apply for a change of interview date to an earlier one you have to send an email to londoniv@state.gov with a subject heading of your case number.

In the email you then state that you wish to have an earlier interview date and then give your reasons why etc and then you can also suggest certain days that work best for you.



I just sent mine too!! My original date was my daughters 5th birthday..I'm sure she would have loved to stand in a queue for 3 hours :) Hopefully we'll both hear by next week with a successful change! I'd even go for Friday 13th at this point!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-29 05:07:00
United KingdomLondon 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread
DOS are the bomb!!!

I just called and got given my interview date of 27th July!!

Once I get my letter I'm going to call for an earlier one, as it's olympic opening day and it's going to be nuts! And its my daughters birthday..

A sense of relief just knowing you're moving through the system though!!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-28 09:38:00
United KingdomLondon 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread

I just wanted to throw out that we asked for an expedited interview date on our cover letter when sending in our Packet 3 documents, and I believe it worked. There's no way to know for sure, but we sent our Packet 3 in on 6/9/12 and when we called the embassy today (6/22) they said the letter was on it's way for a 7/12 interview date. A month from Packet 3 sent to interview date seems pretty fast. We didn't have a wedding date, but I am expecting, and my fiance mentioned he'd like to be in the states by the end of July in his cover letter. It appears they are helping us make that happen. :)We may have just been lucky, there's no way to know, but I think it's further proof that it *can* (not WILL) make a difference.



Great news that is super quick! I'm on the same timeline as you guys so we'll see if they are just being really pro-active or the pregnancy is helping.

Good luck with everything!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-23 03:08:00
United KingdomLondon 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread
Hi All!!

I have been trying to push and pre-empt every step to move things along as quick as possible. I called NVC to get my LND number allowing me to book my medical before I got my packet 3 letter.

I paid my visa fees last week when I was informed that they had my documents and medical reports. I also got told it would take 2-4 weeks processing and then I would get an interview letter for an interview date of another 4 weeks.

I wrote on my covering letter that I have a wedding date of August 21st and that I am available for last minute interviews.

I truly hope that I make my wedding date!!! talk about cutting it fine :(
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-18 05:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI-129F December Filers?
Congrats!!! I know, its a great feeling and you have to keep checking to make sure its real!! :)
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-05-03 06:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI-129F December Filers?
Thanks everyone! My apologies for the mix up, I didn't get confirmation myself until recently - We are with Vermont!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-05-02 11:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI-129F December Filers?
I JUST received my NOA2 email notification!! I cried tears of joy whist out with my future Father-In-Law and my Fiance. And I'm currently in the States so perfect!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-05-01 21:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI-129F December Filers?
Hello December filers!!

I've just found this wonderful forum. I love how everyone is supporting each other through the tough wait - which is what I am enduring now!

Wishing you all a speedy process!!!
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-04-20 08:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 London peeps! - how long is the Embassy processing time?
thank All,

I'll go check out the UK subforums.

Yes I sent a cover letter stating I have all my documents ready to go and I am available for last minute cancellations. I also advised them of the wedding date.

Thanks.
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-13 07:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 London peeps! - how long is the Embassy processing time?
Hi guys

I just paid my visa fee, I only have the interview left to do now, but the advisor told me processing takes about 2 - 4 weeks before they even allocate an interview date.

I know from other forums that the interview could even be 4 weeks after that letter. I can't bear another 8 week wait :( I have my wedding planned for August 21st and I don't want it being that tight!

Does anyone know if these are just standard timeframes they tell everyone or are they very realistic?
GrappleAppleFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-13 07:17:00