ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)J-1 student married with an U.S Citizen

I was looking around, I think the best thing to do would be to consult with an immigration lawyer. 

As you are on a J1 visa, you are required to return home as the visa ends, it might be considered fraud to stay in the US while the process is being completed but an immigration lawyer will be able to help and advise you.


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-14 08:46:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)J-1 student married with an U.S Citizen

We would need some additional information in order to help. 

How long do you have left on your visa? 


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-14 08:42:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)visa status administrative processing

Were you approved on September 10? 


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-17 06:11:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)visa status administrative processing

Administrative processing basically means they are currently doing background checks.

It is not necessarily a bad sign but the problem is we never know how long it can last. It could last one hour, 3 weeks or even 3 months!

 

When was your interview? 


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-17 05:35:00
United KingdomDCF London I-130 for IR1/CR1 Spouse guide

Dear all, 

 

I just wanted to add a few details from my experience so far with the London DCF procedure. 

First, the number given for the embassy: UK 0904 245 0100 (described as the extortion line) is no longer working. It has been closed since July 21st. Do not attempt to find another number for the embassy if you don't want to spend hours going through automated message hell. 

 

Then, the Department of State seems to be in no mood to try to help (according to my 3 calls) and experience from other people as well. They won't help if you don't have what they call a receipt number (not available in London), and will tell you to contact London embassy directly even when you say you have no way of contacting them. 

To check application status (after approval): 

 

I would wait for about 3 weeks after the Notice of Approval (NOA2) to send an enquiry. In order to do this, you can fill out this form :

 

http://london.usemba...ntact_form.html

 

They aim to respond within 5 working days and should provide you with an LND number if you have been assigned one at the time of the enquiry. 

 

Also, if like me, your packet 3 gets lost in the post (doesn't usually happen as it is sent by first class mail), the email will be enough and you will be able to check your application status, send in the forms required for packet 3 and book the medical interview. It doesn't seem like getting the actual packet is necessary as they probably won't be sending me another version. 

 

 

USCIS phone number:  0207 495 0551 (I am not sure if there is a fee to call this number)

 

This is the only phone number I found so far to speak to an actual person at the U.S. embassy. Even if it is the USCIS office, they are very helpful (they will not be able to check your application status) but can guide you on any issues relating to the I-130 filling.

 

Hope all of this help, 

 

I will be sure to add any other information I gather during this adventure and will post my timeline / story once I am done

 

 

 

 

 


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-16 19:04:00
United KingdomI-134 help?? advice?

Normally, the $8,000 dollars should be enough, I think.

 

But if you are uncertain, why not add your savings to the mix? They don't care about the beneficiary's income, yes, but I am pretty sure you can add your savings. 

 


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-17 05:43:00
United KingdomBooking the London Medical

This can only be done by phone. 

It only takes a couple minutes. 


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-01 03:59:00
United KingdomCalling to schedule my interview so partner can attend with me

Hi ! 

 

Unfortunately, it will be almost impossible to get someone on the phone. 

My first question is: were you assigned an interview date and did you receive the letter? 

I think they assign the dates as opposed to you, choosing one. 

When you do get the letter, you can ask to have your partner's name added to the list by filling in this contact form : 





 

http://london.usemba...ntact_form.html

 

 

By the way, it's always nice to have your partner with you at the interview but it is normally not a requirement. 

 

Hope this helps, 

 

Best of luck


Edited by Dbkrantz, 01 September 2013 - 04:37 PM.

DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-01 16:36:00
United KingdomAdministrative Processing...

Apparently, it's very normal to get AP at this point. You should have that for a couple days before it goes to Issued. 

Congrats on getting approved!


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-10 07:56:00
United KingdomLondon People- Anyone else in my shoes?

Thank you, I sure hope you're right!! I just don't get what it taking so long!!

Yes hopefully you are right. 

It will have been 4 weeks since the forms were signed for at the embassy on the 16th, so in just a couple days... 

fingers crossed!




DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-14 07:57:00
United KingdomLondon People- Anyone else in my shoes?

Both of you--
They do say to allow four weeks for your forms to be registered/opened/recorded (whatever you want to call it.)

Ejett, Did you give a wedding date in your cover letter? What date?
As far as your cover letter if you send again...What Sarah said. And state that you completed the medical exam on [date] , have all your documents collected, and are fully ready to attend an interview.

Deb, you medical results have barely been there a week, so an interview letter could take a few more weeks.





 

Yes, the medical results have barely been in but the forms were sent in almost 4 weeks ago. I emailed them on Monday and see what their response is. What drives me nuts is that people who had their medical after and sent their forms after me are all logged up and waiting to get an interview assigned! 


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-12 18:16:00
United KingdomLondon People- Anyone else in my shoes?

Thanks for that, I had no idea it was no longer available! I am assuming that means that getting a 'code' is also obsolete and the only way to talk to them is through that contact form. Is that right?

 

 

Well, I tried calling the visa unit several times and nothing. So yes, the only way is through the contact form... But they've been busy at the moment apparently, so haven't been answering within 5 working days. 

I am in your shoes, I sent the packet 3 forms on August 15th, they were signed for the next day. Since then, I had my medical. According to DoS records, my medical has been logged but not my forms, not any of them. I don't know what to do either, so I sent in an email and I am waiting for a response... 

According to DoS sending a duplicate of the forms might delay my application further... 




DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-12 15:45:00
United KingdomLondon People- Anyone else in my shoes?

Just my opinion, but why wait 5 days hoping for a response from the embassy. Send another DS-2001 ASAP.

Does the $16 phone call still work? Nobody has mentioned trying it.

 

No the phone line is no longer open for London. Basically, we have no way of contacting the visa unit and speaking to a human being... So, we are stuck with email...


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-12 15:13:00
United KingdomPrevious drug use and Medical

Well, if it's been a decade, you should be fine. I was nervous for my husband's medical as well, and for the blood test although I knew he wasn't taking drugs, so don't worry too much about it, you will be fine! And almost done too ! 


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-12 14:38:00
United KingdomPrevious drug use and Medical

I just had my medical today and was 100% honest (3 different types of recreational drug, a couple of times each, during a time of "experimental dabbling" about 10-15 years ago). I decided to just tell all and be done with it, I definitely feel better for having told the truth wholly. We'll just have to see what comes of it - hopefully no hold ups but I'd rather take the risk of that than withhold information for something this important. The doctor seemed happy with my answers to subsequent questions after she initially addressed the fact I'd ticked that box. I had to submit a urine sample. I will let you know what happens!

Hi, 

 

Good for you for being honest. That is great and I am sure the doctor was grateful for being honest. 

That being said, remember that drugs normally stays in urine longer than it does in blood, so that might be something to consider. 


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-12 10:31:00
United KingdomPrevious drug use and Medical

Hi, 

 

So, from what I understand, if she has been clean for more than 1 year, nothing weird should show up on the blood test. Depending on what she used to take, 12 months is enough to clear her blood of any trace of anything. 

Check how long it takes for the drugs she took to disappear from the system. Honesty is the best policy, so she needs to be open about it and say that she hasn't touched drugs for a year. I am just hoping that the doctor won't start asking too many questions. Normally, if her blood is "clean" then it's no problem. 

Good luck with the process!




DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-12 08:56:00
United Kingdomhow long should i expect to wait for interview date?

This forum gave me hope! 

 

I had my medical on September 31st and the medical was logged in. However the DS-230 / DS-2001 forms that were signed for at the embassy on the 16th of August haven't been logged. 

It's pretty much been 4 weeks! What's worst is, on the 28th, they contacted me after an enquiry saying I should mail them the forms ASAP. I emailed back asking to confirm receipt, and they said they couldn't provide confirmation due to the high volume of emails !! 
 


I called DoS several times until I finally emailed them on monday. No answer since then and no CEAC update. I am supposed to call DoS tomorrow although they are probably going to tell me that nothing has happened!

 

Any suggestions?


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-12 15:54:00
United KingdomDS-260 filed, waiting for interview (split topic)

HI all. I filled in the DS260 on Sep 13 and my CEAC update now reads "Ready for interview". I did mail a hard copy DS 2001 to the Embassy also and my medical results should be with them on Sep 16th. Curious to see how quickly the interview date gets to me...

 

Hi! 

 

If your forms and medical gets processed straight away, you should have an interview assigned within about 10 days. However, London has had some delay recently so this might be a little longer! 

 

One question, could you please fill in your timeline or signature? It's very helpful for other members to see how other's applications are being processed! :)

 

Thanks a lot!


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-07 06:13:00
United Kingdomfor all those waiting for a interview date

I can only go from the info they told me I guess ,they confirmed my forms were received 9th September and I can expect to receive a interview date approx five weeks from that date,I don't know if they included the time in which the letter gets printed and sent out in the mail when they said 5 weeks(that could explain as to why I was told a week more than you was) but they did say approx so I'm definitely not expecting it to be dead on the date the five weeks Is up

 

The 5 week wait is, as mentioned above, from receipt of the forms to the logging and processing of the forms and for an interview date to be assigned. 

So if your forms have been logged, it should not take too long, normally, to get an interview assigned.


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-07 06:17:00
United KingdomInterview on October 23rd!!! Possibly a silly question, but...

I wore black pants, with white and blue shirt + white and blue ballerina shoes and a cardigan. 

My husband wore dark jeans + nice shoes + blue shirt. 

Dress smart / casual and it's fine. No need for a suit




DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-10 17:45:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Any dual french/USC living overseas filing for sibling ?

Je penses que c'est la même démarche étant donné que c'est quand même le I-130... Mais à confirmer... 

 

En ce qui concerne les fees, le mien est de payer par carte de crédit dans ces cas là. Il mettront le montant due en Dollars et la banque fera la conversion. 

 

Bonne chance!


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-02 17:45:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)French/American Couples - Part II - 2011

Hello à tous, 

 

Nous aussi sommes Français et Americain, mais nous habitons à Londres depuis quelques temps donc avons la possibilités de faire une demande au consulat de Londres directement! 

 

Bonne chance à tous dans vos démarches!


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-02 06:04:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Frenchies + Healthcare in the US

Bonjour Bonjour, 

 

I just wanted to share a little idea that my husband and I got before we left for the US. 

I am Franco-American, but grew up in France and was used to the French way of doing healthcare. I could not imagine giving up $400 / month in case I got sick so we looked into Expat Insurance.

Since it was only about 60 euros / person / month, we thought we would give it a try and see how it goes. Well, I'm glad we did, because when my husband got sick, within 12 hours of calling them, we had an appointment with a doctor with the bill sent directly to them. We just had to pay for medication and ask for reimbursement. 



 

There are more expensive one with more extensive coverage, so we don't have dental or pregnancy in our plan, but we are covered for up to 300,000 euros / year / person which I think is not bad.

We might get regular US insurance later, but at the moment, we think we'll stay with Avi International. Either until I get a job who pays for insurance (in part at least), or until the prices drop, if they ever do. 

Anyway, just wanted to share that if any of you are interested, 



 

Have a good one, 

 

Deborah


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-08 22:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFrench Consulate Paris

Hi, 

 

According to the page at the US embassy in Paris, it says that "there are no phone information lines for visas at the US embassy" (http://france.usembassy.gov/visas.html)

 

If calling is not an option, you should send a written enquiry: ParisConIV@state.gov

 

They normally answer within about a week and they should be able to help. It does say, however, that they might not answer if your application is not outside normal processing times. 

 

Best of luck, or bonne chance!

 

 


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-04 17:22:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionOath Taking

CONGRATS !!!!


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-16 19:31:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionGiving up other Citizenship?

 

Thanks Sukie, 

 

 

I actually knew that as well because my father continues to pay US taxes even if he lives in France :)

 

Thanks for reminding me!


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-28 17:47:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionGiving up other Citizenship?

Hi, 

 

Thanks for those answer. We are actually French, (living in the UK) and I know for a fact that France would have no problem as I am dual-citizen myself. 

 

I thought you would give up the US after one year and not 6 months. Good to know! 

 

And, you could also vote and never ever go through paperwork again! Very tempting...


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-28 17:22:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionGiving up other Citizenship?

Hi Guys, 

 

I am getting way ahead of myself for my husband but we got talking today and were thinking. 

Does becoming a US citizen mean that you have to give up your other citizenship? I know it used to be the case... 

 

And, do you see any disadvantages to becoming a US citizen? My father read an article about US green card holders who chose not to become citizens when they could. I wish I could link the article but the International Herald tribune is down (linked to the NY times). 

Anyway, any answers would be greatly appreciated! 

 

Many thanks,

 

Deborah


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-28 16:48:00
US Citizenship General Discussioncan i get citizenship

Normally, you can obtain citizenship after 3 years of being married. 

That being said, you can remain on your green card if you prove that even though you are no longer together, your mariage was bona fide and was not related to immigration. Basically, when you file for removal of conditions, you should ask for a waiver and explain what has happened and why you are not filing together. 

 

That being said, citizenship takes 5 years to obtain in the US if you are not married to a US citizen. So if you decide to take this route, it would take 5 years instead of 3. 


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-17 05:38:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWhat to do with the old green card?

That is fantastic news, although I have no clue with what you should do with the old green card... Congrats!


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-11 07:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFinally approved :)

CONGRATS !!!


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-10 06:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsProving Domicile when USC Living Abroad

Did you fill the tax returns from the past 3 years? If not, you will need to fill them ASAP or provide with reasons as to why they were not filed. 

As mentioned by slvrfx576, living abroad does not exempt you from filling tax returns. 

 


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-08 08:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsProving Domicile when USC Living Abroad

If you haven't maintained domicile in the US (bank account etc), you should prove that you have taken "valid and concrete steps" to show your intent of establish domicile in the US. 

This may mean: looking for work, going back to school, looking for a condo and giving up the one you have. Quitting your job and keeping a copy of the letter etc. 


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-08 06:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsLONDON EMBASSY MOBILE PHONE ALLOWED?

No electronics are allowed in the embassy but you can deposit them at Goulds which is a nearby pharmacy for a small fee. 

Good luck with your interview!


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-20 17:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThoughts on hiring a law firm --- please give your advice

As Lost_at_Sea pointed out, it would be helpful to know what your reason for getting an immigration lawyer are? you should be able to manage without one


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-29 17:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVisa APPROVED and no AP

That is fantastic! Congrats to you both !!!


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-12 09:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWe are getting married today 9/14/13

Wishing you both best of luck for your wedding and a happy, healthy and long life together! 

Congratulations, enjoy this day as the first step together into married life.


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-14 08:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNEWLY MARRIED to an American -- WHAT TO DO FIRST?? WHAT VISA TO GET??

 

Oh.. you guys are lucky to be able to take the DCF route. I know there's no chance of us doing the same, but I wish you luck with your process! =)

We are very lucky indeed! Thank you very much, I wish you lots of luck with your visa as well. It's long but it's worth it.


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-29 11:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNEWLY MARRIED to an American -- WHAT TO DO FIRST?? WHAT VISA TO GET??

 

Thanks! How long did you wait for yours?

I am currently doing DCF as we both live in the UK, which means that I am able to do everything through the US embassy in London. DCF (direct consular filling) is generally known to be faster process than the regular way. 

We have his medical on Saturday, and we are waiting for an interview date to be assigned and hopefully, he will be approved then. I hope that everything will be finished by mid (ish)-October at the latest which would make it 3 months.


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-29 10:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNEWLY MARRIED to an American -- WHAT TO DO FIRST?? WHAT VISA TO GET??

CR-1 would be the best option for you. 

There will be a wait, but it will be worth it in the end!


DbkrantzFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-29 10:38:00