ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
ok. hi guys..

so my husband rang the DOS today, as we have not heard anything or recieved a response to the email i sent to the embassy

well this really nice rep. Valarie..did an inquiry for us with the embassy to find out what was going on..

she got back to my husband today..and ...i have an interview date for 2 nd OCT 8 pm..

APPARENTLY...they (embassy ) sent me out a letter yesterday..

the reason for me sounding like this?....YESTERDAY WAS A SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!!

now we are happy, anxioiuse, confused, worried, nervous, shocked..but mostly wondering IS THIS TRUE??

i am prepared for the interview, had the medical, got all the supporting doucments etc.

i am just waiting for the mail now...praying that this is true....PLEASE GOD..IF YOU ARE READING THIS..I WILL NEVER DO ANYTHING BAD AGAIN..PROMISE...

Edited by siya, 21 September 2009 - 11:14 AM.

siyaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-21 11:13:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!

Oh my! I am so sorry that you had to go through all of this. We just sent in a new DS-157 because the embassy requested us too...I am thinking they lost his first one or something because we did send on in Feb 09. And yes, DOS is very misleading. I only found out about the new DS-157 form requested from my fiance because a DOS rep accidentally let it out while speaking to me...she asked me, did your fiance submit a new DS-157? And my reaction was, "what? he submit one before the interview...back in Feb 09" And she cut me off to say "I am asking about NOW". And I said no, and that was that. And then today I realized she didn't give me the complete information, so I called DOS and luckily got Jessica (the best DOS rep) and she gave me the details that yes, the embassy asked for my fiance's DS-157 on Sept 15, 09 and they put a note in the system, blah blah. So unless you get someone nice at DOS, you have to play games with them so that they can give you the right information. London is pretty quick this week about replying to emails. My fiance sent one yesterday and he got a reply today from them, so we sent in the form today too, as they did indeed request a new DS-157. I hope that you don't have to send in a whole set of new forms and that it is just the DS-230-I that they want. But it is great that you are prepared in case they say they want all the new forms...DOS reps DO LIE, that is a fact! It's like they purposely want to mess with your life! As if it isn't enough going through this hellish process anyway! Especially for people that have been following all the rules and doing the right things all along, this stuff is NOT needed. I hope that you get to hear back from the embassy soon! Post an update here as soon as you know!
[/quote]


thanks MARM, this whole thing is turning into one big joke...
My husband wants me to go to the US until we hear anything but i just want to be here if something props up. This distance thing is just so hard. i understand that you have been away from your fiance for a while too. its so tough, and its like it puts this strain on the relationship. i feel physically sick at times..

That was a quick response on the email. i sent it on Thurday and they said wait 3/4 days average. so lets see. i am praying that they answer.
And you are so right about the reps at DOS. some are really bad, before you even finish asking they say ' its still being processed' and hang up..!!!
i think my husband has talked to Jessica. Although, now we have our lawyer involved who has said that the London embassy has been messing up for a while now. mmmmm...anyway he is getting some liasion team involved..so lets see

and yes...somehow it ends up being a nightmare for those that are the most organised, (have folders in alphabetical order blush.gif ) and follow the rules...it sucks..

the other thing is..i want to start my Masters in Sept 2010. But the application deadline is in Febuary 2010. i need to get my residential status sorted before i apply (VISA). i am so worried that things wont get sorted in time and that it will be another year that goes to waste. i wanted to do the degree in Sept 2008..and since then every year something props up. Work, marriage and now this....

they are actually playing games with peoples future's here..
siyaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-19 07:18:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
hi

i totally understand you MARM. i have just got the shock of my life from DOS on wednesday too.

I have a K3 application for which i sent the package 3 off on 1 July 2009.
The DOS and US embassy both said they had not recieved it or recorded it.

In late August DOS told me, Yes we do have it, its processed, just awaiting an interview spot..
Woohoooo!!
we kept phoneing, just incase..waiting game

did that happen? Oh NO!!

on Wednesday my husband (USC) phoned DOS..apparently the DS-230 was now missing..
I called the US embassy. They did not have a record of anything..ANYTHING!!!

i swear, i wanted to cry (i started to cry) and punch someone in the face.. mad.gif

The guy gace me the email code thankfully, so i am now just awaiting a reply. I do have a new set of forms completed so i can send them off if need be..

but yes ...DOS LIE..LIE and oh, wait... LIE
siyaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-18 15:01:00
United KingdomTo pay or not to pay visa fee before interview?....

Not packet 4 letter, packet 3 letter as stated in my post. The first line of the second last paragraph in my packet 3 letter states... 'All fiance(e) and K3/4 visa applicants must each pay a fee of $240 prior to their interview'

Hope this clears things up for you



ah ok thanks gail. Yes it says that on my packet 3 letter too, just not on packet 4. I see you have your interview soon. Best of luck with your interview, and the rest of your journey :)
xmxmxFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-01 13:54:00
United KingdomTo pay or not to pay visa fee before interview?....
Thanks for the reply Nich-Nick. My packet 4 included the following link http://london.usemba.../visaforms.html

and then I clicked on IV019 Finace appointment letter all the way at the bottom of the page and it states the following

VISA APPLICATION FEES
All fiancé visa applicants and their children who will be immigrating with them to the United
States, are required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee of $240 per person, regardless
of age, at the Embassy on the day of the interview. Visa fees may be paid in cash, with a
certificated money order, or by debit or credit card

hence that is why i'm confused on whether to pay before hand or on the day of interview, there is no link on my packet 4 for the operator number to pay the visa fee

For London K1 interviews, pay in advance as the other person said. A few years ago, people paid at the embassy. You may have read something old from London, or from a CR1 applicant , or another countriy's procedure. Find your answer on this page from London http://london.usemba...as/iv_fees.html


xmxmxFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-01 13:49:00
United KingdomTo pay or not to pay visa fee before interview?....
Hi Gail,

Thanks for the reply, where in your packet 4 instructions does it state this?

My packet 4 just included this link http://london.usemba.../visaforms.html

and it didn't say anything about paying the fee before hand :huh:

According to my packet 3 instructions the visa fee has to be paid before the interview and you need to take the receipt with you. Hope this helps.


xmxmxFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-01 13:42:00
United KingdomTo pay or not to pay visa fee before interview?....
Hi guys!

To those of you that have attended your fiance interview recently, did you pay for the visa fee before the interview, or at the embassy on the day of the interview?

I've read a few threads that say you need to pay before attending, but this seems to have changed recently....I just wanted to double check

Thanks :)
xmxmxFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-01 13:07:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Had my interview today, everything went smoothly. The total interview lasted maybe 3 mins.



Nick Nick,

Ty for the time that went into your post. You was 100% correct, that the K1 cost $131. However as the letter the embassy sent me had the link to the page highlighting the $400 fee, I did take enough, 'just in case'.

I would like to say a huge TY to all VJ posters, for helping us get to this point in the process. We may not be anywhere near ttoal completion, but we would not have got this far without all of you !

For any lurkers out there, all the info you need is contained within this site, soemtimes it just takes a lil digging.

GL to all those who are there today, tomorrow and everyday forth !!

QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ Jul 31 2009, 05:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hanshi--A K1 visa is a NON-immigrant visa, so the fees etc mentioned for the immigrant visa do no apply to you. People who are applying for IR1/CR1 visas (immigrant visas) have all of their permanent resident papers processed by the National Visa Center in the US and pay the fee to them before they interview. When they enter the US, they will be issued a green card, social security card, and can work immediately.

K1s, K3s are only getting a visa to enter the US and the NVC does little with your case but assign an LND case number and pass the file on to London. You will pay $131 for the visa. When you get to the US, you will marry then pay $1010 and file more papers to get your green card.

K1 is your only choice being a fiance. K3s (married) could get the IR1 or CR1 instead. It used to take a lot longer so people opted for the K3 to be reunited in the US with their spouse faster. The time difference now isn't too much different so many are going back to the IR1/CR1s because it's cheaper, and they don't have to file for AOS or wait to work.

Here's a preview of the paperwork you will file (ideally within 90 days of entering the US) and pay $1010 for.

I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
Photographs (2) of immigrant (passport type)
Photocopy of birth certificate of immigrant with translaton
Photocopy of passport biographical page and K1 visa page
Form G-325A Biographic Information Sheet (immigrant)
Form I-864 Affidavit of Support (by USC) with photocopies of supporting documents: This varies by each applicant so here's generic suggestions
---Employment letter
---3 tax returns including copies of W2s (Photocopy)
---six recent pay stubs (Photocopy)
(If needed)Form I-864 Affidavit of Support (by Co-sponsor) with photocopies of supporting documents:
---Proof of co-sponsors citizenship/status, ie US birth ceritificate, bio page of passport, naturalization papers, or LPR status
---Employment letter
---3 tax returns including copies of W2s (Photocopy)
---six recent pay stubs (Photocopy)
Photocopy of I-797 Notice of Action, I-129 Petition Approval Notice from USCIS (That's your NOA2)
Certified copy of Marriage Certificate
Photocopy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record (card from the plane, may be stapled in passport)
Form I-693 with the immunization section filled out by a US Civil Surgeon, signed and sealed by him. Read the instructions for the form.
or DS-3025 from UK medical if all shots were completed at Knightsbridge

I-765 (Employment Authorization)
Photographs (2) of immigrant (passport type)
Photocopy of passport biographical page and K1 visa page
Photocopy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record

I-131 (Advance Parole travel document)
Photographs (2) of immigrant (passport type)
Statement of circumstances that warrant issuance of advance parole
Photocopy of passport biographical page and K1 visa page
Photocopy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record

And a check for $1010 made out to the Department of Homeland Security
That's 3 separate applications with supporting evidence all mailed together in one envelope with one check. They will get processed in different places, so that's why the duplication of evidence. You don't have to do all three, but the second two are free if sent with the AOS and will get you authorized to work or travel sooner than waiting for the green card to arrive in most cases. Green card could take 6 months. Work and travel 60-90 days.

Do not work until the I-765 is approved and you have the EAD card
Do not leave the US until the I-131 is approved (K1s) and you get the travel documents or you will not be allowed back in.

Sorry to hijack the interview thread with AOS stuff, but most are clueless to the expense and more paperwork shortly after they marry. I thought a little dose of reality and a heads up might make you realize there's lots more to do and the interview isn't the end of stress.


HanshiMale02009-07-31 06:42:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (app-girl @ Jul 19 2009, 02:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Question: When i started this process i sent a check to us dept of homeland security for 455.00 is this statement talking about this money or do i need to pay this additional amount of 400?

The fee for an immigrant visa is $355.00 per person plus a security enhancement surcharge of $45.00, totaling $400.00 per person. If this fee has not already been paid to the National Visa Centre in the United States, you will be required to pay $400.00



QUOTE (imaisha @ Jul 19 2009, 03:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Where did you find that? It sounds like what you've found is about the IR/CR-1 visa- we pay $400 to NVC for the immigrant visa.

The $455 you payed at the beginning of the process is just the fee for USCIS to process your petition.
You'll have to pay $131 at the interview for your K-1 visa, plus the courier fee which is around 14 pounds.


I recieved the same info as contained within the first quoted post. I am a k1 applicant, in my appointment letter, I was given this link

http://london.usemba...forms/IV018.pdf

which mentions the $400 fee.

My appointment is tomorrow, so I will take $431, so I am easily able to pay either the $400 or the $131 fee, guess which one I would prefer to pay ? LOL

GL to the others who will be at the embassy tomorrow as well, I see I will not be the only one.



HanshiMale02009-07-30 16:00:00
USCIS Service CentersHow much longer for the NOA1
Welcome to VJ!!! Complete process takes up to 6 months, NOA1 took about 2 weeks in my case, but sometimes seems to take longer. I would advise you to call USCIS if you do not have receipt or if cheque not cashed after 3 weeks

rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-30 01:38:00
USCIS Service Centershmmm i told u there was a computer problem lol
Well, then maybe our NOA2 is in the mail whistling.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-10 12:10:00
United KingdomK1 child documents
QUOTE (Petal @ Jan 18 2008, 03:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi

I am new here and I have one concern, I am applying for a K1 visa for myself and my young son. I was not married to his father although he does has parental rights. He knows and agrees to me taking his son to live in the US and has signed a letter from my solicitor saying he is aware and agrees to me taking his son to live perminately in the US. He also had this letter notorised by his solicitor.

My question is simply, is this all i will need from him for the interview?

It seems as things get closer everythings becomes a worry ohmy.gif

So glad I found this site smile.gif



Hi,

From what i have been researching on the subject you should have no problem as the father gave his agreement and the letter is notarized.

Good luck
Laurence rose.gif

I just noticed we have the same NOA1 date, we might meet at the USembassy smile.gif

Laurence
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-18 11:32:00
United KingdomLiving in London or needdind room in London for Interview
thanks my job is to help people and that probably the only thing I will miss !!! smile.gif and i would like to apologized for spelling/typing mistake in tittle just noticed it...and being French not an excuse when i have lived in the UK for 14 years laughing.gif
rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-31 14:07:00
United KingdomLiving in London or needdind room in London for Interview
Hi VJs,

Well we filed in October @ CSC, receipt date of 15.10.07. So looks like I will be stuck in London for a few more months crying.gif
I was just thinking that if anyone in London would like to meet to chat about USCIS in front of a coffee or a stronger drink instead of in front of a screen (finding it so frustrating having to talk to my love just with yahoo, webcam and phone) ...it could be nice...Just to chat about how we met our love one ...and cry on each other shoulder because we miss them so much and that the uscis system stinks !!!! or what we are looking forward when finally in the US

Also I have a spare room and live 45 minutes by tube from Marble Arch Station...I am directly on Central line...so if anyone needs a free room before interview (i know the process is expensive,,,,we don't have much ourselves)...I just do that for kindness and to help people the way I would like to be helped if i need ....you are all great on VJ ...sometimes it makes me cry...sometimes it makes me laugh ....but all the time I miss my love one even if we are in contact daily it is so hard because of time difference. VJs and updates keeps me going smile.gif

The offer is on ...sincerely and with all my heart ...so if you need help just let me know

rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-31 13:51:00
United KingdomShippers- not sure where to post this?
Well I had a few quotes made and excess bagages have the best prices, so if they also have good reports it is great

Laurence kicking.gif rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-06 16:51:00
United Kingdompolice certificate
If anyone waiting for their police certificate it took mine 28 days to come kicking.gif just received it today
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-08 12:23:00
United KingdomPolice certificate
Yes, please Babbles, give us update on what they request, I received Police certificate last week...I also have CRB from my work but it is just out of date:(

rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-13 12:11:00
United KingdomNobody appears to have Vaccination records on me
KJ,

I had MMR and DTP done last Friday. I just ask the nurse at my practice. She went and get them injected me and printed me record. ALL for Free. If you wait for medical you will have to pay so it is worth annoying people at your GP practice

Laurence rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-07 12:28:00
United KingdomUK Police Certificate
Hi Sword,

As far as i am aware the UK police certificate is good for all the UK counties. About the time you have spent in the US, i do not know but with all the helpful people on that site I am sure someone will be able to guide you.

All the best

Laurence rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-14 12:20:00
United KingdomWhere's My Packet 3!!!!
I would for sure asked them to send another packet. All the best
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-28 08:25:00
United KingdomNew Police certificate
Hi all,

I had the old police certificate but did not want to take any risks and sent for new one last Thursday. Considering that Friday and Monday were bank holidays, ACPO received it on Tuesday and I got it today kicking.gif It's actually looks much more professional than the old one smile.gif

rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-27 11:12:00
United Kingdombest shipping company to use - UK to US
I am not moving as yet but I heard that excess bagage was a good company

rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-12 11:15:00
United KingdomParental Responsibilty & Notarised Letters
My child 's father does not have parental responsibility......We were never married and she was born before 2003......I do not know where he is so could not ask for any kind of letter....and i doubt he would have done it anyway....a VJ member who went through same process advised me to get a letter from solicitor explaining that I am the one with Parental responsibility...that is what she did and it was ok
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-10 12:22:00
United KingdomPolice Certificates (again)
Well if the embassy says April 14th, I would advise you to get the new one just to be on safe side star_smile.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-11 08:25:00
United KingdomPolice Certificates (again)
the new certificate cost £ 35 and you can get it within 10 working days instead of 40 for old one........Jeraly passed her interview with the old one yesterdat so it is up to you ....Personally I have requested the new one....just to make sure and i did received it within less than 5 working days


rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-10 13:18:00
United KingdomI got the HPV on the NHS
Great news !!! I do not need it but my daughter will as she just reached 11 years old....Any side effects Poiteen ????

rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-15 06:33:00
United KingdomProof of Custody for UK K1 Visa
You definetely need authorisation from the other parent. A notorised letter cost between £60 and £90. The parent giving the authorisation will need to go to a notary office with the letter to submit + passport and proof of address.

rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-09 07:21:00
United KingdomVaccinations!
All I had done is Tetanos, Diphteria Polio and the MMR. You can get them done free at your GP office rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-29 07:48:00
United KingdomFlights From The Uk
QUOTE (Sal and Jay @ Apr 21 2008, 01:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I thought i would post this, I was searching for flights for 28th June, I looked on www.ba.com website and it was £596.00 one way to Atlanta, I then checked on www.travelocity.co.uk and the exact same flight was £495.40 £100 cheaper.



Well thanks, I will certainly try the site when my time comes to book the flights good.gif

rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-21 07:34:00
United KingdomHad my medical in london on Monday
Great news Sal !!!!!!! jest.gif So glad for you

rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-06-18 03:23:00
United KingdomIs it worth calling?
QUOTE
After not hearing anything back for several weeks I started worrying and got my fiance to call the American number (the cheaper one) who told me that the embassy only processed things and organised an interview when they got the medical results


I do not think this is correct as I have seen posts from people having the medical the day before their interview and being approved " pending medical results"

rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-06-27 03:32:00
United KingdomCalling DOS
Yes, all they ever asked me is the LND XXXXXX and confirmation of name of beneficiary

rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-06-30 03:28:00
United KingdomPacket 3 form queries
Hi Rusty,

Send the checklist as soon as possible as they will not schedule an interview without it.

rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-06-30 07:18:00
United KingdomPacket 3-Packet 4
Hi all,

I just called DoS ...I have interview date 07/17/08 @ 8.00am....I am so very pleased jest.gif jest.gif

rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-06-30 11:13:00
United KingdomPacket 3-Packet 4
Congratulations Stu !!!!!!
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-06-27 10:07:00
United KingdomPacket 3-Packet 4
Hi Stu,

My P3 was received at Embassy on 12 June...Still not P4 either....I did not call Embassy but called DoS all they can tell me is that Embassy has paperwork but no date scheduled as yet for interview....If I were you I would try to call Embassy again to try to clarify about DS230.... I have read of people that were told checklist was missing when they were sure they had sent it back huh.gif


rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-06-25 12:37:00
United KingdomPacket 3-Packet 4
I sent packet 3 back on 10th ....no packet 4 as yet rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-06-23 05:19:00
United KingdomNeed help!!
Hi Rbm,

I think this is the one you need as it requires signature at the bottom...It is slightly different from what I remembered filing it.....as no boxes next to items to indicate you have them

http://london.usemba...visa/iv/iv15v.h

rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-01 14:43:00
United KingdomPhotographs
For the medical they are happy to take UK size photos.....I offered them the choice and they took UK size
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-02 11:24:00
United KingdomMedical - Vaccine list
Hi Mrssmith,

Your daugher will only need the 1st injection, maybe 2nd one depending when you have medical (as long as it is up to date). For my daughter's medical I took the red book and the doctor was happy with that. rose.gif
L & PFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-02 07:31:00