ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomPassport Photos for UK Passport
I had a set done in NYC for my UK visa at just a regular photo processing place. I don't know if drugstores would have the ability to size it properly but any of those mom and pop photo developing places can do it.

Edited by imaisha, 16 July 2009 - 03:16 PM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-16 15:16:00
United KingdomHelp please
Because you'll probably be waiting at least a week for a response to an email to the London embassy you might want to try 1) asking your congressman or senators to try and get in touch and 2) calling DOS and asking if there is any way they could get an emergency confirmation from London saying they'll do it for you.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-20 12:02:00
United Kingdom4 weeks and still not rec'd at embassy?!
Also, call DOS and ask if there are any notes in the "notes" section.

I sent back my packet 3 for our K3 and they kept telling me they didn't have it, even though the embassy had sent us a letter acknowledging it.

Once they checked this magical "notes" section they saw that my information had been entered they just hadn't "qualified the case for an interview yet" (whatever that means) so nothing was showing up on the main page for the case (or whatever they look up when you first call).
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-06 15:30:00
United Kingdomk3
They still don't register my packet 3 as being in the system and it's been over two months since I sent it back.

The embassy even mailed us a letter saying "We've got it, but bring this additional form with you to the interview. Do not mail it. Just bring it to the interview. We'll notify you of the date." Yet DOS says they haven't ticked the little box in their system.

Call them back and ask them if there are any notes on your case. My operator checked that section and said "Oh yes, they have received it, sent you a letter on this date asking you to bring such and such form to the interview, but they still haven't qualified you for an interview."

This is exactly what I mean about the K3 sucking.

Oh and congrats on surviving the shots smile.gif

Edited by imaisha, 22 July 2009 - 02:28 PM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-22 14:27:00
United Kingdomk3
That's because there are many many many more K1 filers. There are hardly any K3 filers at all, and I can't think of any for London recently. I think most people these days go for the CR1, unless they've got a particular issue that would make the K3 better.

Once you get to the embassy K1 and K3 move at the same pace. At USCIS the K3 moves more slowly.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-16 14:49:00
United Kingdomk3
QUOTE (siya @ Jul 16 2009, 09:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
bad thing is i hate injections too much...who ever said this whole immigration thing was easy.....clearly lied


Haha I don't know who you've been talking to but I've never heard anyone even try to pretend it's easy!

And don't forget your MMR too. And see if they'll give you a transcript of the vaccines in case you get the K-3 and need it for AOS in a few months. I think that's something you'd need but honestly not sure- haven't read up on adjusting status...

Good luck!
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-16 08:21:00
United Kingdomk3
I didn't have to have the HPV thankfully because i'm the USC. Is your nurse familiar with the injections necessary for immigration or was she just saying that in general you don't have to have it? I'm pretty sure married or not it's got to be done sad.gif You've only got to get the first in the series though so it's not the worst thing ever.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-16 07:31:00
United Kingdomk3
Yeah unfortunately it is all just a waiting game. At least you've got the bulk of the process behind you!

And lots of people have had trouble with leaving it blank or even putting a date a few months in the future. For a while it seemed like London would assign you a date based on your travel plans (even if you haven't booked tickets etc.) but now it seems like they assign you a date when they feel like getting around to it. As of the end of June, 5 weeks after I returned my packet 3, we still hadn't had a date assigned or even been "qualified for an interview" and we put a travel date of 8/15.

So it won't hurt your case, you might just want to consider pursuing the CR1 route then. If you're sure you'd be happy with just the K-3 you can write the embassy a letter saying we need to travel by such and such date and they might try and accommodate you. It also might take them weeks just to open the letter. You never know. NVC is much more responsive, in my experience at least.

As for the medical, I'd call Knightsbridge ASAP and see if they've sent your results on to the embassy yet. You do need to have the injections before you leave if you decide to go with the CR1 unfortunately, but you can have them done at your GP for free and then fax over an updated vaccination record to Knightsbridge. I'd call them very soon though because I worry that if they've already sent out your results they might ask you to do a whole second exam for the CR1 which would be ridiculous.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-15 13:10:00
United Kingdomk3
Ok so you've got at least 2-3 weeks ahead of you. If there are no problems with your packages you'll probably get a September interview. You may well have a K3 interview date by then. Do you remember what you put as your planned travel date when you returned the packet 3?

Seems like you're already mistrusting your lawyer. He's really not necessary and you should just start calling NVC yourself. Check in at the end of the week or early next week and hopefully they'll have entered the packages into the system by then. Then you just wait. When the packages are sent separately they usually take 2 weeks each to review. Not sure what happens when they're sent together.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-15 11:46:00
United Kingdomk3
Many years ago the K3 was faster. Now that they approve the I-129f and the I-130 at the same time and NVC is doing everything via email (saves months) it's totally useless.

What are you up to with the CR-1? If you fill in your timeline we can give you a better idea of how long the processing will take. For example, if you've just sent in the DS-230 package it'll probably be another 2-3 weeks, barring any RFEs or complications. We have a thread full of UK CR-1 filers here: http://www.visajourn...howtopic=198808 so you might find some useful info/ timeframe ideas there.

If your case is not yet complete you probably will not get an interview for August. It will most likely be for September. As you can see from my timeline below my case was completed the third week in June and two days later (very unusually) I received an interview date for the beginning of August.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-15 08:30:00
United Kingdomk3
Unfortunately it can take that long. I followed the K3 and the CR1 routes. I finished processing at NVC (took 37 days) and have a CR1 interview scheduled for August already and they still haven't done a darn thing about scheduling a K3 interview. By now I'm sure they've seen the CR1 package and dropped the K3 altogether (not a bad thing).

Have you done any of the processing at NVC or are you definitely sticking with the K3? At this point the K3 probably will be quicker for you anyway.

On the upside, don't worry too much about messing up some of the forms. My husband didn't include one of them and he got a letter back from the embassy saying it's fine just bring it to the interview with you. If you'd like to see if they've received your paperwork yet you can call the Department of State and give them your case number. They'll be able to see if your packet 3 has been entered into the system yet, qualified for an interview or if there was a problem with it.


imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-15 08:02:00
United KingdomMoving back to England with American wife and kids?
Yes yes I knew about that. But that would mean flying back to the UK to take the test, then coming right back here to apply right away. Seems silly. I meant more like is it possible to go over with LTE, take the test soon after and apply for ILR long before your two years are up. More like the way here you can adjust status from another visa at any time, you don't have to wait until that visa is about to expire. Looks like no, you've got to wait out the two years before applying.

Thanks though! smile.gif

Edited by imaisha, 24 July 2009 - 01:58 PM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-24 13:56:00
United KingdomMoving back to England with American wife and kids?
QUOTE (Trompe le Monde @ Jul 24 2009, 12:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
if you've been married 4+ years you adjust after you have passed the Life in the UK test for ILR


Are you sure about that? The Home Office says you must:

"-already have temporary permission to stay in the United Kingdom (limited leave to remain) as the husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried or same-sex partner of a permanent resident;
-have lived here for two years in this category; and
-are still married or in a civil partnership and plan to live together. "

but I could be reading it all wrong. I guess I shouldn't really worry about it now. By time we're ready to make that move I'm sure it'll all be different (and more difficult)!

Edited by imaisha, 24 July 2009 - 12:32 PM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-24 12:32:00
United KingdomMoving back to England with American wife and kids?
Becoming a U.S. citizen doesn't mean giving up his British citizenship.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-24 12:13:00
United KingdomMoving back to England with American wife and kids?
QUOTE (Trompe le Monde @ Jul 23 2009, 06:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
otherwise you will get FLR which you can adjust to ILR once in the UK.


Do you know if you can adjust right away or do you have to wait the two years and then apply?
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-23 21:56:00
United KingdomOnce you have made it to the USA...
QUOTE (D&R @ Aug 4 2009, 11:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
And just to add a question to this.... does anyone know if in Arizona I'd have to 'redo' my test, or whether I can just get my license magically transferred into a US version?


Looks like you'll probably have to take a road test:

"Testing
You may be given a simple vision exam. Written and road tests may not be required if you provide a valid driver license in another state."

http://www.azdot.gov...#ObtainALicense
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-04 11:05:00
United KingdomInterview question...
Definitely get there well before 9. They don't check the times on appointment letters anymore so you can go in as early as they start letting folks in. You'll get out much quicker that way. My husband was in at 8 out by 10 on Tuesday.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-05 18:56:00
United Kingdomapproved visa application to getting passport back
QUOTE (Aniomaman @ Aug 6 2009, 02:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I would have to agree with everyone as you never know what the CO's would pick up on that day. It will also give you something less to worry about. On another note, Congrats to Imaisha on getting your visa so quick! good.gif


smile.gif On my birthday too! Hehe... the hubby thinks that's why.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-06 13:52:00
United Kingdomapproved visa application to getting passport back
Interview on Tuesday the 4th, passport returned today, Thursday the 6th.

I've been watching the prices for the flight we want for the last 3-4 weeks and they've been pretty stable. I definitely agree with everyone above. Don't book anything until you've got it in hand.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-06 13:14:00
United KingdomTaking furniture or Personal Possessions to the USA?
I know it sounds crazy but we're considering sending everything via Parcel Monkey. That's like 3 or 4 odd sized synthesizers and maybe 15 boxes of records. For some reason their quote came out at way less than half what the shipping company wanted.

I emailed and asked about the customs forms necessary to make sure we don't end up with a huge charge for what looks like the importation of an entire record store... but they have no idea what it requires. I found this form on the CBP website but then I contacted DHL and they say we need to provide pro-forma invoices (which doesn't seem terribly official) and even then customs can charge whatever they want.

Can anyone remember what they filled out, particularly when using Parcel Monkey or a similar mail/courier service?

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-04 08:23:00
United Kingdomworst case scenario - help!
QUOTE (ealachan @ Aug 12 2009, 04:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You only need a letter from the GP if you have something you're diagnosed with, right? Mark was just at the GP a couple weeks ago and has a clean bill of health...does he need a letter stating that?


He should be fine then. If there's anything in his medical history, even if he's healthy now, he'd need a letter though. If he's going to check yes to anything on the medical form they'll want an explanation. But otherwise you're all set.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 15:28:00
United Kingdomworst case scenario - help!
QUOTE (Nik+Heather @ Aug 12 2009, 02:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I should also add that it was only because it was UNDIAGNOSED high blood pressure that it was a problem. If you wanted to head any problems off at the pass without going down to London, have him get a full checkup with his local GP now, so that anything like that can be an "Oh, I know about it, and I'm getting treatment".


Yep- and get the letter from the doc ahead of time as well! Totally helped us.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 13:46:00
United Kingdomworst case scenario - help!
QUOTE (ealachan @ Aug 12 2009, 02:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
elevated blood pressure will keep them from clearing him for a visa?! Seriously?


No he won't not get the visa but they'd say he has to go to his GP for a letter saying it's under control. That particular problem happened to someone here a few months ago. Most medicals turn out just fine- luckily Knightsbridge doesn't seem like they're out to get us the way other panel docs in other countries do. I just remember reading through the medical thread before my husband's appt. and freaking out reading about the problems people have had. Like admitting that you enjoy a few pints could trigger a psych eval. Little stuff like that I just wouldn't want to have to deal with on such a tight schedule. But again, most medicals go totally smoothly if you're prepared. Sorry didn't mean to scare you!
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 13:36:00
United Kingdomworst case scenario - help!
QUOTE (ealachan @ Aug 12 2009, 01:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can anybody tell me if there'd be any point in writing a letter to my Congressperson about the situation at this point? Or is there nothing they can do about it once it gets to the Dept of State?


You can ask them to make an inquiry but likely the only response you'll get is that they're backed up. It might get someone to actually look at your file though. What travel date did you list? Maybe that's why they're holding off on scheduling you?

If it's possible you should really reconsider holding off on the medical. If the embassy has everything they need at the interview they might issue the visa the next day and you'd have it the next day. They say 5 business days but it's usually quicker. If they've got to wait for the medical results you'll be pushing everything back by a week. Not the end of the world but if you're really in a crunch I wouldn't put anything off. Also (and I hope this doesn't happen) if something goes wrong the day of the medical, even something that seems like no big deal like slightly elevated blood pressure, you'll want time to be able to deal with that before the interview.

Edited by imaisha, 12 August 2009 - 12:48 PM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 12:47:00
United Kingdomworst case scenario - help!
I also would not plan on entering and "marrying" on the VWP. London can be pretty accomodating in terms of rescheduling interviews so don't worry about that until you actually have a date.

Try calling DOS (202)663-1225, press 1 then 0

Not sure how much they'll be able to tell you but they can let you know if you've been qualified for an interview or if you're missing any paperwork or if they've for some reason invented some new kind of AP to put you on even before the interview (doubtful of course).
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 11:40:00
United KingdomPanicing over Visa Interview
QUOTE (T0dd&Chr1ssy @ Aug 21 2009, 08:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She makes enough and I have tax transcript and W2 that confirms she does - so that should be enough right?


You did say you had paystubs as well didn't you? I think those are also incredibly important as they're interested in seeing that the income is currently ongoing... so don't forget the paystubs!
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-21 07:49:00
United KingdomPanicing over Visa Interview
It's not really a discussion. If they want more evidence you'll have a chance to present that. If they require more evidence or more income you'll have to send it to them after the interview. I'm not saying you'll need it but if possible you should consider preparing a cosponsor now and only offering that info if they say they need it that day.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-20 13:50:00
United KingdomReviews of Pet Shipping Companies Anyone?
Have you seen this thread? http://www.visajourn...h...123420&st=0
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-21 15:06:00
United KingdomPLEASE HELP ME
Have you read through the embassy's website?

http://www.usembassy...isa/niv/b2.html

http://www.usembassy.../interview.html
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-20 09:01:00
United KingdomMedical
QUOTE (MummyOf1 @ Aug 21 2009, 02:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
*edit* just checked for her.. and she is 1 of 6 in my area. thank you!



Very lucky! Wahoo!
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-21 15:05:00
United KingdomMedical
From here: http://www.visajourn...h...st&p=913982

"All Notaries are Solicitors in the UK but not all Solicitors are Notaries. They can also be Barristers of Law..."

Search here: http://www.thenotari...d_a_notary.asp to see if they are and if not, you can search for someone else.

Edited by imaisha, 21 August 2009 - 12:09 PM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-21 12:08:00
United KingdomMedical
QUOTE (MissWhittle @ Aug 20 2009, 03:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thank you, i think i will write that letter. I barely know anything about him.. have no way of contacting him..
when do i send the letter?.. or do i take it to the interview?


Bring it to the interview.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-20 15:06:00
United KingdomMedical
You might want to e-mail the embassy to ask about that though... there have been a few threads here with folks in similar situations. From what I've reread it looks like you might need to write a letter stating that the father has had no contact with the child and have it notarized- even if he's not listed on the birth certificate. I'll paste the relevant threads below for you to come to your own conclusions but better safe than sorry I think.

http://www.visajourn...h...ustody&st=0

http://www.visajourn...h...&hl=custody

http://www.visajourn...h...&hl=custody
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-20 13:42:00
United KingdomPCC gaps?
QUOTE (treehugger @ Aug 25 2009, 05:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So how can a police certifcate that covers only the past five years for an applicant over the age of 21 be acceptable?? huh.gif


If you question why they ask you for everything they ask you for, you'll go crazy. Is it not enough that we've all already successfully done it and that this is the police certificate the embassy requires?

I could make up a story explaining it if it'd make you feel better. Maybe anything older then 5 years will either be dismissed or put on some sort of big overall record, whereas recent things, within the last 5 years, might still only be listed locally and so they need those addresses to check up on you. Who knows?!

I'm just teasing you. Be thankful they don't ask for more info than they do, fill in the form and get a move on it already!

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-25 21:02:00
United KingdomPCC gaps?
QUOTE (treehugger @ Aug 24 2009, 07:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've been told to disregard the five year bit on the actual form and supply everything from 16 onwards


May I ask who told you to disregard what the form says to do? We only filled in the last five years and had no problems.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-24 19:07:00
United KingdomLondon not replying to emails?!
QUOTE (Boiler @ Jul 29 2009, 12:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
To state the obvious a K1 is to enter un-married and marry in the US.

Not marry en route.


When did MARM state that she was marrying "en route"? I'm afraid you've lost most of us...
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-28 23:40:00
United KingdomLondon not replying to emails?!
Oh my.

Call the constituent affairs person and try to explain the situation over the phone. I think they usually deal with cases stuck with USCIS so she might have seen right off the bat that you didn't include a USCIS case number and so she didn't even bother to go through the rest of the paperwork. I think they'll be better able to help you once you've explained the whoooole thing to them in a discussion.

Also call the office of the congressman and the other senator and ask if they've had a chance to review your papers yet as it's been over two months and even the Department of State has no idea what's going on. I think saying that part is important, the bit that's really wrong. It's not that they're doing something and can't tell you about it- they really have no idea what they're doing with it over there. Maybe stress the lack of passport thing. They really shouldn't be seizing passports and holding them hostage. Make sure to explain that usual procedure is once they've done all these checks THEN they ask for the passport. In your case they've asked for it and done nothing with it and now you're worried they've lost it or something... anything to get them to try and actually look at your file.

I really think they're your best bet at this point, aside from just waiting for the embassy to wake up, so don't be afraid to politely ask them to get moving on it!

Edited by imaisha, 24 July 2009 - 09:26 AM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-24 09:24:00
United KingdomLondon not replying to emails?!
Have you sent a letter in writing to the embassy, asking for a status update? They might not open it for a while but seems like they might get to that faster than an e-mail.

What a ridiculous process you've had sad.gif so sorry...
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-22 11:33:00
United KingdomLondon not replying to emails?!
It really depends on the official. I got fantastic results from one of my senators (a response from VSC within 24 hours) but didn't hear back from my congressman until weeks after my petition was approved. Because you'll be sending the same information to all of them it would only take a few seconds more to make a copy for the senators as well.

Also, I wouldn't recommend just faxing your information to them. Call the offices first and ask for the name of the person in constituent affairs who deals with immigration and try to speak to them first. If there's no one with that specific title, explain your situation and ask who would be the best person to speak to. After I sent my information in with the consent form that I downloaded from their websites I called a week later to confirm that it was received. It was clear that no one had even looked at the papers. If you can actually speak with someone in the office then you'll be on their radar and they'll be more responsive I think. Once I got the names of the people responsible for dealing with this stuff I had what I needed from them almost immediately.

Edited by imaisha, 17 July 2009 - 12:57 PM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-17 12:53:00
United KingdomLondon not replying to emails?!
QUOTE (MARM @ Jul 17 2009, 09:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Should we contact my congressman or senator to inquire about the reason for the delay? And if yes, which is more beneficial? To contact my congressman? Or Senator? helpsmilie.gif


sad.gif

I think now is a perfectly reasonable time to get them involved. Contact all three. You never know which one will have the time to work on it for you.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-17 09:23:00