ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
oh man, 6 sets? I'm fortunate I only need to get one, having it today, so i'm really not looking forward to it. THe medical honestly is not at all traumatic, you'll be fine i'm sure.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-12 05:49:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
Hi all,

Had my medical yesterday, thought i'd share.

My sister lives in Harrow, a 30-minute tube ride from Bond St, so I stayed at hers the night before my 9:50am appointment. My medical was at 4 Bentinck Mansions, and I arrived at 9:40 where the young lady at the window took my passport, photo, vaccination record and questionnaire. Gave me another form to complete & hand back.

I was then sent to the waiting room, where after maybe 15 minutes a young lady named Lucy called my name and gave me a big smile, shook my hand, asked how I was doing & took me off to a room down the hall. She advised that my vaccinations were checked against the American schedule, exlpained that depending on the visa type I only need certain jabs, and that the only thing I needed was a Tetanus booster as I hadn't had one in the last 10 years. She gave me the option of getting it done there for £25 or on the NHS for free - I chose the latter, am in to see my GP next week for the shot.

Back to the waiting room to wait for the Radiographer, and another 10 minutes passed before a jolly chap called my name & took me off to yet another room for the X-ray. Took off my shirt, up against the plate, chin on the rest, arms behind my back with a special x-ray blanket thing to hold behind my back (prevents getting a picture below what they need to see).

Back to the waiting room, and this time I must have been waiting a good 30 minutes - i'd already read my paper, plus a copy of 'ok magazine' and was halfway through a car magazine when my name was called again, this time by a quietly spoken blonde doctor who apologised for the wait and really was very nice. She asked me a few questions regarding answers i'd put on the form (had tonsils removed as a kid, have mild asthma etc) then went for the exam. Weight, height, basic vision test. Asked me to remove my top & sit on the bed where she checked my underarms, took my blood pressure, listened to my chest & back, then asked me to lie down where she poked & prodded my stomach. Then the fun part, she asked my to pull my trousers down and then cough as she felt for anything untoward around my crown jewels. The then asked me if it was ok to see my bits, a quick flash and that was that, got dressed & she took a blood sample & all done, very good, said she was happy & they'd call me if the bloodwork showed anything abnormal.

Went back out to the waiting room, 60 seconds later was called out to reception & paid the £190 and off I went with a copy of the report and my passport/vaccinations back etc. In total I was in there about 90 minutes, so a little longer than I expected but really not too bad at all. Just take something to read in case there is a wait, that's all I would suggest really.

Just gotta get my shot next week & then my results will goto the embassy. Then it's just the interview - whenever that might be!

Edited by MrStrain14, 06 May 2010 - 03:24 AM.

MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-06 03:22:00
United KingdomDoes the US Embassy take your passport and mail it later for K1 visa?

Ryanair only allows passports and National ID Cards. However, National ID Cards aren't available in Northern Ireland yet, so my fiance couldn't get one if he wanted.

Many carriers, like Easyjet, allow other forms of ID like a driver's license. So my advice to anyone booking a flight for the interview is check the airline's website to see what identification documents they accept.


Yeah, Ryanair suck. We tried to take my 3-year-old nephew to Belfast to see his Grandparents - Ryanair would not let him on the plane because he didn't have Photo ID. Had his birth certificate and 2 passport-carrying adults with him, but nope, they were refused boarding at the gate because a 3-year-old doesn't have a photo ID - every other UK airline would have let him fly.

Last week we asked my nephew if he still wanted to fly and see his grandparents, he replied 'no because the lady didn't let me on the plane'.

Anyway, in answer to your original post, my understanding is that the embassy will keep hold of the passport and mail it to you with the visa. I know this now a moot point for you guys, but might help someone else like you say. Good luck for the interview!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-17 09:12:00
United Kingdom(K1) Embassy requiring I-864 or I-134?
Welcome!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-09 15:03:00
United Kingdom(K1) Embassy requiring I-864 or I-134?
For the London Embassy Interview, you will need the I-134. Once you apply for AOS (adjustment of Status) in the US, you will need the I-864.

A guide to completing the I-134 can be found at http://www.visajourn...content/support, or by searching a bit more on the London Thread for I-134 related posts. There is plenty of information on here, use the search tool at the top of the page.

Good luck!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-09 04:02:00
United Kingdomwhen to make the medical appointment
It's really up to you, there's no reason for waiting really. I'm from the 'better safe than sorry' school of thought, so I booked my medical as soon as I got P3.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-25 07:28:00
United KingdomTHEY RAISED THE INTERVIEW FEE
I know, SO frustrating. I got the same letter today, they've only just changed it. Like it doesn't cost enough already!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-25 08:42:00
United KingdomBetween NOA2 and Interview - 2010
Ok, cool, thanks. This whole process just makes you worry about the tiniest little things...appreciate the reassurance!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-26 03:32:00
United KingdomBetween NOA2 and Interview - 2010
[quote name='SunDrop' date='02 April 2010 - 10:48 PM' timestamp='1270244939' post='3843819']
1. Gather Documents for Packet 3

Packet 3 is available to download from the US Embassy London website here.

  • DS230 - part 1 which is pages 1 & 2 - Okay to sign (do not sign part 2)
  • DS156 - Okay to sign
  • DS157 - no signature required
  • DS156K - DO NOT WRITE BELOW THE LINE The consular officer will assist you in answering this part, so don't write/sign below.

So, I have a question....the London Embassy guide on VJ says 'Do not sign', yet on this post is says 'ok to sign'. I went by the Embassy guide, didn't sign it, and sent P3 yesterday.

Please someone tell me this is ok...

Also, I was born in London, in the Borough of Waltham Forest. My Birth Certificate says the following:

Registration district: Waltham Forest
Sub-district: Waltham
Administrative Area: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Date & Place of Birth: (Date) & Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone.

On the I-129-F I simply put London as my place of birth. In completing packet 3, as I then had my BC, I've put LONDON - WALTHAM FOREST on my forms as place of birth. Will this be ok? I don't know how picky they are gonna be.

Thanks all

Edited by MrStrain14, 23 April 2010 - 10:49 AM.

MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-23 10:48:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Visa in hand! Sweet...today is a good day.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-23 05:18:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Approved!

We were in and out of the embassy within two hours, very quick indeed! We got called in order to the first window but we were called for our interview before the two I-numbers 'in front' of us. Not sure why this happened but our interview took about 5 minutes, most of which was the guy sorting out his sleeves on his new shirt! Fingers crossed for a quick delivery!

Congrats to the other June 17th graduates!


Woohoo! Us too, approved today and VERY happy about it. Will write a full review at some point but right now I need sleep, been up since 5am.

Congrats to everyone else approved today, and good luck arwilson80, hopefully AP won't take too long.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-17 16:21:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Hey Sundrop,

First off, congratulations on your approval! Woohoo!!

Secondly, if you wouldn't mind amending my date to the 17th please, that'd be great. Thanks!

K-1.........MrStrain14............17 June 2010 (56 days)
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-07 08:01:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Question is though - is the 'other half' worth it? ;)






That makes 3 of us that day then... Mine is a 09:00 appointment though.


I'm gonna get there as early as they allow, and prepare for a few hours of waiting. I'll bring a big book.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-26 08:38:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

I got an email from them today saying that they have re-scheduled me for the 17th also! SunDrop, could you update mine from the 14th to the 17th on your list please? :) MrStrain is yours at 8am?


Sweet, nice one! Did they move it further back originally? I think mine says 8:30 but I plan to get there early as possible. Should both wear a red cap or carry a copy of The Times in our left hand to identify each other!!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-25 08:49:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Thanks for that. Sorry to hear that your interview got moved. Good luck with it and I hope that it's a positive outcome so that you can join your SO asap.


Thanks, I appreciate that. In fact, after e-mailing the embassy on Friday asking for any cancellations, I got a reply this morning to say that they do in fact have a cancellation & my interview is now the 17th June! So much better. Fingers crossed for that positive outcome!

Good luck for your interview next week!

Edited by MrStrain14, 25 May 2010 - 07:13 AM.

MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-25 07:12:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Hi Z, can you direct us to where you saw that the fee is going up? Thanks Emma


It's now on the embassy website, wasn't there last week:

The fee for processing a fiancé(e) or K-3 visa is currently $131.00 per visa applicant. From June 4, the fee will be $350:00. The fee is paid on the day of the visa interview to the Embassy cashier. Fees may be paid in cash - sterling or dollar equivalent; by International Money Order or Bankers Draft; by Credit Card - Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover or American Express; or Debit Card with the Visa logo. The Embassy does not accept any other credit or debit cards, or personal checks.

http://london.usemba...kinterview.html

It's a 167% increase. Bit irritating seeing as they'll be getting another $1010 off each of us for the AOS in a few months, not to mention renewal of EADs, Removal of conditions, etc. Oh well, we'll budget an extra £150 or so then!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-24 07:44:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

This morning I got a letter from the embassy re-scheduling my appointment because they do not have enough interviewers on my original date. My interview date was on June 14th and we had planned around this but now it's June 22nd. My fiance is flying over to attend it with me (lands on June 12th) and we planned to fly back together on the same flight on July 3rd. I booked my flight as refundable just in case but don't want to change it. I have emailled them explaining the situation and asked if there's any available for the week of the 14th. Has anyone else had this happen? Did you have luck with getting the date changed?


I'm in exactly the same situation. Was 11th June, 2 days after my original appointment letter I got another saying they had moved it to June 30th for the same reason. Emailed the embassy, they won't change it. They said they advise not to make travel arrangements until the visa is in hand.

Sundrop, could you please amend my date to June 30? Thanks!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-24 07:29:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

sorry about the earlier rant. Got home to good news.

Sundrop, I have an interview on the 7th of June (going to try and pull it forward) so you can add me to the received interviews - finally!


Congrats! Maybe your rant got through to them.

Good news for me too yesterday - Interview on 11 June! Get in! Be grateful if you can add me to the list please Sundrop :)
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-20 07:05:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Halifax is wayyy better than Huddersfield though! I'm not sure that da hud could get much worse :) I think that maybe the two people who were left over from January were anomalies. I hope so. I'm the same about not wanting to ring the extortion line. The RFE was just annoying - for some reason they want to apply to the NZ police directly for a police cert even though the checklist tells us that we HAVE to already have a certificate from each country before we send it in. Go figure - I just sent the letter back signed and told them that I already have the certificate. It will just delay the process even more I guess.

Yay to everyone who has received an interview date or your visas this week :dance:


I HOPE the two from January are anomalies...maybe they had RFE's or something too & that's what held them up... :(

Good luck getting the police certificate sorted, and good luck to all of us...waiting for interview dates, waiting for visas, or at any other stage of this seemingly endless process :blink:

Edited by MrStrain14, 23 April 2010 - 08:48 AM.

MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-23 08:48:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

I'm sure it's on page 1 of this forum he he!


OMG...how did I miss that! I swear it's the stress of this whole process makes even the simplest of tasks seems 10 times more difficult.

Thanks for this...a real Homer Simpson 'DOH!' moment.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-22 10:29:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Hi guys,

I seem to remember seeing an 'interview checklist' of some sort on VJ somewhere, with pink dots to mark what's required etc....I could be way off on the details, and apologies for being vague, but hopefully someone knows what i'm talking about and can point me in the right direction.

I can't for the life of me track it down now, so some help please! I just remember it being really useful when I read it...

Come to think of it, it might not even have been for interviews, but I guess i'll find out if I can just locate the thing. Cheers all!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-22 06:07:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Sundrop, you can move me up to waiting for an interview date to as my Packet three was sent out April 20th got to the embassy april 21st :)


Same for us please Sundrop - Packet 3 sent back to the embassy today!

Good luck A and J - might see you at the interview :)
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-22 05:40:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Obviously I don't know if it's your real name. If it is, it's just really cool and instantly memorable.

If it's not, it brilliantly sums up the immigration process (as do many other words, not all polite!).


Haha, cool, well thanks again! It is in fact my real name... Mike Strain, pleased to make your acquaintance! It's Irish, and not all that common. 14 is my 'lucky' number, hence the username :)
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-02 04:24:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Hey Mr Strain, I just love your name!


Oh! Well thanks, I'm glad you approve :)

Any particular reason you like my name?
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-01 12:45:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Hehe, thanks, I gave you a reputation too. :)

It is very aggravating, right near the end. I keep telling myself this is only a few more weeks out of what's been five years, but something makes the last stages seem all the harder and longer. Reading people's posts, I get the feeling we're not the only ones.

We were told that the GP will get the records next week. (1 week)
My fiance will be back in Northern Ireland and able to schedule an appointment the week after. (1 week)
After his appointment, his results need to be sent back to Knightsbridge. (1 day)
Then Knightsbridge will send them to the embassy (3-4 days?)
Then the embassy will send us a visa (6-10 days?)
Hopefully no more delays will happen. I sure wish we'd done the medical further in advance...


Hey Rito,

I didn't mean to seem insensitive by posting my 'Rail Strike Over' info right after your post...whoops. I just wanted to apologise for that.

I hope you guys get things sorted soon...I know the waiting is horrible, and then to see the light at the end of the tunnel and have another delay crop up must be more than frustrating...but stay positive - you've said it yourself, but it's worth repeating: You have waited this long, so a few more weeks, whilst frustrating, is definitely doable. You'll get there, and it will all be worth it. I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for a speedy resolution.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-01 10:06:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Good News for all of you planning to take the train to your interviews....the planned Rail Strike has just been blocked by the courts, at least for now, so hopefully plans won't be as disrupted after all. Hurrah!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-01 10:00:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

The Tube should be fine. Well, as fine as it ever gets, lol.

This is a National Rail unions strike rather than London Underground workers, so it will only affect national and local rail services. The Tube is covered by a different union so at least from that perspective he should be good.

I have my contingency plan in the form of a Megabus ticket that I really hope I don't have to use...the Megabus smells.


Agreed, the tubes should run fine, even if there are engineering works on certain lines there are plenty of ways to reach the same destination. If he's flying into Heathrow or London City, he can take the tube all the way. Gatwick / Luton / Stansted there are always the National Express coaches...don't quite smell as bad as the Megabus!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-28 11:27:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread

Call NVC 001 202 663 1225 get the NVC case number (it will begin with LND). They can also tell you when they have sent your file to the embassy.


After the petition has left NVC - call DOS 001 202 663 1225 (press 1 then 0 to get a live operator). You will need your NVC case number, petitioners and beneficiary's dates of birth. They will tell you when the embassy has receive your case and when packet 3 has been sent out. It typically takes about a week to receive packet 3 from the date NVC says it has been sent (they use 2nd class mail!)


This is possibly the most perfect, succinct answer to any question ever asked, ever.

Thank you, Doghandler! You're going on my Xmas card list.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-28 11:24:00
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


Oh damn...we do love a good strike or three in the UK. BA, Civil Service, Railways...i'm surprised any of us are working at all!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-26 09:13:00
United Kingdom2010 United Kingdom Interview Thread
Hi all - we got our NOA2 Text & Email on Wednesday, so please add Mike & Simone to the 'Between NOA2 & P3' List!

Good luck to everyone still waiting for interview dates or attending interviews soon, and congratulations to everyone with something to celebrate, whether that be the NOA2 or the Visa itself :)

Oh, and this may be a silly question...but how do I check that the NVC / Embassy have received / sent our docs? Thanks all!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-26 09:08:00
United KingdomUK Bankruptcy
Hello All

I am from the UK and moved to the USA in July 2010 on a K-1 visa. We are currently putting together our removal of conditions packet as my GC expires end of March.

When I came to the US, I left a fair amount of Loan / Credit Card debt in the UK and have had an ongoing agreement to pay a minimal amount each month to my creditors. This has been in place since I arrived here, but now I am at the point where I want to just clear the debt and move on. I am not in a position to make lump sum settlement offers and so I am looking at the Bankruptcy route.

Rules basically state that I can apply for UK Bankruptcy as long as I have lived there within the last 3 years. This time limit will expire in July so I want to get the ball rolling. Are there any VJers who have gone through this process and can recommend a company / solicitor to handle this for me?

I have found a few companies online that claim to specialize in such things; I obviously don't want to have to fly back and forth to the UK to deal with court visits, official receiver appointments etc, and so I would like to use someone who can represent me in my absence. My concern is that I have no way of knowing which companies are legitimate and whether they will do a good job etc.

Any recommendations will be gratefully received; thank you in advance for your help.

Mike
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-22 12:49:00
Asia: East and PacificDS-156 Photo Regulations
Yep, don't need photos until the interview itself, so get the forms sent in right away.

Snappy Snaps also do US-size photos.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-11 11:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 - USC Just graduated, Temp Job...

One less bump in the road. I bet you guys are thrilled! Congrats to your fiancee about the job upgrade. :)


Thank you! We are really, really pleased. Congrats to you too - notice you got your GC last week. Nice one!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-02 04:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 - USC Just graduated, Temp Job...

Oh no, I hate it when that happens! Well, rest assured I appreciate the effort and the advice. We're going to go down the co-sponsor route just in case, so that we're as fully prepared as possible. I'll go and check out the London interview thread, cheers for the heads-up.


Okay, so an update: Simone just got made permanent! She starts a permanent job Monday, and is well over the required 125%.

Thanks again guys for your input, it really is appreciated and makes this whole process a lot easier.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-01 10:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 - USC Just graduated, Temp Job...

Ugh, I had this whole nice reply typed out and then wiped it by hitting the wrong button.

Here's the highlights.

- Agree: She may be permanent by the time you interview (in about 2 months) so this may be a moot point.
- Agree: Line up a cosponsor to hold in reserve if she is still temp. You don't have to turn in the papers for the cosponsor at the interview, but if they say they need more financial information, you can present it immediately at that time.


- Additional comment: Check out the 2010 London interview thread in the UK regional subforum. We tried to capture on the first page all the "quirks" for London and the slight differences in the forms and such.


Oh no, I hate it when that happens! Well, rest assured I appreciate the effort and the advice. We're going to go down the co-sponsor route just in case, so that we're as fully prepared as possible. I'll go and check out the London interview thread, cheers for the heads-up.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-26 08:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 - USC Just graduated, Temp Job...

Like they teach in the CIA - "when there is a doubt, there is no doubt"


If you doubt your income/job will suffice, get a co-sponsor lined up, "just in case"


Thankyou, Agent Bobby+Umit! :)

Always better to be over-prepared, methinks. Thanks again.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-26 08:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 - USC Just graduated, Temp Job...

Temp job? Get a co-sponsor.

If she can get a letter from the employer stating it's a "permanent" job - and she meets the required poverty level, then you will not need a co-sponsor.

It's really up to the embassy if they will accept the co-sponsor, or the temp to perm job.

(they look for long term support)


Ok, good to hear it from someone else too, because my instinct tells me it would be wise to get a co-sponsor, so thanks for your thoughts. It's supposed to become a perm job after a few months, so maybe she can talk to them and get an idea of when that might be. Even if she does become permanent right away, for example, do you think it's still wise to get a co-sponsor? You mention we won't need to, but I'm simply thinking of the short length of service as a permanent employee.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-25 09:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 - USC Just graduated, Temp Job...
Hi all,

We just got our NOA2 yesterday, so that's one stage done - in the words of Jay-Z, 'on to the next one'!

As far as the I-134 goes, my fiancee Simone is the USC, graduated from college May 09 (Cal, Go Bears!), and after visiting me during the summer she returned home & started a part time job at the GAP for a couple of months. In December, she took a Full-Time Temp-to-Perm position with Wells Fargo earning around $600 a week before taxes.

Now, her earnings mean she meets the required poverty levels etc, however because she is still techinically a Temporary Worker and has only been working full-time since December, I wondered whether this might be a negative. She also doesn't have any form of Tax Return information from previous years.

So, opinions please - will we be ok with just Simone's I-134, or should we get a co-sponsor to be safe? I have searched pages and pages on the forums but nothing seems to fit our situation properly....so many thanks for everyone's patience, especially if information is being repeated from previous posts.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-25 08:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 Visa "Packet 3" Question
Hi,

I'm actually going through London, so I can't advise on Canada requirements, but the following link is for the Vancouver Embassy page on VJ - should tell you which forms are required, as well as provide links to the embassy webpage where you can find the current information:

http://www.visajourn...a&cty=Vancouver

Hope this helps, and good luck!

Edited by MrStrain14, 13 April 2010 - 03:50 AM.

MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-13 03:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpacket/ appointment letter
Hi there,

We're willing to help if we can, but we need some more information:

1. What kind of visa are you applying for? I assume K-1 as you're posted in the K-1 thread.
2. Which country is the beneficiary from? There are different requirements and timescales for each country
3. Which one of you is the beneficiary, and which is the US Citizen? I assure you are the beneficiary, as you refer to 'my interview'.
4. Please also fill in your timeline so we can get a full picture of where you are in the process and maybe give you an indication of how long things might take.

Thanks!

Edited by MrStrain14, 13 April 2010 - 03:42 AM.

MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-13 03:38:00