ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-160
Hi Vizzle,

I assume you're applying for a K-1 visa as you've posted in the K-1 thread, but your profile just says N/A...

The DS-160 seems to be causing some confusion, as the London embassy website states that it has replaced the DS-156 for all non-immigrant visas, yet it also indicates that this does not apply for K-1 visas (K visas are not included on the list of non-immigrant visas that the 160 relates to - http://london.usemba.../niv/index.html ).

Common sense would dictate that if you sent in the exact documents (i.e. 156) as specified in your Packet 3 letter, this will be accepted by the embassy and there would be no requirement to change this. This is just my opinion though, I can't speak from experience yet i'm afraid.

Unfortunately the wait time for interviews seems to be a couple of months minimum at the moment, we're still waiting for Packet 3 and it's just so frustrating that even when I complete and return it, there will still be a long wait ahead to get an interview. Good luck, i'm sure you'll be fine with what you've sent and I hope you get your interview date soon.

Edited by MrStrain14, 15 April 2010 - 08:16 AM.

MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-15 08:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHappy St George's Day
I didn't want to let today pass without acknowledgement.

Happy St George's Day, everybody.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-23 08:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Checklist

But my tax returns wont really help as during 2006-09 i was a student and hardly make anything close to $20k

so should I still include them?


We used the guidelines from the I-864 to help compelte the I-134, as it has been suggested the embassy will use those criteria to assess the financial support factor. The I-864 states that only the previous years' return is required, however you may submit upto 3 years returns if you think they will help your case.

We're submitting last years return, employer letter and 6 months pay stubs for Simone (she only graduated & started work last year), plus 3 years returns and 6 months pay stubs for our co-sponsor.

Edited by MrStrain14, 26 April 2010 - 07:38 AM.

MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-26 07:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical /Vaccination questions!

Just so that you know, HIV no longer makes a beneficiary ineligible to receive a k-1 visa. I'm not sure how dated the link that was posted above is, but I do know that the HIV change went into effect last December. You might want to check with the Embassy approved doctor to see what, if else has changed since the issuance of the instructions you linked to:

http://www.usembassy...ical_letter.pdf

Alan


Hey Alan,

The link is the current one on the US Embassy site - it appears they haven't updated it with the latest HIV stance. I was aware of the change, I just included the link as it gives a good idea what to expect. Thanks for the information though, always good to check!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-29 05:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical /Vaccination questions!
By 'K-1 approval' I assume you mean the I-129f petition has been approved and you case forwarded to the US Embassy in London via the NVC. The K-1 will only be approved after you attend the Embassy interview. Sorry to be nitpicky, but when there are so many people reading these forums & relying on accurate information, not to mention the hundreds of different terms and acronyms, we have to be specific as to what we are talking about!

As far as the medical goes, take a look at this: http://www.usembassy...ical_letter.pdf

It has a 'what to expect' paragraph, so have a read through the document. It also tells you how to book, where to go, and has a medical questionnaire to complete and take with you to the medical itself.

Very few people have reported 'failing' the medical - if you have a condition that you think may cause problems, then you can always see your GP before the medical and get a letter confirming your current health and that you are recovered / have no problems / not affected etc, a basic overview of your condition. This seems to be only required for psychological/mental health-realted conditions however, such as sever depression, bi-polar disorder etc. Perhaps someone can clarify better on this point, and no offense is meant to anyone by my comments.

Regarding the vaccinations, I myself have never heard of the waiver option, but if someone has experienced this i'm sure they can enlighten you. Can I ask why you are anti-vaccination?

Hope this helps a little, good luck and congrats on getting to this stage!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-28 17:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionUSC Birth Certificate
Ah yes, updated letter. I'm sure she has this but will triple check!
Many thanks, for both bits of info. Much appreciated :thumbs:
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-30 08:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionUSC Birth Certificate
I'll just get her to send it to me. Better safe than sorry...
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-29 06:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionUSC Birth Certificate
Hi all,

Just getting together all relevant documentation in readiness for my eventual K-1 Interview at the London Embassy.

The Embassy website lists birth certificate for the beneficiary as being required, but I can't see any reference to requiring the USC's birth certificate.

In terms of what Simone is sending me from her end, we have Simone's I-134, tax returns, pay stubs, employer letter, copy of passport pages, plus co-sponsor's I-134, tax returns, pay stubs and copy of passport biometrics page. I have double copies of packet 3, copies of the I-129f packet just in case, police certificate + copy, birth certificate + copy, plus various evidence (boarding passes, photos, emails etc). Sorting US Passport photos this week, and of course will take my own passport with me.

Can anyone clarify the BC query for me please, and just confirm if anything else is needed/recommended?

Thanks in advance :)

Edited by MrStrain14, 28 April 2010 - 08:12 AM.

MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-28 08:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPacket 3
The Checklist will specifically say 'documents', meaning the actual items on the checklist itself - police certificates, birth certificates etc. You DO need to send in the packet 3 forms, however - DS-156 etc. You then take copies of the submitted forms PLUS the documents (items on the checklist) to your interview.

Hope this helps.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-04 07:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionYet ANOTHER I-134 topic....
Thank you so much. Always feels reassuring to get an expert opinion - and I've seen enough of your posts on VJ to know you fit that category!

Again, thank you, not only for this but for other answers you give - some of your replies have helped us no end :)
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-18 15:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionYet ANOTHER I-134 topic....
I'm sure 2 seperate pages is fine, that's what we did.

Q11 I think depends on the consulate. For London we put 'do intend' and wrote 'N/A (K1 visa process for permanent residence)'. Try posting your question in the Manila consulate forum, someone should be able to give you a specific answer.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-18 08:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionYet ANOTHER I-134 topic....
Hello, fellow VJ-ers! I'm hoping that one or some of you wonderful people can cast an analytical eye over the following and provide your thoughts:

I've today received Simone's completed I-134 and evidence. Now, Simone has been working as a Temp since Oct 09, and started as a Permanent employee in March. She earns well over the required poverty line, however due to the short time spent as in her perm job, we have decided to have her step-dad Co-sponsor us just in case.

So, I have From Simone:

I-134
Last Tax return
W2s
Letter from her employer
Bank Statements
All pay stubs since Oct 09
Letter explaining her previous college status & lack of earnings
(also have birth certificate, copy of passport pages, updated letter of intent, evidence from recent visit)

From the Co-Sponsor:

I-134
3 Years Tax Returns
W2s
Passport Photo Page

So, my questions are as follows:

1. Do you guys think that we will be ok just using Simone's I-134, or should I submit both Simone and my Co-sponsor's documents at the interview?

2. Regarding the co-sponsor, will simply the tax return information suffice, or should I get anything more? He is a very high earner so financially there is no issue. I don't want to get to the interview and be told I need more evidence, when i'll have had weeks to prepare said evidence in the first place.

Thanks for your input, everyone. I've tried to post this in the London Portal so hopefully it's in the right place...
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-18 04:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionP3 sent (UK/London)
Nice one! I was gonna call them tomorrow, but got my P4 yesterday - 11 June is my interview, a week before you guys. Good times and good luck!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-20 07:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionP3 sent (UK/London)
Take a look at the 2010 London interview thread: Here

It shows people who have had / are waiting for interviews - people are waiting anything from 55-100 days between P3 and the actual interview. P4 is your interview confirmation - it will be a letter giving your date and various instructions about what to bring, where to go etc.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-18 07:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionP3 sent (UK/London)
I'm in a similar situation, sent my packet 3 off on 24 April (special delivery so I could track it online - delivered & signed for on the 25th April) and am now just waiting for P4. Apparently it's not unusual to wait 4-6 weeks depending on how long they embassy are taking to schedule interviews. I'm planning to call the DOS once I hit the 1-month mark to see if an interview has been scheduled, but timelines seem to vary between 55-100 days from P3 to interview date. You should get notification of an interview about 1 month beforehand.

You can call the DOS yourself, they will be able to confirm that the embassy has your P3.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-18 03:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHave I received 'packet 3'
Hi, congrats on getting this far! It's all very exciting!

Firstly - Yes this IS packet 3!! Hurrah! Although they call it 'Packet 3', they no longer send all the required forms to you - as you can see, they simply provide the link where you are expected to print off the forms & checklist yourself. So, here is what you need to do:

1. Goto the link & print of the DS-156k, DS-157 & DS-230 Part 1, Plus the IV-15 checklist.
2. Complete the DS-156 online.
3. Send in these completed forms with the checklist, and keep copies for yourself. Don't send in any evidence at this point though - things like birth certificates, relationship evidence etc is taken with you to the interview.
4. Schedule a medical exam if you haven't done so already. Read this for instructions. They reccommend you have your medical at least 5 days before the interview.
5. Wait! The embassy will contact you when they have scheduled an interview. They will send you a letter, known as 'Packet 4', which confirms the date & time of your interview. If you get impatient, you can call the DOS a few weeks after sending back P3.

Dont' worry about the colour of the envelope - the Brown envelope is sent to you after the interview with your passport & visa.

You should also start collecting evidence in preparation for the interview, if you haven't been doing that already. Things like getting Police Certificates, Relationship evidence, US-size passport photos, Birth Certificate etc. You also need the I-134 from your US fiance, as well as the NOA2 he received.

Looks like a lot to do, I know, but it's pretty straightforward really. Good luck, hopefully things will start moving really quickly for you now!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-21 08:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Embassy changed interview
Wed - 2 days ago - received P4 stating my interview was scheduled for June 11. Hurrah!
Fri - today - received letter stating that, due to a 'lack of interviewing officers' being available, my interview has been moved to June 30.

Called extortion line, got e-mail code, sent email asking it to be moved forward again as I have started to make arrangements, and received an e-mail back (really quickly, to their credit) stating that the re-scheduled date is the earliest they have & that they advise not to make firm travel plans until visa is in hand.

I've replied asking for any cancellations etc, but bummed that my interview has been pushed back 3 weeks.

Anyone else had a similar thing happen?
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-21 11:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview
Yeah, no worries, mostly waiting around. Put a long review on VJ but basically got asked me about 8 questions - how we met, how long we've been together, when i proposed, where we'll be living, when i'm leaving, what work do I do here, if i'll be working out there, what will I do. I literally needed Passport, passport photos, Original BC + copy, Police Cert + copy & I-134 with tax returns, payslip & employer letter. Didn't want her BC or passport copies, or relationship evidence. Didn't want co-sponsor I-134 either. All good, got my visa on Wednesday.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-26 07:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview
I took Simone's Original BC and a copy but they didn't ask for it. I go with being overprepared, just in case!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-25 16:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary 2010 K-1 Filers

I hope so! Just wondering, did you get any touches before you got accepted? I check at least once or twice a day with the USCIS (it's an addiction) only to see no touches since the 3rd of February. I notice some people get a touch the day of or day before their acceptance, so just curious if you got one or not. Congrats again, you and your fiancee must be so happy!


I know how you feel, i've been exactly the same in checking every day! I checked the system monday and there was still nothing, then wednesday it just suddenly got accepted. So kind of out of the blue, but that's fine with us! We're SO happy, onto the I-134 and (hopefully within a couple of weeks) packet 3 :)
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-25 04:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary 2010 K-1 Filers

Congratulations! :D :D :D Yay for VSC!



Thanks! You guys aren't far behind us, so hopefully you'll be getting good new soon... :)
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-24 16:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary 2010 K-1 Filers
OMG, We're approved!!!! NOA2 e-mail & Text received by Simone today.... VSC are showin' some love to the UK too, it seems.

Wow, we're so happy. Still a long way to go, but we're on our way - and I was expecting another 6-8 week wait!

Good luck everyone...will keep you updated as we progress :)
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-24 12:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary 2010 K-1 Filers

Got the email today, too. Petition approved 03-04-10!!


Congratulations guys! California SC seems to have it's act together...here's hoping Vermont will pick things up too!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-05 16:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary 2010 K-1 Filers

I sent in my I-129F to california center on Jan 22nd, 2010. Received by them on 25th and I got my receipt number from the cash checked. Checked status online and says received and notice sent
still close to a month and still no NOA1 in the mail. Is this normal? I'm wondering if they even sent my NOA1 or it somehow got lost.. even though I live like one city over to where the California processing center is.
what do you guys think?



Hey Firefly,

We sent ours on the 11th Jan, they received on the 14th and still not received NOA1 after 30 days.

Nothing to worry about - they cashed the check and you have a receipt number from the check itself, so they have your file. Sometimes the NOA1 will be delayed or go missing in the mail, just like any other item of post! If you're worried, call the USCIS Customer Service number: 1-800-375-5283. They can re-issue an NOA1 if you've still not received it.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-22 06:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary 2010 K-1 Filers
Hi all!

I know it's February 22nd already, but better late then never!

We filed our I-129f with VSC on 11 Jan - arrived 14 Jan, check cashed 18 Jan, NOA1 apparently sent 20 Jan but still not received by the 30-day mark (last week sometime). My dear wife-to-be called the 'panic hotline' (aka USCIS customer services) and hurrah, was given our reference number and advised that the NOA1 would be re-sent! :D

In the meantime, i've been trying to get as prepared as possible - have downloaded all the relevant US Embassy forms, have my vaccination history from my GP, have the Knightsbridge Medical info & forms downloaded, have the web addresses ready to order my birth certificate and police record, I know where i'm going to get my US-Style passport photos (passportphoto.co.uk), I have links saved in my favourites to track our case status and for information on a whole bunch of related stuff (AOS, POE, Embassy Procedures etc), plus an efficient 'to do' list so that I don't forget anything.

All of the above would have been pretty difficult and we would have been nowhere near as organised without the help of our fellow VJers. I've literally spent hours on here, reading various posts, silently thanking those of you who asked the very questions I too was thinking, and whooping when relevant answers were given by the wonderful, experienced, helpful and encouraging souls that are willing and able to assist. So to everyone who has ever posted on VJ, whether to ask a question, answer a query, or contribute to a guide / how to / help resource - thank you all. This journey would be so much more difficult without you. :thumbs:

To our fellow January filers - GOOD LUCK! We're all in this together, and who knows, maybe we'll bump into each other stateside someday.

Edited by MrStrain14, 22 February 2010 - 06:50 AM.

MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-22 06:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFinally
Well done mate, welcome!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2011-01-10 16:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 NVC Case Number

Yes you can - good luck!


Thanks!

And by the way, Nashville is where I proposed - on the steps of the State Capitol. One of my favourite cities.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-07 08:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 NVC Case Number

Yes, London will use the NVC case number (hence the first three letters - LDN). The NVC is under the Dept of State, as is the consulate - which is why you get a new case number once you move from the Dept of Homeland Security to Dept of State (via the NVC).


Brilliant - so I can use this case number to book my medical, I assume.

Thanks for that Tracy!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-07 07:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 NVC Case Number
Hi All!

Does anyone know if the NVC case number (which I have) will be the same number that the London Embassy will use, or will the Embassy assign a different case number altogether?

I ask because i'm impatient and want to book my medical already - the embassy received our package yesterday but I of course don't have packet 3 yet. If the case number remains the same as the NVC, I can book the medical, and if not, well I guess i'll have to wait a little longer....

Thanks in advance for your help - apologies if this is in the wrong place.....sorry moderators!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-07 06:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresplease where do I go from here - K1 petition approved
Hi,

It would really help if you could complete your profile and let us know which embassy you are dealing with. Each embassy is different so in order to get accurate answers, I would suggest you do this asap.

We can't really answer any of your questions with confidence until we know a bit more information.
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-04 07:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1and EAD
Congratualtions! Welcome to VJ, hope we can be of help.

Onto the bad news; I agree with Angel, unfortunately you can't work on the VWP and you can only stay a maximum of 90 days. In response to you questions:

1) Yes, but make it clear you plan to leave within 90 days, rather than whenever the embassy is ready to interview you. You should take proof of ties to OZ, i.e. letter from work, mortgage/rent statements etc to show that you are planning to return to Australia within the 90 day limit, and make sure you DON'T overstay.

2) The EAD is issued once you arrive in the US under the K-1, get married, and apply for AOS. You can't get one on a VWP, so if you do go to visit, you cannot work.

It's a long journey, and frustrating, but I wouldn't risk overstaying OR trying to work on a VWP. Sorry dude!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-07 03:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravelling While K1 in Process

Cheers
I think i will take the chance


I would too :)

Good luck fella
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-15 07:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravelling While K1 in Process
Yes, you can, but it is upto the immigration officer at POE as to whether you will be allowed into the US.

Take evidence with you that you have intent to return to the UK - a letter from your employer is good to start with, recent mortgage statement, return plane ticket and anything else that ties you to the UK. Also a copy of the NOA2 & Embassy packet 3 letter to show you are applying for a K1, shows you're not trying to hide anything.

Edited by MrStrain14, 15 April 2010 - 07:34 AM.

MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-15 07:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129f Approved, now what?
Hi, congrats on the approval!

Be useful if you could fill in your profile so we know which consulate you'll be going to - various consulates have different requirements, so would just help us to give you more specific answers. I'm going through London, so only really know what's required based on that embassy.

Generally though, you should start preparing all the evidence you might need for the interview - again, this depends on the consulate, but will include things like police certificates, birth certificates, passport photos, plus the I-134 which you're already thinking about.

For the I-134, as long as your co-sponsor meets the required income levels, then your fiancee's unemployment will not be a problem.

I hope that helps for now, once you let us know which embassy you're going through then we can give you specifics & hopefully give you some links to look at. Good luck!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-25 15:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed some k1 advice
From what I can see here, you have 2 options Jeff;

1. Start the K-1 Process. Claire can still visit on the VWP whilst the K-1 is being processed, provided she stays no longer than 90 days and show clear ties to Oz at the point of entry into the US. It should take roughly 6 months for the K-1 to be approved, once issued it is valid for a further 6 months, and once Claire then uses it to enter the US you have 90 days to get married.

2. Have Claire visit as already planned in August, and get married. As long as she is honest with the immigration officer, explains she is there to get married but will be returning home, and again shows strong ties to Australia (letters from Employers / Schools confirming jobs / enrollment etc), then this should not be a problem. Once you get married, she must return home and then you guys can start the CR-1 process.

Either way, read the guides as suggested, which i'm sure you will. There are plenty of people on here who are willing to help and give advice, however a lot of your initial questions can be answered by reading the guides, so start there and that will give you a much clearer picture.

Good luck, keep us posted!

K1 Guide: http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide
CR1 Guide: http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide1
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-23 04:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGreen Card
Congratulations on your wedding! Read and follow the instructions here:

http://www.visajourn...content/k1k3aos

This is a thread devoted to Adjustment of Status topics. You can always do a search on the website before posting as most questions have been asked and answered before, so will maybe help you find things a little more easily. Good luck!
MrStrain14MaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-26 11:05:00