ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomLondon Embassy Review K1 Visa

WOOT! :dance: :dance: :dance: Awesome review, Dan -- hope you get back to your Tiffany stat!!!

BTW, only took us less than 48 hours for the return of the passport, so here's hoping they're back at the same levels of service as June! :thumbs:


That would be a load off the mind it seems the whole Visa Journey is there to test us. Tiff is going bonkers barmey over the time it is taking for Visas to be returned to us and has now decided we have no hope of getting it in time.

I should point out that I was told by 3 different people at the embassy we will have it in 5 days but SMS direct are saying nah 10-15 more like. I am putting faith in the Embassy (think I have gone doolallytat myself saying that) that they will enforce the 5 day rule on penalty of SMS losing the contract with them, it reflects on the embassy stats if the courier service can't get their act in gear.


It isn't the courier service that is the problem, you will get it the day after the Embassy hand to them.

Most of the Consular officers at the Embassy are American and quite a few go home this time of year. When I was working at Heathrow I knew a lot of the Embassy staff from the Legal Attache office and the very nice lady in charge of the section that processes the I-130. Last year they didn't process any of the I-130s for about 5 weeks through August they processed up to the day before ours was filed and then stopped there.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-01 11:44:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Review K1 Visa
Congratulations and all the best for your life together in the US.

From your review it seems they have slightly changed the numbering system again as they used to start at 1 each day.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-01 10:25:00
United KingdomGood luck tomorrow, Jen&Barney and Converse34!
All the best to you both
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-07 11:27:00
United KingdomWhere in the UK are you or your SO from?
London (NW London mostly Kingsbury and some time in Hayes)
LansburyMaleEngland2007-06-28 15:22:00
United KingdomNeed some UK forum love!
I think the most stressful part of the whole process is the after you get the visa and before you arrive.

We had three weeks and trying to get everything done and the apprehension about just what was waiting over the pond got to both of us. The worst part for me was leaving a job I had done for 37 years and becoming a retired person, I had real problems the day that happened.

The best part of the process was arriving and spending the following weeks getting our new life in order, that was great fun.

It is really natural to be under pressure now. No matter how well planned it is stepping into the unknown to move to another country and the person nearest to you gets the brunt of the stress. Hang in there it is all well worth it and will in no way be as bad as you imagine.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-07 17:04:00
United KingdomInterview tomorrow.....OMG!
Good luck providing you have all your paperwork in order it will be an anti climax. They will ask for the paperwork in the order it is listed on the check list, so if you presort it before you go save you searching as they ask for each piece.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-08 17:01:00
United KingdomInterview tomorrow.....OMG!

I am getting really nervous now.......I hope I have remembered everything.

How many of you have taken mobiles with you to the interview? My Husband wants me to take it, so I can call as soon as I get out, but it says not to.


Hello again, you just replied to me, so returning the favour...
My brother took his with him, as long as it is off, also, he said take cash, they didn't telll him that and when he had to pay they said cash only, so he had to run and get cash and return!!!
He said it is a VERY boring wait, so take a good book!!!

Good luck, oh and he said, they wait was forever, but the interview was like 10 mins, the guy didn't even look at any evidence!
So don't worry x


The Embassy in London accept credit cards so does the courier service.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-08 16:59:00
United KingdomCR1 visa - London - 2 packets or 3
I did an IR-1 at the London Embassy.

There is packet 3 with a check list of all the documentation that you will be required to take to the interview. Packet 3 also contains instructions for booking the medical in London. You will need a police certificate for the interview, order it asap as it is valid for one year and takes up to 40 days to arrive. You return the check list to signify you are ready for interview.

Packet 4 is basically the interview date and instructs for attending.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-12 10:59:00
United KingdomVisa on the Brain

Well, we've had another setback and it's so disappointing. NVC is not happy with the way I filled some of the forms in and says I've forgotten to include some evidence items. I spent so much time pouring over those forms I just can't believe it. On the I-864 I wasn't sure if they would want me to put my current income (here in the UK which will end by 31/08) or the income I will be making in the states (I have employer notes stating my new job and how much I'll be making). So, I included two I-864's and put one form with each income. I wrote a letter and explained why I had done this, but NVC sent one of them back and says I must fix it.

I'm thinking this would set us back at least a couple weeks. Such a disappointment and I tried so hard to get everything right.

Thanks for letting me vent guys!


When dealing with bureaucracy you should avoid the tendency to read more into a question then it asks. Being helpful and providing answers to questions not asked causes confusion and delay.

Hope everything sorts itself out quickly.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-12 10:40:00
United KingdomVisa on the Brain
It was the waiting between each part. I almost pounced on the postman each morning before he even got to the front door in case he had an envelope from the Embassy. If he didn't I spent the rest of the day thin k about if it would come tomorrow.

As has been said elsewhere, when you return packet 3 it is important to fill the question about your travel date. You shouldn't have anything fixed but fill that in anyway with the date you hope to travel. The Embassy doers take notice of that information and will try and schedule your interview to accommodate it.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-09 11:49:00
United KingdomVisa arrived this morning!!
Congrats
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-11 08:58:00
United KingdomMedical Review 10th Aug 2007
I had the female South African doctor, I found very friendly and informative and she has the distinction of being the first person to get blood out of me in one attempt.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-11 12:49:00
United KingdomTravelling to the US.........

I'll tell you what they really really don't like...... the UKC going through USC line :lol:

Very slapped wrist for that one..... :oops:


I went through the USC line at Portland with my wife when we came in using my visa.

At SFO and LAX I have also been allowed to use the USC line when my wife and I were just visiting. In fact the first time we went through SFO she went to the USC line and I went to the unwashed line. I was standing waiting when a rather large lady wearing immigration uniform and a gun grabbed me by the collar and loudly said "You're in the wrong god dam line" and marched me to were my wife was at a desk being processed.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-10 11:06:00
United KingdomGood Luck adi77 tomorrow
Best of luck trust all goes well
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-14 10:59:00
United KingdomDual citizenship
He already does just by being born to a British parent in the USA
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-15 18:10:00
United KingdomChristmas Pudding

My Mum brought me one over last year when she and my sister were over for Thanksgiving and had no troubles. She also brought us mini-fruitcakes from M&S. :D


I was wondering about fruit cake, because of the problem getting fruit through the agriculture controls. Might get the son to give that a go as well.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-17 11:29:00
United KingdomChristmas Pudding

I've never had Xmas pud. Hubby hates it. :( I think he hates currants - but he says Xmas pud is like a mushy fruitcake.

What's wrong with mushy fruit cake? Especially when its hot and soaked in brandy. Sounds pretty good to me. ;)



Absolutely nothing
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-16 16:57:00
United KingdomChristmas Pudding

TJ Maxx is one of those stores that gets in a lot of stuff for Xmas that is a bit alternative to what you typically get. I usually get Christmas Crackers from there and some other stuff, I've definitely seem Xmas pudding in there before, although last year they mainly had that dry light fruit cake that seems to be the favored by Italians and others.


Thanks I appreciate your comments. Just goes to show that you get preconceived ideas about places and don't realise just what they do sell. There is a TJ about 3 miles from our house so near the time we'll go take a look.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-15 12:10:00
United KingdomChristmas Pudding

Well we have both of those near by although I must admit I only ever associated TJ Maxx with clothes.

Not been in one then? They have a section of "funky" foods thats well worth checking out. Last time I was in there I found Licorice Allsorts. ;)


No I haven't been in one but I will be soon :yes:
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-15 01:35:00
United KingdomChristmas Pudding

I've been able to find them over here no problem. TJ Maxx as someone said above, plus my local Wegmans had multiple varieties, the best Cost/Size ratio being one made by Walkers (the people who make shortbread) which was very nice, and made the brandy butter myself. The most expensive being one that came in a fancy box and porcelain bowl! I don't think I've been without a Xmas pud in the 8 years I've been here, always been able to find one somewhere!


Unfortunately Wegmans isn't on the west coast just my luck.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-14 20:57:00
United KingdomChristmas Pudding

They do sell them over here.

Tuesday Morning and TJ Maxx have them around Christmas, as well as crackers!


Well we have both of those near by although I must admit I only ever associated TJ Maxx with clothes.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-14 20:54:00
United KingdomChristmas Pudding
That all sounds very positive, we'll give a try then.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-14 18:28:00
United KingdomChristmas Pudding

Seems so:

http://www.cbp.gov/x...roductsPrepared

They're not that expensive - he might as well try.


Thanks for that link I had searched high and low and couldn't find it online.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-14 15:20:00
United KingdomChristmas Pudding
I'm asking this here as hopefully someone has had relatives bring Christmas pudding over or tried.

My son is visiting from the UK for Thanksgiving and I was going to ask him to bring some Sainsburys Christmas pudding over. However is he going to be allowed to bring it into the USA or is it not allowed.

Anyone tried.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-14 14:09:00
United Kingdomi,leaving....
Safe journey and enjoy the next few weeks as well.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-17 11:54:00
United KingdomHow Did You Meet Your USC/UKC?
My wife was researching a project for the local police department and found we were running a similar experiment in the UK. She e-mailed for details of our experiences and fate intervened.

That is the official story she puts out, I tell people I got a spam e-mail from a desperate US female in need of a husband and I felt sorry for her.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-07-26 18:14:00
United KingdomKrispy Kreme in UK
Taste wise how do you tell the difference between the KKs and the box
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-18 12:17:00
United KingdomKrispy Kreme in UK

Krispy Kreme is the most overrated thing in America. I don't understand why people go so crazy for them. They're the McDonalds of donuts.


You rate them that highly, they are to donuts what Taco Bells is to Mexican food.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-12 10:35:00
United KingdomTaxtion On Personal Money?
QUOTE (maria_n_john @ Aug 18 2007, 10:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AlienUKGirl @ Aug 18 2007, 11:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone know what the limit is?
If I brought £15,000 with me to the states, would I be liable for taxation on it?


I do not know what the limits are before you are required to declare (to U.S. Customs) the cash you are bringing in,



$10,000 or over and it must be declared to customs
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-18 12:51:00
United KingdomTaxtion On Personal Money?
If you just bring it in with you when you come no. We transferred over a lot more than that last year and no US tax was due as it was money earned in the UK and UK tax paid before we moved.

If you are bring $15000 cash, not a wise move, or in some way bring the money yourself you will have to declare it to US customs but there is no tax or anything to pay on it.

If you do a wire transfer the bank takes care of the paperwork and you don't need to declare it when you arrive.

Just as an aside if you take that much cash out of the UK and airport security find it they should call UK Customs and Special Branch to ascertain if the money has been legally obtained, all taxes have been paid on it and it isn't intended for illegal purposes.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-18 12:27:00
United KingdomSomeone, please buy our house!

Now you see I did something similar but I was upfront with my buyer. I told them I had a visa interview date in October (they made an offer at the start of September) and that I would not exchange contracts until I had the visa in my hands. Turns out they had to wait a couple of weeks longer than anticipated but they were very understanding.



We did the same accepted on offer on the understanding we couldn't exchange contracts until we had the visa.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-07 16:54:00
United KingdomSomeone, please buy our house!

We asked our agent about if it was possible for us to sell the house while we were aboard. He said it is no problem and we can fedex documents back and forth. People must do it all the time. So in our case, we would come over as planned and if we havent sold the house, we will just sell it from here.


If you have to do that just a word of caution. Try to us UPS they are slightly cheaper but still around $40 on way (from where I am). If there are forms to be signed have the agennt and/or solicitor send them to you as e-mail attachments and onl;y courier completed forms it is quicker and you save the courier charge.

The house we got in the US we never saw only on the internet and did everything online or by courier. Documents could be e-mailed to us one day and be signed and back on the west coast the day after we received them.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-07 11:26:00
United KingdomSomeone, please buy our house!
It certainly looks a nice house. The one thing about it which might stop me making an offer if I was in the market is the offers in access of. It conveys a certain amount of unknown about what you might accept whereas if potential buyers are viewing other houses which have the normal maximum asking price shown at least they know what the price is the seller will accept. With yours they don't known that, and that might put them off making an offer.

It is a bit of psychology. The person who brought our house paid 5 grand less then the asking price, but 5 grand more than the agent said it would probably make. They were happy because they had managed to get it below the asking price and to them saved money. Offers in access of doesn't give a potential buyer that possibility. Just my 2 cents worth, if it is worth that.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-07-19 22:46:00
United KingdomInterview tomorrow at London embassy
You will be just fine and have more than they will ask you for. In fact I doubt they will ask for anything that is related to the check list. It will help if you put the documents in the order they are on the checklist and that is the order they ask for them.

Good luck and the courier takes credit cards as well.

Oh yes take something to read in case the waiting time stretches out a bit.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-20 16:06:00
United KingdomPolice report has middle name spelt wrong
QUOTE (paulinespens @ Aug 21 2007, 03:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I received a new police report today with my middle name spelt correct devil.gif


They are good people in the Subject Access Office
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-21 13:34:00
United KingdomPolice report has middle name spelt wrong

I tried calling yesterday and the answering machine was full so not allowing me to leave any meassages. So I hope they respond to my fax.


Are you trying the direct number, give The Yard switchboard a try 0207-230-1212 and ask for the Subject Access Office, unless they have specific instructions for that office they should connect you to a member of staff. They may have been told they can only connect calls to one extension but if not they should try to you get an answer.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-17 11:37:00
United KingdomPolice report has middle name spelt wrong

Thanks I will send them an email in a few days. I will see if the police take action to my fax I sent.


Phone them again and if you get the answer machine leave a message. They do take notice of it and they are really helpful. The main office for the branch I worked for was on the 16 floor of NSY and I went into the Subject Access Office to see them when I need my police report and they are very helpful people.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-16 17:02:00
United KingdomBon Voyage to elmcitymaven
Welcome home
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-20 17:39:00
United KingdomBon Voyage to elmcitymaven
Yes safe trip,
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-17 18:20:00
United KingdomTime in JFK
QUOTE (RaTBoX @ Aug 21 2007, 11:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Lansbury @ Aug 21 2007, 07:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Nothing like taking a risk, booking the flight before you know you have the visa innocent.gif


Yes, I know!

But the way I looked at it, I will either be travelling over on a K1 visa, or will go across on VWP explaining why the K1 was denied, and then deciding what to do next with the OH.

The price was too good for me not to take!

I'd found that Expedia boosts it's prices the more you search for a flight, which is something I had suspected but never really looked into.

The more I searched for LHR/LGW to JFK, the higher the prices got for the same flights. They started at £324 (LGW>LFK>Jackson MS) and then after about an hour of hammering Expedia with date and route combinations, the prices went up to £360, and then £380, and peaked at £460.

I left it for 24 hours, did a single search, and the flight was £361. 12 hours later I did another search, again for the same flight, and then got back to the original price of £324. I didn't think it would get any lower, so I snapped it up.

For those who weren't aware of this, it's something to keep in mind. I assume it's an automatic thing that the website thinks there is a higher demand for the flight if it's being queried many times, and increases the price.


It is a mixture of two things. Certainly you are right about Expedia they put a cookie on your computer and they know you are looking for a flight and as you say if you keep looking at the same one the price fluctuates. It has been quite well documented. For those sort of sites it is useful to block cookies. As you also say after a while the cookie expires and the price returns to what you first saw.

Just about all the airlines these days use very sophisticated load management computers. In the economy cabin of a transatlantic flight there can be 10 or more price bands. The airlines computer constantly monitors demand for a flight and can and does adjust the price upwards if demand is above expectations or can drop it if sales are slow. I worked at Heathrow for a number of years and learned a great deal about how the reservation systems work.

One reason I like Airline Network they don't do what Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz do, the price stays constant until those tickets are sold. Another tip, these days some airlines put the best deals on their own web site. If you find a good deal on Expedia or the like check that airlines web site and see what the fare is to book direct.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-08-22 12:02:00