ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomProcessing Times - London
Sometime in the summer months it can be stuck for several weeks. Karen who runs that section (if she is still there) only has a small staff and if they are not all there things slow down.

(When I was still working in the UK I had a lot of contact with the consular and legal sections of the Embassy through my job.)
LansburyMaleEngland2008-04-10 13:21:00
United Kingdomyes yes i got my k1 visa
Who's had a bad interview in London everyone comments how simple they are.

Congratulations
LansburyMaleEngland2008-06-11 13:58:00
United KingdomDutchies in the Uk doing the I130
I was wondering if you don't see the report how do you know what language it is supplied in.

Just about any dealings, not visa related of course, I've had with Dutch authorities the people spoke as good English as I did and the documents were all sent in English.

Is it possible that the report sent to the US Embassy will be in English.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-06-14 15:33:00
United KingdomArghhhh damn medical people
I think you should allow 2 hours for the interview, some have been lucky and been there less time than that.

If you wait until the interview day and don't have enough time to fit it in you can make an extra trip then. Guess it comes down to how much are you prepared the delay the issue of the visa. If you want the visa quickly make the extra trip before the interview.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-06-24 18:28:00
United KingdomHad my medical in london on Monday
QUOTE (Sal and Jay @ Jun 18 2008, 01:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Omg, omg I cant believe it my results were totally clear and no treatment needed, my doctor is going to write to Knightsbridge doctors today to tell her it was totally clear.

I am so happy and relieved. Thanks everyone for caring and supporting me when I was so scared and worried.


Great news glad everything was OK.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-06-18 12:40:00
United KingdomHad my medical in london on Monday
QUOTE (Sal and Jay @ May 23 2008, 09:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I had my interview and was approved. Now they medical centre want to send me for a ct scan to see where the fluid on my lung is coming from, Im pertrified. mad.gif


I know this is a worrying time, but it is also a good thing. It is probably something which can be easily cleared up and has been found before it could become serious. It's good you had the x-ray and the people there found it.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-05-23 11:57:00
United KingdomHad my medical in london on Monday
Good luck and try not to worry too much about the x-ray these things have a habit and not being anything like as bad as our worse fears.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-05-22 13:24:00
United KingdomThe Ideal Christmas present
QUOTE (MargotDarko @ Dec 27 2007, 04:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I didn't realise Terry's Chocolate Oranges were more of a British thing. I loved them before I moved to the UK and don't remember having a hard time finding them... Or am I confusing them with something similar with a different brand name? At any rate, lovely gifts! smile.gif


I always thought they were a British thing, and didn't expect to and haven't seen any since I've been here. My wife just happened to see some while out shopping. Don't care who invented them they are very nice.
LansburyMaleEngland2007-12-27 13:43:00
United KingdomThe Ideal Christmas present
Yesterday all neatly gift wrapped my wife gave me a bottle of HP Sauce, English not the NYC stuff, and a Terry's Chocolate Orange. kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
LansburyMaleEngland2007-12-26 15:50:00
United KingdomPhoto Requirements at the London Embassy
QUOTE (joanie @ Jun 25 2008, 08:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I took some passport photos - not correct according to the regulations and they were accepted, no questions asked.


It's good that they did that, but it cannot be relied upon.

It is best to follow the precise instructions the Embassy sends out becasue if you don't and on the day you get someone who plays by the rules you could well have problems.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-06-27 17:03:00
United KingdomPassed medical...
Congratulations on all counts
LansburyMaleEngland2008-07-11 13:57:00
United KingdomCan the USC call the embassy?
The medical you pay by credit card or cash on the day you have it.

The DoS always know what is going on, if they didn't the first time it just meant the Embassy hadn't updated the computer system so phoning the help line in the UK you would have been told just the same thing.

Glad you know what's happening.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-07-15 17:00:00
United KingdomCan the USC call the embassy?
QUOTE (boohbah @ Jul 12 2008, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So the DoS will know the embassy has received it?


The Embassy enters everything to do with your case onto a computer, as does NVC and anyone else who touches it. The DoS have the same system and can see what is being done with your case.

They will be able to tell if the Embassy has booked the file in, has sent out or not packet 3 and have been able to tell people (myself included) the interview date the Embassy has assigned before the applicant has received notification from the Embassy.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-07-13 11:42:00
United KingdomCan the USC call the embassy?
I would do as Poiteen says and call the State Department first. They have access to the same information the Embassy has. If they can change the address all well and good and you have saved quite a bit of money. If they can't help all you have lost is the time involved in the call.

If the case papers haven't got to the Embassy yet or only just arrived and the DoS can't change the address (if the latter see if the DoS can give you the London case number) perhaps a letter sent recorded delivery by your fiance might be better that paying $16 for a phone call.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-07-12 15:38:00
United KingdomBringing money to the USA
QUOTE (SMB x2 @ Jul 15 2008, 10:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It blows my mind that anything you do in the UK could possibly be liable for a US tax of some sort.


If you are a US Citizen or Permanent Resident you get taxed on worldwide earnings. Of course if you have paid tax on the money in the UK that can normally be offset against any US liability under the US/UK tax Treaty part of which prevents you from being tax twice on money earned in the other country.

As has been said elsewhere US tax law is a minefield and very difficult to understand. Makes you wonder how a bunch of people who kicked us out because they didn't like our tax system or want to pay it could have come up with something so punitive, diverse and complicated. whistling.gif
LansburyMaleEngland2008-07-15 13:17:00
United KingdomBringing money to the USA
QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ Jul 14 2008, 03:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It might have UK tax implications, but not US because it would be a UK transaction if completed in the UK before moving the money.


Not what our US accountant told us. He was quite concerned that I had made a $258,000 profit on my London house and it didn't appear to have been used to buy a new house in the US.

When he checked into things we didn't have to pay capital gains tax but it was a far from as straight forward as the transaction was in the UK before the money was moved. It had a lot to do with how we purchased a house here.

To follow your suggestion further a UK endowment policy cashing out in the UK paid into a UK bank and then the money moved over wouldn't be subject to US income tax, but it is.

Edited by Lansbury, 15 July 2008 - 11:39 AM.

LansburyMaleEngland2008-07-15 11:36:00
United KingdomBringing money to the USA
QUOTE (English Muffin @ Jul 14 2008, 05:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Eli the Barrowboy @ Jul 14 2008, 08:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Either way, are there tax implications on this money to the US Govt?

R


Nope, you won't pay any tax on money you transfer over. good.gif


If it is from the sale of a house that could in certain circumstance not be true and it could be subject to US capital gains tax on any profit. It is more than likely not taxable however.

Edited by Lansbury, 14 July 2008 - 05:09 PM.

LansburyMaleEngland2008-07-14 17:08:00
United KingdomOff ~ Topic:
QUOTE (second stage @ Jul 17 2008, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This begs the Q....shouldn't the airlines have their own free transportation for their passengers?




If they provide transport the ticket price will be increased to allow for that.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-07-18 14:03:00
United KingdomOff ~ Topic:
QUOTE (DairyFarmer @ Jul 17 2008, 05:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you do decide to (and I wouldn't) don't take the train if you have a lot or large luggage too many flights of stairs to contend with.


The train is the only way that you can guarantee to a reasonable level the traveling time.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-07-17 11:24:00
United KingdomDo I need a new passport
QUOTE (william_wallace @ Jul 16 2008, 08:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was hearing through the grape vine that if your UK passport was issued before September 2005 that you need to get a new one. This is the first I have heard about this if It's true. I got mine in May 2005. Surely I don't need to get a new one before I move over to the States do I?

Does anyone know if my passport will be ok? I have noticed UK passports have a new chip installed.

Thanks.


I think the rumors you are hearing are to do with passports for countries where people travel under the VWP. While that includes the UK it doesn't include you because when you first arrive you will have a visa and then shortly after that a green card. You will not travel on the VWP again so it doesn't matter.

Basically from a certain date to travel on the VWP you will need a biometric passport.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-07-16 12:22:00
United KingdomCan I have a vent....
QUOTE (Saffyre @ Jul 21 2008, 12:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I know I could get a copy of these records, even if I had to have my parents mail them out to me, but did any of you actually get asked for them?



My wife did she is diabetic so I guess they want to see what treatment and drugs she was given in the UK. The doctor I went to had me file out their medical history form and that was all.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-07-21 14:32:00
United KingdomCan I have a vent....
QUOTE (Saffyre @ Jul 21 2008, 11:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone know how they go about obtaining your medical history?


Go to your GP and ask them to photocopy your records. They will charge for this and you need to give them a bit of notice to do it. Our one want a couple of days and charged if I remember correctly £10.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-07-21 13:32:00
United KingdomCan I have a vent....
QUOTE (Kat And Russ @ Feb 20 2008, 04:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was told becuase im short and fat ( in not so many words) that I would not be allowed to get insurance... trust me I have looked EVERYWHERE for it. If you can tell me a insurance company that will insure a "overweight" person I will be forever in your debt!


I'm 59 and must be 30lbs overweight and insured myself no problems with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I pay $367 a month including dental.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-02-20 19:51:00
United KingdomHow long does it take for visa issuance after additional documents submitted following K1 interview?
removed

Edited by Lansbury, 05 August 2008 - 01:15 PM.

LansburyMaleEngland2008-08-05 13:15:00
United KingdomObtaining US passport photos
There is a photo booth inside the visa section at the Embassy if all else fails
LansburyMaleEngland2008-06-13 15:45:00
United Kingdomis it me or has london gone on holiday for 2 weeks
That is quite normal for this time of the year. A lot of the Embassy staff go on vacation in August. In 2006 they didn't touch any I-130s for 5 weeks.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-08-07 18:58:00
United KingdomThat's It
QUOTE (govols @ Jul 27 2008, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Eli the Barrowboy @ Jul 24 2008, 08:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks to all and hello from sunny Eugene, Oregon.

The jet lag sucks and Mercedes and the mutt got delayed coming into JFK but otherwise we are alive, well and happy. I feel really at home here and it's so exciting to have our whole future in front of us. We opened our bank account today (the bank official's wife is foreign too so he knew the visa issues), DMV tomorrow (in Oregon your partner can vouch for you at the DMV so no proof of address needed) and have been busy applying for jobs all day. Oh, and we went clothes shopping.

Sincere thanks to everyone I've met on here who offered advice, encouragement and good vides. Tis done. Until AOS when I'll be looking advice again no doubt!!! Good luck to you all who are on their way soon - it's a big thing, it really is!!!

Sorry this is so short and scatty but I'm knackered!!!

R

PS. I sold my house, my car, gave up a great job and fitted what remained of my 36 years on this earth into 4 suitcases. And I would do it all again tomorrow.




Aren't you jumping the gun a bit applying for jobs if you've only just arrived. You will need to apply for your EAD so you can work.


That's why they came in via JFK, they normally give out a 90 day EAD stamp on arrival.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-07-27 17:18:00
United KingdomThat's It
As your local office is Portland welcome to the Pacific Northwest.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-07-22 13:10:00
United KingdomFeel better posting in the UK forum..
I had a couple of the vaccinations down at the Knightsbridge doctors, it was easier then messy around getting my own to do it and I knew it was done and dusted and would be sent with the file to the Embassy.

The nurse gave me a separate card recording the vaccinations for my own record.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-08-15 17:09:00
United KingdomMedical next week......
QUOTE (mrssmith @ Aug 18 2008, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We have been searching for months now and have always found continental to be easiest and cheapest. We will be flying out of Birmingham and into Newark. Then Newark into Seattle. Then unbelievably it was $1000 cheaper to book a return flight Newark to Birmingham. Bought as a whole package rather than in seperate parts and worked out at $3500 for 4 of us. Continental flights are all direct so no stop overs which was another bonus.


Now it makes sense I thought it very strange it would be that cheaper to go into SeaTac over PDX on a purely domestic flight.


QUOTE (mrssmith @ Aug 18 2008, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We will be just outside of Portland in Sandy just past Gresham. Do you know it?


Yes I'm not that far away, quite near to Clackamas Town Centre. Milwaukie joins onto SE Portland
LansburyMaleEngland2008-08-18 14:54:00
United KingdomMedical next week......
Don't know where your MIL looked but your comment about the fares make me curious as it would seem very strange for there to be that big a difference in the fares. When I looked the cheapest fare from NYC to either SEA or PDX is the same.

Whereabouts in Portland will you be?
LansburyMaleEngland2008-08-18 13:02:00
United KingdomMedical Exam & Prozac??
QUOTE (saraswati007 @ Aug 29 2008, 06:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Lansbury -

Thank you so much for this detailed and thoughtful response! It makes a lot of sense that they'd be mostly concerned about possible burdens to the health care system (already kind of broken as it is).

By the way, I saw the OSU logo on your post... I'm originally from Corvallis! GO BEAVS!!!


It is the cost of drugs and people with pre-conditions not getting cover, as someone said in this thread the possible problems by people who have acute conditions not being able to get medication has a serious potential. Unfortunately they tend to have a standard you need a doctors letter to say you are OK response to it, instead of perhaps using a bit of common sense and in your circumstances realizing it isn't a problem.

Well having watched the opening game against Stanford I think it might be a trying season but I'll be at Reser Stadium for the home games.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-08-29 15:43:00
United KingdomMedical Exam & Prozac??
It seems quite common in the UK for the Embassy doctors to seek confirmation where there has been a history of depression or other such illnesses. Enough that it is not uncommon on this board for people to comment on being asked to provide further evidence from either their own doctor of a specialist.

Once a letter confirming that the applicant isn't going to have long term on going problems is provided the Embassy doctors seemed to be quite happy and pass the applicant.

It doesn't seem to cause any delay or additional problems other than those caused by getting what they want. I don't recall anyone posting on here it has been a problem at the visa interview or even mentioned for that matter.

It seems that the Embassy doctors concern is more founded in the cost of medical care in the US and a concern that someone with a long term need for prescription medication might well not be able to afford it and hence the problems that may cause.

Going by what previous posters have said on this board when they had a similar request there should be no cause for any undue concern. It should only be a slight hiccup in the process

Good luck.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-08-28 16:15:00
United KingdomFAO All Brits Flying Out
QUOTE (Scarlett @ Sep 1 2008, 08:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nicoxcx @ Aug 30 2008, 01:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I hate that fact Scarlett, I dislike knowing I will have a ticket I can use to fly to Scotland but cant/wont use it!

When is your desired travel date? I used to fly Icelandair and they were so cheap then they suddenly cut BWI from there flight route! grr


Well I am really hoping to be out of here by 1 November. But until I get that visa, or at least the approval at interview, I guess it would be foolish to book.


You are taking a risk to book before you know you have the visa, something simple could delay the visa being issued.

Something to bear in mind. Airlines adjust their fares during the year depending on when the busy times are. Most airlines have fares which come into force 1st September and run to 31st October, on 1st November fares tend to go down and that fare scale stays in force to about 14th December when the fares go up for Christmas. So a departure on 1st November could be cheaper than the same flight departing in late October.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-09-01 12:00:00
United KingdomFAO All Brits Flying Out
QUOTE (Damian P @ Aug 28 2008, 02:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Lansbury @ Aug 28 2008, 03:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Like I said if people have got some cheap deals good luck, but I fail to see why you seem to have a problem with people being advised to just be aware of possible pit falls before they made a decision.


I don't have any problem at all with you advising people of possible pitfalls, Lansbury. Where have I said that? I'm just a "glass half full" kinda guy, as opposed to your apparent "glass half empty" type.

QUOTE (Lansbury @ Aug 28 2008, 03:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
By the way you don't think just because a reservation shows confirmed that guarantees you get the seat do you? devil.gif


Actually, I rather thought it did, hence the term "confirmed" but then I'm not a ticketing expert. Not so then?


Sorry I was obviously picking up the wrong vibes from your posts. No I'm not a half empty sort of guy when as in this case something obviously seems wrong I like to know what I might be liable for before jumping in. Is the risk worth the returns. It was really the fact the tickets were being purchased in Australia that was setting alarm bells off, and what problems might be caused if it went pear shaped with people trying to get their money back.

No confirmed in non technical terms just means the booking has been made and there is a seat. As opposed to wait listed where the booking has been made and there are no seats. I know airlines will bump confirmed passengers if one of their good customers needs to fly last minute on a full flight or for other reasons if it suits. Checked in with a boarding pass is about as 100% as it gets smile.gif
LansburyMaleEngland2008-08-28 18:14:00
United KingdomFAO All Brits Flying Out
QUOTE (Damian P @ Aug 27 2008, 11:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sounds good to me. And what's the worst that can happen? You pay the balance of what you should have paid in the first place - big deal! I've checked Northwest's official site and the booking its showing as confirmed. I shall keep you all informed. wink.gif


The big deal could be that they have purchased the ticket because it is a cheap price and having to find extra money might hurt.

Like I said if people have got some cheap deals good luck, but I fail to see why you seem to have a problem with people being advised to just be aware of possible pit falls before they made a decision.

By the way you don't think just because a reservation shows confirmed that guarantees you get the seat do you? devil.gif
LansburyMaleEngland2008-08-28 15:33:00
United KingdomFAO All Brits Flying Out
It hasn't happened to me, but I worked at Heathrow for 10 years and airlines have refused to allow people to travel if there has been problems with the tickets. All the times I got involved in those disputes the tickets had always been issued by a travel agent.

If you have purchased the ticket direct from the airline and they have not charged the correct price, they must honour your contract with them. But in this case the ticket has been purchased from Expedia in Australia, if they do not pay the airline the correct price the airline do not have to sell Expedia the ticket.

I sell airline tickets on my web site (1) and having looked at some of the prices on Expedia.Au they don't have the fuel and taxes added in but their base fares for flights from the UK are about 40% above what the average is, so something isn't right somewhere.

If people can get a bargain good luck to them, but I wouldn't want to see anyone here get their fingers burnt leaving to live in another country is stress enough without extra hassle at the airport. People should just bear there could be potential problems in mind if they decide to use Expedia in Aus. Not so bad to sort out if it was Expedia UK but where would you make any claim if it did go bent in these circumstances.

(1) If you happen by chance to buy tickets from me thank you, but please do not ask as I will not abuse my VJ membership by posting my site details on VJ.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-08-27 17:14:00
United KingdomFAO All Brits Flying Out
So you pitch up at the airport and the airline says, the correct price hasn't been paid for this ticket by the agent. You can either pay the difference or not fly.

What happens then, the agent you purchased the ticket from is in Australia.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-08-27 14:15:00
United KingdomFolder For Interview
Graham if you got a checklist from the Embassy of documents to take, put the documents in your folder in the order they are on the checklist. That is the order they normally ask for the documents in.

Good luck and stop bricking it London interviews are really smooth if you are well prepared and that you seem to be.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-08-30 16:06:00
United KingdomFolder For Interview
QUOTE (Nicoxcx @ Aug 30 2008, 12:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am travelling with my Father, we plan on doing a little sightseeing there also , he wants to visit some football stadiums.

I will be leaving him with all of my belongings to wait for me to finish my interview, dads come in useful sometimes see tongue.gif.

Goodluck Graham!, hope it goes smoothly for you.


If you go into S Audley St, which if you were looking at the Embassy you turn left and it is the continuation of the road running past the front of the Embassy. A little way down S Audley St on the left is a very nice restaurant and coffee shop ) sorry can't remember its name) which would be a good place to wait or meet up afterwards.
LansburyMaleEngland2008-08-30 16:03:00