biggish data

Folder 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

.

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.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-08-30 16:03:00

Police certificate

QUOTE (prima and jay @ Sep 13 2008, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (mrs_sdp @ Aug 28 2008, 10:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (william_wallace @ Aug 28 2008, 03:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

http://www.acpo.poli...ertificates.asp

I notice on there website it says. " Association of chief police officers, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

As I live in Scotland, can I still use them for my police report?

Hi

Now I'm totally confused - there is an ACPO and an ACPOS which is the scottish one. I checked out the ACPOS site and can't find any information on police checks.

I'll email ACPO to find out - because I'll be needing a police check soon .. woooo hoooo .. ummm sorry got a bit excited there ...

I'll post if I get an answer back ...

WELL it seems no one has the answer for this, but thanks to my Sherlockian tenacity i have unearthed the mystery of exactly what is on the uk police certificate. if you have a category c caution, that did not result in a conviction and have a clear record the record is stepped down from your record after 5 years and is only available for the police to view.

if you have a category b or a, the time it takes to step down is dependent on the severity of the crime, and the time starts at 10 years to 30 years, or never. to get a more comprehensive list of the rules of whats on a police certificate please look here, its comprehensive and will put your mind at rest if like me you had a little blip many a eon ago.

copy and paste this link into your browser.
"http://www.acpo.police.uk/asp/policies/Data/Retention%20of%20Records06.pdf"

See ya!!!!

P and J

but the US require you to declare it for visa purposes even if it is not on the certificate. The convictions become "spent", or as you are calling it stepped down, under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (if that hasn't been superseded) and the US do not accept the idea of convictions becoming "spent".

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-09-14 17:35:00

Police certificate

Use the phone number and call them. 0845 60 13 999

The Scottish records are separate from the English and Welsh ones as are the NI ones.

As the Embassy asks for a UK certificate they may have an arrangement with the Scottish CRO to cover all four countries. Only they can really answer your questions.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-08-28 16:24:00

US/UK Dual Citizen - K1 Domicile Issues?

The London Embassy is quite accommodating about domicile. A lot of us have been in a similar situation as you are in.

My wife (USC) lived in the UK for ten years. Her proof of domicile was her Oregon driving license with her sons address on it. The Embassy didn't even ask for proof just accepted what we had put on the forms. Somewhere on the Embassy web site they give their definition of what is acceptable for domicile and it is very open.

Make sure you have filed the last three years of tax returns. If you haven't contact the IRS at the London Embassy for assistance.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-10-13 14:37:00

hi guys from uk!! a question...???

The London Embassy has a reputation for being one of the quicker ones to process applications. Even quicker if you are eligible to file the I-130 directly with the Embassy and not have to do it in the USA.

Once the I-130 is approved, and providing there are no problems with the visa application the normal time is 3 - 4 months, and an extra 2 - 4 weeks if the I-130 was filed in the USA. It also does depend on how quickly you get all the paperwork together and tell the Embassy yopu are ready for the interview.

The only people I can recall in the time I've been on this board taking long are those that had problems with the visa application itself or who slowed the process because they were not in a rush to leave.

The one very good piece of advice is do not make any firm travel plans until you have the visa in your hand.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-10-24 12:54:00

Pound continues to nosedive against the dollar

I've got my monthly UK pension on a fixed rate contract until July 2009 at $1.955.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-10-22 12:23:00

QUOTE (English Muffin @ Nov 19 2008, 10:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You can transfer as much money as you like across, there is no limit and no tax implications. If you want to bring the money over as cash then you will need to declare it to Customs if it is over $10,000. I believe there is a tick box on the white customs form for this.

There is also a problem with taking cash out of the UK if it is found. You could end up explaining to UK Customs where it came from and if all tax has been paid on the money. When I was at Heathrow the limit was £5000 but I have a feeling it might be lower now.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-11-19 13:48:00

QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Nov 17 2008, 04:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I still stand by my statement that it doesn't make a lot of sense to expect to use equity as serious leverage in an argument with USCIS/DOS. US or UK property makes no difference in the problem, IMO. Even before the markets burst on both sides of the pond.

It made sense because the Embassy in London accepted equity in UK property as an asset. We used our £130k equity as the means of filling the requirement. At that time the Embassy would happily accept that method no questions asked. It further make sense because for some especially where the USC has lived in the UK for some time it is the simplest method open to them to meet their sponsorship obligations and could well be the only way. This was recognized by the Embassy.

All we had to show to demonstrate the equity was a statement from the building society for the mortgage balance and a copy of the sales leaflet from the estate agent.

The only thing that has changed is that UK property doesn't sell at the asking price or close to it, so its value and hence the equity is an unknown factor, plus how long it takes to sell. Someone now could be granted a visa and come to the US and the property has not sold. That seems to be making the Embassy reluctant to accept property equity unless you virtually have the money in hand.

The fact they did accept equity in property made sense then as the fact they are now apparently not doing so makes sense in the current circumstances.

Edited by Lansbury, 17 November 2008 - 07:33 PM.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-11-17 19:32:00

QUOTE (Magenta @ Nov 16 2008, 08:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That makes sense, Becca. I mean, if the house isn't sold (or in the process of being so) then the funds aren't available for use.

The requirement is that the asset can be liquidated within 12 months without loss or hardship to the owner.

In the present state of the property market the without loss and doing so in 12 months are proving I would guess to be the stumbling blocks.

So far I am aware of 5 people who have not had their equity accepted as an asset. In only one case was the property in the US, the others were in the UK and would be sold anyway prior to the move.

Edited by Lansbury, 16 November 2008 - 01:45 PM.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-11-16 13:44:00

QUOTE (MargotDarko @ Nov 11 2008, 06:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

#######. I read about this happening to someone on another forum I visit, and I thought it was just a one-off, with the officer getting on his high-horse.

It isn't right that they can essentially change the rules without making it clear to the applicants.

I completely agree, if this is a rule change it should be made public. It shouldn't be something that is down to an individuals discretion.

Fortunately I think not too may people rely on assets when completing the I-864.

Edited by Lansbury, 11 November 2008 - 02:56 PM.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-11-11 14:56:00

I have posted this in the UK interview thread, but it bears a separate posting to make sure all are at least aware of a potential problem.

It seems the London Embassy at the moment are not accepting equity in UK property as an asset acceptable on the I-864. Someone has reported being knocked back when they had ample equity in their UK house, as to quote them - the US Embassy would not let us use our house as an asset "due to the current market".

The above happened last Friday.

There is nothing to suggest this is a hard and fast rule but it does indicate that the Embassy are being a lot stricter than they have been when accepting property as an acceptable asset for the I-864, so it is worthwhile being prepared.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-11-10 16:59:00

Repeated Short Visits to UK

When I was at Heathrow I worked alongside the immigration officers for 5 years, so while not one of them you do get a good idea of what they are like.

You will only have problems if they suspect you are not intending to return to the US. The worst that will happen then is you will be held up for a more prolonged examination and perhaps your baggage will be searched. The search is to see if you are carrying items which indicate you are intending to stay. You would be amazed at people who say they are coming for a week and when searched you find a six month lease on a flat in their bags. It is quite rare for someone to be refused entry

As you are a teacher and traveling in the school holidays have something to show that you are going back to work, perhaps your principal might write a letter to that effect so if asked you can show it to the immigration officer as proof of you intention to leave.

Bottom line in the immigration hall I worked in (one of 5 at the airport) thousands of people went through each day and a minute number go more than the cursory "What is the purpose of your visit" "How long are you staying". In fact more people were more fully questioned by myself and my colleagues than by the immigration officers

Edited by Lansbury, 09 December 2008 - 03:12 PM.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-12-09 15:09:00

8 weeks to get packet 4 and another three weeks to interview?

QUOTE (Hannah+Vito @ Dec 4 2008, 10:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Lansbury @ Dec 4 2008, 06:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well it seems a bit long compared to what is was a little while ago.

However from the experiences of people here and on another board it does seem that London are now no longer as easy going as they have been and this could just be part of changes going on there.

oh no so we may actually be in with that long a wait? oh no.

I was so hoping i could fly out in middle of feb, but i didnt put a date on there only wedding date, because i couldnt afford my ticket yet and i know they would want to see the ticket receipt.

Unfortunately not putting a date does tend to add a little time to the wait. They are only asking the date you want to travel by, not that you have got the tickets for. In fact they tell you not to make arrangements until you have the visa in hand.

Allowing for the loss of a couple of weeks over Christmas I would have thought January for an interview based on past experience, it does partly depend on how many other people are waiting as well.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-12-04 13:50:00

8 weeks to get packet 4 and another three weeks to interview?

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-12-04 13:13:00

I'm offski

Safe journey and best of everything in your life in the New World

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-12-17 17:39:00

Likely interview date...

QUOTE (villaspurs @ Dec 18 2008, 12:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was allowed in on Wednesday (the 17th) with my fiance--I hadn't cleared it in advance, just showed up with my U.S. passport and there were no questions or hesitations at all. In fact, I think it made the whole thing go more easily.

There you go, others haven't. It depends on which way the wind is blowing and who is working on security that day.

Which is why I said at the moment implying that it is a bit of an unknown and keeps changing.

I have argued on another board that a USC would not be refused entry to their own Embassy, especially as they go through the same security entrance to reach the Citizen Services office. A USC promptly told me the day before (earlier this month) they had been so refused entry while accompanying their spouse to an interview. They were questioned as to their reason for going to Citizen Service and if it was urgent.

So it is still hit and miss if the USC will be let in or not.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-12-18 16:01:00

Likely interview date...

QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ Dec 15 2008, 04:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Lansbury @ Dec 15 2008, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You realize that as things are at the moment it seems only the applicant can go into the Embassy for the interview not the US citizen.

I don't know if there's something new happening at the Embassy when you say "as things are at the moment" but wanted to comment that I (the USC) was allowed in the Embassy in London at the end of July. I just showed up with my fiance with no prior arrangements and when he presented his interview appointment letter, I showed my US Passport and said, "I'm with him, may I go in?" The security guy said "No problem and your hair looks better that way than in this passport picture." LOL

Yes the reason I said at the moment is because from reports here and on other boards it does seem to be something they have stopped doing at the moment. Only the applicant is being allowed in.

Of course the ways things are there this may change or have changed but it is worth being aware of what is happening. Seems the ploy of the USC citizen saying they are going to the US Citizens office results in being questioned as to why.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-12-18 12:50:00

Likely interview date...

3 - 4 months from when the I-130 is approved if:-

There are no problems

You have all the paperwork ready and sent it when asked for

You get the medical done and don't have problems

Your application doesn't coincide with an unexpected deluge of similar applications swamping the Consular staff

You realize that as things are at the moment it seems only the applicant can go into the Embassy for the interview not the US citizen.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-12-15 12:31:00

Just a heads up from information I have seen elsewhere.

It seems the London Embassy at the moment are not accepting equity in UK property as an asset acceptable on the I-864. Someone has reported being knocked back when they had ample equity in their UK house, as to quote them - the US Embassy would not let us use our house as an asset "due to the current market".

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-11-10 16:42:00

I got the text the evening before

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-07-08 13:53:00

Congratulations everyone

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-07-01 17:02:00

QUOTE (Thomas F @ Jun 14 2008, 02:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Oh, and who performs the regular interviews? The immigrant visa unit? I'm just wondering if it is the same people who will be performing our interview, the US citizenship and immigration services.

The people who do the I-130 are separate from the visa unit. I know, if she is still there, the lady that runs the I-130 office and she is very fair and a real nice person.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-06-14 15:28:00

QUOTE (Roselinda @ Jun 10 2008, 03:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Had my interview this morning. Passed

congratulations

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-06-10 15:10:00

QUOTE (debbylyn @ Jun 10 2008, 10:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Congratulations Roselinda!

I received an email response about Barry's missing checklist, It's been found and his interview is scheduled
July 1st!

Great news that it has been resolved

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-06-10 15:08:00

QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Jun 5 2008, 01:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry to hear that Lansbury. Hope you feel better soon.

Thank you, we're getting there.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-06-05 20:56:00

Congratulations to everyone who has been successful over the last few days.

Not been on the list much recently as I decided to find out if bronchitis in the US was as bad as the UK strain. It is and you get a medical bill as well.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-06-05 14:28:00

QUOTE (Martin&Nat @ Jun 5 2008, 05:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Also, what documents do I need to have photocopied for them?
- Martin

Photocopy everything that is on the check list that you need to keep the original off. If you don't have photocopies the Embassy keeps the original document.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-06-05 14:24:00

Congratulations everyone

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-05-28 13:07:00

QUOTE (julezabelle @ May 20 2008, 12:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Robyn-n-Kris @ May 20 2008, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ok.. ya.. that is kind of good indication not to open LOL

And yet people open the MBE all the time!!!

It's not opening it people need to worry about but losing it.

At least if you open it, it only has to be taken back to be resealed.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-05-20 15:18:00

QUOTE (celtic59 @ May 6 2008, 12:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

June 5th is the date the visa lady said on the phone yesterday,still waiting on the actual letter and hope it arrives today,I asked about the medical and she said all the instructions were in the letter,so don't know when I have to do that,presumably some time before the interview. I am in Glasgow so reckon it will be two separate trips to London for me.

Instructions for booking the medical are here http://www.visamedicals.info/us.asp

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-05-06 12:34:00

QUOTE (Poiteen @ Apr 15 2008, 01:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

But Lansbury, you're right, what I am I supposed to do then??

You can read VJ and empathise will all those suffering and complaining about the USCIS.

You know it does no good, doesn't change a thing and that patience is required as it all comes out right in the end. But we were all the same it is the waiting not knowing what is going on which gets you.

What you miss is not having something to wonder what is happening to and complain about. Still there is for some still AOS and citizenship to renew the challengers of and battle with the USCIS system.

QUOTE (Poiteen @ Apr 15 2008, 11:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

it's all my fault

I wanted a REALLY big APPROVED, somehow I magicked the interview list with my greedy wishes

somehow missed that bit of news. Well done

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-04-15 13:19:00

QUOTE (coatsy @ Apr 14 2008, 12:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Although there was lots of talk about 'information enclosed regarding your medical' of which there was none, I'll assume I can just call and book an appointment with my LDN code

Wasn't they a pointer to a web site in the paperwork.

Not sure if this is the one they mention but it has the information you need

http://www.visamedicals.info/us.asp

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-04-14 16:12:00

QUOTE (Jeraly @ Apr 14 2008, 11:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Maven - always jetsetting and partying!! Lol

I just can't believe I actually went through it all, came out the other side and got approved - it just seems a million years ago already and it is just such a weird feeling!! So surreal...

Now the real problem starts, filling all the free time you have now you have completed the project that filled it all up until now

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-04-14 13:08:00

Congratulations to Poiteen and thejoz

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-04-10 13:18:00

QUOTE (minnietheminx @ Apr 9 2008, 03:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was approved too

Congratulations glad the interview is still the anticlimax it has been for some time.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-04-09 17:58:00

QUOTE (Saidge @ Apr 9 2008, 03:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hello, Jeraly's OH here, she told me to post here and let you all know that we got approved! HEHE!

Congratulations

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-04-09 13:28:00

Good luck to all going tomorrow and Thursday.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-04-08 16:42:00

~Off Topic Thread~

QUOTE (SMB x2 @ Aug 9 2008, 12:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Stu and I got married yesterday!

Very many congratulations that is what this whole process is all about.

A long and very happy life together.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-08-09 14:57:00

London Medical question

I don't think anyone is being condescending only helpful.

You have fallen foul of the problems which can arise when someone tries to short cut the procedure, in this case booking the medical before receiving the necessary instructions to do so. Most of the time it works when it doesn't unfortunately it causes extra stress and work to sort out.

In the case of booking the medical before you receive packet 3 it gains nothing at all in processing time as there is plenty of time between the arrival of packet 3 and the interview date to arrange the medical, and the medical date doesn't effect the interview date unless you want to arrange both on the same time for travel convenience. So you can give yourself extra headaches for no gain.

As long as you have the case number all the other paperwork is available at the doctors and will be the up to date versions. You just need to call the doctors Monday, explain packet 3 has gone missing in the post, that you have your London case number and can they confirm which doctors office you should go to. Just say that and no more so your initial sentence to them ends with a question you want an answer too. They will be helpful as they don't want an appointment slot left empty that they could have earned their fee with your booking.

Your problem while seeming large to you isn't a big deal and is easily resolved.

Lansbury

Male

England

2008-01-05 15:54:00