ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomMental Illness History - Demonstrating Eligibility Due to Remission
I put on the form that I had suffered from depression in the past and talked about it with the doctor at my medical. She said that there was no need to put it on the form she was filling out for the Embassy requirements as it wasn't serious enough(I don't think they get to see the pre-medical form you fill out yourself). She also left out things like my hospitalisation to have wisdom teeth removed!
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-07-28 18:20:00
United KingdomAnybody self-sponsor?
I self-sponsored. I emiled the embassy with list of my assets and asked them if it would be enough. They said yes and I printed out that reply to take with me at the interview. They just took photocopies of evidence I brought and that was that.

Unfortunately, you can't do it when it comes to AOS though.
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-08-07 18:30:00
United KingdomReactions to you accent!
Well, I think my British accent is my trump card - apparently it's considered exotic and sexy (hah - never had that reaction back in the UK!). I'm always being told how people love my accent, that my voice is like velvet blah, blah. Was asked to do a testimonial on local radio and they asked if I'd come back if they needed a British accent (new career, perhaps, for when I get EAD?).

Once in a shop I asked the assistant if the shoes I was looking at were waterproof. He made me repeat the question 3 times and then said he had understood me all along but just loved the way I pronounced 'waterproof'.

What's not to love??
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-07-28 18:13:00
United KingdomLondon Medical
Don't worry. My doctors had no records either - did they just write stuff on the back of an envelope and throw it away?

As I had no records at all, at my UK medical I had tetanus, polio, diphtheria and MMR vaccines. You only need HepB if you are 19 or under (not very clear in the list but it means yes up to the age of 19, no if older). Had to pay for them and felt a bit ill for a couple of days afterwards but not a big deal.
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-08-23 10:00:00
United KingdomGood things come in 3's
That's great news :dance:

Congratulations

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-08-24 15:34:00
United Kingdomvisa interview dress up or casual?
I actually feel most confident in jeans because it feels like 'me'. Dressing up makes me feel uncomfortable.

In spite of my 'confident' jeans look, however, I was very nervous and emotional when I had my interview and I actually cried through the whole 5 minutes. The nice woman behind the counter smiled and said, not to worry, a lot of people cry.

It really isn't anything like a job interview - they're not judging you on your dress, your intelligence, social skills, confidence or anything like that. You've already presented all the documentation and filled in the forms. They just want to see the originals, take a few things from you, have you sign a few things, swear to tell the truth (sobbing optional) and answer a couple of questions.

So just wear what makes you feel most comfortable and confident - you may be in for a long wait outside the Embassy (so I wouldn't wear heels!) and another long wait inside so bear that in mind when choosing.
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-08-31 16:48:00
United Kingdomvisa interview dress up or casual?
:lol:
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-08-31 15:42:00
United Kingdomvisa interview dress up or casual?
I wore jeans because that's what I always wear.

I was the only applicant for the position of John's alien-bride-to-be so I didn't think anyone else would get the position instead of me because of being better dressed :D
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-08-31 15:40:00
United KingdomWhere in the UK are you from?
Born in Bristol, grew up in Chepstow, last place of residence was Bath via Oxford, Italy and the Cotswolds
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-08-08 12:08:00
United KingdomWhat do you miss the most from the UK?
M & S lacy boyshorts, Monsoon, Innocent smoothies, my parents
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-02-17 06:31:00
United KingdomOUT OF MY MINDER
Good luck to her in finding a 'visa chief' to confront..
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-02-15 21:57:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
Congratulations to James and Lauren :dance: :dance: :dance: and good luck to everyone who has interviews soon

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-12 15:25:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
Congratulations!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

All the best for the future

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-09 07:15:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
I get the feeling that it's pretty random and maybe depends on POE too. Over about a year and a half I travelled to the States to see John at least six times and three of those times were for about 88 days each. I tried to leave at least a month between visits and entered each time with a return ticket and an intention to stay for two or three weeks. Plans tended to change while I was in the States and I ended up staying longer.

Every time I flew out though I prepared myself emotionally for the possibility that maybe this was one time too many and that I'd be sent back. I used to take over a whole load of documents to prove ties to the UK but was never asked to produce them and once we had applied for the K1 I took a copy of paperwork so I could say, look, we're taking this seriously and I'd do nothing to jeapoardize something as important as this.

Seattle and Raleigh-Durham were always charming. The only place where I was questioned pointedly was at Minneapolis (which I have avoided ever since as a POE), but a friend of mine who came to visit us also had a hard time there and she was only coming for 12 days. They insinuated that she had an American fiance, which is quite funny as they hardly ever used to ask me that.
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-09 06:26:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
Congratulations to all the new approvals!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

Flying home this afternoon to be with my baby forever :yes: (L) (L) (L) .

And to everyone who's still waiting...hang on in there (F)

Alison
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-07 03:22:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
Good luck for tomorrow, Donna! :)

And Techie, I haven't checked the forum for a couple of days, but soooo glad to see that you finally have your interview date. :dance: :dance: :dance:

One thing, though, is that I'm not sure if Davo's mother will be allowed to enter the Embassy with him for his interview as I seem to remember a sign outside saying that only the person called for the interview could go in. Maybe someone could confirm if this is the case or not?

My visa arrived the day after I had the interview (incredible efficiency considering the slowness of the rest of the procedure) so I've changed my ticket and am flying to the States on Tuesday. hard to believe I'm going to be with my baby again! (L)

Best of luck to everyone for the coming week.

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-05 13:10:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
Dan

Congratulations!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

I was in the 10.30 queue but decided not to ask all the guys in the 10 am queue which one was danengland!

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-02 10:04:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
Hey Richi

That's great news. It'll come round before you know it.

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-02 07:06:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
Please add a big fat APPROVED after my name!!!!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

I'll write more about interview in a separate posting.

Can't believe it!!!!! :) I'm going to be with my baby again next week!!!!!!!! (L)

Good luck to everyone else who's still waiting.

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-01 07:57:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
OOOOOOH!!!! Congratulations!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-01-31 08:51:00
United KingdomLondon Interviews 2006 (NEW)
EEK! I've got my interview tomorrow morning and I'm starting to get nervous. I've gone over all my docs and I'm pretty sure that everything's OK but there's this little niggling doubt that there'll be some teeny tiny thing missing or done wrongly which will screw things up! :blink:

Feeling a bit tearful right now thinking about how important tomorrow is to John and me and what a huge deal this all is to everyone on this forum. All we want to do is be with the people we love. It does seem that most people get approved, but I'm scared now that after this long journey, when we've almost got to the end, something will happen to mess it all up.

Very happy for everyone who's been approved recently :dance: and good luck to everyone else who's having their interview this week. And I hope Techgirl hears from the Embassy very soon with her interview date!

Sending everyone good vibes

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-01-31 05:59:00
United KingdomPOE was piece of cake
Yay!!!! :dance: :dance:
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-27 22:58:00
United Kingdomdenied visa
There might be a problem here. My understanding was that you can only use if the Visa Waiver Program if you've never been denied a US visa.

From the travelstategov website:

Which travelers may use the Visa Waiver Program to enter the United States?

Nationals of the 27 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may use VWP if:

...................................(yadda yadda)

They have complied with the conditions of previous admissions under the Visa Waiver Program, and have not been found ineligible for a U.S. visa;
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-16 08:12:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
Great thread.

Flying out to Seattle this afternoon to be with my baby forever :yes: (L) (L)

Can't believe we've actually got here at last!! Thank you to everyone for all their support and advice. We'd never have got here without you.

And so glad we decided to do it all without a lawyer!

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-07 03:31:00
United KingdomWhat Won't You Miss About The UK?
I don't miss:

Drunken scary yobs roaming the streets at night

Turning on the TV to find DIY, home improvement, antique, doing up a house in France, buying a barn in Italy programmes on every single channel

A pocketful of heavy coins in change every time I pay cash.
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-04-11 00:26:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Approved!!!!!
Congratulations!!!! :dance: :dance:

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-13 12:32:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdoes it matter how you marry?
Marriage laws are state-based so what is legal in your state is legal for the US government. In Montana, for example, you need an officiant of some kind but he/she does not have to be 'licensed' in any way. Could be anyone. The ceremony is legally binding so long as the couple believe it to be so and agree to marry. And yes, we did check it with the local courthouse.

But after marriage you will need to get your marriage certificate certified at your local courthouse. They will put an official stamp/seal on the certificate to prove that it is a legal marriage and that the certificate is legal. You'll need to send a certified copy of this certificate when you apply for AOS.

If you can show the USCIS that your local courthouse agrees you are legally married in the State of Colorado, what more could they reasonably require?
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-06-06 18:10:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarry in few days then K3-What if she gets pregnant ? PLEASE HELP!!!
Or you can use birth control and give in to temptation as often as you like. I prefer this solution.
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-08-08 02:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVisa Approved today !!!!!!
Congratulations!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

I cried when I read your post. I have my interview tomorrow and I' only just realising how nervous I am!!

Such good news. Good luck and every happiness in your life together

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-01-31 06:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionApproved!!!!!!!!!
So, that's it! Have just jumped on the first computer I can find so I can post this.

Waited an hour and a quarter in the cold outside, but once I was let inside I was only there for an hour. Nice Scandinavian sounding man at desk 1 took paperwork and said to wait for interview with consular official but that I had nothing to worry about.

About twenty minutes later I was called to see the lovely lady on desk 15 who greeted me with a huge smile. I immediately burst into tears and contined to blub throughout the five minute interview. She said that she was thinking of joining match.com herself as she was single and kept interviewing people who had met through it. Then she said 'Congratulations' and pointed me in the direction of the courier payment desk. And that was it!

I can't believe it's done and that I'll be flying out to be with John next week. I woke him up to tell him that it was all OK, cried a lot more and then texted all my friends.

To everyone who's waiting for their interview - it's so much less traumatic than you expect and it's so wonderful when they tell you that it's all OK. To everyone who's waiting for an interview - you'll get there and you'll be so happy when you do that you'll almost forget about all the months of waiting and waiting.

Thank you so much to everyone for all their moral support and information. What would we have done without you?

So, it's off to Montana and a wedding to plan. Of course then there's the SSn, AOS, EAD etc...but we'll cross those bridges when we come to them.

Oh happy day! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-01 08:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Experience
Congratulations!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-01 02:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCOME On LONDON! Please :(
Congratulations!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

I've been offline for the last couple of days so have only just heard your news. Sooooo happy for you. You must be so relieved. It'll all be over soon and then you can be together again.

Take care

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-05 13:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCOME On LONDON! Please :(
Less than 24 hours to go!

I'll keep you posted

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-01-31 10:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCOME On LONDON! Please :(
Hi Techgirl

Hope you get your interview date soon.

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-01-31 06:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionim in usa
How exciting!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

All the very best

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-05 13:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIt's so pretty
Congratulations, Donna :dance: :dance: :dance:

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-09 06:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI'm home with my baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So the visa worked! Entered the States on Tuesday with my shiny new K1. B) Chose Seattle as POE as they'd always been so nice to me before. I wasn't called into a separate room but just asked to sit down a couple of feet in front of the Immigration Officer's desk as he went through my paperwork and asked a couple of basic questions such as, what's the name of your fiance?. He then called me over and said in a fatherly way, 'Now, Miss, I have to tell you something. You do still have a choice. If this man turns out to be a bad guy you don't have to marry him. Just make sure you leave the United States before May 8 and you'll be fine'. I thanked him for this but said that I was sure I'd chosen a good one'. 'I'm sure you have,' he replied.

I took the little train to the main terminal and John was waiting for me at the top of the escalator with a huge smile. :) I fell into his arms (L) but caused a blockage on the escalator behind me :D so we had to move aside to share our joy. Spent the night in Seattle and then flew home to Missoula yesterday morning.

I am sooooooooo happy to be back home again. :dance: :dance: :dance: Now I feel that I really live here. It's so great not to be just 'visiting' and to know that we never have to be apart again unless we actually want to! We can really settle into our life together and I can make friends and join things and really be part of the community. And we have a wedding to prepare for!

It's been such a hard road getting this far, but to everyone who's waiting, stick with it and please don't lose hope. It's so worth it when you get there! Of course we're not finished with Immigration yet, but from now on we'll be facing it together.

All the very best to my fellow journeyers :star: and thank you for all your support


Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-09 07:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAPPROVED
Congratulations!!!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-12 15:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGot the visa!!!
Congratulations!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: and all the best for yur life together

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-13 12:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionOur Embassy and POE experience (long)
Congratulations :dance: :dance: :dance: ! Have a lovely wedding and a great life together

Alison (F)
wherezdabearzFemaleUnited Kingdom2006-02-12 20:01:00