ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomToday is my 1 year anniversary

How's your wife?


Still sane. Amazingly :lol:

markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-14 18:21:00
United KingdomToday is my 1 year anniversary
I must admit, I'm more of a lurker now than a poster, but as today marks the 1 year anniversary of my arriving at San Francisco with that large brown envelop in my hands, thought I'd write a little post.
It's weird reading about people going for medicals and interviews. The time has flown by, yet seems so long ago. I remember heading to the medical with my white coat syndrome in overdrive. There was of course nothing to be worried about, as the process is straight forward. My white coat syndrome ensured my BP was sky high though, so that caused a bit of a problem, sorted by buying a home pressure tester, logging the readings for a week and getting my Dr to send them to the medical place to send on to the embassy.
The day at the embassy was also totally painless. I was at the interview no more than 2 hours. No trick or tricky questions. The morning spent at the embassy was actually a breeze.
Then time to sell all the stuff in my flat and say my goodbyes. I was in a little bit of a daze when I flew out. I worked at Heathrow, so I got to see all my work mates before boarding the plane, they did me a little guard of honour as we taxied past and got air traffic to pass on a message to the captain to announce. That was a weird feeling leaving UK Tarmac.
The first couple of months are definitely tough. Not being able to work and only being able to drive in CA for the first 10 days means there's a lot of down time. Amazingly, I only remember having a couple of bad days.
Job wise, I was lucky. I secured the first job I applied for. Pay was less, but I like the place I work, although don't see it as long term.
A year on, gotta say, I love my new life here. Yes, some things here are completely bizarre. And yes, there's far less time off from work. That just means I make far more of my time off though. Life here is different, but here on the west coast of CA, it isn't as drastically different as say places in the mid west. Maybe that's why I've settled in. At this time, I really don't see me going back to live in the UK (that could of course change), although I'm going back to visit next month.
A year on, looking at the whole process, although it didn't quite feel it at the time, it struck me just how fairly straightforward going through the K1 visa process was. Anyone just starting out on the journey, it seems like a mountain to climb. In reality it's not much more than a large mound for most.







markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-11 01:10:00
United KingdomLondon Interview - List of Typical Interview Questions

I have known my fiancee for thirty years since we went out/dated at college,  have been friends and remained in regular contact for that entire period  and I even have a photo of us together at the time. We look a bit younger <cough>.
 
If I get any answers wrong I'll just claim age related memory loss....


I had dated my wife 13 years ago when she was over in the UK studying. Like you, we kept in touch until we eventually ended back together. The toughest question I had in my interview was 13 years, why did you leave it so long LOL.
The whole embassy stage really is a walk in the park. I had far more of a grilling at my AOS interview for my GC than I did at the embassy, and even that grilling was fairly tame.


markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-01 15:23:00
United KingdomDriving after entering USA
Unusually for this forum, a tonne of incorrect info in this thread! If the OP is coming to California on a K1, you can drive for the first 10 days. All the info you need is in the CA drivers handbook which you'll need to look at if you want to pass the driving test. Other states, no idea.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2014-06-11 20:27:00
United KingdomThings you'll miss from the UK, and how you'll compensate?
This is probably a bit sad, but having lived in the US for just over a year, the only thing I really miss (apart from the obvious like friends and family) is Sky TV. It's not the same watching it online. Any other thing that I miss, I can pretty much pick up over here anyway.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2014-05-23 20:28:00
United KingdomBack Home - and Not Missing The U.S. At All!!!

I am in UK now and heading back to the states this afternoon and am not really looking forward to being back in the land of carbonated beer at all. Apart from seeing the missus of course.


You' need to broaden your horizons if you think all beer over here is carbonated #######. The Miller Coorsweiser stuff is utter garbage, but there's some great beers over here. Fat Tire and Sierra Nevada instantly spring to mind (don't know where you're based, and not sure of the availability of those country wide). I'm also spoilt as I have a brew pub just down the road that is now my local. It's run by a family originally from reading. Called English Ales, they do some awesome brews!

Edited by markonline1, 06 September 2014 - 08:09 PM.


markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2014-09-06 20:08:00
United KingdomHow long did it take you to feel at home in the US?
Took me about a day. I'd been coming here regularly for the last 12 years and always saw myself as a frustrated yank to be honest. There's still stuff I find weird here, but I consider California my home and at this point in time, I don't envision a return to the UK. Been here about 18 months by the way. That being said, those 12 weeks or so where I couldn't drive legally or work were tough.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2014-09-06 20:14:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
Yeah, I had a feeling that might be the case, which is why I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I saw his name on the list LOL. Hopefully though, a faxed copy of my updated immunisation record to Knightsbridge Doctors will mean everything sorted before I eventually get out there.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2012-10-09 16:29:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
Fanbloodytastic. The docs are holding my results until I forward the results of my 24 hour blood pressure results (whenever that may be). I'll see about getting my first MMR jab when I get the blood pressure monitor fitted and see about getting a record faxed to the medical guys to be added to my record as mentioned earlier then. Worst case scenario, my father in law to be is a GP over there, so hopefully won't be a major issue. Really hacked off they've put this whole process on hold for me because my blood pressure was a bit high due to nerves. Now it seems they are giving out blatatenly wrong information!!!!!

Edited by markonline1, 09 October 2012 - 01:23 PM.

markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2012-10-09 13:15:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
I was given duff info at the medical then. I was told that if I attatched my vaccination record from my GP showing I had recieved the MMR, that would be sufficient. Also my medical sheet was given to me and I was told to hold on to it until I'm ready to fill in my AOS. It wasn't retained to be sent to the embassy, unless they have a duplicate.

Edited by markonline1, 09 October 2012 - 03:57 AM.

markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2012-10-09 03:54:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
I'll be honest, I'm more of a lurker than a poster, but as the medical is probably the most nerve wracking part of the process, I thought I'd post my experiences.
My medical was at Bentick Mansions (I think that's what it's called isn't it), which is easy enough to find. A 5 minute walk from Oxford Street, Bentick Mansions is a mansion block that is clearly marked. It was covered in scaffolding when I went. Once I was buzzed in, I went to the reception window where I was greeted and given a form to fill in. I made my way into the waiting area where there were half a dozen others, filled in he form and returned it.
3 parts to the medical. First, check my jabs. Just short on MMR. Was handed a form showing my jabs for my adjustment of status I think. I just have to attatch a record of the MMR from my dr when I get it. Asked if I had chicken pox as a kid. I said yes, they accepted that without further proof.
Next the X-ray. Take off my jumper, t shirt stayed on, stand in front of a plate, bam done. No issues there.
Finally the examination. This I was worried about. Blood pressure, weight, height and eyesight checked. Lymph glands checked, stomach prodded a bit, lie of bed, drop my boxers, a 2 second check of down below, a few deep breaths while she listens to my chest and a few reflex tests done with her little hammer. To be honest, the examination seemed pretty pointless to me, more like they are doing stuff to justify their fee. Also a bit of blood taken. What did back me off I my blood pressure was high due to my white coat syndrome. Had a letter given to my GP to get some blood pressure readings over a 24 hr period. Had my medical 3 weeks ago, I am currently still waiting for my utterly useless GP to provide me with a 24 hour monitor. Must admit, I'm getting really hacked off. Was hoping to have the visa ion my hand and be on the plane by the end of November. As the medical guys won't pass on my results to the embassy until they have heard from my GP, that is very much unlikely to happen. I've a provisional weeding date of 28th Dec. that too is looking like it ain't gonna happen as I have to give 4 weeks notice at work. Overall the medical experience was no where near the nightmare I thought it was going to be. I was there just over an hour, I reckon 50 minutes of that was waiting. What I am hacked off about, big time, is my nerves weren't clearly taken into account when the blood pressure was taken, and I know have a serious spanner in the works. Until I get this 24 hour blood pressure reading done I'm in limbo. I'll miss many things when I leave, the god awful NHS isn't one of them!!!!!
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2012-10-08 04:26:00
United KingdomBritish Back Bacon FOUND!
This is one of the best posts I've read!!! A 120 mile round trip to my nearest store in San Jose will be on the cards when I move out : )
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2012-11-15 06:38:00
United KingdomInterview questions
Just got back from the embassy this morning. The word interview is totally misleading. From reading other posts, I had what could be considered a grilling due to the fact I met my other half 13 years ago, so I had to explain the gap and what happened in between. Even that though was fairly informal. At no time was I asked for specific dates.
Q. When did you first meet?
A. 13 years ago whilst she was over here studying.
Q How long ago did you first get back in touch via Facebook?
A. Honestly I'm not sure, I'm guessing about 5 years ago.
I walked out of there with a visa approval stamp etched in my memory, so long as its not a complete sham, I seriously don't think there is anything to worry about. I actually found the whole process up at the embassy quite smooth and straightforward. The medical was a billion times worse, but then that's probably down to my white coat syndrome LOL
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-06 09:32:00
United KingdomThe "Where can I get X in the USA" thread
I don't drink hot drinks, just cold ones. I don't fancy living on Gatorade, can you get orange squash anywhere as I can't recall ever seeing it.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-06 09:24:00
United KingdomDecree absolute not signed
I had no problems at all with my decree not being signed.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-29 09:17:00
United KingdomScared I'm Going To Get Lost
I got to Goulds about 0730. I was at the security point by about 0740 I guess. There are some security bods who sort of sweep the line and check appointment letters and what have you. The first appoinments are 8.30, so anyone in the queue will have the same time appointment as you. They started letting people through the security point at around 10 to 8 I guess. I was sat in the waiting hall by 8. Windows started openin around 20 past 8.
You have to listen carefully for the number that's issued to you on arrival. It's not just K1 visas that are there. The numbers come up in a screen too though, so you won't have any problems missing your window (I was called by name though for my second visit, the one where I was "interviewed" so bear that in mind).
It's easy for me to say as I've done it, but there really is nothing to worry about. I actually came out of there having enjoyed the process, after all, you are there to talk about your other half. They aren't there to catch you out. After the medical, which I worked myself into a frenzy over due to my white coat syndrome) this really was a walk in the park ;)
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-29 09:38:00
United KingdomScared I'm Going To Get Lost
I arrived at the embassy about an hour before my appointment. They just start letting people in and it goes on the number you get given at reception rather than appointment time, so I would say 0715 at bond street is perfect.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-29 09:10:00
United KingdomScared I'm Going To Get Lost
Hey, there is nothing to worry about, it's all straight forward. You can't miss the embassy from Goulds, you can see it LOl.
Bond St is the nearest underground station. From memory, and looking at the map, out of bond street, into north Audley street, and the pharmacy is on the right hand side. Have a map, or better still google maps on your phone if you have it. See one of the chaps in Goulds who sit at the desks all down the left hand side (they really are very organised here). Once you've dumped ALL your electrical stuff, out of Goulds, turn right, walk to the end of the road (about 300 yards) cross the little pedestrian crossing and you'll be right in front of the embassy. The security point is about mid point of the building down the pavement that runs between the embassy and the park you can see on the map. Easy peasy, nothing to worry about (and that goes for the embassy process too). Good luck.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-29 08:58:00
United Kingdomworried about interview and what questions will be asked
I found the medical far more stressful than the morning spent at the embassy. In fact I didn't really find the embassy at all stressful, and I'm generally quite a nervous person. Just be honest, and there's no reason why the final part of the process should be a formality.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-02-19 11:29:00
United KingdomFlight Booked!
My last day at work is a nightshift on Monday, I fly out to join my fiancée on the 10th. I'm nervous and excited in equal measure LOL. Good luck to you :thumbs:
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-03-01 11:00:00
United KingdomMedical booked
My advice, as said before, get your shots done beforehand and try and chill out. I have massive white coat syndrome, but it was no where near as bad as I was expecting, despite my high blood pressure delaying the whole process a little. I was in the place for around 2 hours, no more than 15 minutes of this time was actually spent with medical folk.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-10 00:15:00
United KingdomNervous Wreck
When you guys walk out of the embassy with your visa approved, you'll wonder what all the nerves were about. It really is straightforward. I found the medical a far more daunting experience.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-10 00:12:00
United KingdomSSA experience
I went to my local SSA office just over a week ago. God, what a depressing place. Anyway, it opened a 9, so we got there about twenty to, to avoid the queues. The queue was out the door when we arrived. LOL. However, much like at the embassy, every window seems to be given a different role, so my waiting time was only around 25 minutes. When I was called, I expected the usual fight to get assigned a number. No such problem, the lady was straight on the ball. Not the friendliest, but very courteous. Any way, 4 days later, my new SSN card was in my hand. All in all, a pretty positive experience for me.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-15 14:05:00
United KingdomUK to USA immigration experiences ...?
It's probably too late now, but as others have said, a lawyer really is a waste of money. I entered the US on a K1 fiancé visa, slightly different to yours, but it really is a straightforward process. The hardest part, as you say is living on the other side of the world. By the time I entered the US, our whatsapp count was up to 50,000 messages LOL
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-24 19:35:00
United KingdomTransferring Money
I'm just in the process of transferring money from my uk account into our US joint account. I used World First. Easy to set up an account and great customer service. The process was easy as. If you aren't happy doing it over the net, they have a free phone number so you can do it with the help of an advisor. No fee either if you transfer over a certain amount.
I wouldn't recommend doing it through your bank. Barclays quoted me a truly horrendous exchange rate. I am planning to keep my Barclays account open, and they were happy to accept a US address which they send all correspondence to now, I would imagine other high st banks would do the same.

Edited by markonline1, 15 June 2013 - 11:46 PM.


markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-15 23:41:00
United KingdomWhat do you miss most about the UK?

Just thought of this as I was pouring a glass - SQUASH!!! Correct me if I'm wrong (please!) but I have never seen squash in the USA, and that's all I drink all day.... unsure.png 
 
I am planning on bringing a big bottle of Robinson's in my suitcase each time I visit up until I get my visa, so I have some stockpiled ready for my arrival!

I've found places that do Ribena and Robinsons Barley Water by me, if you are prepared to pay for it, but no proper orange squash.
I have however started drinking stuff called MIO. It comes in a little bottle and you fire a couple of shots into water to give it flavor. It took me a couple of drinks to get used to the slightly different taste, but I like the stuff now, and to me seems pretty much like the squash I used to drink back home.

Edited by markonline1, 27 June 2013 - 12:13 PM.


markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-27 12:12:00
United KingdomWhat do you miss most about the UK?
Seriously, apart from the obvious like friends and family, the only thing I miss is sky sports.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-14 19:17:00
United KingdomVisa Interview, what to bring?
I took everything I had, including a copy of the original packet submitted by my wife. Didn't need it, nor did I need any evidence o relationship, but better to be safe than sorry if you ask me.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-20 00:48:00
United KingdomInterview on Monday, nerves are kicking in!
I wasn't asked to provide any proof of relationship when I went for my embassy interview. I really do think that in 99% of cases, once you get to the embassy, it's virtually a formality you getting the visa. I actually enjoyed the couple of hours I spent at the embassy. The AOS interview was more vigorous than the embassy interview, and even that felt a waste of time. The officer even told us he ad virtually made up his mind on our case as he reviewed our file the day before. I still say the worst part ofte process is the medical. Once that's out the way, it's pretty much all plain sailing.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-03 17:01:00
United Kingdomlondon interview
I would take the evidence just so you have it if they ask. However I didn't have to show mine. My day at the embassy went something like this. Arrive at Gould's about 45 mins before the appointment time to dump my keys and phone. Get in line at the embassy, pass security, check in and receive my little number. Wait for my number to be called. Up to a window to hand over the various required paperwork once my number is called. Sit back down. Up to another window when this time, my name is called. Raise right hand, swear to tell the truth and answer some terribly basic questions. Get told the visa was approved, go to the desk to pay the courier and that's it. Seems weird writting that 10 months later and having been in the US for just over 5 months.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-22 21:34:00
United Kingdombisto and oxo cubes,
Guess I'm lucky. Living in the Monterey Bay Area, there are plenty of British voices from the holiday makers. Also my HR director is English. Again, I can get English supplies fairly readily from local stores. I've taught my wife how to make Yorkshire puddings, and I gotta say, the ones she makes are pretty damn good. FilmOn and VPNs allow me to watch UK tv, although I gotta say, especially with regards to sport, the coverage out here is definately getting miles better. Even Georgie Thompson has landed a job over here LOL. Been out here 7 months and I'm still waiting for homesickness to materialize.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-09 21:25:00
United KingdomInterview on October 23rd!!! Possibly a silly question, but...
If it helps, I wore jeans and hoody. There's no formality whatsoever.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-10 22:57:00
United KingdomApprox. time to complete interview (in and out)
I was in and out in around 2 hours.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-21 22:41:00
United Kingdomhow much relationship prove should i take to my interview
I took everything and was asked for nothing LOL
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-03 02:11:00
United KingdomParts of UK culture you WONT/DONT miss?
I can't say there is really anything I don't miss. However, the HR director where I work moved out from the UK 27 years ago. I was speaking to her yesterday where she was telling me she's heading back in a few weeks for a month and dreading it. She could probably rack off a list as long as your arm of stuff she doesn't miss from the UK LOL.
With regards to the OP, where I am in California, the schooling is of a lesser standard than the UK apparently, there's not the respect for the armed services except on the flag waving days (I work with an ex navy guy, I was surprised by some of the stuff he told me) and the kids round here are all little rich kids, and have virtually zero respect for anyone.

Edited by markonline1, 08 January 2014 - 09:50 PM.


markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-08 21:45:00
United KingdomUpcoming interview.....nervous!
It's easy for me to say as I've been there, done it, but the embassy is honestly a walk in the park. The medical is the worst part of the process by a mile, then again, I have white coat syndrome LOL. My AOS interview once I was here was more detailed than my embassy interview. Nothing's a formality, but the embassy interview in London isn't far off. You'll be fine ;)
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-12 18:40:00
United Kingdomuk tv
There is more live footie here than in the UK.
NBC show every premiership game live on one of their platforms
Fox shows FA Cup, champions league and UEFA league
BeIn sports shows championship games, and I think league cup.

Edited by markonline1, 02 February 2014 - 04:02 AM.




markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-02 04:00:00
United Kingdomuk tv

 hola is free though, you can get on 4od, itv player and bbc on demand through it for no charge


Luckily, I can afford $3 a month.

markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-27 22:48:00
United Kingdomuk tv
Tunnelbear VPN costs $3 a month for an ipad (which you can then connect to your tv) and is very reliable.
FilmOn tv streams live uk free to air channels and is free.
Uktveverywhere costs $25 a month but hooks up to your tv and allows you to record UK channels and comes complete with a 2 week programme guide.


markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-27 20:15:00
United KingdomWhat airline do you guys fly with?
Always BA from LHR due to the fact I worked there for 15 odd years. Contacts usually equals upgrades.
markonline1MaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-06 23:10:00