ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United Kingdommissing London
I miss having a city like London on my doorstep but I get to commute to a decent sized city every day for work so I still get my fill of traffic and road rage. I think the thing I miss the most is regular gatherings with my friends. It didn't have to be a crazy drunken 3am night out in central London. I was just as happy with a couple of beers and some general banter in my local pub on a wednesday night. I miss summer afternoons at the Pitcher and piano in Richomond drinking jugs of pimms. I'll be back for 3 weeks in the summer and I'm really looking to a short return to what used to be normality for me. I love my new life here but occasionally I do hanker for elements of my old life back in Blighty.

Mark :)
luv2teach77MaleEngland2007-04-25 08:13:00
United KingdomOur New House
Debs and I moved into our new place in Mid April and after cleaning in preparation for some friends coming over for dinner, I went round with the camera and snapped some pics of our new place.

Posted Image

We're sooo happy to have a place that is ours. We haven't had much time to do anything besides decorating my stepdaughters bedroom but as you can see by the pics, there really wasn't much we needed to do. We hope to add a deck in the back yard and some landscaping at some point down the road but at the moment we are pretty happy with things as they are.

We're having a housewarming party over labor day weekend so I need to get the bar fully stocked before I do my Tom Cruise impression for all our guests.

Anyways.... Just thought I'd share.

Mark :)
luv2teach77MaleEngland2007-05-18 10:25:00
United KingdomFor The Footie & Rugby Fans
For any Brits missing the ability to watch live football or rugby (both international and domestic) the search is over. We had DirecTV installed at our new house specifically because they offer a residential version of the Setanta Sports Channel. Setanta used to only be available through bars and pubs who had to buy a commercial isence but now $14.99 per month gets you round the clock coverage of a huge amount of sport from the UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ and South Africa. I can watch more premiership football and rugby from my living room in Illinois than I ever could in London.

They show a lot of live games, plenty of delayed broadcast games and then these are often repeated throughout the week if you aren't around to catch them first time around. I'll be able to watch the England v South Africa match LIVE on Saturday morning and that is on after they show Wales v Australia and Argentina v Ireland... all LIVE !! They show 2 or 3 premiership football games each day over the weekends and I was also able to watch Champions league matches as well. I was even able to watch European cup rugby final live from Twickenham on Saturday. They show aussie rules, gaelic football and several games from other soccer leagues around the world. They also show Tri nations rugby, Australian super league rugby league and a bunch of other stuff too.

I can't reccommend the channel highly enough and would call it a must for any fan of footie or rugby from anywhere in the world but especially for those Brits now living on a diet of baseball and 'football'.

If you have DirecTV $15 a month for 24/7 coverage of all the best sports on the planet is cheap at twice the price !!

Mark :)
luv2teach77MaleEngland2007-05-22 14:19:00
United KingdomWhere in the UK are you or your SO from?
Mark is from Harrow, NW London.
luv2teach77MaleEngland2007-06-28 15:23:00
United KingdomPremiership football on US TV
I have Setanta Sports through DirectTV. It costs me $14.99 per month and I've been very happy with it so far. I got it mainly for the rugby coverage but know it shows a lot of live or delayed (shown on the same day but in the evening US time) premiership, European cup and European club games. Below is the live schedule I just got off their website. This only shows live games so won't include the delayed games.

The will often show delayed coverage of games around live games which sometimes means being able to watch 2 o3 games in 1 day.


13-Aug-07 Mon 2:45pm


Soccer


Carling Cup Peterborough Utd v Southampton LIVE

14-Aug-07 Tue 2:45pm


Soccer


EPL Tottenham Hotspur v Everton LIVE

15-Aug-07 Wed 2:45pm


Soccer


EPL Portsmouth v Manchester United LIVE

16-Aug-07 Thu 2:45pm


Soccer


Carling Cup Rotherham Utd v Sheff Wed LIVE

17-Aug-07 Fri 5:30am


Rugby Lge


NRL Premiership Storm v Eels LIVE

17-Aug-07 Fri 1:10pm


Rugby


Currie Cup Falcons v Blue Bulls LIVE

18-Aug-07 Sat 12:10am


Aussie Rules


AFL St.Kilda v Fremantle LIVE

18-Aug-07 Sat 3:35am


Rugby


ANZ Cup Canterbury v Wellington LIVE

18-Aug-07 Sat 7:45am


Soccer


EPL Portsmouth v Bolton Wanderers LIVE

18-Aug-07 Sat 10am


Soccer


EPL Tottenham Hotspur v Derby County LIVE

18-Aug-07 Sat 12:20pm


Soccer


Coca-Cola Champs Stoke v Charlton LIVE

19-Aug-07 Sun 2:40am


Aussie Rules


AFL Adelaide v Western Bulldogs LIVE

19-Aug-07 Sun 8:30am


Soccer


EPL Manchester City v Manchester United LIVE

19-Aug-07 Sun 1pm


Soccer


Le Championnat Nice v Rennes LIVE

19-Aug-07 Sun 3pm


Soccer


Le Championnat Marseille v Nancy LIVE

21-Aug-07 Tue 2:30pm


Rugby


RWC Warm-Ups Connacht v South Africa LIVE

22-Aug-07 Wed 12pm


Soccer


EURO '08 Qualifiers Armenia v Portugal LIVE

22-Aug-07 Wed 2:45pm


Soccer


EURO '08 Qualifiers Belgium v Serbia LIVE

24-Aug-07 Fri 5:45pm


Rugby Lge


NRL Premiership Bulldogs v Storm LIVE

25-Aug-07 Sat 12:10am


Aussie Rules


AFL Carlton v Kangaroos LIVE

25-Aug-07 Sat 3:30am


Rugby


ANZ Cup North Harbour v Waikato (RS) LIVE

25-Aug-07 Sat 7:45am


Soccer


EPL Sunderland v Liverpool LIVE

25-Aug-07 Sat 10am


Soccer


EPL Chelsea v Portsmouth LIVE

25-Aug-07 Sat 12:20pm


Soccer


Coca-Cola Champs Sheff Utd v West Brom LIVE

26-Aug-07 Sun 12:10am


Aussie Rules


AFL Geelong v Port Adelaide LIVE

26-Aug-07 Sun 8:30am


Soccer


EPL Middlesbrough v Newcastle United LIVE

26-Aug-07 Sun 3pm


Rugby


RWC Warm-Ups USA Eagles v Munster LIVE

31-Aug-07 Fri 1:10pm


Rugby


Currie Cup Free State Cheetahs v Falcons LIVE

1-Sep-07 Sat 10am


Soccer


EPL Liverpool v Derby County LIVE

1-Sep-07 Sat 12:20pm


Soccer


Coca-Cola Champs Coventry v Preston LIVE

2-Sep-07 Sun 8:30am


Soccer


EPL Arsenal v Portsmouth LIVE

7-Sep-07 Fri 3pm


Rugby


RWC 2007 France v Argentina LIVE

9-Sep-07 Sun 8am


Rugby


RWC 2007 Wales v Canada LIVE

9-Sep-07 Sun 12pm


Rugby


RWC 2007 Scotland v Portugal LIVE

11-Sep-07 Tue 2pm


Rugby


RWC 2007 Argentina v Georgia LIVE

12-Sep-07 Wed 8am


Rugby


RWC 2007 USA v Tonga LIVE

12-Sep-07 Wed 12pm


Rugby


RWC 2007 Japan v Fiji LIVE

12-Sep-07 Wed 2pm


Rugby


RWC 2007 Italy v Romania LIVE

15-Sep-07 Sat 7am


Soccer


EPL Everton v Manchester United LIVE

15-Sep-07 Sat 10am


Soccer


EPL Sunderland v Reading LIVE

15-Sep-07 Sat 12:20pm


Soccer


Coca-Cola Champs Plymouth v Cardiff LIVE

16-Sep-07 Sun 8am


Rugby


RWC 2007 Fiji v Canada LIVE

16-Sep-07 Sun 10am


Rugby


RWC 2007 Samoa v Tonga LIVE

16-Sep-07 Sun 3pm


Rugby


RWC 2007 France v Namibia LIVE

20-Sep-07 Thu 3pm


Rugby


RWC 2007 Wales v Japan LIVE

22-Sep-07 Sat 10am


Soccer


EPL Liverpool v Birmingham City LIVE

22-Sep-07 Sat 12:20pm


Soccer


Coca-Cola Champs Ipswich v Coventry LIVE

22-Sep-07 Sat 3pm


Rugby


RWC 2007 Argentina v Namibia LIVE

23-Sep-07 Sun 8:30am


Soccer


EPL Newcastle United v West Ham United LIVE

25-Sep-07 Tue 12pm


Rugby


RWC 2007 Canada v Japan LIVE

25-Sep-07 Tue 2pm


Rugby


RWC 2007 Romania v Portugal LIVE

26-Sep-07 Wed 12pm


Rugby


RWC 2007 Georgia v Namibia LIVE

26-Sep-07 Wed 2pm


Rugby


RWC 2007 Samoa v USA LIVE

29-Sep-07 Sat 7:45am


Soccer


EPL Manchester City v Newcastle United LIVE

29-Sep-07 Sat 10am


Soccer


EPL West Ham United v Arsenal LIVE

29-Sep-07 Sat 3pm


Rugby


RWC 2007 Scotland v Italy LIVE

30-Sep-07 Sun 9am


Rugby


RWC 2007 France v Georgia LIVE

30-Sep-07 Sun 2pm


Rugby


RWC 2007 South Africa v USA LIVE

6-Oct-07 Sat 7:45am


Soccer


EPL Manchester United v Wigan Athletic LIVE

6-Oct-07 Sat 10am


Soccer


EPL Newcastle United v Manchester City LIVE

7-Oct-07 Sun 7am


Soccer


EPL Arsenal v Sunderland LIVE

20-Oct-07 Sat 7:45am


Soccer


EPL Everton v Liverpool LIVE

20-Oct-07 Sat 10am


Soccer


EPL Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers LIVE

27-Oct-07 Sat 10am


Soccer


EPL Manchester United v Middlesbrough LIVE

28-Oct-07 Sun 8:30am


Soccer


EPL Bolton Wanderers v Aston Villa LIVE

3-Nov-07 Sat 7:45am


Soccer


EPL Arsenal v Manchester United LIVE

3-Nov-07 Sat 10am


Soccer


EPL Wigan Athletic v Chelsea LIVE

10-Nov-07 Sat 7:45am


Soccer


EPL Sunderland v Newcastle United LIVE

10-Nov-07 Sat 10am


Soccer


EPL Manchester United v Blackburn Rovers LIVE

11-Nov-07 Sun 8am


Soccer


EPL Birmingham City v Aston Villa LIVE

24-Nov-07 Sat 7:45am


Soccer


EPL Newcastle United v Liverpool LIVE

24-Nov-07 Sat 10am


Soccer


EPL Bolton Wanderers v Manchester United LIVE

25-Nov-07 Sun 8:30am


Soccer


EPL West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur LIVE

I'd recommend the Setanta sports channel to anyone wanting to keep in touch with EPL games while living in the UK. Now that Setanta and ITV share the rights to premier league coverage in the UK, the number of games available should be increasing as well.

Mark :)
luv2teach77MaleEngland2007-08-14 13:46:00
United KingdomSometimes the little things make you think
The differences in what you get for your money with regards to property still amazes me. We were recently back in the UK visiting my family and when I told people that our new house (2300sq ft, 3 bed, double garage, finished basement with bar) cost the equivalent of around 90k pounds, they almost fell over. My sister lives in a 1 bed flat in Watford, Hertfordshire and she paid 115k pounds. I recently read an article that said that some areas of London (eg. Knightsbridge) now have the most expensive real estate in the world. Some properties are selling for 2000GBP per sq ft !! At those prices, our house would be around $10 Million !! We don't have a huge yard but it's certainly a workout to mow when it's 100 degrees outside !!

Mark smile.gif
luv2teach77MaleEngland2007-09-03 19:02:00
United KingdomLost Packet 3
Like Jeraly said, you can easily go to the London Embassy website (http://london.usembassy.gov) and download the forms that will be sent to you in packet 3.

The list of forms that will be sent can be found here. I had all my packet 3 forms ready to go with copies I'd downloaded so that I could get everything sent back the day that the packet arrived.

I'm not sure if things have changed since 2004 but the Embassy wouldn't start processing any of the packet 3 forms until you had confirmed that you had all the documents on the checklist (IV-15 Checklist). It's best to send that completed checklist with packet 3 so everything arrives and is worked on at the same time.

Best of luck.

Mark smile.gif
luv2teach77MaleEngland2008-01-15 09:25:00
United KingdomUS Embassy - Question
I sent an email to londonconsular@state.gov asking for confirmation that they had received my packet 3 docs etc. I also said that I was ready for an interview at their earliest convenience. Make sure you include your LND case number. I had a reply back within a couple of days with my interview date. Can't hurt and doesn't cost as much as calling smile.gif

Mark smile.gif
luv2teach77MaleEngland2008-01-18 11:19:00
United KingdomCan we vote???
I applied for a postal vote but they send out ALL postal votes (UK addresses or overseas) at the same time. My forms arrived about 1 day before the election and would never have made it back in time to be counted so I didn't bother.
luv2teach77MaleEngland2008-02-26 17:45:00
United KingdomNew & waiting
Welcome to VJ Roberts,

You have found one of the best resources for answers about the many visa routes so don't ever worry that a question is too silly. The chances are that it's been asked a million times before and there will be many people able to answer it for you.

You'll get the hang of the terminology soon and once you understand the steps involved in applying for the visa (whichever one you choose), unless you have a complicated case, it's pretty straightforward.

Whereabouts in the UK are you from and where in the US do you plan to settle.

Best of luck with everything.

Mark smile.gif
luv2teach77MaleEngland2008-03-12 09:35:00
United KingdomTurned away at POE?
Look at it this way... Yes, having a K-1 in the system shows increased immigrant intent. However, it also shows knowledge of the right way to do things and an understanding of the US immigration system. Make sure he travels with plenty of proof that he will be returning to the UK and he should be fine. Answer all questions 100% honestly and be prepared to show extra evidence of ties and plans to return to the UK at the end of the stay.

I made 2 trips to the US while my K-1 was processing and even though I had an envelope full of evidence I was never asked to show any of it. On both of those occasions I stated that I was visiting my Fiancee. In terms of evidence I had a copy of my K-1 NOA1, A letter from my employer stating they were expecting me back to work on such and such a date, bank statements showing I still had a decent sized balance in there etc..

There is nothing in any of the USCIS information which states that having a Fiancee visa in the system is grounds for denial of entry. As long as he is eligible to travel under the VWP and has no plans to stay in the US permanently this time around, he should be good to go.

Don't sweat it too much. You'll be fine !!

Mark smile.gif
luv2teach77MaleEngland2008-03-19 08:30:00
United KingdomSurreal night
Tracy,

I've only just seen this post so I hope that by now you guys are on the road to recovery from your various aches and pains. Those pictures were crazy and I'm very glad to hear that even with the car getting as beat up as that, you guys didn't have any major injuries to deal with.

I don't know if Chas or any other UK members can back me up on this but in my 9 years of driving in the UK, I never felt any of my cars being buffeted around in the wind from a semi to such a degree as I feel while driving almost daily over here in the US. I don't know if it's the design of the trailers or the size of them but the way that the air circulates around semis in the US is much more obvious than I ever remember in the UK. One deign feature that I'd like to see in the US is the mandatory installation of deflectors along the underside of the trailers which won't allow the hood of a car under the trailer unless a huge impact has taken place.

Either way. I'm glad to hear you guys are doing ok and hope that all those insurance payments take care of getting you rolling in a shiny new set of wheels soon.

Mark smile.gif
luv2teach77MaleEngland2008-03-17 09:20:00
United KingdomUS/UK equivalents
This is what I've come up with so far. Some are specific to the St. Louis area but others are applicable nationwide.

Primark - TKmax
Waitrose - Dierbergs (around St. Louis anyway)
M&S -
Tesco - Super Target (if you have one... Sells everything and food but better quality than Asda which would be likened to a super Walmart)
Next -
Monsoon -
Wagamama - Panda Express (a poor imitation but the closest I can think of)
Jessops - Creve Coeur Camera (again around St. Louis)
Woolworths -
Debenhams -
The Body Shop - The Body Shop (they have those over here)
Traidcraft -
Threshers - World Market (Has a great booze section with wine and beer from around the world)
Med Kitchen -
Paperchase - Papyrus (they have their own stores and sections in most Borders bookshops !!)
Yo! Sushi -

I'll work on the completing the rest.

Mark smile.gif
luv2teach77MaleEngland2008-03-25 13:37:00
United KingdomWhere in the UK are you?? (or you other half)
I lived in Harrow, NW London from the age of 4 until I moved to Illinois in 2005.

Mark smile.gif
luv2teach77MaleEngland2008-05-30 12:33:00
United KingdomHow did everyone meet?
Debs and I met in a "20 somethings" Yahoo chat room in 2001. It was totally random, infact she had just left the room when I joined. 5 seconds later and we might never have met. Her username (luv2teach77) was the only reason I messaged her (I was born in 1977 too). We hit it off straight away and the rest, as they say, is history. We will celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary on April 29th and couldn't be happier with the hand that fate dealt us !! smile.gif
luv2teach77MaleEngland2008-02-07 21:47:00
United KingdomAnyone know of any cheap ways to calling UK mobiles?
I often forward my skype number to my cellphone. Then people can either use the Skypein number which I pay for on a yearly basis (A london number that is free to call for most of my UK chums) or they can use skype on their PC and it gets forwarded to either a landline or my mobile depending on where I am !! Gets you the best of both worlds and even when it uses up skype credit it's still at a fraction of the rate that calling phone to phone would. The quality of the calls is also often better when it's forwarded to an actual phone, even though it's coming through Skype's servers (wherever they may be !!).

Skypes quality is really down to the bandwidth that each person has available. Running video eats into the amount available for sound so that can often have a negative effect on call quality. You can also buy skype handsets that work just like regular phones and can get you away from talking at your computer if thats not your thing. I have yet to find a better alternative to Skype and it's something that all my relatives and friends can make use of in the UK, even if you're my PC illiterate grandma !!

Mark smile.gif
luv2teach77MaleEngland2008-08-25 11:12:00
United KingdomShipping from U.K. to U.S.
I bought most of my stuff over as excess luggage on American Airlines (3 additional suitcases + my 2 checked bags). Cost about 170GBP from London Heathrow through Chicago to St. Louis.

I also shipped a bike using UPS. Cost me about 120GBP, was picked up from my house in London and arrived at my new house in the US on the exact day they said it would 1 week later. I got an empty bike box from my local bike shop for free. I know for a fact that a properly packaged bike in a box or bike bag can be checked onto most airlines in lieu of one other piece of checked luggage. That might be something else to bar in mind.

There are probably internationa movers who will do the same amount for less but they will almost certainly take longer to get his stuff to him after he's waved it goodbye. Excess baggage means it arrives when you do and UPS was as quick as any other parcel service.

Mark :)
luv2teach77MaleEngland2006-02-20 22:15:00
United KingdomThe Joys of the US medical system
I agree that the cost of medical care over here makes the NHS look like the best value for money ever. I also agree that when you add up what you pay to "have insurance" along with copays, prescription costs and the amounts we're left with when the insurance company has paid it's part, I often wonder what the point in insurance is at all !!

We have really been through the wringer with the insurance industry over here and it's left a pretty bad taste in both of our mouths. Add to that the contortions that some employers are doing nowadays to make it as hard as possible for workers to add family members to company policies, and I cuss under my breath whenever I have to pay a copay or some other charge in addition to my policy premiums.

The problem is that it's such a huge business now which employs so many people, that the companies have to keep driving up premiums to cover the administrative and employee costs associated with providing the insurance coverage in the first place. My wife currently (but not for much longer) opts out of her work policy and uses the $300 opt out stipend to pay for a private policy with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. Her monthly premium went up over $100 in the last 12 months to the point where to keep the cost manageable we have had to change to policy that now has a higher deductible and no prescription coverage. Luckily she'll be enrolling in the school policy in August so we shouldn't have to pay too much in precsription charges between now and then.
luv2teach77MaleEngland2008-03-28 13:57:00
United KingdomUK TV in the US
I use a program called expat shield http://www.expatshield.com/

It spoofs your IP address so it looks like you're in the UK. Works great with the BBC iPlayer and most other streaming offerings from UK channels. I also use UKNova to download torrents of TV shows that have aired in the UK. Often shows are available the day after they actually air, then you can watch them on your PC or stream them to your TV if you have the ability to.

My wife and have 8 episodes of The Only Way Is Essex to catch up on this weekend !!

Hope that's of help,

Mark
luv2teach77MaleEngland2011-05-13 15:38:00
United KingdomBrits in the USA
Updated as of 04/24/07

ALABAMA:
Shari (& British hubby, Keith) - Birmingham, AL
Miranda and James (another future British hubby!) - Huntsville, AL
Welshcookie - Mobile, AL (eventually)

ARIZONA:
BlueRaiderUK (Michael & Ashley) - Mesa, AZ
Muuuuah (Sheila(UKC) & Tony(USC)) -Tempe, AZ
JamalNTam - Jamal(USC) and Tamsin (UKC) - Tucson, AZ

ARKANSAS:
StacySmith (Stacy USA & Paul UK) - Stuttgart, AR

CALIFORNIA:
Ladybutterfly444 - San Diego, CA
ynzm22 (lynsey and Jason)- Lancaster, CA
Daisy - hubby is north of Palmdale, CA
Perfect - South Orange County, CA
ddchucksgirl - northwest Lost Angeles, CA
robinklake - Myself and UK fiance are in sunny Santa Monica, CA!
Purple Hibiscus - Huntington Beach, CA
Els and Brian-Riverside, CA
Englishsammy (Sam (not there yet!) and Roshon) - Fresno (Woohoo laughing.gif ), CA
Andrew(AFQuaid) & Fiona - Stockton CA
Liam4Lisa - Ventura County, CA
WifeofHunkyJohn(Annie - Scotland, UK) & John (USC) - Riverside County, CA but will be back in LA, CA eventually
Maria (Portsmouth, UK) and Ed (US) - Long Beach, CA

COLORADO:
Ladybird216 - Western CO
Boiler - Boulder County, CO
Cmltdg (Tiffany - US & Caspian - UK) - Aurora, CO
Jennymc11 - Jenny (Littleton, CO) and Rich (Leeds, UK) - We are both in Leeds until Visa approval

CONNECTICUT:
Jayke(USA) & hubby(UK) - CT
Bradfordplip - Time split between SE Michigan & NE Connecticut
nickels&dimes (Nickels=Sheril UKC & Scott USC) - CT

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:
Nkii (USC) & UC (NGC living in UK) - Washington, DC

FLORIDA:
Kerry - Central FL
Munchkins (Val and Alan ) - Jacksonville, FL - to be with daughter and family
atothelkini (Alan, N.Ireland) - Tallahassee, FL
missyandneil - Orlando, FL
Kate, Josh & bump - Tallahassee, FL
Lisa & David (LisaD & ddave)...US/Sunderland - Daytona Bch FL
Lawrencetoland - Josie and Damian - Orlando, FL and Astoria, NY
lynnd227(Lynn NJ, USA) & Liam(Northern Ireland) - Palm Beach County, FL
digbeezgrl = Sara & Sean - Sara (Tampa, FL - USC) and Sean (Essex, UK - soon to be here in FL!!!)
Katandruss- Kathryn (Liverpool, UK) Russ (USC) - Debary, FL - Waiting for K1 Visa
Lisa (USC) and Spence (UKC - North London) - Orlando, FL

GEORGIA:
Crazy Brit - Covington, GA
Matti_n_Kelli: Hiram, GA
Silver(Maggie - UKC) & Quinton(USC) - Albany, GA

IDAHO:
MeandMyGeordie - Sher (USA) & Steve(Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK) - Twin Falls, South Central ID
Angelica(UK) & Bruce(USC) - Together in Post Falls, ID
Jenart (Jenny & Les) - Hagerman, ID - to be with daughter & son-in-law (& my horses)

ILLINOIS:
pj1959us (Hubby David) - Central IL
Luv2teach77 (And her handsome british Husband ) - We've Moved !! Now In New Baden, 25 miles east of downtown St. Louis
JJM8081(British fiance Joe) - Chicago suburbs, IL
poppy33usa - Just on the illinois side of the illinois/missouri border in the st louis metro area
jpkeswim - Southwest, IL near St. Louis Missouri
Crisscat - (Sharri & Neil ) Southern IL 65 miles southeast of St Louis MO and not far from alot of you here in IL laughing.gif
Yorkie - Chicago, IL
Frances (Yorkshire hubster, VJ username - falcozappa) - Chicago, IL
Circus-of-Power(Paul and Catherine) - Central IL
morning75-Jim(Somerset, UK) & Amy(USA) - Hopedale, IL
Kinsey - Jackie (USC - Chicago, IL) & Karl (UKC - Lancaster) - Both currently waiting in Doncaster, England

INDIANA:
Annelizabeth - Southern IN
Andy(uk) Patricia - Near Indy, IN
Baileyj - Southwest IN
Cian (Larry - US) & Sian (Siân - Sutton, UK) - Greencastle, IN
Amber&Neil - Amber(USC) & Neil (Newcastle, UK) - Evansville, IN

IOWA
Ktun - Kate (London,UK) & hubby Craig - Iowa/Nebraska borders, 2 minutes over the bridge from Omaha Nebraska

KENTUCKY:
Itsmeitsmeitsree! (Billy and Becky) - Lexington, KY
timandbethanie (Tim - Felixstowe, UK) & Bethanie - Shelbyville, KY - Waiting for Tim's return home!!

LOUISIANA:
Tigersden - Jon (UKC - Sheffield, UK) & Christi (Lake Charles, LA) - Will be living in the Lake Charles area of Louisiana when I'm approved

MAINE:
clmarsh (Christina & Chris) - Portland, ME
Tonyt (soon to be USC) + wife(UKC) - Brunswick, ME

MARYLAND:
Terry & Jeannine - Towson, MD
Craig (UKC - Colchester) - Kim (USC - Glen Burnie, MD)
Shannon (USC) and Adrian (UKC - Dewsbury) - Maryland just outside of DC

MASSACHUETTS:
matanddanni -Southampton, MA
Kezzie - Boston, MA

MICHIGAN:
Bradfordplip - Time split between SE Michigan & NE Connecticut
euro (Amanda) & Mark(USC) - Brownstown (near Detroit), MI
sanctifyer - somewhere near detroit in mid 2006
badbabe113 - Rockwood, MI(near detroit)
David(alias Scotty - Scotland) - Livingstone County, MI to be with Bess
lizaanne (USC) & Simon (Sheffield, UK) - Detroit area, MI
Charlie76 - Detroit area, MI
mary&tom - Denied entry; will live in the UK
Alison and Scott - Comstock Park, MI
Colin(Keigwyn - UK) and Lisa - Escanaba, MI - way up in the UP
JenT(USC) & David(East London, UK) - Saginaw/Bay City/Midland area, MI

MINNESOTA:
Chrissy25 - Southern MN
britsngrits - Twin Cities of MN - Paul(Peterborough, UK)
JayJay - Minnesota Lake, near Mankato about 2 and a half hours away from the twin cities
Tucker (Minneapolis, USA) and Fiona (St. Boswells, Scotland) - Twin Cities
MrsDarby (Twin Cities) and Oliver (Worcester, UK) - We are married and living in the Twin Cities
Transatlantic1 - Mary(USC) & Andy(UKC - Manchester) - White Bear Lake, MN (hopefully soon!)

MISSOURI:
DaniChristine - Dani (USA) and Anthony (Northern Ireland)
Rosie420 - Waynesville, MO (Right in the middle!)
Andrew (Scotland) and Danielle (USA) - Kansas City, MO

MONTANA:
wherezdabearz - John (USA) and Alison (UK) hope to be living together in Missoula (that's where da bearz are...) from end of Jan 2006
techgirl - Terry (USA) and Davo (UK)- Flathead Lake (western MT)

NEVADA
Lauraxmarie - Laura (Leicestershire, uk) and Toran (usc) - Las Vegas, NV

NEW JERSEY:
Gemma12nEl - Bergen County NJ
VisagirlNJ - My fiance will be moving to Hudson County, NJ in April
Jodyangel - South Jersey
GimyGirl(USA) & Geoff(UK) - Mercer County, NJ
peterg222 (UK) & katrinalexi (USC) - Burlington County, NJ

NEW MEXICO:
Sparkofcreation(USC) & husband(Glasgow, UK) - Albuquerque, NM
Neal (UKC - London) and Cari (USC) - Albuquerque, NM - By October 2007 (We Hope!!)

NEW YORK:
Louandmikek3 - Long Island, NY (Louise, UK and Mike, US)
DavidUK- Manhattan, NY
Gwen75 - Manhattan, NY
Shakysgirl- Russell (UK) and Patricia (US)- upstate NY
Donna(dmd01708) Oneida County, Upstate New York
Estella76 - Marie (US) and Adam (UK) - Queens, NY
Peachbythebeach - Me (US) Hubby (UK) - Long Island, NY
crashandcari - Crash (UK) and Cari (USA) - Brooklyn, NY
ljwinquist(Laura - USA) & Ian(Leicester,UK) - Lockport, NY
Lauren (USC) and Dave (UKC - Cambridgeshire) living in Queens, NY

NORTH CAROLINA:
Jo1973 - Durham, NC
saturn5man (Neil) - Near Raleigh, NC
Jaylen Brit(UK) and LenJayUS (US) - Lenior, NC (from this year)
mullensgirl (UK) Chris (USC) Eventually Jacksonville, NC
ajames79(Franklin, NC) and BigChris(who never posts - Yorkshire, UK) - Franklin, NC
D&B (Dipen & Bindu, London UK) Dipen - Charlotte, NC & Bindu still in UK hoping to be in Charlotte soon!
MrsWhizz(Durham, NC) and Gavin (Rugby, UK) - Soon to be here!!
MariaDane - Maria (Scotland) & Dane (USC) - Laurel Springs, NC (November 10th)
blspicer - Brandi(USC - Sparta NC) & Pete(UKC - Hailsham, England) - Sparta, NC

OHIO:
TenderCats (hubby) - OH
Widge - Northeastern OH
Helen - Columbus, OH
martinleach(Martin - St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK) to Westerville, OH
Londonspod (Anthony - UK), Cat07758 (Caitlin - US, NJ) & Brianna - Toledo, OH
Linababe - Lina (UK) moving to David (Columbus, OH)
ghallett - Graham(London, UK) & Susie(Akron, OH) - Together in OH
msu17 - Paul(UKC - Colburn, UK)and Holly(USC) - Toledo, OH
Britchick - Shirley(UKC - Bedford, UK) & Gary(USA - Defiance, OH) - Defiance, OH

OKLAHOMA:
Sukie175 (Sarah) - Gage, NW OK (near Woodward)
Lizzy(Melanie - UK) & Steve(US) - Oklahoma City, OK
bethnash (UK) and Jake (USC) - Norman, OK

OREGON:
ZZZZZZ (aka Pam & Dave) Portland, OR/ Southminster UK
blandas - Move from Loughborough (just south of Nottingham) to Oregon.
Dave (lansbury) & Linda - Portland, OR

PENNSYLVANIA:
Broma25 - Bucks County, PA
Britjohn- Delaware County, PA (near Delaware border)
cheeky^Wolf - (Helen(UK) & Dave(USA)) - Pittsburgh, PA
Pumpkinsnook - Berks Co, PA
Antone and Lyanthya - Harrisburg, PA
Abby(PAX) and Ewen - Lackawanna County, PA (likely moving to NYC, NY in the summer of 06)
bettenan (Bette & Richard) Beautiful Bucks County, PA
Qdilly - (Kelle - Harrisburg, PA) & Stephen(Merseyside, UK) - To arrive here later this year
Maggie (Scotland) and Richard(USC) - Montgomery County, PA
Lizzy & Steve - State College, PA

RHODE ISLAND:
Lisax - Lisa(UKC - Essex, England) & Jon(USC) - RI

SOUTH CAROLINA:
zenaelarabi - (Oxfordshire to Columbia SC)
pink_cloud-Charleston, SC

TENNESSEE:
govols- (Karen & Tony-from England)-Middle Tennessee
TracyTN (and future hubby ChasUK) - Nashville, TN
Memphis - Mike Wooten future wife Adele (mrsw2b UK)
Michele (USC) and John (Scotland) to be living in/near Jackson, TN as of March 2007

TEXAS:
Geordieluvr (aka Andria and her Geordie Peter) - Richardson, TX
medicjeff (wife Jane from the UK) Austin, TX
Melo (aka Anita from London) & Paul now in Odessa, Texas moving to Houston, TX
silent whispers - San Antonio, TX
tamarae (Shawna & Ciaran from the UK, arriving soon) - Lubbock, TX
Tex'n'Brit(Sheila- UK) & Hubby(Kyle - USA) - Ovilla, near Dallas, TX
Anytaholland - Ana(USC) & Graham(UKC) - Moving to Houston, TX around Aug/Sept '06
drpepper1109 - James (UKC - Berkshire, UK) and Lauren (USC) - Houston, TX

UTAH:
HuffyTheSlayer - Salt Lake City, UT
C&J - Chris(USC) & Jess(UKC) - Park City, UT

VERMONT:
Lou - Central Vermont

VIRGINIA:
naiku - Northern VA (whenever this process is finished)
mijkij - also Northern VA
Litlemo (aka Ally - Geordie, Greg - USC)
MrsBeer:30 - Northern VA
KikiDoug - (Kiki, from England...Doug, from the USA) - living in the very SW corner of Virginia!
Tony(UKC) & Dannie(USC) - Northern VA (Arlington)
UK2USA - Sharon (UKC - Essex) & Oscar (USC - Falls Church, VA), we will be staying in Falls Church, VA
WASHINGTON:
arwensun1965 - Kent, WA
samantha_lou - Vancouver, WA
Alana (US) & Ewan (Scotland) - Des Moines, WA
torpedo_bob - Camas, WA
Candace(UK, living in Germany) & Chris(US) - Hoping to be in Port Townshend, WA next year
Tracey (Doncaster, Eng) & John (Edinburgh, Scot) living in glorious Camas, WA!!

WEST VIRGINIA:
Margyw - WV
rebeccajo (and robertwesley - Wes) irishman & southern gal in West Virginia
Girona40 - Curt (USC), Glenys(USC), Sarah (USC) and Michael (UK)

WISCONSIN:
Michelle(USC) & Craig(England) - Northern WI(border of UP of Michigan)
Badgerbabe - Green Bay, WI
SteveLaura/LauraSteve - from London, UK to Milwaukee, WI
Moonlite - just north of Milwaukee, WI
Mellie(and Scott) - near Milwaukee, WI
Nicola&Matthew - West WI on the boarders of MN
Bev(UKC - London, UK) & Ray(USC - Southwest WI) - Awaiting Visa approval
luv2teach77MaleEngland2007-04-24 08:44:00
United KingdomAny of the old guard still around ?

What is your baby's name? Care to share pictures? We have a baby thread here as well - it's fun to talk about the challenges of new-motherhood/fatherhood (*ahem* Mark...if you're so inclined).


Anita,

My daughters name is Isabella. I also have a 16 year old Step-Daughter named Rebekah so life in our house is NEVER dull. I'm going to try and throw up a link to some pics from our recent trip to Disney. Not sure if it will work or not. I'll take a peek into the baby thread to see if there is anything I can be useful or helpful with.

Mark :)
luv2teach77MaleEngland2011-08-29 13:07:00
United KingdomAny of the old guard still around ?

Hey Mark (Perfect, and Gwen too)...nice to see you both around. I've changed my name on here a few times, but I used to go by LisaD. I ended my relationship with my ex (the Brit) about a month before he was set to interview (roughly Feb 08). It was a pretty bad time and very painful for both of us. Once I had moved back from the UK, the distance exacerbated a lot of things, and I felt it was the wise thing to do. Turns out, I was right.

In Dec 08, I met an American man, and we started dating. By Dec 09, we were engaged, and then found out we were pregnant. Happily married now with an 11 month old boy.

Glad to hear you and Deb are doing well. Babies are great, aren't they?

Perfect, nice to see you too!

Gwen...how are you doing...haven't seen you around lately!


Sorry to hear that things didn't work out with you and your ex. The long distance relationship stuff was certainly a true test of strength, both as individuals and as a couple. Glad to hear that when that door shut, another more successful door opened for you though. Yes babies are great because they stay where you leave them. Toddlers are a whole different kettle of fish although I obviously love mine to death.
luv2teach77MaleEngland2011-08-23 10:29:00
United KingdomAny of the old guard still around ?

Hiya Mark! I'm still here, and yes, Chas and I are still married! :lol: He's a US citizen now and we have a 13 month old daughter, Emily.

Happy to hear from you! :) PM me if you're on Facebook and would like to hook up there.



Now that is a familiar face... great to see you're still around Tracy and that not only are you and Chas still together but you've added to the clan. Debs and I have a 2 year old who keeps us both very busy but I can't honestly remember what it's like to not have her around now !! I haven't bothered with citizenship yet but after seeing the price of renewing my 10 year green card, I think I'll be heading down that path some time before the end of 2017 !!

I sent you a PM so hopefully we'll catch up on Facebook soon !!


Edited to add: We were actually in Nashville a few weeks ago, twice infact, on our way to and from Florida. On the way down we made a rather protracted detour to find a chick-fil-a for lunch, ending up in downtown Nashville for a while. On the way home we stuck to the highway and skirted around the city.

Mark :)

Edited by luv2teach77, 17 August 2011 - 12:42 PM.

luv2teach77MaleEngland2011-08-17 12:40:00
United KingdomAny of the old guard still around ?
Afternoon all,

My profile says that Debs and I joined VisaJourney back in the summer of 2004 which seems, quite literally, like an age ago. I'm very pleased (if unsurprised) to report that we are still together. We've survived all that's been thrown at us though 6 years of marriage, 1 pregnancy, raising a teenager and a toddler in the same house etc.. etc..

I'm just wondering if there are any other members still around from all those years ago when there was no Facebook and I was spending more time on this website than just about anywhere else on the entire world wide web ?

Would be great to see how any of those other old timers are doing after surviving the craziness that is the Visa process.

I look forward to hearing from some of you soon !!

Mark
luv2teach77MaleEngland2011-08-15 15:14:00
United KingdomGreen Card Holder Confused About ESTA Authorization

Your passport + green card = no problem.


Good to know !!... Thanks Engima
luv2teach77MaleEngland2012-03-19 12:23:00
United KingdomGreen Card Holder Confused About ESTA Authorization
Laure&Colin,

Thanks for the speedy response. That's what I thought but after talking to my parents yesterday, they had me all confused about possibly needing to apply for ESTA authorization. I'm glad that my hunch was correct.

Thanks in advance,

Mark
luv2teach77MaleEngland2012-03-19 10:45:00
United KingdomGreen Card Holder Confused About ESTA Authorization
I've been a member here for almost 10 years but I'm so out of touch with immigration discussions that I'm reaching out in the forum in the hope that some more up-to-date folks can help me out !!

I'm looking for some clarification regarding documentation needed to travel to and from the UK as a Legal Permanent Resident and 10 year green card holder. I'm flying back to London on Wednesday and figured that I'd use my British passport to enter the UK and then the same passport PLUS my green card to re-enter the US. My UK passport doesn't expire until 2015 and my 10 year green card doesn't expire until 2018. Am I correct about this or do I need to apply for ESTA authorization to re-enter the US ? What I have read about ESTA seems to imply that this is for VWP travellers and as I'll be re-entering the US as a Permanent Resident, I don't think this applies to me.

Some prompt clarification would be greatly appreciated,

Mark
luv2teach77MaleEngland2012-03-19 10:35:00
United KingdomJob Hunting
I would suggest finding a reputable recruitment agency, preferably specializing in IT recruitment. Back in 2006 I worked with a recruiter from Teksystems who did a great job of explaining my situation (no US work history, immigration status etc..) to prospective employers. I got a couple of interviews through him, one of which landed me the job I've been in for over 6 years now.

I got very frustrated applying for jobs online and not hearing anything back. I have a feeling that a lot of prospective employers were unsure of my exact immigration status and were unsure if it would cost them anything to employ me (I wasn't on a work visa so no sponsorship needed). Having someone who would answer those questions on my behalf I think it key to getting employers to understand that it's no more complicated to employ you than any other applicant.

Good luck !!

Mark
luv2teach77MaleEngland2012-05-17 15:09:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA little confused

Hey,

Im just looking for some quick explainations of what happens and what to do once my husband gets here.

Im assuming apply for adjustment of status once he gets here.. but then what?? Is it true he cant get a job for almost 3 months?? And cant get a drivers license until he gets the approval to work? Does he have to wait to get a ssn to get a drivers license?? Im so confused. I thought it was much easier!!!!!!!!!

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks
Amy



Amy,

Once your husband arrives he should wait about 2 weeks and then he should apply for his social security card at your local office.

regarding drivers lisences it varys from state to state. In illinois I was allowed to apply for my drivers lisence any time before my I-94 expired. I just needed proof of an address in the state. best bet is to check with your states DMV office to find out the rules and regulations ragarding that.

If he enters via JFK then he may get issued the temp work permit at the airport. its good for the duration ofhis K-1 but he'll need a social security card before he can accept any work. in addition, once the temp permit expires, in theory he's supposed to leave any employment until his EAD proper is issued. The EAD can take anywehere from a few weeks to a few months to be approved (just look at my timeline !!). Without an EAD your hubby cannot work in the US.

Mark :)
luv2teach77MaleEngland2006-02-09 14:59:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresquestion about expediting the case
Sorry to hear that your Husbands mother is in ill health.

I would be VERY VERY wary of any lawyer who says that $400 will get your case expedited. As far as I am aware, unless a close family member is suffering from a life threatening condition, there are very few reasons why a case will be moved up in the order.

If I were you I would ask your lawyer what means he plans to utilize to get your case expedited. Unless you are 100% convinced that this will do the job I would save your money and hope that your approval comes through in time to visit your mother in law afterwards.

Best of luck

Mark :)
luv2teach77MaleEngland2006-03-13 22:38:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFour G-325A forms???
Anyone required to fill out and submit the G-325A form is required to complete each of the 4 pages of the form and sign them all. If the K-3 I-129F are like the K-1 I-129f requirements both your Husband and you will each need to complete 4 pages. basically when you send in the forms you want 8 pages of G-325A forms, 4 from you and 4 from him.

If you fill them in on the computer you only need to complete the first page and when you print it it fills in all the other pages with the same info... then you just need to sign them !!

Mark :)
luv2teach77MaleEngland2006-04-15 19:59:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHELP!!
Oops !!... :)

Edited by luv2teach77, 18 August 2006 - 12:51 PM.

luv2teach77MaleEngland2006-08-18 12:50:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWill this cause any problems??
Is she back in the UK yet ? If not you need to be aware that getting married and filing for a K-3 visa doesn't give her the right to remain in the US indefinately.

Every day that she remains in the US after her visa expired is considered time out of status. Accrue more than 180 days out of status and she will probably be slapped with a lengthy re-entry ban, regardless of the K-3 application.

You should work on getting her back to the UK as quickly as possible while you wait for the K-3 to be approved. It *may* be possible for her to visit during the K-3 process but her entry is no garunteed.

Mark :)
luv2teach77MaleEngland2006-09-05 16:23:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage After K-1 has been Filed
You CANNOT get legally married in Morocco and continue with the K-1 application.

A K-1 visa is a Fiance(e) visa for a US Citizen to bring their Non-US Fiance(e) to the US to get married. If you are already married prior to his entry into the US then your Fiance will now be your Husband, invalidating the K-1 visa and will be forcing you to re-apply from scratch for a spousal visa.

Your Fiance will be free to leave Morocco as soon as his visa is approved. The length of time for this varies but there are many others applying for visas from Morrocco who will be able to give you a better idea of timelines. Do not rush into marriage in Morrocco if you already have several months of processing time under your belt for the k-1. You will be forced to back track to step one and start all over again.

Mark :)
luv2teach77MaleEngland2006-09-24 17:36:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDate received question
Apologies for my misinformation. I had no idea that the USCIS was being so generous these days !!

Sorry for any confusion.

Mark smile.gif
luv2teach77MaleEngland2008-02-06 13:50:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDate received question
The starting date for any case processing times is always the date on NOA1. As in your case, it can take some time for the intitial processing to be completed before they send out the NOA. Using the date that you see the package was delivered will just lead to frustration when trying to get status reviews of your case. The USCIS will ALWAYS use the date on the NOA so you should start counting from there also.

Hope that has cleared things up for you.

Mark smile.gif
luv2teach77MaleEngland2008-02-06 10:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon-NEED HELP
I've searched high and low for a post I submitted some months ago explaining every step of the Packet 3 process... this is a slightly condensed version.

As previosuly stated the email address for the London Embassy is londonconsular@state.gov... make sure you include the case number supplied by the NVC in all corresspondance.

The packet 3 process for London is as follows..

Packet 3 will be sent to your Fiance by the Embassy once they have received your file from the NVC. It will include a number of forms, a document checklist and instructions on how to fill them all out.

All applicants need to fill out and return the following forms

DS-156 (use the electronic version available from the London Embassy website)
DS-157
DS-230 Part 1
Document Checklist

The document checklist shouldn't be returned until you have ALL the documents listed on it. This list includes things like the police check which takes around 40 days to come through. If you send this back before you have all the documents at hand then you could end up with a trip to the embassy.

The forms can be sent back before the document checklist or with the checklist but processing of packet 3 won't start until both the forms AND the checklist are returned.

Some of the forms require signatures prior to sending them back. Others are signed infront of the consular officer at the interview. The instructions in the packet should explain what to do with each of them. They may have sent out another DS-230 if it was / wasn't signed when it should / shouldn't have been.

I can't quite work out from your post if your Fiancee thinks he is missing some forms, has lost some forms or is just generally confused about what he needs to do. Hopefully these replies will help you get the situation straight in your head.

Good luck with everything

Mark :)
luv2teach77MaleEngland2006-02-02 15:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPacket 3 question UK
Chris,

Don't affix the pics to the DS-156... the consular officer will do that during your interview.

If you have your medical scheduled and or you plan to have it done well before your interview date then I'd say you're good to go sending the checklist back now. Worst case scenario you attend the interview without having had your medical results back. They would do the interview but hold off on an approval until the medical results had been received.

The I-134 gets taken to the interview with you. Don't send that back with your complated packet 3 docs !!

Hope you get an interview scehduled quickly.

Mark :)

Edited by luv2teach77, 13 February 2006 - 12:24 PM.

luv2teach77MaleEngland2006-02-13 12:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview-approval/not approved
Packet 4 from the Embassy (the one confirming his interview date etc..) will contain a payment slip for the visa fee. I beleive he can take it to any Barclays bank and pay the fee with no additional costs. If he takes it to another bank they may charge to process the fee. The bank keep one half of the slip and he takes the other half with him to the interview as proof that he's paid.

The only other money he'll hand over on the day of the interview is the money paid for the courier who delivers his passport back to him, complete with his K-1 visa hopefully, a day or so after his successful interview.

All the payment process will be explained in the paperwork that comes out with packet 4.

Mark :)
luv2teach77MaleEngland2006-02-21 12:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview-approval/not approved
Although the success rate through London is pretty high, nothing is garunteed and you shouldn't assume anything until your Fiance is in your arms on US soil.

Recently problems seem to have arisen from issues regarding peoples police checks and or previous problems or overstays on VWP visits.

If your Fiance has NEVER been in trouble with the police and has NEVER overstayed on any pervious VWP visits then as long as he has all the documents requested during his interview, he should be just fine.

In reality most interviews through London (mine included) were a piece of cake and nothing to worry about whatsoever.

Mark :)
luv2teach77MaleEngland2006-02-21 11:51:00