ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomStages of preparation for leaving...And a question!
Well i need to sell up early on ebay for the money to pay off credit cards and loans so that I can start saving for my AOS. I dont earn that much a month with all my jobs so money is hard to come by.

I was thinking of the Cineworld thing actually cool.gif , it looks like a good deal but I just need to figure out if I have people to go with LOL! Yeah Alcohol, figured that one out, it literally kills 12 hours at a time happy.gif

Other than that, just giving myself a tonne of facials and teaching my dog new tricks tongue.gif. I think the summer will be easier when all my friends come home from University.
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-21 16:12:00
United KingdomStages of preparation for leaving...And a question!
So yeah...Back on topic!

Just finding things to pass the time is hard at the moment, I dont have any hobbies (Cant afford them!) and all I am doing currently is listing items on ebay and cleaning out my room, daily!
I talk to my Fiancee everyday but he has to go out with his family a lot, so its pretty boring right now... What do you guys do to pass the time?
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-21 11:05:00
United KingdomStages of preparation for leaving...And a question!
Hey there thanks for the advice.
The reason for needing the job notice is mainly because there is no one to fill my spot currently, and they need as much "Estimated" notice as possible. I dont plan on leaving the second the visa is through my door. :-) As I guess I will need a bit more money than estimated earlier!

Yeah I figured I was a little ahead of myself, I am currently working in to the ground to save up for everything over there, and paying off everything ahead of time so I can save that little bit more.

I am wondering about my lawyers... We started the whole "Gathering Information" in December and because they needed original signatures on everything, I had to spend 2 weeks at a time waiting for them to receive my documents from the UK. It was a nightmare! I wish we had done it ourselves but we didn't find this website soon enough sad.gif. I think they are pretty good as we have had friends go through them, but for the AOS I am going to do that all myself.

I think I am just getting a bit annoyed at my Fiancee right now as I seem to be the one saying "LOOK! We have to save for a house, wedding, yada yada" and he seems to think he can take 2 months off after the Navy and walk right in to a job... Its frustrating because hes known nothing other than that. And he doesn't seem to understand that he needs to prove he can support me on his wages and NOT his GI bill....Bahh!

I think your right about the visa-zilla. I definitely need a lot more nights out and some good wine....And Chocolate instead of sitting in planning.

Edited by nickandkayte, 18 June 2009 - 03:02 PM.

nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-18 15:00:00
United KingdomStages of preparation for leaving...And a question!
Okay just a couple of questions, I am having a bit of a hard time right now since my fella is moving from VA to FL after leaving the Navy and I dont have him to help me try to figure stuff out, (Overworked and underpaid....And stressed!).

My Petition was received May 19th 2009 by the Vermont service center... I was told by our Lawyers we wouldn't hear from them before October, so I wouldn't be in the USA before January 2010? However when looking at the time-lines on here, and reading some other member's time lines, it seems everyone else has processed a lot quicker, whether it be this year or a few years ago... I am just trying to get ready and I need to give enough notice to my 3 jobs, as well as getting my dog ready for transport! So if anyone can make a rough estimate guess (Yes I have used the timeline on this website!) it would be much appreciated as my guessing and working out is no good!

Another random question...
What did you do to prepare for the upheaval?

So far I have been packing a few boxes and selling my DVDs and books on eBay. Paying off my student debt, paying off loans, phone contracts, credit cards. I think I should have that finished by August with my current financial plan.

However after all of this I don't know what else I need to do? I have 3 suitcases of clothes and shoes ready to go, filling in my tax form to get my taxes back, and organising shipping for various thing.
I know it sounds silly but I cant afford to fly back for at least 4 years after moving to the USA, so I am trying to remember everything I possibly can, but at present my brain is to exhausted and I feel like there's something I am missing.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks so much

(A very tired and confused) Kayte :-)
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-18 11:17:00
United KingdomThe Joys of the US medical system
QUOTE (TracyTN @ Jun 18 2009, 05:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JimandChristy @ Jun 16 2009, 07:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thought I resurrect this thread, my biggest worry/fear about moving to the USA is Health Insurance.


That's ok. Honestly my biggest fear - if hubby and I had to move back to the UK for any reason - would also be health care. *shudder*


This is also my biggest fear, as we want a family in a few years, I am unsure whether to have a baby in the USA or UK.

Can anyone give any advice on good health insurance companies for women from their personal experience?
I know my Fiance has the GI bill which can give him subsidised health care but I doubt it applies to me sad.gif
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-18 11:43:00
United KingdomThe Joys of the US medical system
Well I have had a nice few run In's with the US medical system... I am so very proud of our NHS.

During my visit to a friends house in the summer of 2008 I suddenly started to pass blood in my urine (Sorry for the details!). A LOT of blood.
I get to the hospital, wait 5 hours to be seen, and got diagnosed with a UTI, and I got CHARGED $500 before my insurance covered the bill and paid me back. I Left with no antibiotics or pain killers.
Oh and the diagnosis? Completely wrong and ended up spending 2 weeks in hospital in the UK removing a kidney stone, and treating a kidney infection...

This February 13th, I ended up in a hospital in Newark (I know...The worst), throwing up every 10 Min's, not keeping water down... I had to wait again 5 hours to be seen at which point I was unconscious in the waiting room and luckily I wasn't robbed, I had a fellow flight member keeping a eye on me.
They took me in a room, gave me a Saline bag, and sent me on the flight to Virginia from Newark at 5am. Passed out again on the flight, managed to get hold of a doctor in Virginia who was a personal friend of mine who sorted me out with antibiotics, saline for another 3 days, and some pain killers. Severe gastroenteritis. And I got charged $400 this time for just coming in a ambulance and the 1 hour of treatment before getting turfed out. I wasn't even seen by a Doctor.

The NHS have been great over here, then again I am a member of the NHS partnership and was in Medical school.
In the USA I think I will get my Dr. and then come back to the UK and practice...

That's just my opinion here smile.gif
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-18 11:04:00
United KingdomI've only gone and done it
Congratulations! Its nice to hear such a happy story smile.gif
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-18 11:20:00
United KingdomFed up!
Yep I know that feeling! I am still at the first stage of the visa though...LOL!

I know its hard, sometimes all you need is some chocolate and a nice chat on skype. I would definitely give them a call 8am tomorrow morning and find out whats going on. Be really firm and straight with them, tell them that you have heard its "Fine" multiple times, and make sure you get the name and phone extension of the person you are talking to. That seems to sort things out in a really mysterious way...
I wouldn't be worried, they are probably just being slow, but give them another call to let them know you are watching ;-).

If you want anyone to talk to during this time let me know, I am going through the same thing right now!! It may be good if you have someone similar to talk to through this.

Edited by nickandkayte, 21 June 2009 - 05:18 PM.

nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-21 17:15:00
United KingdomI Friggin' Love Marmite ...
QUOTE (Mark&Steph @ Jul 1 2009, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (nickandkayte @ Jun 30 2009, 05:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Cadburys cream eggs
20X recipie sachets (Curry sauce, spag bol etc...All colemans)
Reggae Reggae sauce
Yorkshire pudding batter mix (The best way not to screw it up!)
Mushy peas in a can
Sticky toffee pudding
Bran Flakes
Mini eggs (Cadburys)
Toblerone
Fabric Conditioner (Tesco cheap stuff but it smells amazing)
Mint sauce
Apple sauce
Fish and chip batter mix

and I think thats it.
Ohhh no wait...Jaffa cakes!


Apparently everythings been eaten now except some Recipie sachets, and some batter left over smile.gif.

You are (or will be) in Palm Beach County?
If so, luckily for you, a lot of those things are available in various Publix stores in our area (the southern half of the county) . they all have a slightly different selection, but I've definitely seen the bolded ones.
There's also a brit store in Lake Worth.



You angel innocent.gif. I am actually going to be in Port St Lucie, which is about 40 mins away. I know its one huge thing I am going to miss sad.gif
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-01 12:36:00
United KingdomI Friggin' Love Marmite ...
LOL about the curly wurlys! You will be shocked at what I got through customs last time. Never doing it again though, all that room could of been used for shoes sad.gif *sigh*.

Cadburys cream eggs
20X recipie sachets (Curry sauce, spag bol etc...All colemans)
Reggae Reggae sauce
Yorkshire pudding batter mix (The best way not to screw it up!)
Mushy peas in a can
Sticky toffee pudding
Bran Flakes
Mini eggs (Cadburys)
Toblerone
Fabric Conditioner (Tesco cheap stuff but it smells amazing)
Mint sauce
Apple sauce
Fish and chip batter mix

and I think thats it.
Ohhh no wait...Jaffa cakes!

That was my big lot which I needed to take over as my Fiancee couldent visit the UK while in the Navy on duty. So I made him english dinners every night smile.gif.

I had two huge bags and the security guy just looked at me and said "Shoes" and I said..."YES!" and walked on. However, I made sure to obey the rules and not take fruit, veg, meat, unless it was tinned or jarred.

Apparently everythings been eaten now except some Recipie sachets, and some batter left over smile.gif.
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-30 04:55:00
United KingdomI Friggin' Love Marmite ...
I take this over the the USA every time along with "Reggae Reggae" sauce and crumpets... I have a suitcase of food usually. I love marmite but most americans I know seem to hate it smile.gif
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-29 11:19:00
United KingdomShipping Paperwork from London
Thanks for posting this, I was getting confused with shipping....
I am sending over 6 boxes with excess baggage sea mail, its all stuff like worn shoes, underwear, shirts, medical books. Nothing expensive. How much tax roughly would I be charged? Is it really worth shipping it over if I am going to be taxed?
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-04 17:18:00
United KingdomWhat to prepare whilst waiting for NOA2
As you know I just got my NOA2, so I am preparing my shipping forms for my boxes, my pet passport stuff for my dog, getting my vaccinations up to date with the NHS, and putting all photos of my fiancee and myself in a divider folder. Along with my tax documents, passport, my old passport, ticket stubs, school reports and GCSE, A LEVEL, degree results forms. Just anything that proves I am a UK citizen and I have been to the USA, and I love my fiancee, so even photographs of the flowers he sent me and the card with them biggrin.gif

If you go to your local GP and ask for a appointment with a NHS nurse regarding vaccinations they will do them then and there, and give you a "Vaccination record" to take to your medical. They should do all the childhood vaccines for free.

Edited by nickandkayte, 05 September 2009 - 10:29 AM.

nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-05 10:25:00
United KingdomPacket 3 London - did I get the wrong instructions?
Hey guys!
Well I have the same issue, a letter was sent with some email links. However we were a little confused on what to send where, when and how so we emailed our lawyers to tell us what to do. When we receive a reply we shall post it up here for everyone to view so you can all have a better understanding of whats happening because that website makes no sense, especially to two people with severe dyslexia....
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-25 08:53:00
United KingdomUS Embassy London phone number?
Dosent it cost about £1.20 a min though? I called on 0904-245-0100....And recieved a very big phone bill!
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-25 11:58:00
United KingdomFew questions....
And the tax return arrived today..... Just very late!
Just doing the rest of the paperwork now *sigh*.... Thank god for left over halloween candy smile.gif
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-02 12:42:00
United KingdomFew questions....
Hey hey hey!
Well police check and all other documents arrived today. The lawyers did my DS-156 with me and I am just doing the 156K and 157 now....And not forgetting the DS-230 part 2!

My one problem is I cant seem to remember any of my supervisors at my two previous jobs (in 2005-2006) and when I called the personal officers had no record of who was my supervisor either since (I worked at TESCO and NEXT) any memeber of managment was my boss, can I just put "any member of managment" for question 12 on the 157 forms?

The other issue is that the lawyers have very kindly put the packet together for me, and left a blank page for the "2008" tax return....Which my fiancee still dosent have after 5 months of writing letters and phone calls. He is going to see if they can fax it today but the lawyers didnt seem to bothered by this since we have all our other documents including his parents finiancial documents and his current job letters and information from the navy (his previous job). Not sure whats going on there and my fiancee is trying to sort out faxing one to me before Thursday...Its a bit rushed and crazy right now and I am a little stressed to say the least...
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-02 09:57:00
United KingdomFew questions....
QUOTE (gmjdmj @ Oct 30 2009, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Did you mail all of the DS forms prior to getting the interview scheduled?


Yep I mailed part 1, but it said to not fill in part 2 until the interview....Guess thats another bit of paperwork now...*sigh*. It will all be worth it when I get to see him star_smile.gif
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-30 13:50:00
United KingdomFew questions....
It didnt say anything about a DS230 on my letter....Hmmm I will do one anyway! The forms it told me to bring were the 156, 157, and 156k. Dosent mention DS230....

I do need to do one because I read about it, but its so strange they didnt mention it on the letter!

Edited by nickandkayte, 30 October 2009 - 01:02 PM.

nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-30 13:00:00
United KingdomFew questions....
And I forgot to add a big big big thankyou to gmjdmj!!
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-30 12:46:00
United KingdomFew questions....
Well i sent the police check next day mail to them(on monday!), its arrived and just waiting on it to come back.... Had such a crazy time finding someone to sign it.... Paid £70 to have it rushed and still no sign of the thing... sad.gif

Just waiting on my fiancee to overnight mail me the other forms from the lawyers, does anyone know if there will be more postal strikes? Just getting really worried now about it getting there on time... sad.gif Interview is on Thursday and I feel very sick at the thought of it, I hate interviews and get so nervous and it makes me feel so sick.... Especially as I am traveling from 3 hours away at 5am to get there for 8:30am.

Hope this police check comes soon sad.gif.

Anyhow just checking once again on my folder 1 documents:-
Police check
Avi of support
OF-169
156X2
157X2
156K

Just about to start on the paperwork tonight!

Edited by nickandkayte, 30 October 2009 - 12:39 PM.

nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-30 12:38:00
United KingdomFew questions....
Yeah I am not sure either.... My fiancee is still getting all that together, we literally got the letter on friday telling us we have a interview on the 5th, letter dated from a week ago... Thinking of moving my interview date so I have more time to get everything together, since I put my wedding date as the 16th November on the documentation in packet 3, I am thinking they will be wondering whats going on.... sad.gif
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-25 12:25:00
United KingdomFew questions....
I have everything else except the police check which I was told by our lawyers to apply for tomorrow (10 day thing...).... I just hope with the strikes and all it gets here in time...

I got a letter from the US embassy asking for:

"Please download and bring the following to your interview:
156 (x2)
157 (x2)
156k"

I didnt see anything about I-134???
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-25 12:15:00
United KingdomFew questions....
Hey there...

Well I am a bit stuck right now and in a blind panic. I was told to get my police check done 10 days before my interview (mine is on the 5th November) but have just done a bit of reading and it seems I should of done it before that date as they take a while to mail out?
Can I not just go to my local police office and obtain one there or do I now have to mail out forms?

I am in a really bad panic mode and my fiancee isn't really understanding the whole thing...

And another thing, is this pretty much the layout of my folders for the interview:

Folder 1- OF-169 form, 156 (x2), 157 (x2), 156k

Folder 2- Emails, Phone bills, phone card logs, letters, cards, photos etc etc....


Is that correct?

Edited by nickandkayte, 25 October 2009 - 11:26 AM.

nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-25 11:25:00
United Kingdomwhat do you do?
QUOTE (Gemmie @ Dec 17 2009, 05:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I meant my FIL pushing me to take any job (coffee shop) just so I don't have to sit around the house all day. tongue.gif We had a talk the other day and I told him that I was trying to get a decent job with benefits that I can make a career out of, and he basically told me that any job is better than none. Are your in-laws dropping hints that they want you of their house? Maybe they're trying to help in their own way.

The money situation is difficult, maybe you can do something cheap like going to a nearby plaza and just walking around, looking in the shops, getting some fresh air. Do you have any pets? Sometimes it's nice to play with them together. Or renting a DVD and having a night in together.

About the confidence, I'll tell you what helps me. Being dropped off at a train station, going into the city (in this case Boston) and spending a few hours there by myself. It reminds me of my old life in the UK when I would happily walk everywhere, talk to people, go shopping, etc. I always felt a LOT happier when I was picked up afterwards, my confidence was restored, and so was my motivation to get out there and make a life for myself. We can't do that anymore as my husband works full-time and there's not a lot to do in the city for 8 hours. But it's still a quick way to feel better.


I am trying to go to the gym a lot more for my confidence and also hanging out with Nick's friends which is good smile.gif I may take a walk around the mall at some point in the coming weeks, I used to love shopping on my own!

We went to the VA office yesterday to see about any support we can get and they very kindly gave us some Wallmart vouchers to help us out with food which has been awesome smile.gif. I know Nicks parents would help us if we were really struggling, but we did need a little more support with food so this will definitly help out.

I think they are just trying to be nice with showing us all these houses, there are some good deals in Florida but now is not the right time to move out I feel....Does your FIL still want you to take the job after you spoke to him? blink.gif


QUOTE (A and J @ Dec 17 2009, 10:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (*julez* @ Dec 17 2009, 12:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sousuke @ Nov 14 2009, 06:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've posted this guide in a previous thread quite awhile ago regarding volunteering:

The following describes the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) interpretation of the concept of “work” versus “volunteering.”
• A foreign national cannot perform work as a volunteer in a position that would normally be a paid position or if the foreign national believes that some form of compensation will follow. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) views such volunteering as “work” and requires proper employment authorization issued by that agency. This specifically includes volunteering by a foreign national for a trial period leading up to compensated employment.
• [A]n applicant for a change of status may not offer his or her services to a prospective employer, even on a volunteer basis. The employment is unauthorized as long as the alien derives any benefit from it. (Lawrence J. Weinig, INS Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Adjudications, 66 NO. 19 Interpreter Releases 539)
• In addition, the volunteer rule may give rise to a number of potential abuses. For example, may an employer lawfully suggest to an alien that he or she should do a period of 'volunteer' work while the employer is deciding whether or not to file a nonimmigrant visa petition or a labor certification application? Recently, the INS indicated that an applicant for change in nonimmigrant status could not offer his or her services to a prospective employer on a 'volunteer' basis. The INS has stated that: 'If any type of benefit could accrue to the alien, though it may not be wages or fringe benefits, the services will be considered unauthorized employment.' (89-05 Immigr. Briefings 1)
• Volunteer services for a prospective employer constitute unauthorized employment if the alien will ultimately derive some benefit from the work. The ultimate question in most volunteer cases will be: What did the alien expect in return? If he or she expected compensation, reward, or future benefit, then the volunteer work probably violates status. (95-05 Immigr. Briefings 1)


I just spotted this in another thread, which does clarify under what circumstances volunteer work is allowable without EAD. I was not previously aware of this. Quite interesting.

So, it does look like Kayte can't volunteer at the gym. However, if you want to do some other type of volunteering to keep yourself sane, that would be OK. So, you might want to look into other volunteer opportunites.



Thanks for that, clears things up a bit smile.gif

Kayte - how are you finding this Florida weather (there was snow back home this week:(), some days i don't even want to go out as its so humid and this is winter time i hate to see what its like in the summer, which is when my next trip over will be and hopefully by then the K1 will be approved. However i do try and push myself, I am lucky we have some nice walks even being in the city. I am starting to see the stuff i am going to miss though like public transport and the ability to walk most places.

One plan when i do get home and start working is to save as much as i can on top of the our visa fees this way i can get back into the arts side of things as i'll have to get new supplies or ship mine over...I have already made 1 quilt a couple of years ago so could try my hand at another..if all else fails scrap booking!!



QUOTE (lsma @ Dec 17 2009, 11:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you do feel like doing some volunteering which fits into the above category and can't get somewhere local take a look at this website and select virtual opportunities on the search page.

There are some great non-profits looking for help from people from home and it's the sort of thing which can look great on a CV when the time comes. I was surprised how many non-profit jobs there were over here when I arrived and they all want experience in the area of working for non-profits. If I had known I would have done this myself when I had a three-month trip over during the visa process.

http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/

If you have any interest in media or journalism this company is legit and interesting....they will also give you a proper reference at the end of your time with them.

http://www.volunteer...h/opp571927.jsp



Yep that's what I saw yesterday sad.gif I cant really volunteer to do classes to help children or older people either, it sucks SO much! Hehe and the weather here was really rainy yesterday, to the point where you couldent see anything infront of you sad.gif. But today it may be a bit better, the weather is in the 70-80's and so nice smile.gif Not really humid right now.

And thanks for the links lsma smile.gif I will start looking in to volunteer work today, as well as getting my CPR from the red cross.

nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-18 08:50:00
United Kingdomwhat do you do?
QUOTE (Gemmie @ Dec 17 2009, 05:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We are in the exact same situation.

I've been in the US for 6 months and I have to admit, I never thought it would be so stressful. My confidence has gone down since being here as I'm in the house all day without interaction. I know it sounds really, really strange, especially to those of you that are out and about. I never thought this would happen to me. I get nervous talking to people (which I never did before) as the only conversation I get is over the phone to my UK friends and family... (and of course my husband and his parents). We live in the countryside about a mile away from the centre... I don't think his family realise how isolating it is sometimes. They tell me to just take a walk into the town centre and look around the shops, but the only shops they have there: A Dunkin Donuts, a bank, an antique shop and a hairdressers. When my husband gets home from work, he listens to me whine about how bored I've been and tries to take me out, but because we're saving to move out (I also live with my in-laws), there's nowhere to go.

I've just got my green card and have been job-hunting for the past few weeks, but there doesn't seem to be any luck with my field because I don't have enough experience and also don't have a driving license. Even if I get one, we can't afford another car and my husband needs his for work every day. My FIL is pushing me to take any job that I can just to get me out of the house, but I've had many "entry-level" jobs in the past that I really didn't enjoy (waitress, barmaid, sales, cleaner) and want to do something for my future. I've just got a degree and want to use it. Plus what with the travel situation, that would mean my husband getting home from work and then dropping me off at my job at night, so I'd still be on my own all day and not get time with him either.

Things will get better. I know this. We're struggling to move out, but when we do, I'll have a feeling of growth as a couple, and will be able to settle both physically and mentally. It's the being in limbo that is annoying, but it will pass.

I'm pretty sure you ARE allowed to volunteer though. The rule is that you're not allowed to accept paid work. So I would go for that, if you're able to get to the place.



I know what you mean about the car situation, I was talking about that to my Fiancee last night. We don't know what we will do either... I told him I could cycle to work but its about 13 miles each way :-( I know what you mean about confidence going down, I feel isolated here and we cant go out because it just causes my fiancee to stress out about money and gas prices.

Yeah I know the feeling about being pushed out the house, Nick and I are going through that too. This morning there was 2 house's for sale written down on a piece of paper for us to look at...We have no money so how are we going to be able to move out?!
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-17 12:18:00
United Kingdomwhat do you do?
Alex I sent you a PM smile.gif.

We should all write down what we do each day... smile.gif It would be nice to see what others are doing!

So far its 8:51am, I have made myself a egg white omlette, just about to do some pilates. Took my dog out for a walk, and am just about to re arrange my cosmetics in the bathroom before showering and doing my make up smile.gif.

This afternoon we are going to the VA office to find out about some kinda support for us, and then on to a Body Pump class and do a run at the gym so I can keep fit while here.

I also brought ShaunT beach body insanity to do over 90 days smile.gif I also have p90x! However currently I am watching Stargate on Hulu and painting my nails.
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-17 08:54:00
United Kingdomwhat do you do?
Just read something saying voluntary work or training is not allowed...

My Fiancee and I had a very different image in our mind when I arrived, we thought it wouldn't be this stressful, all this paperwork, money worries. We are living with his parents and waiting to move out, but we cant until we paid the AOS, and until I get a good paying job. I am Thinking it would of been simpler to move him to the UK!

Plus sitting about all day and night is driving me stir crazy and we cant go out since we are very broke... Just waiting for this all to be over and for the fun stuff to happen...Grrrr. Anyone else frustrated or in a similar situation?
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-16 20:25:00
United Kingdomwhat do you do?
QUOTE (nickandkayte @ Dec 16 2009, 12:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I got myself in to some fitness training so when I get my EAD I can teach classes. Would this be counted as working or just training? smile.gif I am not being paid and its classes as just training so the second the EAD comes through I am getting my qualifications and working. I passed my interview for the job yesterday and they are going to hold the position but I wasn't sure how the gov would see this?


Found the answer, so now I am sitting at home for 3 months with nothing to do again....Great mad.gif . No training, no anything. This is going to be so bad for me wacko.gif
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-16 07:26:00
United Kingdomwhat do you do?
I got myself in to some fitness training so when I get my EAD I can teach classes. Would this be counted as working or just training? smile.gif I am not being paid and its classes as just training so the second the EAD comes through I am getting my qualifications and working. I passed my interview for the job yesterday and they are going to hold the position but I wasn't sure how the gov would see this?
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-16 06:35:00
United Kingdomwhat do you do?
I need something to do, I was going to do my fitness instructing training and was hoping to have my EAD by late January...Not gonna happen. Sat bored all day around his parents house because we cant move out until I get a full time job. I am so depressed sitting about all day, just me and the dog sad.gif. And no money.
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-15 17:37:00
United KingdomBritish/Scottish recipes
I highly reccomend Delia's Christmas book. Fantastic food and snacks for the winter, and I am trying my first one tomorrow night...Just goto find some Creme Fraiche and Filo pastry somewhere!
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-12-18 18:59:00
United KingdomDX courier from the embassy
Phew! You guys rock, they never told me that at the embassy, just told me I had to wait in for it with the correct ID.... smile.gif Thank you sooo much!

They didnt even tell me about the text message or anything else about it not being able to be seen on the tracking system.... And the DX helpline didnt have a clue.... For £14 you think they would tell you a lot more!

Edited by nickandkayte, 06 November 2009 - 12:19 PM.

nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-06 12:17:00
United KingdomDX courier from the embassy
So I paid for my visa delivery yesterday around 12:30pm, and I tried to track it this morning and the number isn't working. So I called the helpline and they cant even find the number or my postcode in their system... And when I asked for the number for DX at the embassy, they gave me the embassy's helpline!! The £1.20 a min helpline at that....

I am not sure what to do and even though its day 1 out of 5 for the delivery I am slightly worried as to when its going to turn up as I need to have someone at home with my ID.

Anyone have any advice?
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-06 03:13:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (TracyTN @ Nov 6 2009, 08:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I love your recap! 'The magic screen' laughing.gif


I am so shocked I stared at a screen....for 4 hours....Mostly it just displayed "Welcome to the US Embassy". But now and again it would go "Now calling.." and everyone would stare and be on the edge of their seats. Its like winning the lottery when your called. Get up from your seat and your like "HAHA I won!" ...Only to realise you havent won, and its not a game, its just a freaking screen.... It probally was me just being sleepy. By the time I got back on Thursday and went to my gym class (Yes, you heard that, I was half asleep but still went) and came home I had been up 40 hours, still recovering today, and the sad thing is, on a good traffic day I am 2 hours 20 from london! Arghhh!
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-06 16:37:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
Well I thought I would write about my interview process for you guys smile.gif My interview was on Thursday 5th November 2009 at 9:00am apparently....

So on Wednesday I checked my forms about 100 times, got my Mum and Dad to check them, got my American boss to check them, faxed them to my lawyers to check and also to my fiancee....Phew!

I am in bed by 11pm...Not asleep at 12am....1am comes around and I am either sleeping or dreaming about my visa and thinking of questions about it......By 3:30am I am up and ready to head to London, I wake up my dad about 4:45am and we head off to Oxford by 5:15am.

Arrive at Oxford at 6:20am...And get on the 6:30 train to paddington (Just to note, 2 people with a tube pass in all zones is £56.00 EACH!). By the time I am at Paddington I was throwing up with Nerves sad.gif Around 7:45am. Get on the tube and get to the embassy around 8AM by which time I am feeling less sick and have managed to eat a cookie and some water.

Headed over to the nice lady with my letter and passport, and was waved in to Security. There were about 10 people ahead of me. I enter the actual embassy about 8:15AM and try to read my book, but its no use....I am just staring at that screen for 2 hour.... Honestly I didn't move. When I did get called up I almost had a heart attack "I-856 to window 13". Handed over my documents of which I had 2 of everything and photocopies... And got a "Good girl" smile.gif from the embassy personnel. Paid for my visa at the window next door and sat back down with my pink courier sheet. *Sigh*

By this time its 10:20 and I am running through in my head all the interview questions, and trying to adjust my outfit so its perfect.... by 11:20 I am feeling very hungry and am still staring at that screen, haven't even touched my books! All the I numbers were called up...it got till 12:20 and I was about to go ask someone what had happened and my name got called over the intercom....Needless to say I almost feinted thinking there was something wrong, and as I walked up to window 15 I was going over everything in my head. Only to be greeted by a nice red haired lady to asked me to swear everything was true, after taking my fingerprints, to which my answer was "Yeeeep!".

She asked me the following questions
"Where did you meet online"
"How long have you been together"
"What do you have in common" God....I couldn't of picked a worse response "Sleeping with one leg out of the bed and a fondness for Maltese dogs"...She laughed at me and in my brain I was thinking *KATIE...shut up....just stop it!*

"What do you plan to do for work" Key answer here "WHEN I GET MY WORK AUTHOURIZATION I plan to become a personal trainer and nutrition specialist, since I like the gym...And food..."
"When was the next time you met"
"Why did he leave the navy""What did he do in the Navy" My reply was "He was fireman trained, and also worked with computers...Were both kinda Geeky.."
"What does he do now at Best Buy" Replied with "Hes a computer sales specialist"
"When is he planning to go to college"
"Did he join the navy right out of high school"
"What are you doing about the wedding" to which my reply was "Hes planning it" and she looked at me shocked.
"What kind of dress have you got" And my answer was "Something from my own wardrobe which I can wear again as I don't see the point in spending money on a big wedding or a big dress when half of my family cant come, for the moment its a small romantic ceremony, and in a few years time we will have a renewing of vows and a big wedding with all my family when we have the time to come up with all that money for a wedding..."

She laughed and said "Yeah I agree, there's no point spending £5,000 on a dress you will only wear once"...

She then asked about if we had a house and I told her "Not yet, I am really fussy about wardrobe sizes since I have a lot of clothes and shoes from my modeling work.... So I have to be there to see the wardrobe" And she laughed again....I honestly didn't know what was coming out of my mouth but it kept making her laugh so I just kept going! smile.gif. I think its my Nerves....

Then she said "Well I am approving you visa, you will get it in about 3-5 days, you can go and pay the courier"

And then I asked her where the nearest phone box was as I needed to call my Dad to let him know, as he was walking by the embassy every hour to see if I was there, or in a Internet cafe!

Paid the courier and skipped out, to find my dad near by! Yayy! Turns out he now knows all the guards at the embassy as he was coming by every 45 mins looking to see whether I was out smile.gif and gave them a wave goodbye and we were off to the Spaghetti House!

Fantastic food, highly recommended for a celebration after visa approval.



As for any tips I have:

Dress smart, I felt so much more confident knowing I had a nice dress on, Bright purple tights, some very nice pointy shoes (They did hurt but it was worth it) and a purple leather bag. Everything matched and because I felt good, by the time I hit the embassy it started to make me feel a bit more confident.

EAT! I wish I could of eaten more. The food place in the embassy closed really early sad.gif

Lastly, realise it may be a long wait, but it goes by so quickly, I think the magic screen has hypnotic powers...

Edited by nickandkayte, 06 November 2009 - 02:16 PM.

nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-06 14:12:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
I had my medical 1 week before my appointment letter came through... smile.gif They were very happy about that at the embassy smile.gif
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-05 11:48:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (yorkshirerose22 @ Nov 4 2009, 01:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh wow good job i check lol and didnt jus send them, i hadnt fill it out . Got the impression i didint have too coz im not male lol. Thank you


Well I am pretty sure since I am a woman and I was told in my letter to bring it to the interview smile.gif Lol!
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-04 09:36:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
Yes you still have to fill out ds-157
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-04 08:12:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ Nov 4 2009, 10:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (nickandkayte @ Nov 4 2009, 03:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well ive got a letter here from the us embassy telling me to bring the DS forms to the interview.

"Please download the following and bring them to your interview:

156 (x2)
157 (x2)
156K "

My lawyers agreed on this as they sent me all the documentation (Apart from the ones I completed) in the post to take to my interview. And I was told only to send the DS-230 part 1 back to the embassy with packet 3???

If your letter from the Embassy (not your lawyer) says that, then that's what you should do. Previously they had been saying to send in the DS230, the ones you've marked above and the checklist prior to the interview. If they were wanting anything else from you, then they wouldn't have given you an interview so I'm sure you are just fine.

QUOTE (nickandkayte @ Nov 4 2009, 03:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
"Make sure the photocopy of the tax return has been signed by the USC." Oh my god he hasnt done that due to us getting it yesterday..... He scanned me a copy and mailed it over..... What am I going to have to do as my interview is tomorrow?

That's one of those things people have been questioned about at various stages so just a head's up thing if still preparing documents. It's not London specific. Yours is probably fine and they won't look at it that closely. You could always do your best version of his signature.

Relax, and go to you interview with a smile on your face and you will do well. It's too late to panic now, so just hope you sail through in 5 minutes and worry about any little other details later, only if you have to.



Thanks for this smile.gif Just went on a run to chill myself out.... Yep my letter from the embassy told me to bring that smile.gif Is it possible they changed the format of the way they are doing them?

Could I get Nick to re send the tax return with his signature and date on it or will they only accept the original? I just want to be super prepared for everything.
nickandkayteFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-11-04 05:48:00