ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)AP EMERGENCY: NEED ADVICE: Just got screwed by the Embassy - any NYC lawyer suggestions???

When I was applying for my K1 and now my AOS, I didn't receive notices, I kept myself up to date using my ref numbers on the uscis.gov homepage, the templates of letters that hadbeen sent were there.  I don't know if you've been doing this too, or is beyond the standard system they have.  I hope it all comes together for you. Good luck :)


Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-16 16:57:00
United KingdomPets from Heathrow to Houston

Hi fellow VJ'ers.

As we all know from all the experiences we have had so far in our journey's planning is EVERYTHING. :thumbs:

So we are all already looking into our options for our lovely mini Schnauzer - Leo - to fly to Houston.

I have researched as much as I could over the weekend and my wife has phoned airlines as much as she could as well.

So far, Continental/United is absolutely useless. Very unprofessional and has no idea what is currently going on with their own "PetSafe" scheme. Several calls later we still have no idea.

British Airways is much more upfront and just came to the point by saying: "Use a pet agent to transport your dog....." Is this the norm? Pay lots of money for someone to do what seems to be something quite basic?

Searching here on VJ was also quite vague as to the actual process of getting a pet on the plane.

We already know what the requirements are for Texas - Health Check Document (not older than 3 days) and a Rabies shot not younger than 30 days. We have our own airline approved kennel for him with all the other requirements as well (water and food containers etc)....as far as I can see we just need to get him on the plane now.....and I can't see where the value is in paying £500+ for this "service".... :hehe:

Anyone else experience would be nice...thanks. :help:


Hi, I had looked into this too a few month ago...Delta and Virgin also do pet travel. All the pet couriers do, is make sure all the documents are in order, escort the dog in pen area ready to go on the plane, give them a quick walk etc then escort the dog in pen on the plane, and vice versa the other end. If you go thru the airline companies themselves, they have reps to do the same thing. I think the reason they ask to have a courier do this, is because they know the ins and outs of transporting animals and nothing goes amiss, and its piece of mind for yourself. £500 sounds about right, this should include pen and everything, I was looking at the same price for a giant bullmastiff. The best thing to do is probably call as many airlines and couriers as possible to see what they can all offer, and you'll have a better idea of which way you want to go from there. Take a look on KLM's website or youtube pet transport, and there's company videos of what happens behind the scenes, it made me feel better about the whole process. Good Luck, I hope you get everything goes well for you!!
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-16 15:52:00
United KingdomPolice Cert - whats needed?

I dont see that anywhere on the police certificate forms that you need transcripts http://www.acro.poli...orm V18 PDF.pdf . Or do you mean for the interview etc?

For the police certificate, it does ask you to provide details on the continuation page where you will need to write about it.


Looking on the London Embassy website it states this under the checklist for 'the interview' 2nd para is in question - it states I need one then in the same sentance states not needed if this happened in the UK?? I just dont want to turn up to the interview and be turned away because I dont have enough info, even worse be denied an interview. I've already been to the embassy about this for a travel visa in the past so it shouldnt be an issue, Im just trying to cover all bases!! Thanks :)

Police Certificates for the United Kingdom: A visa applicant who has resided in the United Kingdom for 6 months or more since the age of 16, is required to obtain a police certificate from the ACPO Criminal Records Office (ACRO). Further information is available from their website at www.acro.police.uk. This police certificate will serve to advise the U.S. Embassy, London whether or not any criminal conviction is held against him/her. The police certificate will be sent to the applicant's address provided at the time of application. Please note that the Immigrant Visa Unit considers the police certificate valid for 12 months from the date of issuance, not six months as stated on the certificate. If the police certifiate states "No Trace" or "No Live Trace", please be prepared to discuss your arrests/cautions/convictions with the consular officer on the day of the interview.

******Court and Prison Records: Persons who have been convicted of a crime must obtain a certified copy of each court record and any prison record, regardless of the fact that he or she may have subsequently benefited from an amnesty, pardon or other act of clemency or the United Kingdom Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. (DOES NOT APPLY TO APPLICANTS CONVICTED IN THE United Kingdom)

Court records should include:Complete information regarding the circumstance surrounding the crime of which the applicant was convicted and the disposition of the case, including sentence or other penalty or fine imposed
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-10-01 11:58:00
United KingdomPolice Cert - whats needed?
I'm in the process of sending off for my police certificate. Unfortunately I was convicted of a driving offence some years ago, and was wondering if I need to get the court transcripts - the checklist has in red that if this happened in the UK then I do not. Is this correct?

Thanks :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-10-01 09:07:00
United KingdomRemoval Companies UK to USA

I have used United Van Lines on a move to and from GB and they were excellent. They packed the entire household at the origin and unpacked at the destination, both ways. In addition I also shipped the car in the same container, so everything arrived at the same time and in less than 4 weeks. I would highly recommend them.


This is something I'm looking into too. I don't have quite so much but still a couple of boxes worth, so Ive been looking at Royal Mail International and DHL, and also googling some 3rd party companies...does anyone know if I have to pay duty on my stuff or would I get a small stereo and lava lamp through customs in a suit case??
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-13 13:56:00
United Kingdomwaiting for interview letter
Called the department of state and they said they have all of the paperwork and are waiting for an appointment date, anyone knows what this means or should I be patient?
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-17 08:51:00
United Kingdomwaiting for interview letter
Thanks for that information, it will be a year since starting the process on 6 Jan, I'm at my wits end ha ha, Ill feel better when I get a date, I asked for cancellations too so hopefully it'll be sooner than later :)

Thanks for that information, it will be a year since starting the process on 6 Jan, I'm at my wits end ha ha, Ill feel better when I get a date, I asked for cancellations too so hopefully it'll be sooner than later :)

Oops that posted twice lol
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-16 15:51:00
United Kingdomwaiting for interview letter
Brilliant thanks, ill do that too :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-14 13:34:00
United Kingdomwaiting for interview letter
Ah that's good news for you, hopefully mine won't be far behind, tim did you call the us embassy number, or another one?
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-13 10:14:00
United Kingdomwaiting for interview letter
Called them, it takes 4 weeks to log d2001 and 2 weeks to send the interview letter, so I'm looking at waiting another 3 weeks suppose I can kiss goodbye to mid Jan loooooool :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-13 10:12:00
United Kingdomwaiting for interview letter
Yep, good luck, let me know how you get on too, I was looking to move the same time, I'm a little disappointed I haven't heard, I advised I was available for a cancellation, fingers crossed!
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-13 09:36:00
United Kingdomwaiting for interview letter
Thankyou so much, I shall do this tomorrow, you've been so much help throughout this process thankyou x
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-12 16:46:00
United Kingdomwaiting for interview letter
It was 12 November x
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-12 15:19:00
United Kingdomwaiting for interview letter
Hey guys, I've sent everything to the London embassy, and they have my medical results and my form of readiness, does anyone know how long it takes for the appointment date to come through or roughly what date the appointments are being sent out now. Thanks everyone x
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-12 14:54:00
United KingdomElora & Rob Update
Congratulations!!!!! Its nice to hear about life after the interview and move, this will be me in a couple of months....all the best and enjoy :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-17 13:02:00
United KingdomLondon Interview Date
I was thinking the same, my interview is Tuesday 29 Jan, would be nice to talk to someone going through the same process. For the post above, my paperwork was cleared on 20 Dec and got my interview date yesterday, hang in there x
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-17 06:37:00
United KingdomPolice Certificate

If it was me I'd get the police cert, they use it at the appointment for the reasons already stated ie drink and drug abuse and mental illness, without it they can't complete the medical.  If it was me I wouldn't risk having to spend 2 x £200+ because I didn't take it.  That's just my thought!  Good luck with your application :)


Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-17 13:13:00
United KingdomLondon Interview - Birth Certificate

Hi, 

 

I had this exact same problem within a couple of days from the interview!  You do need the long version, which I didn't have as they weren't issued in '79.  I went to my council office and explained the situation as it usually 'takes a while' for them to produce it, but they were happy to do it within an hour for me.  In all honesty if there is any way you can get the long version, do it.  I wouldn't gamble on London refusing you, or delaying your visa, and maybe having to rearrange the interview.

 

Good Luck


Hi, 

 

I had this exact same problem within a couple of days from the interview!  You do need the long version, which I didn't have as they weren't issued in '79.  I went to my council office and explained the situation as it usually 'takes a while' for them to produce it, but they were happy to do it within an hour for me.  In all honesty if there is any way you can get the long version, do it.  I wouldn't gamble on London refusing you, or delaying your visa, and maybe having to rearrange the interview.

 

Good Luck

 

The long version shows your parents info


Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-09 06:03:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
Hey everyone, does anyone have experience recently flying with a rabbit in cabin, I know a lot of airlines changed their policy and no longer allow pets in cabin internationally. I do have hope with united airlines, whom I need to call....ill be flying from Heathrow, London to Newark USA, is like to think it'll be ok but any advice would be great, thanks :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-16 15:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsRFE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello:
To all my VJ Family this is just an update.
Good News and a little not so good .
CSC is great fast service less then four months and my case been touched that the good news.
But have a RFE today not so good but im SO HAPPY that it's a step closer to my love (L) .
I Have not gotten my letter but i know what the RFE might be about ( I forgt to put in the Proof of having met in person) But any way im still SOOOOOOOOOO Happy :yes: .


Will update when i know what it is for.


The same happened to me, I put in secondary proof rather than primary and secondary, I thought I had to take it to the interview...so as soon as this is sent hopefully we shall hear something shortly after...good luck on your visa journey :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-08-05 15:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny other Feb filers, Vermont Service Centre!!!

Hi all,

Just wanted to see what is going on with VSC and when any of us Feb filers will hear anything. Seemingly to get no news at the moment about anything?

Also anything i can be doing in the meantime to get everything in order when i do eventually get NOA2 ?

Thanks

Mark


6 months tomorrow for us...we got a 'request for more information' on 1st August, so that'll push the application back a month. Hope you hear something soon!
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-08-05 15:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsRunning Out of Options and Patience

Hey Jordan,

 

I was in the same place as you, I had to move our wedding 3 times and it took nearly a year for the whole process?!?!?  I can completely understand your frustration...talk to your wedding venue and explain the situation, our venue was amazing and moved the date for us.  Also make sure you are one step ahead of the game, have your police cert and what not ready to go to the next step...best wishes, and remember it is frustrating, but you will get there :) :) 


Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-03 23:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to enter USA

It's about the "intent". If you enter the US as a tourist/visitor but your intent is to immigrate, then you have fraudulently used the VWP to circumvent immigration procedures. If you present yourself at the airport Immigration control and they ask "what is the purpose of your trip?" and you answer "I came here to stay because my wife lives here and have no intention of leaving when my 90 days are up", you will probably be put on the next plane back to the UK. That would not be proper use of VWP.

If you come to visit your wife with the "intent" of returning to the UK, but make a random decision to remain and file for adjustment of status, then you could be approved.

 

When I used to visit my fiance, I was asked to show proof of return ticket and where I worked etc...so be wary of 'random decision to remain'.  


Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-16 16:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married what happens if my visa doesnt come through in time???

If you can move the wedding back to give yourself more time then do it. You want to be able to relax enjoy your wedding (and the time just before it) and not be a bag of nerves and stressed in the run up to it.


Thanks Lynne, yeah I agree, theres a lot of variables for it to end in tears...pushing the date back a bit would make things easier :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 06:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married what happens if my visa doesnt come through in time???

You should be fine, took me under 7 months to get it, and the NOA2 took 5 months to arrive.



Thanks, Im getting a little anxious, as Im also selling my home for the move and dont want to end up living with my parents again if anything is delayed...Im thinking about pushing the wedding back 2-3 weeks if the venue will let us do this. It's all such a rollercoaster, but definately worth it!!! Congratulations on your visa :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 06:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married what happens if my visa doesnt come through in time???
Hey everyone...

Just to follow on from my first post about timing...I've had a look at a lot of other couples' timelines, and they seem to be getting approved for the visa in around 8 months sometimes shorter. I should be receiving my NOA2 in the next week or so, the general time for approval after this date is 2-3 months, which would take me to beginning of August/Sept...so I'm thinking I could be OK for the wedding in October...or do you guys think this is too close and could end in disaster??

Thanks for your input, and good luck with your own applications.
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 06:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married what happens if my visa doesnt come through in time???
Thanks guys, I thought this may be what I would be faced with, and seems the most sensible option, as having to return to the UK waiting for the spouse visa would be too much. Thankyou all for your replies...I think I need to speak to my fiance :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-21 15:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married what happens if my visa doesnt come through in time???
Hey Guys,
Just found this website today, and it's a god-send. My fiance is American and I am from the UK looking to move over and get married on 26th October 2012. We filed the paperwork the middle of January, received acceptance of paperwork 6th Feb and have received the reference number to check progress 13th Feb. I understand it takes aprx 5 months...so we are eagerly waiting 6th July for more word. I'm hoping the process after this would be pretty quick and smooth, as I'm expecting to book a medical and with the results get an appointment with the embassy...and aiming for the process to be completed realistically by Auguest, September the latest.

My worry is that the visa wont be ready before we get married on 26th October 2012, what would happen if this was the case? Would I need to start a whole new petition, or would the existing one suffice. We did say we wanted to marry in October in our application, but Im sure this wont affect anything?

Thanks for any advice or similar experiences!:)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-21 06:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 applied for can I apply for a working visa while I wait and do I need to apply for a new driving license

She does not need a tourist visa, but I am wondering where you read it was Ok to work as a visitor.


I had read it on the visa page that if you organise the service and receive the monies in the UK then it is not classed as business within the US, but I have decided to just wait until the visa come through, as I dont want to do anything wrong, or something that may be frowned upon. Thanks :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-23 16:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 applied for can I apply for a working visa while I wait and do I need to apply for a new driving license

Yeah hope you really think about trying to get in with the tourist visa. I have heard a few horror stories with someone even getting banned because they entered under a false representation (lied to CBP officer when they entered). They do run your name into their computer.
Let's say you do come on tourist for visit, then you would have to go back to get your K1. Then come back again and get married. Lots of coming and going expenses adding up here. Trust me when I say we know how hard the wait is. We ALL do, but we make it. Do not get frantic here at the finish line and do something that may end up being regretted later. This immigration stuff is a "process" and there are no shortcuts, except doing it right the first time.
Good luck and best wishes on your upcoming marriage.


Hi, I have no intention of falsifying anything, as it is morally wrong and would be shooting myself in the foot, I have decided just to wait for the visa to come through, after all it should only take a few more weeks to come through. Thanks, and Best Wishes to you too :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-23 16:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 applied for can I apply for a working visa while I wait and do I need to apply for a new driving license

I meant it as a tongue-in-cheek comment. I hope you have a smashing wedding ceremony, with all the drama, the crying, the drinking and family-bickering at which we Americans are so good! All the more reason for you to learn breathing exercises while you wait for the visa to be approved. You will be ok. As someone else said: Hang in there!


I know :P Thanks! Its a small ceremony and reception, but the day after there will be a huge party...can't wait :) I went to a friends wedding in America last year, and all I can say is yikes!!! Very loud ha ha...everyone had a great time :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 14:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 applied for can I apply for a working visa while I wait and do I need to apply for a new driving license

Have you got everything in place for the London part? If not there's some good information of what you should be doing right now in this thread http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/


Wow, thats very useful, thanks!! I have most of the documents, I'll get on the others! Thanks for your help :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 14:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 applied for can I apply for a working visa while I wait and do I need to apply for a new driving license

Oh gosh, even more stress! I like to have everything planned out too so when I'm left in limbo it's very frustrating. I totally understand! You can always come and vent to people on here when you're not feeling good, lots of other people are in the same boat as you. Just be glad you're nearing the end now. Once you get your NOA2, the medical and interview will be all that is left. That part goes by quite quickly :)


TBH I was really stressed out this past week, but I have things sorted the best I can. Like I said before, it's fantastic there are people in the same position you can talk to, puts things into perspective...and by looking at the forums, Im not the worst one off. I just rang USCIS and they said to keep waiting, but if they needed more info they would have been in touch by now! So I suppose that's a silver lining :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 14:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 applied for can I apply for a working visa while I wait and do I need to apply for a new driving license

It's ok! This is a very stressful period and so many things are going on. Arranging a wedding is hard enough in your own country, let alone when you're trying to settle into a new one and don't know where anything is. I hope you have someone who can help you arrange things when you arrive. In the meantime all you can do is try and occupy your time with other things to try and take your mind off it. Being positive is the only thing that will get you through the wait. Hang in there! :)


Exactly! Im lucky enough to have my fiance's parents help out as he is working away for the next 10 weeks...Im also selling my home, so that should keep me busy in the mean time. Im a control/organisational freak, and I have no control, I think this is half of the problem. Thanks for your kind words :)

Viva Las Vegas! :devil:


Ha ha yes this has also been suggested ;)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 13:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 applied for can I apply for a working visa while I wait and do I need to apply for a new driving license

You have 6 months from the time they issue your visa to enter the USA. You then have 90 days to get married. You should have a little more than 2 days. ;) Try not to worry too much, it will be all over before you know it. Spend your time with friends and family while you still can. Go to your favourite places and try to think about something else.


Sorry I hadnt explained that one, yeah from the time the visa is issued I will have more time, Im thinking of worst case scenareo...I need to be more positive!!
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 13:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 applied for can I apply for a working visa while I wait and do I need to apply for a new driving license

Are you serious?

Why are you even going to consider this when you are so close in the process?


Hey Everyone, thanks for the information...seems I need totake the test again :'(



Why are you even going to consider this when you are so close in the process?
I was thinking of going for a longer 'holiday' (within visiting visa) and come back for the interview...it's probably me being impatient, but at the rate I'm going I'll see my fiance 2 days before our wedding, and I have a cake and flowers to organise, I just want to be there already!!!
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 12:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 applied for can I apply for a working visa while I wait and do I need to apply for a new driving license

Another VJ-er may be able to provide more advice on the freelance option, but do be careful that you don't work for a US-based employer without receiving the appropriate employer authorization document (EAD) first.

On the driver's license item, this varies by state. Click on the link in my signature below to get access to the motor vehicles department for the state where you'll live.


Thankyou for your help :) If I can establish myself, I want to be self employed...but definately want to do things by the books! I dont want to give the embassy any excuse to reject my visa application. I'll check that link now - enjoy your day :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 09:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 applied for can I apply for a working visa while I wait and do I need to apply for a new driving license
Hey guys,

Its me again...just trying to weight up all of my options here. I'm currently waiting for my NOA2 (next few days hopefully) I'm looking to go to the states asap on a tourist visa a few weeks before we get married, if I dont get the visa before that is! Ive had a look into freelancing, which Ive read up on, and from what I can gather, as long as my wages are paid into a UK bank account Im all good? I do not in any way want to get myself into trouble and work illegally...so I wanted to know if anyone has any experience in this field.

Also, I have held a UK driving license for 14 years, and presumed it would be ok to take this with me, but a couple of my fiance's relatives believe I will need to take a test in the US...is that correct?

Thankyou for your help, since I joined yesterday I've learned more about processing times, and it's comforting to see other couples going through the same process. Good Luck everyone :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-22 09:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravelling after I-129 marriage

Umm... sorry...but yes, you will have a problem trying to travel back to the UK a week after your wedding in the US. Travelling to the UK isn't the problem, but getting back into the US afterwards will be.

If you come in on a K1 visa, and then get married, you can't leave the country until you have been given either AP (Advanced Parole) or you have completed AOS (Adjustment of Status) and been given your green card.

If you leave the US before either of those things happen, you will be deemed to have abandoned your residency application and would have to start all over again with a CR1 (as you would now be married, so the K1 is out).


Thanks Everyone...thinking about it makes sense, but I hadn't thought about what happens after I get married, I've just been fixating on the stages of the Visa being granted etc...Im glad I havent put deposits down for arrangements for anything in the UK, just a bit disapointed I cant travel home for Christmas.

Thanks again :)
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-18 16:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravelling after I-129 marriage
Hey Everyone,

Currently awaiting my NOA2, should be any day now, and putting together plans for the wedding. What we are doing is getting married in the USA, and the following week have a party in the UK for family who couldnt make it to the wedding. I havent really thought about my change in status or the next stage after this tbh, but my question is this - will there be a problem travelling back to the UK after we've been married? Im aware we'll need to prove that we've been married, but I don't want to be denied back to the USA?

Any advice would be fantastic, thanks
Lisa-OFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-18 15:30:00