ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhat to wear to the visa interview?
My fiance just wore some nice khakis and a polo shirt; lots of people were there in nice jeans.


Hi,

My fiance wanted me to ask whether or not it matters what you wear to the visa interview at the embassy. Obviously he knows not to look like a slob, but did you dress up? Did you wear your normal everyday clothes? Jeans etc?

We are thinking it doesnt really matter...


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-05 10:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVisa interview and originals?
He won't need your original birth certificate - no. It's really about 'him' at this point... but with regard to the divorce decree, hopefully someone else can pipe in as I'm not sure on that.

Hiya,

Well our visa interview is coming up in 40 days (not like im counting or anything :P ) and I want to know what sort of originals my fiance needs.

I KNOW that he needs:

his original birth certificate (plus one copy)
his original police certificate (plus one copy)
his passport
passport photos (US size)
visa fee receipt
interview letter cosponsor info (all originals)

BUT....

the package I sent him (a copy of the entire I-129f packet) that I sent....does he need my ORIGINAL divorce decree, ORIGINAL birth certificate (mine the USC)....

I ask because they are just copies that he has...from when I sent the original I-129f packet. In London I am getting the impression they dont really ask for that stuff...

please help!


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-06 09:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Embassy Medical
I've read that it's best to book the medical once the case has been logged, otherwise London could lose track of it. Results w/ no case in their system = where do they go?




Quick question: my wife (the beneficiary) scheduled her London Medical at Knightsbridge --- the appointment date is likely to be PRIOR to the date that the embassy receives AND logs in our file. We were hoping to speed the process up a bit since London does not issue interview dates until the medical is completed, but I am concerned that the medical files will get lost/disregarded at the embassy when they come in with no specific file there for them to go into. Has anyone done this yet, and/or have any knowledge of it? Thanks.


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-05-13 10:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLetter of Intent to Marry for K1 Interview (London UK)
To my knowledge, it's not needed for London.

We weren't asked to supply at my fiance's interview.


They were more concerne with just checking his docs and taking the I-134 :)


Hi Everyone,

Does anyone know if you need to bring a letter of intent to marry to the interview in London? If so, what are the key things that they want the letter to say?

Thanks everyone!


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-04-11 11:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionActual Visa Delivery Wait Time (London embassy)
What a nightmare of an experience! Glad you can soon put it behind you :)

Ours was 3 days (bearing in mind that my fiance was living in London)

My fiancé had his interview this morning and was approved! (Hooray!) The lady at the embassy told him it could be "up to 5-10 working days" but she said she'd put a note to process it more quickly, as we've been making plans & desperately hoping we can keep them. Fraser lives in Glasgow, and we're just wondering how fast it's actually likely to take until he has that paperwork in hand and can get on a plane. After so many delays (medical exam x-ray showed a "tumor" that turned out to be a machine malfunction that cost us just huge amounts of money, time, and sanity; then they lost his packet 3 and we didn't know about it for over a month...) we're just so anxious to get him here - you all know how it is.

So, can any of you who have gone through the London embassy tell me how long it was between your interview and the day your visa & passport were delivered to you?


Edited by * Kristin *, 13 June 2011 - 09:59 AM.

* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-06-13 09:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134
We just completed ours in the exact same way and had no problems.


My son and his finace just completed and sent their I-129F. My question is regarding completing the I-34 as a Co-sponsor. I have seen the example on the forums of the I-34 and read everything regarding it but being a co-sponsor I don't assume that I complete the I-34 the exact same way as my son. Does anyone know where I can find an example of an I-34 completed by a co-sponsor? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

And a side note; this site is an awesome resource and greatly appreciated.

Thanks


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-04-01 18:00:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionUK dual citizenship
Correct -

I've lived in the UK the last three years (until Feb of this year) and know lots of Americans with citizenship in both the UK and US...

I personally wouldn't want to study for the UK citizenship test ;-)


I plan on getting my UK citizenship when Glyn and I move back to England. While the US doesn't "ALLOW" duel citizenship, as long as I do not denounce my US citizenship, I will not lose it. From what I have read, the UK citizen oath ceremony does not require you to denounce your citizenship of another country.

This is the oath and allegiance I found on the UK Border Agency page.


Oath of allegiance
I (name) swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.


Affirmation of allegiance
I (name) do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.


Pledge
I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.



Oh... and a friend of mine just got her Irish citizenship and she's 25 (she got this through her father). So she's now Irish and US...


Correct -

I've lived in the UK the last three years (until Feb of this year) and know lots of Americans with citizenship in both the UK and US...

I personally wouldn't want to study for the UK citizenship test ;-)




* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-24 17:12:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMy husband is an official American citizen!!!
Congratulations!! That is so wonderful!!!!


Wael had his oath ceremony this morning at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law.
We arrived at 9:00 and the ceremony began at 10:00. There were 26 candidates from 24 countries!
The law students had coffee and cookies for us. We were encourged to take pictures during the ceremony,
and the candidates and families were also encourged to speak about their journey to naturalization.

It was a moving and memorable experience for my husband and myself!! I cried
during most of the ceremony.

Also forgot to mention, there were representatives from Social Security,
Passports and Voter Registration for the candidates.


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-04-01 17:57:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionLeaving after naturalisation?
Wow.. looks like your situation is quite the opposite - we can't wait to visit :)

Thanks for linking to that thread; got lots of reading + learning to do, all over again. The fun never stops!



I really don't remember the details because we never intend move to the UK. My British/American husband doesnt even want to go visit. I briefly read about it when the VJ thread started but don't follow it. I do recall the cash savings amount now that you bring it up, and thinking we could easily move under the new laws on that basis.

The visa journey discussion for moving back to the UK is in that link I gave and is a pinned thread in the UK forum. Just wanted to point it out in case you needed to plan ahead for the move back. I'm sure the other website has excellent details.


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-02-14 14:39:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionLeaving after naturalisation?
Nich-Nick, I've been following the UK-Yankee forum on this topic, too.. perhaps you can shed some light on if what I've been told + read is correct?

If we have at least £62,500 savings in an accessible bank account where the funds have been for some time, then this substitutes for "income."

Totally recognize that this isn't the forum for people moving the other way...but you were definitely super helpful when we made the move this way. :-)

And do keep up with the changes in immigration to the UK. The new version (last summer) requires him to be making a certain level of income in the UK before he can bring you. No co-sponsors. Some exceptions of he has a job lined up. There is a thread debating and cursing it in the UK forum. http://www.visajourn...move-to-the-us/


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-02-14 12:53:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionLeaving after naturalisation?
Whew ;-) This is lovely news... we miss the UK terribly!

As the Romans used to say: "Semel US Citizen, semper US Citizen". Once he becomes a US Citizen, gets his passport and all, he is good to go for as long as he wants.


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-02-14 11:42:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionLeaving after naturalisation?
We're thinking quite far ahead here, but best to plan, right?

Husband became a permanent resident in February 2012 based on our marriage. We will file to remove conditions when it's time, and in February 2015 will file for naturalisation (this is the correct time, yes -- 3 years from when he became a permanent resident)

Once he goes through the nautralisation process, interview, and all that -- nothing is binding us to stay in the US, correct? (We are contemplating moving back to the UK, but want to ensure that he doesn't need to spend a certain amount of time per year in the US or anything of the kind..)


Thanks -

Edited by * Kristin *, 14 February 2013 - 11:24 AM.

* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-02-14 11:24:00
CanadaJust ocnfused about co-sponsor
For most consulates, it is the I-134. It might be helpful if you could update your profile and fill in which embassy you'll be working with, etc.


Your co-sponsor will fill out the I-134. Your petitioner will, too, but theirs will likely be overlooked if you're using a joint sponsor.


OK I'm trying to get this co-sponsor thing going and was wondering, do they fill out everything we do like I-134 and the I-186 ? does my petitioner only fill out I-134 ? or both forms ? thanks.


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-05-24 10:45:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionNovember 2012 ROC filing approved

ROC removal approved 7/23/2013, Card ordered 7/24/2014, Card received 7/30/2013, 8/1/2 months for approval.

 

Oh goodness! What a wait... but tremendous congratulations xx Bet you are well pleased!!


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-31 10:31:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 December 2013 Filers

Wahoo! Got the approval letter today! Just awaiting the card now...!


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-04-22 22:26:00
Vietnamaffidavit of support expired?
I wouldn't white it out. Is it possible for your fiance / sponsor to just send (very quickly?) a revised form.

It's always advised that they are dated as close to the interview as possible. September was quite a long time ago...


Hi Everyone!
My affidavit of support form dates back to September 2, 2010, however, our interview will be on April 20, 2011, it's passed the 6 month mark already, so do you know if I would have to fill out a new affidavit of support? or can I just white out the old date, and just write the new date on it?

I'm not sure how strict is HCMC in enforcing all paperwork must be perfect, because I'm afraid they might see a white out mark on our form and tell us, we have to submit a new one with no mistakes being corrected? :help:

Also, on the form that the immigration service had filled out for us it said expired 5/31/2010.... :bonk:


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-04-05 12:31:00
VietnamGot Greencard after interview.
Not every AOS case will have an interview. I've read countless on here that haven't.



You say your 'disappointed in our system' - how come?



Congratulations on having it all done!

After a 30 minute interview with the immigration services, my wife and 2 children were approved a 2 year card. I asked the officer why we were interviewed and she replied "Every k1 and K2 has a Aos interview". I think that not true, ive read here and have talked to people who didn't have interview. Please respond if you have heard of that. Anyway it's done and over, disappointed in our system but in the same instance happy it's done...


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-10-12 17:00:00
USCIS Service CentersHOW TO KNOW IF A CASE IS TOUCHED

LOL mine has been *touched* twice in the last two days...it's kinda frustrating in a way because it make me get my hopes up that something exciting is fixin to happen. So I end up checking like waaaaaaay more than I need to.



Uh - so - our case seems to be moving quickly...? We NOA1 was received 2 Sept, in the post on 7 Sept, and was touch on 8 Sept. Is this generally a good or bad thing??? Realise that question's a bit naff, but it seems like everyone else has slower processes, and I'm wondering if ours is moving faster 'cos something is 'wrong'...?
* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-09-16 04:31:00
United KingdomBefore you permanently move to the US
Bollocks.

Former as I understand it.


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-18 11:03:00
United KingdomBefore you permanently move to the US
So I'm a bit perplexed.

I've read these new rules and have followed the posts on this thread, but I'm still lost.

Me: USC
Husband: English, but in America

Once he obtains citizenship in a few years, are we able to do the whole paperwork thing to go back to the UK? I'm not sure if he would have to move first, go get a job, and THEN wait to bring me over, or if we can file from here and go together? I'm thinking it's the former...
* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-17 13:57:00
United KingdomI-134 for London
I've bookmarked your link now :-)

I put a whole page about the I-134 in this document I put together. It might answer your questions. Nich-Nick's UK K1 help

What youhave sounds good.


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-15 11:03:00
United KingdomI-134 for London
Hey there,

Having a bit of trouble getting a letter from HR re. employment... are the following all right to submit along with the I-134 for London?

* 2 years of tax returns
* 6 months of pay stubs (note - these are pay stubs from online; however, they do have the company's logo and such on them)


Thanks...

Kristin
* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-15 00:23:00
United KingdomRFE for military records - JPA no good?
Hey there,

We're going through the K1 process so a little different - and will be needing 'records' soon - we were planning to have one of the officers write a letter, accompanying the records and signing each of the pages, stating that they're correct...

Not really sure what else to do, either!


Hiya all, hoping there's someone who's dealt with the military (esp British) and obtaining records. :ph34r:

Husband's still in the RAF and we've sent a JPA printout of his service, but now have an RFE. NVC wants *original* military records, but it sounds like his personnel records are like ours here, basically a self-service online thing that you can print out on your own. (I'm in the US service here and ours are all online.) He can print out more copies of his JPA records, and maybe this time get an admin person or his supervisor to pen-and-ink "certify" that they are true and correct, but beyond that, we're at a loss! NVC says we can send them an email stating as such, but I don't want to waste more time if they decide they need more documentation beyond what we've already sent.

Anyone have suggestions?


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-23 11:55:00
United KingdomNOA2! And of course, more questions....
@Andrea,

You're like us! :)

I moved back to the U.S. (from the UK) in early February.. our wedding is six months from yesterday ;)


Thought that was pretty neat ;-)

Thank you! It was such a relief, I was having visions of the visa not being approved in time combined with all of our non-refundable deposits for the wedding. Thankfully we still have six months to go until the wedding, so that should give us enough time. Though I don't think I'm going to stop stressing until the visa is in his passport!

Andrea


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-28 18:12:00
United Kingdomprepaid gift card to pay?
Sorry... what courier is this that needs to be paid for at the Embassy?! I thought everything was paid over the phone, in advance...?


i had a student account and never got around to opening a new normal account.
i only just noticed il have to pay with a card for the courier and interview......the interview is over the phone so im gonna have my mother do that for me,i assume that will work.
but as i have to pay the courier by card,in the embassy.....will they accept a visa gift card to pay with? i cant think of any other way of being sure il have a card to pay with?
help!!!


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-28 18:13:00
United KingdomQuestion about the acpo police cerificate
Hey there,

I don't think your best friend can do it. It needs to be a 'professional individual'.

On the left hand of the column that specifies who can endorse it, it says it can be mailed to someone fitting one of those qualifications that can endorse it. That would be your best bet.


I understand that, however as I listed in my first post, my fiance doesn't know any of those type of professionals for the length of time it wants..hense why question :s

@ LB & PC: Thanks for the reply, I do hope it works if we use his best friend.


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-01 16:09:00
United KingdomMoving
Re. the shipping companies I looked into, I just went to TNT Magazine's web site - they have a lot of shipping companies lists 'cos of all the Aussies / Kiwis that go back home... that was where I started. You can get quotes online and such.

Depends on where in the US you're going too, probably. California's far away ;-) You might have better luck.


ahh ok thanks guys


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-10 17:25:00
United KingdomMoving
I just moved from London to California and honestly - baggage was WAY cheaper than anything I found. I flew BA and purchased extra suitcases; I had three with me. It was just over 50 quid a suitcase, I think. I contacted shipping companies, too, and to send a medium-ish sized box on a boat would have cost over 200 pounds...


He is taking excess baggage, but his tools probably won't be able to come with that, as they'd make his bag way heavier than the limits.


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-10 14:24:00
United Kingdompacket 4
All pertinent details on the medical can be found on the web site:
http://london.usemba...xamination.html


The PDF link on the top right is really helpful; tell you how to book, what to bring, etc.


Hi I just got NOA 2 apptoday can you tell me where in London you go for medical and what you need also do you pay fee to Embassy before interview or at same time thanks for any help


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-11 16:33:00
United KingdomContacting embassy
Glad to hear they were able to reschedule it!


Thankyou Gregandmichelle, I emailed that address but I didn't need to!
They eventually did reply from the londoniv@state.gov address on Thursday morning, and rescheduled my interview for March 28th. So relieved.
So for anybody else worrying, they do take some time to reply!


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-11 16:34:00
United KingdomInterview on Thurs??!!!!
Hey, you must be excited- tomae! Almost time for you to hop on a plane to Seattle!

Good luck everyone. It's actually pretty easy! :thumbs:


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-16 16:31:00
United KingdomInterview on Thurs??!!!!
22nd March :-) 8:00 a.m.

What date is your interview going to be, Kristin?

And good luck for tomorrow scotchland5206!


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-16 15:33:00
United KingdomInterview on Thurs??!!!!
We just got our interview date today (22nd March).. haven't received the formal paper yet but eeks! Very exciting!


I'm so jealous! Very happy that you got one so quickly and hope that it goes smoothly. All the best!


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-16 13:49:00
United KingdomInterview on Thurs??!!!!
So glad to hear it was scheduled quickly for you... there's hope for us ;-)

Good luck!


Yup, I'm doing it guys..! Never been one to shy away from a challenge!
Work cancelled, megabus booked, friend's floor to sleep on.... :thumbs:

Was hoping to have a little more time to get some more pay stubs since my fiance's promotion at the start of January, but fingers crossed and hope for the best.

Can't believe it's on Thurs! Had a g&t at lunch which helped a bit.


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-14 11:27:00
United Kingdomno interview letter!!!
My other half's interview is on the 22nd and he hasn't gotten the letter yet either; hang tight!

my fiance has called the dos and my interview is on friday (25th) and i havent yet got my packet 4 letter in the post, and i know i need it to get in to the embassy.
have other people got theirs at really short notice recently?
is there anything i need to be doing about it?


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-18 10:37:00
United Kingdomthe interview date
My fiance's interview is scheduled for 8, too, but on Tuesday next wk.


Thanks for sharing the tips, all :) I've sent them all to my other half, too ;-)


thanks guys for the help with all this. i think we got pretty much everything worked out now...just a couple more things to ask if anyone can help with it...
our interview is at 8am....is this a normal time or is there some reason its so early?
and also,as you all have said its a good idea to get there at least an hour early....that would be 7am...that gaulds place doesnt open till 7 30
is there anywhere else i can drop off my backpack?


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-17 10:34:00
United Kingdomexpedite
See here:

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Does anyone know if theres any way to expedite the process through London at all? Does anyone have any experience with this or how you would go about it?
Thanks


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-21 16:55:00
United KingdomDS156 pkt 3
London is moving quick! I was surprised when I rang up last week and they said our interview was Tuesday (today)

Note that we never did receive our packet 4 in the mail.. so keep an eye on things ;-)


Thankfully London seem to be going pretty fast at the mo. We are hoping and praying to be back together before Spring Break. Fingers crossed!
Friending done.

Good luck.


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-22 11:49:00
United Kingdomone final interview dilema
I can only imagine! It reminds me of a queue for like Disneyland or something.. wait wait wait.. and then YAY! It's your turn! The 'ride' is like getting approved and getting your passport back ;-)

Congrats xx

Hey Kristin, congratulations!
To be honest it felt like time stood still when I was in the embassy LOL!
My appointment was til 10am but I got there pretty early, to allow for possible long queue/being seen early. But that didn't happen!
Anyhow my passport is scheduled to arrive tomorrow :dance:


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-22 16:53:00
United Kingdomone final interview dilema
Three and a half hours? Whew! I thought my fiance's time there from 7:00 - 9:30 was long ;-)

When I was at the embassy on Thurs, the guy in front of me in line for security had a smallish backpack, no one batted an eyelid. As long as you have no electronics (that includes any cables, headphones as well) and don't have a backpack that looks so big you could take it on a mountain expedition (!) I'm sure you'll be fine :-)

Be prepared to get v bored! I was in there for 3 and a half hours...Took a trashy magazine with me, but was so worried about missing my ticket number that I didn't even look at it. LOL


* Kristin *FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-22 16:03:00