ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomDublin POE while going through K-1
QUOTE (NickyMcMillan @ Feb 9 2008, 02:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Converse34 @ Feb 9 2008, 07:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
FYI - I flew from DUB to ORD in Sept on AA and DID NOT go through immigration in DUB. I was really surprised as I was sure this would be the case. I have flown on EI and CO and had immigration before we left each time, so I'm not sure why AA didn't have it. Anyone know which airlines definitely have or do not have immigration in DUB?


Likewise I flew with AA DUB to ORD last month. AA don't use Dublin US immigration due to lack of terminal space at that time of day. Also US immigration closes around 2pm (or at least, it used to) so flights after then, you don't clear immigration in Dublin.

You may be pleased to know from next year, when the new terminal is open. You'll be able to clear US immigration & customs in Dublin.


Thanks for the info. Though I try not to make flying AA a habit biggrin.gif
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-09 15:48:00
United KingdomDublin POE while going through K-1
QUOTE (Poiteen @ Feb 9 2008, 09:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Think i'm probably going to go home before I finally move to the US, but i kinda want to get my stamp and 'welcome' and all in the US, so I kinda don't want to fly from Dublin or Shannon. Maybe I'm just being weird.


FYI - I flew from DUB to ORD in Sept on AA and DID NOT go through immigration in DUB. I was really surprised as I was sure this would be the case. I have flown on EI and CO and had immigration before we left each time, so I'm not sure why AA didn't have it. Anyone know which airlines definitely have or do not have immigration in DUB?
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-09 14:10:00
United KingdomDublin POE while going through K-1
Great story! You should also post on flyertalk.com biggrin.gif Anyways, you answered everything brilliantly!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-08 19:04:00
United KingdomHow did everyone meet?
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Feb 5 2008, 11:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Converse34 @ Feb 5 2008, 10:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So how is it they we all came to meet our fiance(e)s/Spouses from the US/UK? I'm thinking a lot of people met online, but I bet just as many hadn't. I met must husband at a party when I was a student in Manchester.


By the way...greetings from Wrigleyville. I go out to Arlington Heights once a month or so to see a friend, and we always eat at Fuego, which is the best Mexican food I've ever had this side of the border (well, considering it is b/c I've never been south of the border :-p)


Nice! We live just around the corner in Dunton Tower. As soon as someone buys our house in the UK (see signature) we can a house out here. I can't wait to get out of this apartment!!!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-06 20:12:00
United KingdomHow did everyone meet?
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Feb 6 2008, 12:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My favorite line in Revenge of the Nerds goes something along the lines of:

Hot sorority chick: I didn't think nerds would be so good in bed
Lewis: Jocks only think about sports, nerds only think about sex.

laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif


LOVE this movie - Hot sorority chick = Miss Betty Childs
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-06 20:10:00
United KingdomHow did everyone meet?
So how is it they we all came to meet our fiance(e)s/Spouses from the US/UK? I'm thinking a lot of people met online, but I bet just as many hadn't. I met must husband at a party when I was a student in Manchester.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-05 23:24:00
United KingdomPaying off UK debt while in the US
When I moved back to the US from the UK, I had various bills to continue paying. I kept my UK bank account open and made payments through direct debit, standing orders or one off payments and then I usually transfered the funds directly from my US account online (I have Citibank) and sent it directly to my UK account. It only takes 3 business days (including the day of the transfer) but there is a wire fee of $30. You might want to shop around to make sure your new US bank has easy facilities to transfer money as you dont want to have to go into a branch every time you want to move some money.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-08 18:51:00
United KingdomWedding Registries - did anyone use them for gifts for the wedding?

We're going with NO BOXED GIFTS PLEASE written right on the invitation. Really - how many crystal vases does a person really need in life?? A stack of envelopes is easier to carry. Everybody wins.




I've been to a couple of weddings where the either the Bride or Groom have lost parents to cancer. Rather than declaring "no boxed gifts" they had a simple request, printed on a card that went inside the invite, requesting no presents. After that they had printed that if the guests would like to donate to a certain cancer charity instead it would be gratefully received.

I thought this was a wonderful, touching request and is also a lovely idea. Printing it on a separate, smaller card was nice as it kept it separate from the original invite. Most wedding invites come with assorted pieces of paper aswell: directions, places to stay, menu choices (sometimes) that it melded in nicely with those.


I agree. Printing separate from the main invite is much better. Also, I always like to keep things positive. So saying what would be appreciated rather than No boxed gifts.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-25 19:47:00
United KingdomWedding Registries - did anyone use them for gifts for the wedding?

We're going with NO BOXED GIFTS PLEASE written right on the invitation. Really - how many crystal vases does a person really need in life?? A stack of envelopes is easier to carry. Everybody wins.


I would roll my eyes if I saw the above on a wedding invite.

"No presents are needed so don't feel obliged, But if you want to give a gift, please make it wallet sized."

I think everyone knows there situation and carting gifts back and forth would be hard...anyway..that's it


I think this is very cute and much more subtle. I would totally recommend going down this route, rather than being so direct. Besides, if you do end up getting any kind of gift, you can always return it.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-25 18:07:00
United KingdomWedding Registries - did anyone use them for gifts for the wedding?

Americans do not like giving cash but they don't mind gift cards!


That's not true for New Yorkers. Whenever I go to a wedding, I give cash...one time, everyone at my table was all 'how tacky! cash!'

:rolleyes: :lol:


Yeah, I am from NJ and it is cash all the way.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-11 21:51:00
United KingdomWedding Registries - did anyone use them for gifts for the wedding?

According to all the wedding etiquette I have been reading lately (which is a lot!). You are not supposed to ask for money or even list where you are registered, either on the invitation or separately. It is all supposed to be done through the word of mouth. In my experience, gifts are to be given at the wedding shower (I know we really don't have those in the UK) and money at the wedding itself.

Please make sure you send thank you notes to anyone who has sent a gift. Even if you thank them at the wedding, you must still send a thank you.


It's very rude to ask for $$, esp. in America (my hubby didn't get that as it's OK in England). We said we were moving across country so gift cards are more appreciated. Americans do not like giving cash but they don't mind gift cards!

Does anyone NOT send thank yous? How rude!


I agree it is rude to ask for money, but I would disagree that Americans do not like giving cash. In my family and circle of friends of weddings that I have been to, EVERYONE gives cash. When my best friend got married, someone commented that she didn't have a table put aside for gifts. She said "we don't need a table, just a basket for the envelopes" and it’s true - she didn't get one gift - all cash.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-11 09:23:00
United KingdomWedding Registries - did anyone use them for gifts for the wedding?

The wedding book that I have is all for gift lists, lol. There is a whole chapter on it.

Well, we definitely won't have time for a wedding shower... So, I can't really think of any other way of letting people know :unsure:

We will definitely be sending thank you cards though.


I would think that if a note came from a close person to you on each side of the family, it might be the best option. So if you have someone send a note to your side and he has a note sent on his side, it wont seem like you guys are the one's asking, but your family is. It might be better than a note from you.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-11 07:57:00
United KingdomWedding Registries - did anyone use them for gifts for the wedding?
According to all the wedding etiquette I have been reading lately (which is a lot!). You are not supposed to ask for money or even list where you are registered, either on the invitation or separately. It is all supposed to be done through the word of mouth. In my experience, gifts are to be given at the wedding shower (I know we really don't have those in the UK) and money at the wedding itself.

Please make sure you send thank you notes to anyone who has sent a gift. Even if you thank them at the wedding, you must still send a thank you. I went to several weddings in the UK and I have not once ever received a thank you note.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-11 07:23:00
United KingdomWedding Registries - did anyone use them for gifts for the wedding?
Yes, almost all stores have them now. Popular ones are Macy's, JC Penney (or other department stores), Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Pier 1, Ikea, Home Depot/Loews (if you want things to work on your house), Target, Kohls, etc.

Just find your favorite store and enquire. The best ones are where you can view and order online so that people can order your gifts :) Good luck!!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-08 14:12:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Poiteen @ Feb 9 2008, 09:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone else get this...

Thankfully we're here in London together now, but before that, we were doing the long distance thing for ages, and well, everytime we'd meet up after being apart for a while, there's be a day or two, or maybe even just a few hours where I sort of couldn't reconcile the person in the flesh with the person i'd been speaking to and messaging constantly. Don't know what it was. It just always took a while for me to readjust to what it was like to be physically together rather than on the phone or messenger.

All the talk of reunions just got me thinking. blush.gif


I used to get like this, even after we lived together for 6 years and then did the distance thing. The first few days it would take some time to adjust and then by the end of the trip, it was so hard to leave again to go back into "distance mode".
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-10 16:21:00
United KingdomBrits in the USA
You can add us to Illinois

Cheryl (USC) and Conrad (Manchester, England) - Arlington Heights (Chicago NW Suburbs) - Awaiting on AOS

Edited by Converse34, 27 January 2008 - 01:17 PM.

Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-27 13:17:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNot Living Together After I Arrive
QUOTE (diadromous mermaid @ Jan 29 2008, 12:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Why is that so hard to understand?


It's not hard to understand. I'm just saying from the eyes of the USCIS, it doesn't make sense to live apart in the same city! I did my masters and had to write a thesis and we did live apart, but only because my university was not in our city. Had I went to a univesity in our city, then we definitely would've lived together. I'm not saying that is the only way, but the USCIS is def going to think something is up.

Even in the movie Greencard, they lived in the same apartment smile.gif
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-29 13:31:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNot Living Together After I Arrive
QUOTE (diadromous mermaid @ Jan 29 2008, 10:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't view it as a red flag at all, given the fact that your wife is also a student. Why? The easiest way to look at it is by reversing the situation. Just for a minute consider that Mike's wife's residence is her "temporary school address" since she is juggling a full time job and 60 hours of course work for her Masters and Mike's prorposed soon-to-be residence would be there permanent address, when she is done with her Master's. Would that seem to be so reprehensible to you or to USCIS?


It doesn't make sense to be married AND live in the same city and NOT live together. Many married couples do live apart, but not when they are in the same location. Maybe one month in the beginning, that I would think might be ok, but 6 months living apart, in the same city? That doesn't make sense. Not trying to judge your situtation, just trying to think how USCIS would react.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-29 12:56:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNot Living Together After I Arrive
QUOTE (JenT @ Jan 29 2008, 09:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (C and J @ Jan 29 2008, 09:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
...It seems to me that if this was the route you were planning to take, a fiance visa would have been the better option as it allows for this.


I've never heard of anyone entering on a K1 and renting an apartment for 90 days prior to the wedding, but perhaps someone out there has....


I could def seeing this as more common than we think. Especially, if people have reglious concerns about living together before being married.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-29 12:53:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNot Living Together After I Arrive
QUOTE (goose182 @ Jan 29 2008, 06:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All,

Some background: Married to my wife (she's the USC) in October 2006 (so less than 2 years). I've filled out and submitted both the I-129f and the I-130 applications and they are currently being processed at the CSC.


It seems odd I'm sure, but we want to transition slowly into living together after such a long time apart by starting with just being in the same city and...well...dating each other again I guess you could say.



How many times have you visited each other between 10/06 and present? I'm sure it would help if you had proof and can demonstrate the length of your visits.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-29 08:31:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNot Living Together After I Arrive
QUOTE (Elbereth @ Jan 29 2008, 06:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
why did you marry then?


we sure have some weird couples over here

anyway, i guess if you give her address as your own for all effects, who'd know if you are living there or not?


Yes, if you do live separately, you would have to use her address for everything. But at some point, on your AOS forms or at an interview, you would have to lie, which is never good.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-29 08:04:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNot Living Together After I Arrive
I would think this would most definitely throw up red flags. If you came over on a fiance visa, you could prob justify not living together before you got married. But now that you are married, it would seem suspicious, IMHO.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-29 07:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSemi-Urgent Question
Stop off at kinkos or staples and make a copy. You will need your NOA2 for AOS, so I would NOT send the original. These places open early, like 7 am. So don't send without making a copy.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-11 07:40:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTax Returns at Interview?
Thanks everyone. The tax returns we not asked for, but we did have them. My husband passed "Welcome to the USA".
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-09-14 17:17:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTax Returns at Interview?
My husband has his citizenship interview tomorrow and just reading over the check list and it says to bring copies of your 3 years of tax returns. Is this needed if I included it with our application?! If yes, I need to run out now and find somewhere to print them...
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-09-13 21:36:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JUNE 2011 FILERS

I don't see your username in the list. Did we mess it up or are you under a different username?


Sorry, I'm in July! Wrong thread!! Please ignore.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-12 08:25:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 JUNE 2011 FILERS
Received our interview letter yesterday, 8/11! Interview is 9/13 in San Francisco. Can someone update my timeline for me?! :D
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-12 08:09:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 July Filers

Congratulations Converse 34!! Happy the process is over for you - and great to hear about the ceremony.

BTW, did you apply for your passport before the oath ceremony?

Sat my citizenship test/interview today and all went well - I received and "approved" stamp and now have to wait for the oath letter/date in the mail! Good luck all other July filers!


I called the passport 800 number and made the appointment over the phone about 10 days before for a couple hours after the ceremony. In SF, you could apply for your passport right at the oath ceremony, but it would take the normal or expedited processing time.

We picked up the passport today, 3 days after the ceremony, all done!!

Good luck everyone!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-10-28 21:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 July Filers
Hi Everyone,

We had our oath ceremony today in Oakland. There were 1203 people swearing in from 93 countries, amazing!! New citizens were seated downstairs at the Paramount theater and friends and family seated upstairs. They discussed registering to vote, how to get your passport, etc. All 93 countries represented were announced, star spangled banner, pledge of alliance, Obama introduction, and the "proud to be an american" video. Everyone was then presented with their naturalization certificates at their seats. It started at 9.15am and we were done around 11am.

Next, we headed across the bridge into San Francisco to apply for the passport. I made the appointment through the automated system a few weeks ago. Although you could apply right at the ceremony, we need to leave the country in a few weeks, so thought it was best to make an appointment. The passport will be available for pick-up on Friday, so fast!

Good luck to everyone, its an fantastic feeling to be finished with this process!!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-10-25 19:01:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 July Filers
Received our oath letter today. Oct 25th in Oakland.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-09-29 22:23:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 July Filers
Received status update that oath letter was mailed today. Should have the letter in the next few days. I'm hoping for an Oct 25th date. Do they collect the green card at the ceremony? We are traveling just before Thanksgiving, so will need to make a passport appointment immediately after the ceremony if they take the green card.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-09-26 22:44:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 July Filers

You're only "in line" for oath ceremony, not "has been scheduled" so no letter in the mail yet :( You're supposed to get another notification when they got the date for you.

**sorry to burst your bubble**


Thanks, no worries. The SF office has been moving extremely fast. I'm sure it won't be long now. A July filer in SF is going to the ceremony next week. Ours will most likely be the end of October.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-09-19 16:44:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 July Filers
Received notification this morning we have been placed in line for the oath ceremony. Hopefully we will receive the letter this week with the date. Will let you all know. Good luck everyone!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-09-19 11:47:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 July Filers

Congratulations Converse34! How do you know when the oath ceremonies are planned -does the IO provide that info after the interview?

Got an email update yesterday that my interview letter, with date and time, should be with me in the next 2 weeks or so!!

Wondering how the other LA folks are doing???

Good luck everyone!


All San Francisco ceremonies are done at this theatre in oakland and they list the dates on their website. One of the June filers is scheduled for the Sept 27th date. http://www.paramounttheatre.com/
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-09-15 18:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 July Filers
My husband had his interview in San Francisco yesterday. It was very fast, only inside about 30 mins in total. Was asked 6 basic questions, what is the supreme law of the land? Who is the head of the executive branch, etc. Where he struggled was on the dates of everything (I filled out all of his paperwork)when we traveled out of the country. He was also asked why I sometimes traveled without him or had slightly different dates in my passport and he just said because I travel on business.

So all in all, very easy. He was recommended for approval and the IO said "Welcome to the USA". She advised his Oath ceremony will be "in the next few months" but I am hoping it is sooner. There is a ceremony at the end of September, end of October, and the beginning of November. I think the end of October is more realistic at this point.

Good luck everyone!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-09-15 17:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 July Filers
Received our interview letter yesterday, 8/11! Interview is 9/13 in San Francisco. Can someone update my timeline for me?! :D
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-12 08:23:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 July Filers
Can someone update ours?

Check cashed 7/11
NOA 7/10
Fingerprints 8/3
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-03 11:25:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 July Filers
Check chased today, 7/11. Received an email and text late last night as well (surprisingly late!).
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-11 16:25:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 July Filers
I sent ours first class and certified delivery on Friday, July 1. I was able to track it online and confirmed it was received today (as the clerk advised!). It was only $5.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-05 18:15:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 July Filers
Submitted our application on July 1 to the PHX lockbox. We are in San Francisco.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-04 08:50:00