ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomSomeone, please buy our house!
So, now that we have our interview date and our medical is tomorrow - everything should be going in the right direction.

BUT my biggest stress is trying to sell our house! I am still hopeful for a Fall wedding, but our house has been on the market for about 6 weeks and although we have had lots of viewings - we have yet to have an official offer! We dropped our first estate agent as they considered 2 viewings in 4 weeks "good". Obviously, we are not on the same page.

Is anyone else selling a house? Anyone want to buy a house in lovely South Manchester?? :lol:

http://www.rightmove...5...=1&tr_t=buy
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-19 18:46:00
United KingdomUS Banks - WTF???
All I can say is shop around! Also, make sure you mention the company you work for - I get free checking/free checks because of it.

UK banks do not charge for checks or ATMs - but their overdraft fees are horrendeous - 39quid?! from the Halifax - no US bank would ever get a away with charging $80.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-30 16:09:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007

Well, despite the small hold-up with the medical stuff, Neal got a text today from SMS saying the visa will be delivered tomorrow! Knightsbridge only recieved the letter from his doctor last Friday, so I guess they got it right off to the Embassy and it didn't take too long from there!

Congrats!! Conrad got his 2 days later, couldn't believe it! When is his travel date?
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-15 12:20:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007
We had our interview on Wednesday and were approved and we got the visa in hand today!! I can't believe how quick!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-10 15:11:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007

Does anyone know if you are allowed to take a friend with you into the embassy? My friend is coming to London with me for the day and she doesn't really want to be stuck in London by herself for a few hours while i'm at the interview. Does anyone have any experience with this?


Thanks


I don't think they are allowed in. I believe you have to be a USC or have an interview appointment. Please correct me if I am wrong anyone.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-07 07:10:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007

Cari, any news yet?



I just got through to DoS and we have an interview date on August 7!! :blink:

I was so excited I completely blanked what time it is though. It's so soon, I'm not sure I'll be able to make it over that early! I was planning to go over for the interview, but I guess we'll just have to see. :dance:

Cari fantastic news!! Wow the embassy is really on their game this week!!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-18 12:04:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007

Congratulations Converse!! :dance:


Thank you! I know you will hear something soon! I think this is showing they are looking at the wedding date you put. I can't see how else I would have received such an early August date if I didn't put down Sept 15th. It doesn't make sense otherwise. :huh:
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-17 21:03:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007
I just called the DOS - our interview date is Aug 8th at 10:30!! The letter was posted today. So exciting!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-17 13:10:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007

I also put Sept 1 as a travel date, but put Sept 15 as wedding date. I also had Conrad send it recorded delivery.


I couldn't really fudge about our wedding date, as everything is booked. Plus I will probably use all my vendor contracts as possible extra evidence at the interview.

Ours was sent recorded as well, signed for on June 25. They finally entered the case into the computer as received July 9. But we still aren't eligible for an interview date for some reason. We were very careful about double-checking everything on the forms, but I am paranoid we did something wrong! I need to just relax about it, but it's so dang hard. :lol:


I'm sure it will all come together soon. Just make a daily call to the DOS and see where you stand! I was really paranoid that Conrad wouldve filled out a form wrong (i usually handle all this kinda stuff in normal life anyways). But I think we can agree that there is often no method to the madness. Keep us updated!!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-12 19:56:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007

Hmm, I wonder what's taking so long for mine then... :unsure:

Hopefully tomorrow I will hear something. I'm so impatient. :blush:



Did you put dates down for travel and wedding dates? Something specific? If so, what?

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

And for the others too! You guys are close!


I also put Sept 1 as a travel date, but put Sept 15 as wedding date. I also had Conrad send it recorded delivery.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-12 19:06:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007

My fella called the DoS line today and had a nice lil chat with the "Good Luck Dude"..... he said that they have received my packet 3 and that we are now eligible for an interview date....and of course....he wished us good luck! :D


I also called and told we were eligible for an interview date today. It was some lady who couldn't wait to get off the phone, but I had my news - so neither could I!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-12 18:07:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007
They simply need to invest into a web application so that we can log in and check our own status! I don't think it is too much to ask for in this day!!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-12 11:57:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007

I thought you could only get the code if you are outside the usual wait time? Also, is it really $16 to call the extortion line (plus whatever my phone company charges me to call London) and is it really worth it for this code?


I don't think so - not at this point for me anyways. Others have just had luck sending numerous emails. I am going to resend every few days and see if they just give in and reply :D
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-12 07:23:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007

FYI Nealandcari,

There is an explanation for your emails being deleted without being read. You have to call the embassy first to get the proper "code" to put in the subject line of your emails, or else they will just get deleted. Just so ya know:)


Yeah, but isn't this just an auto reply? So even if you include the code, you would still get the same message?
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-11 21:52:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007
Congrats you guys!!! Awesome news. Maybe this is showing us that the dates for travel/wedding are being looked at??
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-10 12:55:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007

Congrats Daisy!! That's so awesome. :dance:


I called DoS again today, and there is still no indication of receipt of our P3 even though it was signed for almost 2 weeks ago. Why are they talking so darn long to send out those P4s right now? I know you can't go just by people's timelines, but just a month ago people were getting their P4s a week after posting their P3s! I put our travel date as September 1, because I was really hoping to have the interview by then since our wedding is in October, but it's not looking too good for August interviews. :unsure:


I did exactly the same. I sent my P3 in a few days after yours and also put our travel date as Sept 1 - put wedding as Sept 15. No news yet. I can only assume that a lot of the embassy staff are on Holiday or at least will be soon, limiting the number of available August dates...
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-06 20:43:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007
Daisy, Congrats! I am in total awe of your persistance. We are not worthy!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-06 15:04:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007
I agree! Good work. Plesantly Persistant!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-28 16:44:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007
Congrats Daisy!! Great news!

We are sending P3 back tomorrow and I put Sept 1 as a travel date and Sept 15 as a wedding date. We shall see if that has any affect.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-25 18:28:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007
Conrad just booked his medical - July 20th. We will be sending P3 back tomorrow, 6/26.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-25 07:25:00
United KingdomUnited Kingdom Interview Thread 2007
Conrad received his Package 3 today and hopefully we will fill it out tonight. October Wedding is calling my name!

Edited by Converse34, 22 June 2007 - 08:17 AM.

Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-22 08:16:00
United Kingdomnew life in a few weeks
Learn from this - never tell employers anymore than they need to know. Give your month's notice and leave it at that. When you work in the US, there are much fewer laws to protect employees than in the UK. Trust no one when it comes to a work environment.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-01 21:20:00
United KingdomFor all those that have recently had there interview approved
Ours was also 2 days
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-02 21:31:00
United Kingdomanother one of my crazy plans
I am a USC and did both my under grad and Masters in the UK. My undergrad I was classed as an "overseas" student - and the tuition wasn't bad on US standards. When I did my Masters, I was classed as "in country" as I had lived as a resident in the UK for 3 years previously. It might be the same rule. Do your research online/phone first, sometimes it can be how you present your situation. Good luck!
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2007-12-31 12:40:00
United KingdomMarriage certificates??
QUOTE (ladybird216 @ Jan 5 2008, 08:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Did you not have to send his previous marriage certificates with the K1 application?....we did (we went to the Courthouse and got copies) and they had them on file at my interview.


I was married before, female, USC. My husband was never married before. I never sent in a copy of my previous marriage certificate because I had to submit it when I applied for my divorce. The council kept it and I just submitted my decree absolute. I'm pretty sure in the K1 instructions, previous marriage certificates was not on the list/just divorce decrees (if it was on there, I would've obtained a copy from the council). This was never brought up in the interview.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-05 12:52:00
United KingdomMarriage certificates??
QUOTE (English Muffin @ Jan 4 2008, 05:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Converse34 @ Jan 4 2008, 03:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was married before and didn't have my marriage certificate any longer as it was need for my divorce. We were never questioned on it since we had the decree absolute.


Female beneficiaries need previous marriage certificates if they ever changed their name. That and a divorce decree is a paper trail of any changes of surname.

Gillian



Oh well, I never changed my name - so we didn't have any issues.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-04 08:44:00
United KingdomMarriage certificates??
I was married before and didn't have my marriage certificate any longer as it was need for my divorce. We were never questioned on it since we had the decree absolute.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-03 22:21:00
United KingdomChildren at interview...
I don't see how they can refuse her entry if she is listed on the application.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-01 21:17:00
United Kingdom£'s to $'s
Once we sell our house (hopefully soon!) we are using World First. http://www.worldfirst.com/ Other VJers have recommended it and it has the similar anti money laundering setup. We called them a few times and always helpful and quick to response with pretty good rates. I will let you know once we have transfered the money.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-03 22:18:00
United KingdomPassport and detail changes if British and in the USA
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Jan 8 2008, 07:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So being in the US and changing your passport to your married name would involve you sending the passport back to the UK - do you need it for AOS at all or can you just file in your married name and send your passport off at the same time? I mean you can't go anywhere anyway until you have AP so... biggrin.gif


No you can send it to the embassy in Washington. You only need a copy for AOS, you don't actually send it in with your application - though you will need it for biometrics. Exactly, you can't go anywhere anyways - so to me it is the perfect opportunity to get it done.

Once you do get married, get a few extra certified copies of the marriage certificate. We ended up with 5 (really we wanted 3). But it made it so much easier - we sent one of for my passport, USC, one with AOS and then we have one we can show - like for DMV, etc. This way you aren't stressing to receive a copy back.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-08 09:08:00
United KingdomPassport and detail changes if British and in the USA
As long as your passport matches the name you used to complete your AOS/AP forms. So if you do not want to change your passport yet, apply for AOS in your maiden name and you could change all your documents later. Or if you change your passport right after you marry or while your AOS is in process, use your new name.

Others may have experienced they had no problems if passport was in maiden and AOS/AP was in married name since they brought their marriage certificate with them, but I'm sure it is much easier and you avoid hassle if everything is in the same name.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-08 08:35:00
United Kingdomsponsorship opinions
Looks good. I don't think they are interested in any of your assets though - only the sponsor/co-sponsor if I am not mistaken. I still think you have more than enough.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-05 12:55:00
United KingdomNot sure when my interview date is...
QUOTE (wellywench @ Jan 9 2008, 01:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you! I plan on coming over as soon as possible! I'm in my second year at uni but can transfer my credits to one of the Michigan Universities when we've settled in.


OK good - just make sure you investigate it well. You wouldn't want to loose out on anything you've done. I think it is much harder US to UK
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-09 16:39:00
United KingdomNot sure when my interview date is...
Good luck!! When do you plan on coming over - are you in your final year at uni?
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-09 13:56:00
United KingdomSunday Roast
We always have sunday dinner as well - but since I am USC with an Italian background, we alternate from traditional sunday lunch to sunday dinner with pasta and chicken/pork/sausage, etc. We usually have a beef stew on our UK weeks.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-13 11:47:00
United KingdomCheapest Airline flights
QUOTE (Lansbury @ Jan 15 2008, 10:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Converse34 @ Jan 14 2008, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
[

True consolidated fares are negotiated on a contract by contract basis, based on the revenue they give the airline. They are often, but not always, lower than the lowest advertised published fare.


Thanks I'm fully aware what consolidator tickets are and how things have and are changing in respect of the fares airlines offer.


Well you cannot buy consolidated fares direct through the airline's website. Sometimes fares share the same bucket (e.g. Q) but they are not the same fares.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-15 14:55:00
United KingdomCheapest Airline flights
QUOTE (Lansbury @ Jan 14 2008, 08:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Not airlines sites but Expedia and those of that ilk most certainly do. It is quite a well published trick of theirs.


They might be able to change what specials are available - but they can't change the actual fare - it comes straight from the GDS.


QUOTE (Lansbury @ Jan 14 2008, 08:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When I did my ticketing course Q was consolidator fares.


True consolidated fares are negotiated on a contract by contract basis, based on the revenue they give the airline. They are often, but not always, lower than the lowest advertised published fare.

Edited by Converse34, 14 January 2008 - 10:08 PM.

Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-14 22:07:00
United KingdomCheapest Airline flights
QUOTE (Lansbury @ Jan 14 2008, 02:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (C and J @ Jan 14 2008, 12:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you don't know it already, don't search on the same flight too often because, once the airline knows people are interested, you'll see the price start to rise.


Just turn cookies off in your browser stops that from happening.


This is not true - at least on airline sites. They barely have enough time to monitor flights that have been sold, let a lone ones people are researching.

QUOTE (Lansbury @ Jan 14 2008, 02:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Converse34 @ Jan 13 2008, 05:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You can do a search for travel agents that sell "consolidated" fares. These are bulk rates that they have with certain airlines - these fares are only available through travel agents and no usually available through online agents such as expedia or travelocity. It is worth trying to find consolidated fares first. If not, use expedia or travelocity or orbitz to locate the cheapest airline/routing and then go to the own airline's website to book it direct.


A few of the airlines, United is one, now sell the consoldator tickets - Q class tickets - on their own web site.


Hmmm.... Q fare is not consolidated - it is a pretty good fare though, still published.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-14 19:08:00
United KingdomCheapest Airline flights
You can do a search for travel agents that sell "consolidated" fares. These are bulk rates that they have with certain airlines - these fares are only available through travel agents and no usually available through online agents such as expedia or travelocity. It is worth trying to find consolidated fares first. If not, use expedia or travelocity or orbitz to locate the cheapest airline/routing and then go to the own airline's website to book it direct.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-13 20:35:00
United KingdomWedding Reception Back in the UK
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Jan 13 2008, 11:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well because of my crazy plans(!) and the visa taking so long we are having a non-legal wedding next month (yeah yeah I know but it was already booked from last April - USCIS just screwed things up tongue.gif) then at the end of June we are having a UK celebration to coincide with my mum's 50th - just an evening reception/DJ (first dance etc as aren't doing that in the US)/cake etc. Then we fly back to the US together and have our legal wedding in Vegas - three weddings - result!! biggrin.gif


Haha - that's awesome! I love it - I don't feel bad for having 2 then smile.gif I was just thinking, wow, it was nice to put all the wedding stuff behind us - and now, the possibility of arranging another event, is overwhelming! But it won't be nearly the size or details - so hopefully it will be like just arranging a birthday party.
Converse34FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-13 14:10:00