ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Regretting that I am a US CITIZEN!!

I read the saga... but I am sorry there is nothing wrong in being US citizen. You were naive and you did not understand the law right.
Officer at the entry did his job and he was 100% right in denying entry to your husband after honeymoon. When he first got his tourist visa, he did state he was going for non-immigrant purpose.
After marriage that status had changed and so did his intention so his B1/B2 is not valid anymore.

You driving to Vermont and just handing the form to someone and they would stamp it right away - comon that does not work that way.

From begining of the story, you I can tell someone coming to US on B1/B2 as tourist and falls madly in love and is getting married to US citizen, most likely he/she is only doing that to live in US - comon.

Sorry I am rude, but m honest and frank.



Harsh is a good name for you...and harsh is how I have interpreted your response to waiting4goozy who, has just poured out her heart in hopes of some kind words. This, quite literally, could happen to any of us! We like to think that this is not possible, but, when our emotions get entangled with another, it is difficult to see a very good con-man/woman. May none of us have to face such misery, but, let us not forget our humanity when someone does face such heartbreak.
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2010-07-21 17:18:00
United KingdomHow to deal with the down time

My feller is her for approx. 4 more weeks. I could give you the time down to the last minute.....but its too depressing. lol. I know I am being silly, but jeesh! I sure as heck am not looking forward to his leaving, yet again. It's not like I don't know he is coming back or that I am getting to go over there for his interview and to do a bit of honey mooning while there....ok a lot of honey mooning.....but I am bugging out every time I think about him leaving.


So how do you deal with your SO being 4000 miles or more away. What gets you through. How do you distract your self from being miserable.


I think for Alan and I, what has been helpful is not pining and whining about longing to be together. We try not to let ourselves get too emotional. We talk...we talk A LOT...everyday. This really helps. We laugh and joke and try to keep our spirits lifted. I have been reading self-help books on being a better partner/spouse, as I feel we could probably all use new information. This down time for us has made us both think a lot about who we are, why previous relationships may not have worked, and how we can prevent making the same mistakes in the past. My reading has also given us additional things to talk about. While being apart is so very difficult, we cannot change what we cannot change, so we just try to make it as pain-free for each other as possible and try to be supportive and not draining to one another.
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2010-07-25 22:56:00
United KingdomMax time limit until we interview
Do you think asking for an extension is necessary then if we are only thinking of waiting a month or two before we send in the readiness form? Thanks for your reply.
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-02-28 21:36:00
United KingdomMax time limit until we interview
We have received our "packet 3" from London, but are going to need a little more time due to financial reasons. I have heard of K1's timing out, and want to make sure that does not happen to us. Now that I am looking for this information, however, I am unable to find it. Does anyone know if there is a maximum amount of time we can take before we send in our readiness form to interview in London? Thanks!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-02-28 20:28:00
United KingdomPacket 3 and DS-2001

Take originals and copies of documents to interview. Only DS- forms mailed in.



Pay before interview day. Payment not required to get an appt.


Review the instructions to make sure you have everything

http://www.visajourn...united-kingdom/

http://london.usemba..._documents.html

http://london.usemba.../interview.html




Apparently things have changed now. Alan called the embassy yesterday. London does require payment before an interview date is given via the extortion line. Then a copy of the receipt is sent by email, which must be printed in duplicate. It must then be signed. One copy must be sent in with the readiness form, and the second you have to take to the interview or they will not admit you to the embassy. The gentleman also told him that an interview date will be sent to us via e-mail, not by mail as I know was previous protocol.


Thanks for all your help!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-07-18 18:00:00
United KingdomPacket 3 and DS-2001

Your interview date will be about a month after they receive your DS 2001 anyway so I'd send it asap and get that in their queue.




Does anyone know for sure if you have to send copies of the required documents along with the readiness form to London?, or just take the originals to the interview?

Secondly, must the interview be paid before London will issue an interview date?, or can we just make sure the fee is paid prior to interview day?

Thanks!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-07-16 06:11:00
United KingdomTime in which London is taking to dole out interviews

Just curious if anyone knows how long we may have to wait for an interview recently. We will be paying the fee next week and were wondering if we might get one in two weeks or two months. Thanks!



Yes, all of our paperwork was sent in a few months ago. Our hold up was me getting a job. Now that I have one, we can move forward once again. :)

Thank you for the info. I figured it was about a month, but just wanted to know what others were experiencing.
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-07-17 11:36:00
United KingdomTime in which London is taking to dole out interviews
Just curious if anyone knows how long we may have to wait for an interview recently. We will be paying the fee next week and were wondering if we might get one in two weeks or two months. Thanks!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-07-16 19:38:00
United KingdomInterview in 7 days and SO nervous! Help!

Its not an email but a letter from the embassy. Takes about 2-3 weeks after they receive your packet 3 and medical results. But you can call the deparment of state on 202-663-1225, tell them your LND case number and they'll tell you if/when the interview has been booked for. Good luck.



Thank you!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-08-11 21:37:00
United KingdomInterview in 7 days and SO nervous! Help!
Can anyone tell me how long they waited for an email from London telling them when their appointment is to be? We paid for it three weeks ago, they have all the paperwork and NOTHING! Thanks!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-08-10 20:45:00
United KingdomPacket 3 still not logged...

Send a copy of the entire package once again, make sure its sent recorded delivery and its all dated as it was when you first sent it. Once it has come up on the royal maiol website as signed for, call the embassy and get an email ocde. Email the embassy and tell them you had planned to have him fly october 30th for a wedding on november 11th and that your packet being lost has held up your application.
they lost mine so after 3 weeks I resubmitted and got an interview date 2 weeks later.



Mine was also lost, they told us to wait 7 weeks...only to then tell us they only had the DS-230...which was interesting as we never sent in that form alone, but along with others. I agree. E-mail them. They seemed to find our paperwork it seems after we called them on it with recorded delivery receipts. However, I don't have a lot of confidence in the Consulate at this point. We just got another letter, AFTER we got an interview date that they still don't have all of our paperwork, but they do, thrice now. I had them sent in with a Congressional inquiry through a State Senator. I really don't know how they manage to accomplish anything! Best of luck!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-09-20 14:16:00
United Kingdomtell us your wedding plans!

11^3 is our date too, in Vegas! The teepee sounds interesting, what made you choose that?



We wanted something a little less traditional...We will do an ancient Celtic handfasting ceremony as the marriage ceremony...in a teepee.
A rather odd mix, I know...and me in my summery dress that took me 5 months to make, November or not, it is getting worn!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-10-03 14:12:00
United Kingdomtell us your wedding plans!
We decided to go very small and intimate. We are getting married in a teepee and will go out for dinner afterward. 11-11-11 is the date, first week in December, we will spend a week in Las Vegas. I can't wait...he will be here in 8 days!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-09-30 17:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFingerprints needed in London for K?
So, because he is a UK citizen living in the UK, requesting a UK police certificate, we will not need to pay the £65 and go to some special police station to get them taken then? That is wonderful news. I think they should have stated that a little more concisely. Thanks for the help!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-03-01 22:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFingerprints needed in London for K?
Ok, we are confused here.
Does London require fingerprints for the processing of the K1?

This is a quote from the London Embassy which can be found here: http://london.usemba..._documents.html

“Many countries require fingerprints to process police certificates for immigration purposes (e.g, Australia, Canada, Nigeria). Police certificates completed without the required fingerprints are not valid. View the attached PDF file for a list of UK police forces (PDF - 338kb) that offer a fingerprinting service.”

Alan called ACPO and they told him to ask the Embassy, but after many minutes of waiting on the Embassy phone line at £1.34 a minute,...I am asking you guys instead. The Embassy have included a list of police forces that offer the fingerprinting service, so, am I to assume they are definitely needed? I just don't want to spend extra monies that are not necessary.

Thanks for all your help, fellow Vjer’s!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-03-01 21:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156 problem printing bar code
ok, so it seems the form might have timed out...we did it again, and we were able to print it with the bar code. Hope this helps some people! :blush:
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-03-07 16:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156 problem printing bar code
We just spent like an hour filling in the DS-156, and when he clicked "CONTINUE" as the form said we needed to do, nothing happened. So, I hit continue from a blank form and it took me to a PDF version that did generate a bar code. My question is, Are you supposed to hit continue and generate a bar code, then print it and then fill it in? I don't see any other way of doing it otherwise.
Thanks for your help.
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-03-07 16:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156K...now or later?
Just a quick question to make sure I am going to do this correctly. Step One from London says "Complete the Form DS-230-Part 1, Form DS-156, and DS-157" and return them promptly. Step Two says to send them the Readiness Form 2001.

My question is when do I send in the DS-156K, or do I just take it to the interview? The 156K says that birth and marriage certificate, divorce decree, police certificate, evidence of engagement, and evidence of financial support (I-134) should be attached.

We do not yet have some of the required DS-156K documentation together, so we were thinking of mailing this form off with copies of all of the above when we send in the Readiness form, but, I would prefer to get the first three forms (from Step One) sent off ASAP. What did everyone else do?
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-03-07 13:13:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMilitary Discharge paperwork
I feel like I am talking to myself, but if anyone else runs into this same issue, Alan had his interview in London this morning, and they never even asked for his military paperwork. We were approved with no issues. :)
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-09-21 09:31:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMilitary Discharge paperwork
What? no responses? Nothing? Not one person has anything to say on this?
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-09-20 14:18:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMilitary Discharge paperwork
I don't know how I posted this in this forum, can it please be moved the UK Portal. Sorry, and thanks!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-09-19 14:27:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMilitary Discharge paperwork
Our interview is coming up at the London Consulate. Late last week, Alan realized he does not in fact have military discharge paperwork, only a form which states he was transferred from the Royal Army to the reserves. I went online and found out that on your 45th birthday, you are relinquished from all reserve duties. I hope this is enough, because the guy at the military records dept. sent him a letter that it will take no less than 21 days to get the documents we need. Does anyone know when you are around the age of 45 if they are going to be sticklers about the appropriate discharge documentation given that he is relinquished by age alone? Thank you!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-09-19 14:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI-129F is finally in the mail
Hi, everyone. My name is Alex. I like the idea of having company in the Visa journeying. I am brand new to this forum, but found it during the last several months when Alan and I were discussing how best to be together in the US. He is in the UK. After numerous back-and-forth discussion about what would be best for us, we finally made a decision...the I-129F! Got his bits in the mail yesterday, and was able to mail off our completed I-129F today to Vermont!

K1 Journey
10/09 : Met playing Castle Age on Facebook
03/08/10: First phone conversation
05/24/10: We met and spent a week together in the US
07/13/10: Mailed off I-129F to Vermont
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2010-07-13 18:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow do you cope?

Everything now seems so close, yet just that little bit too far away!

My Fiancee and I have now filed for our K-1, we put the package together in the first week of January off the back of a fantastic New Years in Las Vegas, and now we know what we plan to do over the coming years of my entry into the United States (Should and When they permit it).

So sat back in New Mexico, being over looked by a baby scorpion sat in the doorway we put our heads together and formed our plan. It's perfect, and straight forward; Get married in front of a Judge; File for my change in status; get driving; get bank accounts set up; start work; back to school (Since the US won't accept my UK degree); Then have the big family wedding/blessing!

However! I have hit a brick wall, I have a week now until I go back to work in the UK, sat here without the love of my life, with not alot to do. I had recently started a second degree with the Open University, but the path I chose involves Exams and another 3 modules once I finish the current one - but since I need to go back to school in the US do I continue with my OU course - It will take me another 18 Months to finish maybe longer!

Silly thing really, but that's my dilemma, I've usually been so strong with things, but being apart tears me apart as I live in a city with no Family and very few trust worthy friends.

We practically leave SKYPE on 24/7 when we are apart, but I'm just wishing this process would move faster - How do you guys do it? To say "keep busy" is easy when you don't know what people are going through - but you guys do know - well at least your foreign partners do.

So a question to the beneficiaries out there... How do you cope?




We cope by talking every day, usually a couple of times a day. We try not to obsess on the Visa time/process, as that can be frustrating. I get on here and read, although sometimes that makes me more uptight than if I had not. I like knowing what is coming up, so we can be as prepared as possible for what is next. I have been reading relationship-type books, and am compiling quotes, poems,lists etc. that have to do with healthy relationships. My thought is I will make my own self-help book with the information, and, it should be an easy source for both of us, once married to refer from time to time. It passes the time, is informative and enjoyable, and makes me feel closer to him.
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-01-22 01:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsPersonal Problems
Alan and I do not argue, despite the stress of this process. We decided not to take it out on each other. We have dealt with many stressors since we met and decided to be together, and while sometimes it feels like there will never be an end to it, logically you know there will be. He is more of a rock, and I am the researcher, just like many of the females above. I just try to keep myself together so as not to make matters worse. As long as he is able to convey how he feels now and then, I don't make it hard on him, so we don't have conversations that highlight how much we miss each other, although we do say it here and there. We talk a lot, and I will occasionally tell him about things I read and learn on here, but he has no interest in checking it out first hand. That is OK with me. I guess what I am trying to say is that it has been beneficial for us to concentrate on other things for the most part, but do it in such a way that still lets the other person know that they are still the most important thing in your world.
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-02-06 20:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsValentines Approval???
Well, we kinda got one today. I got the hard copy of the NOA2 in the mail today, but knew of the approval on Feb. 4th. :)
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-02-14 21:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2010 VSC filers
Apparently, it took only 3 days from the received date for the VSC to begin the I-129F process.
"The I-129F has been received by our office for the following beneficiaries and is in process."
Yippee!!!

Now, does anyone know about the "processing/estimates/stats"? It is below your timeline on VJ?
Mine says..."Based on timeline data, your I129f may be adjudicated between August 30, 2010 and September 19, 2010*."
I am curious about the possibility that this is accurate...and, does "adjudicated" mean the NOA2 date, or what?

Thanks,
Alex
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2010-07-30 01:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2010 VSC filers
I mailed everything off yesterday to Vermont...and the waiting game begins. Funny thing is, rather than being excited, I was rather down today. Perhaps it is the roller-coaster effect.
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2010-07-14 19:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhere's the Happiness???
What a wonderful idea!

1. My fiance makes me laugh and smile through all the tough times.
2. Our distance has made our communication skills superior to any I have ever had in a traditional relationship.
3. While under stress, I have lost some weight.
4. Webcams are wonderful things!
5. I am thankful to have found a wonderful, amazing, brilliant man who loves me just as I love him.
6. All things will now become possible in our lives.
7. I have survived a very long, rough journey, and come out better for it.
8. I have taken the time we have had apart and done some serious emotional self-work.
9. My future husband has the sexiest accent on the planet (in my opinion).
10.I am where I have chosen to be, and would not change my decision.

Thank you for letting me share. Sometimes it is too easy to get down. I have had those days where I felt things would never happen, but I could not stay in that place. If I had, I would not have made it. Do what you need to to keep your spirits up, and believe it will happen. Until it does, keep yourself busy!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-10-07 13:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports1 week and we hit 5 months waiting for NOA2

Just curious, for you guys approaching 5-6months of waiting for NOA2. Do you mind if i ask if you would consider your application a straightfoward/basic application? By basic i'm implying the following: that 1) this is your first time filing K-1 or similar petition, 2)no pervious marriages/divorces 3) No criminal or legal troubles 4) No kids included in petition 5) No RFEs.
I understand few of this are private information, but maybe just acknowledging to having any of the above will do. Wondering if it would help others understand if there is a bias to "basic" and "non-basic" petitions at the USCIS because it involves in-depth background check.



Our case took seven months, and was completely straightforward, it was 1)our first time filing 2)yes, we were each married and divorced once previously 3)with no criminal or legal issues 4) no kids 5) no RFEs. I waited until 6 months and called, was told to wait two more weeks, and was just about to get my local Congressman involved and that day we got approved. I am convinced our package sat on a shelf, collecting dust for 7 months. No touches...Then, when someone had a reason to look into it, probably spurred by my phone call, that is when it finally got looked at. Just my suspicion, of course, but odd, huh?

Best of luck!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-11-17 17:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLose a job before interview date, any effects?
Don't forget that looking for a job is stressful under the best of conditions, and who needs more of that when we are already stressing so much over the Visa process. Keep your job, in the long run, you are doing you both the biggest favor, but, that is just my opinion. Best of luck in what ever decision you make. :star:
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-03-02 23:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 VISA Interview today - APPROVED !!!!
Congratulations, we were approved for our K1 in London today too! Such a great day!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-09-21 13:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOCTOBER 3 TOUCHED...ANY OF U?
Our timeline...no touches...

I-129F Sent : 2010-07-13
I-129F NOA1 : 2010-07-23

...just lots of patience.
I will call my congressman tomorrow, and try calling the NVC again tomorrow.
It is just frustrating is all.
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-01-14 00:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow long apart?

We first met in person after 5 months, spent one week together then it was ANOTHER 5 months before we saw each other again. We then spent almost 3 months together and I arrived back in the UK 3 days ago. Although I am seeing him again Valentines week, this has been the most difficult goodbye because we got to see what it was like to be a real couple every day, to wake up together, meet each others friends and family and spend just about every waking moment together. To go from that to being apart again is breaking our hearts. Sometimes it hurts so much you wonder how you are ever going to get through it.

Just keep the communication going, no one who hasn't gone through this realises how hard it really is, but it takes a very special couple to do it. You know if you an get through this the chances of you having a very happy marriage are high. Take it one day at a time and set aside quality time together. Watch movies in sync over the webcam, text and talk on the phone. You will get through this.

Six months is not a lot in the great scheme of things, but it feels like a life time I know. Just remember it will all be worth it in the end. Keep your chin up. Jade :)


When I read your post, I thought, how similar our situations are.
We met in person May, 2010 for one week after beginning our relationship. We then spent two months ago apart, and then spent three months together in the UK...then five weeks apart, and another 5 weeks together in the US. This last 5 weeks over the holidays really gave us a real glimpse of how good we can be together, working on projects together, and living like other couples do. Now, I am not sure how long we will be apart, but believe our time apart will be four months or so. This is more difficult now that we have become closer, so, going back to talking endlessly on the phone, and living in different time zones is heart-breaking at the minute. However, I know we are both strong and will survive this. Besides, once you have come this far, what else is there you can do!? When you love, you will wait, and you will endure. Best of luck to you all.
~Alex
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-01-13 21:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is next following NOA2 approval?

I've put together a lot of London specific information including info on the "packet" which is nothing but a letter from London. The link is in my signature by the flag.



Thank you, Nich-Nick. Just what I was looking for! :)
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-02-19 18:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is next following NOA2 approval?

good luck on your interview, i hope it goes smooth,



Thank you!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-02-18 23:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is next following NOA2 approval?
For those of you who are wondering, cause I know I did...This is what I got in the mail today....

Dated February 15th

Dear Petitioner:

The State Department's National Visa Center has recently received an approved I-129F petition filed on behalf of your fiancé. This letter is to let you know that within a week the petition will be forwarded to the appropriate visa-issuing post where your visa interview will take place.

Our records show that you filed the I-129F petition for:

Name of Fiancé: His Name
INS receipt number: #############
Case Number: #############

The case will be processed at:

Post: LONDON
EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES, VISA UNIT
24/31 GROSVENOR SQ
LONDON W1A 1AE
UNITED KINGDOM

Your fiancé will soon receive a packet with instructions from the consular section on how to apply for the K1 visa at that post and what documents will be required. In the meantime, you should visit the Department of State's website at www.travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_4323.html to determine if the processing post has any information of which you should be immediately aware.

Sincerely,

Bureau of Consular Affairs


I have a question about what that packet contains so we can start gathering documents, and also, is the packet different from consulate to consulate.
Thank you!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-02-18 20:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresChange of Address
I changed my address between NOA1 & 2 and it was updated quickly, and seemed to cause no problems. I changed mine on the USCIS website, I believe, not by phoning them. Best of luck! :star:
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-03-16 11:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMisery loves company

You can request that your deadline be extended at the consulate... that'll buy you some time at least. just out of curiousity, whats your degree in?





Marriage and Family Therapy. It seems a lot of human service and counseling jobs get axed when the economy goes bad. Prevention seems to get no focus during these times. I believe that many others who would normally work these jobs are also in a similar predicament.
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-03-30 09:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMisery loves company
Thank you all for your support. And, no, there is no possibility of a co-sponsor. My mother is on very limited social security income, and my brother is in school full time, and gets help just to support himself. I don't expect anyone to bail me out of this, it is just that sometimes, it just feels good to be understood and heard, even if there is no real answer to my problem. I have heard that the consulate at some point will give a notice of last call at some point, and I am just concerned that will happen and I still won't have a job. I do NOT want to have to start from scratch on all of this. He says if I still haven't found something by June, he will come and spend some time here with me. Thanks, guys!
Alex~AlanFemaleEngland2011-03-29 16:43:00