ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomGCSEs?/GED
Thanks RJ.

I missed out on a lot of schooling in the UK due to various factors, and I intend on persuing a career here instead. I just need a "joe" job to earn some money to put myself through school - like most college kids here in the US do :)

I figure I can speak and write English to a high level and I am obviously a nice person ;) and am capable of handling myself in a professional manner, they shouldn't care. Plus for janitorial jobs or similar it doesn't really matter.

I'm legal to work that's probably all they care about.
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2012-01-08 21:49:00
United KingdomGCSEs?/GED
I could hit the GED button on an application and say I have one and they may not check?

The job I am looking at right now is very low pay but just need something right now to pay my way through EMT school. (the job is delivering food trays to people in hospital). I'm sure they just care if I can read and write.

I just asked the wife - she told me no-one has ever asked to see her High school diploma.. ever.

Edited by David And Katie, 08 January 2012 - 03:40 PM.

David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2012-01-08 15:38:00
United KingdomGCSEs?/GED
I'm starting to apply for jobs... would an employer know or care what a GCSE is?

Should I just go ahead and get my GED or would they check that I have passed GCSEs... Are they going to phone my old high school? ;)
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2012-01-08 15:14:00
United KingdomAdding a foreigner to a US bank account
Woops, sorry I thought I did.

Chase bank.

I've heard that chase are difficult when you're a foreigner, but she just needed a visa number apparently.
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-17 18:06:00
United KingdomAdding a foreigner to a US bank account
Went to Katie's bank today to get added onto her bank account.

The clerk asked if I was an LPR or if I had an SSN, to which I have neither.

She needed to see my drivers licence (UK) and my passport. She had some trouble finding a number to enter into the computer until I told her I had a visa. I think she entered in my "A" number into the computer and it liked that. She asked if I'd been in the country more than 30 days this year, and if I'd been in the country more than 180 days in the past 3 years.

Then she added a UK address and a UK phone number and that was it - once I get my SSN I'll come back and have her update the records - and once we change Katie's last name.

YMMV depending on your spouse's bank, but it was painless.
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-17 13:28:00
United Kingdomhow many days could I have my visa after interview?
Bit of an old topic now, but mine was around 4 days from being approved to having the visa in hand.
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-06-24 18:54:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?

I am so jealous of these cheap flights you've all found. I tried booking through STA, found a flight for 450, but they wouldn't accept a baby in the "deal" they offered :(


Don't feel bad... Mine wasn't a cheap flight.

Anyone else doing this - I reccommend NOT having a summer wedding :P At the time Katie and I were planning the wedding we thought September 2011 was SOOOO FAR AWAY and we didn't want to wait any longer. But now it's nearly upon us and I've had to pay nearly double the cost of a flight in September, for a flight in late July, I wish I would've waited.

Ho hum! :)
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-06-26 16:58:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?
<grumbles> :P

I'm not sure how I would redeem my miles for ... erm... miles. Or how many 16,000 would buy me. Wish I'd thought of that.

How much did the miles cost you?
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-06-25 17:52:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?
I must've been looking in the wrong place - or there were no singles available for my chosen date. It would've cost me more to book a single than a return, which is stupid.

Ho hum! So much of this process is a live-and-learn situation, but all being well we'll never have to use these lessons again :(
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-06-25 15:49:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?

Heheh awesome. I have my flight booked for august 24th(if all goes well at interview), leaving me plenty of time, plus it was the cheapest flight I could find In august at £315 :)


Please tell me that's a one way flight? :o


Mine cost me nearly #800 (sorry, writing on a stupid american keyboard on a netbook :P). I had to get a return ticket as it was the cheapest.

Had to put it all on my freshly paid off credit card too. Ouch.
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-06-24 20:08:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?

July 29th here 9am :D


'grats :) That's the day I fly out... :) Good luck and all that :D
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-06-24 18:46:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?
I think my timeline has it... but it was less than a week for me to get my visa and passport, bearing in mind my interview was on a Friday.

Edit: 6 days or 4 not including Saturday and Sunday. Bloody quick.

Edited by David And Katie, 17 June 2011 - 08:42 AM.

David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-06-17 08:41:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?
The wedding date I put on the DS-2001 was June 25th and I got my letter about a week and a half before my interview was due. YMMV though :)
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-06-04 12:46:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?

I hope not - medical results should've been at the embassy either yesterday or on Monday - I presume that I'll just be waiting for a new letter giving the appointment?


Did you send in the DS-2001 checklist already?

If so then yes just waiting for the interview (assuming you've paid for it).

It won't hurt to call the DoS either.
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-06-04 07:21:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?

Congratulations!


Thanks Ben :) You shouldn't be too far behind looking at your timeline :)
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-06-04 06:53:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?
I was approved!!!!!!!!! YAY :)

Such a feeling of relief, and for my, the interview was a breeze. It really was an informal chat.

It was nice to know both people I saw yesterday told me our paperwork was fine.
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-06-04 05:41:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?

8:30am. Can't believe how close it is now, I must have read and checked everything at least twice a day for the last week.


What documents are you taking?

I've got for my K1:
Birth Cert.
Passport
I-134 form
Pictures.
and the visa fee printout.
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-05-30 13:13:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?
Yes, once I've sobered up from the celebrating ;) Yeah, no worries :)
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-05-29 11:14:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?
I got my interview for June 3rd at 9am.

Anyone else on that date? :)
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-05-24 09:04:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?
I think the Embassy have had my DS2001 for 11 days now. I've called DoS twice, and the last time I called he said no interview yet, but I eventually got out of him that there's a note to say they have my medical results (but no note to say they have my DS-2001 form)...
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-05-12 18:48:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?
That's alright, I eventually got through and paid my visa fee.

I wonder how long I should wait before calling DoS for my interview date... a week? :)
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-04-29 18:55:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?
If anyone IS paying today... sigh.

I just spent £10 on the phone in order to get absolutely nowhere. I first managed to be put through to the wrong department (probably my fault). I called back and then got to talk to the right person, I entered in my details and then "Oh I'm sorry sir the payment system is down right now..., can you call back?".. ... ...

Talk about frustration!
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-04-27 10:46:00
United KingdomWhat is your interview date @ London Embassy?
Sending my DS-2001 form off today. I also have to pay the Visa fee today.

I will let you know - I hope my interview is soon!

David.
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-04-27 07:32:00
United KingdomBringing Pets From the UK
I'm not sure if there are any other direct flights from MAN to ORD except via AA.

You could look at Continental from MAN to EWR (Newark) and then an onward connection to Chicago. I did that once (but not with a pet, sorry!).
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-06-25 17:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffidavit of Support
Well since I wrote that, my friend, the co-sponsor was just about to sign the forms, and his mother read them and said:
"You realise you can get sued by the US Government..." at which point he freaked out and bottled out.

So, I'm glad we had a back up in Katie's mother.

My question is: The evidence we need for Katie's mother's income is:
I-134 filled out
W2 + 1099 (whatever they are) OR tax transcripts (even though she hasn't filed 2010's taxes yet).
Photocopy of birth certificate proving US Citizenship?

Will a letter from Katie's mom's employee stating her income work?

Thanks,
D+K
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-24 08:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffidavit of Support
Well got my Packet 3 in the mail on Friday.

Time to get all the stuff together for sponsor and co-sponsor. Does Katie still just need 3 years of tax transcripts, even if the co-sponsor is doing all the sponsoring?

Does he need his tax transcripts too?

As well as proof of residency?
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-05 09:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffidavit of Support
Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I understand what you've written, however, I'm a little confused. There seem to be TWO forms - I-134 and I-864. Do we have to fill them both out, or just one... (not including the ones the co-sponsor has to fill out).

Very confusing!
Thanks again.
David.

Edited by David And Katie, 09 February 2011 - 05:16 PM.

David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-09 17:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffidavit of Support
Hi folks,

My fiancé is currently about to start another job - her current job provides an income which is below the poverty line, and as such am I right in saying she can't sign the affidavit of support? Her new job will be better paying, and she will be able to support me until I get a job in the US (which I'm sure won't take long, I am willing to do anything).

So, my question is, can we ask either her father, or her friend to sign it instead? Both of whom have the means to support me if I can't work etc. etc. because if I remember correctly, you have to prove that her income is enough to support us both (her previous income isn't).

We received the NOA2 this week which is both exciting and nerve-racking. I'm just trying to prepare for the next stage.

Many thanks,
David. (UK).

Edited by David And Katie, 09 February 2011 - 04:15 PM.

David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-09 16:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 Visa second DS-230 / London

i just had my medical today and then called the US embassy afterwars to pay my visa fee but theu would not let me until i reeive packet 4.

I also asked the guy if they have received my packet 3 (which i know they did as it was signed for special delivery on fri) and the guy said nothing has been logged onto the system however there is a 2-4 weeks delay for DS230 to be loaded onto the system.

I then asked him how long it will be till io receive packet 4 and the guy said 'well after the forms have been checked and the DS230 loaded onto the system it could take between 3-6 monts for the visa to process'

PLEASEEEEEEEE TELL ME THIS GUY IS JOKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOOKING AT EVERY PERSONS TIMELINE, NO ONE HAS TAKEN THAT LONG! TALK ABOUT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND PULSE RACING!


Call DoS... I'm sure he meant weeks... :)
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-04-01 13:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 Visa second DS-230 / London

Bizarre.



We didn't even send in Part II, as it's not relevant to K1 visas.... I'd er, just sent another Part I and perhaps blank part II just to be safe? Quite strange...!


Hi Kristin,

Thanks :) I figure it is just like Nick said, its a catch-all letter. But I will pop another DS-230 in with the DS-2001, I don't suppose it will hurt, or it might. I just don't want to spend £1.20 a minute calling someone... unless I have to.
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-27 06:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 Visa second DS-230 / London

I think it's merely a form letter to cover many people/visas. You know what you still need to do, so carry on with your readiness form when you're ready. Your other forms are there and correct, so ignore the part that doesn't apply to you. Don't over-think the letter because it's to the masses and not personalized to you is my opinion.


Thanks. I don't think they realise what a simple letter can do to someone's blood pressure... !!!

I'd come to your conclusion earlier after reading many threads on here and deciding that it's just a catch-all letter. There isn't a:
'He's sent in everything else apart from his DS-2001 form-letter, so here's a letter that covers it and the DS-230'

:)

I don't suppose it will hurt to send in another DS-230 Part I, but my instinct is telling me I don't need to. Medical is in a week and a half and she's working on the I-134's now.
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-26 14:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 Visa second DS-230 / London

That's very strange...

You're right, DS-230 Part II is not required for the K1 visa. And you sent the DS-2001 Notification of Readiness in Packet 3?

All I can think is some idiot has misplaced one of your forms...grrr
Send them both again? Someone more knowledgable on here might be able to help you out


No, I didn't send Ds-2001 because I am waiting on Katie and her co-sponsor to send me the '134. Is it just a generic catch all letter I wonder?

Will the Dept. of State be able to tell me anything?
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-26 09:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 Visa second DS-230 / London

Why would you have left part II blank? As far as I know it is only to be "unsigned",but still filled out up to bu not including item #45, because it will be signed in front of the CO.

Now, for the more experienced folks. What is the deciding factor in what form needs to be submitted for a K-1 visa application? I.E. DS-156, DS--156K, DS-157, DS-158, DS-160, DS-230. Previous to this I was under the impression that K-1 required either an I-156 or an I-160 depending on whether or not you were filing electronically.

George


it JUST said DS-230 Part 1 in the Packet 3 instructions. Everything I read said Part I.

Packet 3 instructions:
http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html

The link I was told to visit today:
http://london.usemba...gov/ds2001.html

Edited by David And Katie, 26 March 2011 - 08:46 AM.

David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-26 08:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 Visa second DS-230 / London
Just had a letter in the post today from the London Embassy.

I sent my Packet 3 in and called the DOS yesterday to confirm they had received it, which they had. The letter today states that I need to fill in and complete DS-230 Part I/II as well as DS-2001.

I sent in a DS-230 Part I completed and signed with Packet 3. Do I need to send in Part II even though it was blank? Or did they not get DS-230 Part I?

Regards
David.
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-26 07:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical / Police Cert / Packet 3 London

Just too let you knoww I just received packet 3 and iit read amongs the same line as yours except listing all the forms. So if they listed 230 again its possible they may have not seen or received it. And it clerly states part 1 only


Yeah I'm looking at my Packet 3. Maybe I should post a new topic in here. I will and see what happens.
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-26 07:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical / Police Cert / Packet 3 London

Personally I think this is just a letter reminding you what will happen next.

The thing is your not going to get you interview before sending in your DS 2001 anyway so just to be sure, send in another copy of 230 again at the same time. Even if you sent it in now they willl still have to wait for 2001 anyway


Yep, good point. I printed off three copies of everything I had to send, so I have another identical copy (I hope) that I can just sign.

I hate red tape!!! :)

Thanks mate
David.

ps: if you have skype or something private message me (it might be easier).
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-26 06:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical / Police Cert / Packet 3 London

Maybe its just a letter to remind you that you just need to send. In DS 2001

Try calling dos now or maybe on this occassion call the embassy


It's 7am Eastern at the moment so I don't think they'll be open, though I will call them in a few hours once they've had chance to wake up.

The letter read:

Dear blah blah blah

We are pleased to inform you that we have received an approved petition in support of your immigrant visa application...

All immigrants need a medical, blah blah...

An appointment for your visa interview will not be scheduled unless we are in receipt of forms, DS-230 Part I/II, checklist DS-2001, and received the results of your medical examination
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-26 06:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical / Police Cert / Packet 3 London

Did you send DS 2001 ? Not sure why they would ask for DS 230 again unless they want part 2 but I'm certain that as a K1 filer you only send part 1


No as I don't have my I134 from the Mrs yet, I didn't send the 2001 in. I did send in a DS-230 filled in and all that fun stuff. I made copies of copies so I can check it was sent in.

I wonder if I can call up the DoS and ask them if LND received that form...? I _really_ don't need to be spending any more money calling the premium rate number!
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-26 06:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical / Police Cert / Packet 3 London
Just had a letter this morning from the Embassy.

'We will not schedule your visa interview until we are in receipt of forms DS-230 Part I/II and DS-2001'

I thought I'd just sent DS-230 Part 1 off to them? Do I need to send this again???
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-26 06:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical / Police Cert / Packet 3 London

so basically you received it 6 days after it was sent out!

my wedding is aug 5th so just as worried as you are mate, well keep in touch any let me know when u get ur interview. My medical is on 29th and i managed to get my vaccinations free at my GP.


I would just get the tube in rather than drive


Yeah it arrived and I left it a while before sending packet 3 off, but they (I assume) have had my completed forms now for a few days.

I have somewhere to sleep overnight on the 5th, so I am getting a cheap train down from Manchester the night before, then footing it/tubing it to Bond Street.

9:30 am... eek. Middle of rushhour :(
David And KatieMaleUnited Kingdom2011-03-25 13:38:00