ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomCourt records destroyed

What was the conviction for.

How old was he.

What was the sentence.


you asking me?
mmbFemaleScotland2006-11-01 09:28:00
United KingdomCourt records destroyed

Hi there

do not worry about it, we are parents going through our daughter and we had the same problem, hubby had an offence over 35 years ago and we could not get any records for it from anywhere. We even wrote to the Archives centre in Kew as advised by the County court where he was convicted.

I explained this to the embassy and as long as you can show that you have done all possible and have the letters to prove this, they are fine about it. You should be OK

Sorry, computer went crazy for a minute, did mean to say whatever you do, do not lie, just make sure that for the missing records you have all the paperwork i.e any letters to show what you have done to try and find out about them and the responses you have received.


Thanks, I'm glad i'm not the only one to be in this situation. I had no intention of lying, but was worried about telling the truth without records to back me up.
As well as the letter from the Procurator Fiscal I think I'll ring around and see if there is a record centre for Scotland as they might be able to give me something in writing as well.
I hadn't thought about showing the consulate copies of letters I sent asking for information, I'll include those too, if they don't want them they don't have to read them.

PS was the waiver you had to file caused by his offence? do I need to find out how to file a waiver?

Edited by mmb, 01 November 2006 - 09:01 AM.

mmbFemaleScotland2006-11-01 08:59:00
United KingdomCourt records destroyed

US does not have a 20/40 rule, or anything similar.

You declare it to the best of your knowledge.

Include the letter explaining why no court information is available.


Thanks, that's why I asked the fiscal to send me the letter.
I knew my mispent youth would catch up with me one day. :blush:
I just hope the consulate will accept it.
mmbFemaleScotland2006-11-01 06:21:00
United KingdomCourt records destroyed
I'm waiting for packet 3 right now and have sent of for a police check frim both Scotland and England.
In 1979 I had a minor conviction and was admonished, this would be considered spent for most reasons and under Scottish Law the 20:40 rule applies (it was more than 20 years ago and I'm now over 40 with no more convictions).
As I don't feel I want to risk lying on the form I contacted the court to find out how I could get a copy of the record.
I discovered the court no longer exists, it's work taken over by another local court. The court that has taken over has no records from the court Iappeared in.
I contacted the office of the Procurator Fiscal who confirmed there are no records from that time. He has agreed to provide me with a letter to confirm this. I feel this is a bit of a Catch 22.

Anyone have any ideas if I'm doing the right thing? (the guides just don't cover this :wacko: )
mmbFemaleScotland2006-11-01 05:55:00
United KingdomWhere in the UK are you from?
Born in Edinburgh but grew up in the west of Scotland, I spend a fair bit of time explaining I'm not Glaswegian, lived in Hampshire a while too in a few places around Portsmouth.
mmbFemaleScotland2006-11-02 18:54:00
United KingdomQuestion. but not visa related.


hi!

thanks for the advice.
i'll check them out.
anyone with HSBC?



I'm with HSBC. Have you left the UK yet? If not then go into an hsbc and ask them about opening an account in the US before you leave. They will 'introduce' you to the US HSBC and you can get a credit card and overdraft facilities because they will do a credit check. You cannot do that once you are here. Once here they won't be able to check you credit from the UK so your chances of getting a credit card are reduced. Transfering your money between the two is easy too, 10GBP per transfer.


I looked at doing this but HSBC only have branches in New York, Florida and California(one branch) so can't help anyone who won't be in one of these areas.
mmbFemaleScotland2006-11-22 12:39:00
United KingdomPolice Certificate Wait Times?

Hi,

I'm just trying to judge how long it really takes to get a police certificate from the NIS at New Scotland Yard?

Is it within the realms of possibility to have it within say 4 weeks?

Thanks

Steven


I got mine in 4 weeks and that included them writing to me to ask for more information.

Maggie
mmbFemaleScotland2006-11-29 09:33:00
United KingdomI have an opinion only question!?
I sent my packet 3 back on the 2nd Dec by special delivery, it arrived at the embassy on Monday 4th Dec same day as my medical, they sent me packet 4 by return post the appointment letter is dated 4th Dec, the interview date is 31st Jan.
Based on my experience I think gambling on a June wedding would be safe.

Just one thing I have noticed, interview scheduling does seem to take account of travel dates and planned wedding dates, if you want your interview in well before your wedding I think it may be counter productive to give a wedding date too far ahead.
mmbFemaleScotland2006-12-07 11:13:00
United KingdomI'm sooooooo scared and overwhelmed

Maybe avoid ice cream this time.

lol darn right we will!
It was my daughter's ice cream, so it was all melty. I didn't notice she still had it until we were already in the underground and there was no trash cans there. so we had no choice but to take it on with us. I was about to drop her, because I couldn't hold on to the pole, and her, and the luggage, especially with my carpol tunnel synderom. My husband had nothing to carry, so I asked him to hold it. Obviously that was asking a bit too much! Argh. Well it's a story to tell and one day I'll find it hillarious I'm sure!

Thansk all for the support. It means a lot.


If you do decide to go with him let him carry the luggage and the two year old, don't ask him to do it, just tell him. You've been taking care of all the paperwork for this, it's time he took responsability and takes care of you and the children.
Good luck with the interview, I'm sure it won't be as bad as you fear.
mmbFemaleScotland2006-12-12 10:50:00
United KingdomLast Stupid Question, honest!
I just got my packet 4 and the IV19 says

"All fiance visa applicants and their children who will be immigrating with them to the U.S. are required to pay a visa application fee of $100 per person, regardless of age, ai the Embassy on the day of their visa interview.

Visa fees may be paid in cash, with a certified money order or by credit card (AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, MASTERCARD OR VISA ONLY)"
mmbFemaleScotland2006-12-07 05:05:00
United KingdomLondon medical experiences
I had my medical in London on Dec 4th, I hate doctors too and always try to avoid them.
The most painful part of the whole procedure was the bill.
Do take care to check they have the right reference number for you, they took mine over the phone and got it wrong.
I had a couple of vaccinations first, then the doctor took my medical history and a very quick, superficial check up. She got my blood with no problem, something very few doctors have managed and actually worked out what was most likely to have caused my asthma, no other doctor ever did that.
Because of my medical history the radiologist who did my X-ray went over it with me. The only unusual thing it showed was a stomach full of air, not surprising some 7 hours after breakfast and just before lunch, I was starved.
Try to relax about it, I worried myself sick over what turned out to be a breeze.
mmbFemaleScotland2006-12-15 04:55:00
United KingdomWow got the visas delivered already!
I'm so glad you have the visa, I hope everything goes smoothly for you from now on.
mmbFemaleScotland2006-12-16 13:56:00
United KingdomMaking the adjustment easier..
Thank You (F)
mmbFemaleScotland2007-01-06 11:29:00
United KingdomMaking the adjustment easier..
I would love to know how to get a copy of The Guardian, I have always missed that when I visit and interview permitting will be moving in early March.
mmbFemaleScotland2007-01-06 08:54:00
United KingdomUK Visa from Ukraine
Hi Bred,
I think it's unlikely that anyone here can answer your question as these forums are only concerned with family based immigration to the USA.
You might find what you need here Home Office
Good Luck
mmbFemaleScotland2007-01-12 06:33:00
United KingdomDry run in London

I am planning a trip back to the uk in mid February, and I would like to spend the day in london, taking my Fiancee through a dry run of the medical and Embassy locations. My Noa2 should be in February also.

Can anyone tell me where the medical sites are located in london, I know where the Embassy is.

I am a former Brit postman who was located in Harrow, so address and nearest train station is all I require.

Thanks in anticipation.


Knightsbridge Doctors
4 Bentick Mansions
12-16 Bentick Street
LONDON
W1U 2ER

Bond Street Station

Just near there in Marleybone High Street the is a branch of Snappy Snaps, great to get the US standard photographs needed for interview. Don't waste money taking one of these for the medical as they will just cut it down to British size.

Maggie
mmbFemaleScotland2007-01-17 18:16:00
United KingdomTell us a story

I lived in Ham (not West Ham), near Kingston-upon-Thames until I was about three I think, so don't really remember much of that... remember Richmond Park though, that was a very nice place if i recall!

I lived in near Portsmouth from then on, a place called Horndean. It was generally a nice place, we lived sort of in the country, and it wasn't far to get to some lovely quiet pubs in the middle of nowhere. Portsmouth isn't really my cup of tea... but there are some nice bits that are quite new, like Gunwharf Quays, which are a lot nicer than the old parts of Portsmouth. many a night I spent on Guildhall Walk when I was 18/19, I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to go down there anymore!

For the past 4 years I lived in Oxford as I was at University. I lived right in the centre of town, and it was such a lovely place to live. Right near all the best pubs shops and kebab vans Oxford had to offer! I miss kebab vans...It was always cold though, must be all the rivers...


I lived in Lovedean for a while though a lot of my neighbours preferred to say we were in Horndean :D
I went to Uni mostly in Portsmouth and really liked Old Portsmouth but there are quite a few places that I wouldn't want to go back to.
I always enjoyed going to Petersfield rather than Portsmouth.
mmbFemaleScotland2007-01-18 04:42:00
United KingdomEmbassy Cost

If thats the case looks like that woman on the embassy line was completely wrong

Really hope so :wacko:


I hope so too or I won't have much lunch money after the interview.

By the way, which one of you has the interview, is it Amie or David?

Maggie
mmbFemaleScotland2007-01-22 15:37:00
United KingdomEmbassy Cost

Anybody know how much you pay on the day when you go for your interview? Heard it was $380, seems a little steep!

Also do you pay on the day or before you go for the interview :blink:


Not sure of the cost but recent reviews suggest $100. I do know that you can pay on the day.
Add in the cost of getting the visa delivered, depending when you want it.
Maggie

Edited by mmb, 22 January 2007 - 03:09 PM.

mmbFemaleScotland2007-01-22 15:08:00
United KingdomEver had a package to UK lost?
When you post from the USA by Global priority Mail your package may move faster while in America but will have no more priority than regular mail once it gets to the UK.
Got that from the Royal Mail when I went looking for a delayed package.
Maggie
mmbFemaleScotland2007-01-18 04:24:00
United KingdomEver had a package to UK lost?

I'm a really bad fiancee that waited WAY too long to send out Christmas presents. I sent them on December 13, but was still told by the guy at the post office that it would take 4-10 days putting it there just in time for Christmas...that didn't happen. It's a month later and they've not arrived. So not only am I a bit dumb for waiting too long but I also threw away my customs slip because: 1. I didnt know there was a tracking number on there and 2. I was really busy doing my "I'm so smart, I procrastinated and will get away with it" dance so I had no time for thinking. So anyway, have any of you guys ever had packages really get lost? Is it maybe just on the slow boat to Manchester? It'll probably arrive THERE the day after Andy lands HERE. I think they took it to the Atlantic Ocean, put it on a raft and gave it a gentle nudge out to sea. Oh well, i've learned my lesson just curious to see if this has happened to anyone else.

Mary


I didn't get my Christmas gift last year, seemingly lost in the post, my fiance didn't keep his reciept either. :crying:
This year a card he posted me just after Christmas didn't arrive either.
mmbFemaleScotland2007-01-17 18:09:00
United KingdomLondon interview on 31st January

I stayed at the Bryanston when I had my interview in London. Its not the Ritz but its adequate for the one night. It is about a 5 minute walk to the embassy.


Thanks for that, I knew it wasn't far but that's even closer than I had hoped.
Other good news is they have a luggage room, save carrying an overnight bag to the interview.
mmbFemaleScotland2007-01-22 15:16:00
United KingdomLondon interview on 31st January

BRYANSTON COURT HOTEL-http://www.bryanstonhotel.com/

MARBLE ARCH INN-http://www.marblearch-inn.co.uk/

Not sure which one Chris is going to book yet. But he said one has a easier to understand website which makes it a little easier to book!


P.S. Tracy mentioned these links were probably in a guide on the forum some where. I know I've seen them but she was kind enough to find them for me!
Thanks Tracy, I promise not to verbally attack you any time soon *giggle*


I just booked at the Bryaston Court Hotel, fingers crossed, at £44 for a night online booking I don't expect much but I hope at least it's clean.
I had saw these links here on VJ but was hoping maybe someone knew something better.
Sadly the other places I looked at online are extortionate. My tastes far exceed my budget.
Maggie :)
mmbFemaleScotland2007-01-18 14:30:00
United KingdomLondon interview on 31st January

Hey I have my interview date on the 31st too! Mines at 10am

Really nervous though, just hoping this is a formality. Good luck to you :thumbs:


Looks like 3 of us so far, me at 9.30, you at 10 and another at 10.30.
Are you both going to the interview?
I wish Richard could be here with me but he's in too much pain to travel. I just have to wake him up with the result when I get out.
Maggie
mmbFemaleScotland2007-01-18 13:58:00
United KingdomDCF London I-130 for IR1/CR1 Spouse guide

My four children and I had our interviews last Tuesday so I wanted to add a couple of things if I may.

 

The ticketing system was not operational when we were in the Embassy.  Instead we were asked to sit in the holding room in the order in which we had entered the Embassy.  This worked up until an hour in when a trio entered and sat themselves in the front row of chairs (which had been vacated by the earliest arrivals).  When they then got up to go to the window as the next in line there was almost a lynching.  So be prepared for an alternative queuing system just in case and make sure you are aware of who was in front of and behind you in the queue.  We were lucky enough to be among the first arrivals so were at the pre-screening / paperwork checking window before any chaos ensued.

 

When the Embassy phoned me to tell me about our interview (granted with only a few days' notice) they asked if anyone would be accompanying the kids and I and I requested that my husband's name be placed on the list.  When we arrived, however, his name was not on the list and he was, therefore, denied entry.  We could not prove the correspondence with the Embassy, however, since his ipod was obviously not on him as a forbidden electronic device and we had been away from home visiting family so had no chance to print the email.  So we had no choice but for him to hang around outside the Embassy while the children and I entered the building.  However, when I reached the first window, I explained to the man the situation and asked if my husband could be permitted to enter since I would benefit from having someone there to wrangle the four children while I concentrated on the whole process.  He sent the email down to the security people but he also said I would have under a minute to catch my husband's attention and get him to approach security.  I, therefore, flapped at the windows like a mad woman trying to get his attention but he was deep in conversation with another waiting spouse and did not notice.  Thankfully the four kids and our unusual surname had made us memorable so the security officer actually went and fetched him and he was allowed entry.  So the two lessons to be learned from that experience are a) do not assume that an email correspondence and phone conversation regarding an accompanying spouse will result in their name being on the list and b) ensure your spouse, if not allowed entry initially, checks in frequently with security and watches the windows.

 

My interview was a piece of cake probably because we have been married for so long and have four kids together.  So be prepared to have all of that wonderful evidence you have compiled just in case be completely ignored.  Frustrating but, of course, both easier and most welcome.

 

Incidentally, we had our medicals the day before our interview.  We had not requested an interview date but had informed them when our medicals would be.  I assume that knowing how far we were travelling (we live in the Scottish Highlands) someone took pity on us and gave us the back-to-back appointments.  I also, however, wonder if mopping up five applications in one go was an easy way for them to make some sort of clearance quota.  I was told that the day we had our interview had been reserved for expedited (largely military) cases only with a few extras tagged on.  The Embassy, of course, did not have our medical results at that juncture so could not approve our visas.  We were told, however, that this was just an administrative issue and that they would be sent out in due course.  So if your timeline ends up being as peculiar as mine then they will give as close to an approval verbally as they can do even though the paperwork will be a denial because of the need for further information (ie the medical results).

I hope this information helps - particularly for those going through the process with children.


LauraDPFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-04 14:58:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
Maybe I got gender checked cause I am really tall... haha
micmacFemaleScotland2011-09-23 17:34:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
I had mine today, was better than expected. I have to get a better vaccination record, signed by a doctor. The receptionist at my GP wrote mine out on a post it or something. I knew that wouldnt be good enough but I didnt have the balls to say. She cleared it because of the whole AOS thing. Be warned, get a good copy! She says it happens a lot.

I had the xray, was fine, the guy was nice and friendly

I had the female doctor... south african? Had all the usual, but no one really mentioned getting checked for FEMALE CIRCUMCISION???? Maybe they just do them at random, I dont know. Anyway, she was very nice and I had been kind of worried after the prior reviews. But she was nice and friendly.

anyways, I have to get a GP letter about my anxiety problem but after that I am good to go!

One more hurdle... jumped... ?
micmacFemaleScotland2011-08-10 19:41:00
United KingdomBefore you permanently move to the US

I have always regarded that red passport as the difference between life and death or at least economic ruin if we ever encounter a serious health problem and the health insurance rats on us.

I was listening to woman on telly who lifted a weight and had chest pains and went for a check up. She had no insurance for her 2 hour visit to the hospital, and she was expecting a bill of around one thousand dollars.

She was billed FOURTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS for 2 hours of tests. She will be paying it off for many years.

Similarly, If my wife lost her job at say 55 years of age, we would have 10 years with no health care. It would cost well into 6 figures to buy it for 10 years and even then they might not pay up.

The chance to escape to the UK if health problems arise is very valuable. I was paying $55kpa tax in 1995 so they owe me.



A middle aged friend of mine was charged $400 for a pregnancy test... even though being pregnant was probably impossible.

This country is insane when it comes to this stuff. It feels like they are quicker to hand out pills as well because the government isn't footing the bill. But pills aren't a cure all. I was given anti inflammatory medication for a shoulder injury with no real advice as to exercise or recovery. The tablets didn't work and I had to play google doctor. My own doctor would have probably have told me about the condition and referred me to a physiotherapist. The american one didn't even tell me about my injury except for it's name.

I laugh when people here tell me healthcare is better in the US. All you have to do is look at the league tables and bankrupt sick people. My husband's auntie had $40,000 bills for the same cancer treatment my mum had in the UK.

Would do but she is hanging onto a really good job in the US

By sods law, she will lose it soon after the deadline


Fair enough :-) I have no job so nothing to lose!

Her US income will count in the 18 grand threshold under the new rules, she doesn't need a UK job offer if you are applying from the US.
micmacFemaleScotland2012-06-28 16:21:00
United KingdomBefore you permanently move to the US
My Husband got his settlement visa two days ago. We got in under the old rules. Apply before july 9th and you can get ILR in two years, not 5.

The new rules were very worrying, we applied before they were officially announced. It's horrible that they are doing this to real couples. They make out it's to reduce numbers but the marriage settlement visa numbers are pretty low anyway. If they based it on the immigrant's earning potential rather than the citizen it would make more sense seen as I can still claim benefits on my return. I don't want to, but I could. However the visa says on it "No recourse to public funds" so I really don't see where they are coming from on this. Tighten up the benefits system.

Then again I really don't think Theresa May really thought it through. A lot of people in the UK have stereotypes about immigrants taking from the government when they probably don't even know any. I know an immigrant from Pakistan who has worked more in the past 6 years than my own mother has, and she was on benefits for 20 years! This man works 6 days a week 9-5! It's like an easy attack on foreign people rather than fixing what is wrong in UK society.
micmacFemaleScotland2012-06-28 16:12:00
United KingdomAnyone had a baby during the visa application process?
That is really very encouraging to hear! Thank you.

I'm going to try to get my tax papers all filled in this week. Then the IRS told me if I send them two copies and ask for one copy to be recovered for Immigration they'll do that. So we should have to wait on that.
I just don't want to be holding things back on my side, I want to be ready to give them the notification of readiness immediately so as not to hold them back in processing times.

It would just be so so much easier if we can get the visas before the baby is born.
FattyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-10-06 11:30:00
United KingdomAnyone had a baby during the visa application process?
I'm new here. Hi.

I am a US citizen who was born in the UK and has lived here most of my life.
I'm married with 2 UK citizen children (they don't have a right to US citizenship because I haven't lived in the US long enough) and filed the I-130s for my husband and children in July. We're keen to move to the States and begin our new life asap.

Shortly after filing I discovered I'm pregnant and due Feb 20th. Since this is a direct consular application we expected it to go fairly quickly. I haven't received approved petitions yet, but am reading through the I-864 and freaking out about all the old tax returns I need to file etc, which I didn't know about previously. I'm self employed and the IRS stuff is frying my brains.

Anyway, if we receive the visas before the baby is born, I understand that the baby will be able to travel with us anyway, no problems. If the baby is born before we have the visas, I don't know what will happen. Does anyone know? I'm pretty sure I'll have to file and I-130 for the baby. Will that mean we'll all be set back to stage one again? Is there any point then in even filling stuff out just now?

Has anyone been through this, can they speed up the baby's processing so he/she can apply with us?

It's all so overwhelming just now.
FattyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-10-06 07:01:00
United Kingdomvisa approved :)
Congratulations!

Dial-a-flight are awesome for last minute cheap flights. Like if you get one for the next day or something. Although I've never flown to new york with them.
FattyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-10-06 06:02:00
United Kingdom(stupid?) Questions about the I-864
We are filing directly through our UK embassy, and are awaiting approved I-130s sometime soon.

We are in a hurry to get our visas, and are trying to be prepared with the I-864s, police certificates etc.

I need my dad to be a joint sponsor to meet the income requirements. Can he download the form and start filling it out now, or will the forms we receive from the embassy have some sort of barcode or ID number on them? I don't want to make my dad fill and sign a form and send it, just to get him to have to do it all voer again...


Also about proof of domicile (I've lived in the UK almost all of my life) ...my step mother suggested she write up a lease for her upstairs of her house. We are intending living there when we first move. They are redecorating the whole place for us etc. They weren't going to charge us rent though, but she's willing to write up a lease if it helps prove that I intend to live there. I don't want to seem dishonest though. What do you think- good idea/bad idea?

Thanks guys. Man I'm so glad I found this forum. I've been reading through it all day and it's sooo helpful.
FattyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-10-06 17:54:00
United KingdomApproved
Congratulations! That's fantastic! Must feel good to get to the other side of this process.
Enjoy your new life :)
FattyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-10-07 05:09:00
United KingdomWill this show up in his police record??
Phew, thanks guys. I feel much better about that now.
FattyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-10-08 12:29:00
United KingdomWill this show up in his police record??
My husband has been pulled over at least three times for things like having a hole in his exhaust, a headlight not working, or the tires being under the legal limit. They charged him, with the pink slip etc, but he got it fixed up right away every time and they didn't ever take things further.

Will this show up on the police record? And should we mention it in the Ds-230 II where it asks if you've been charged. I don't know if this is officially considered being charged, since he wasn't prosecuted or anything.

Should this affect our application?
FattyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-10-07 15:15:00
United KingdomLocal Police station has "never heard of a certification of good conduct"
Excellent, thank you very much.
FattyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-10-07 05:07:00
United KingdomLocal Police station has "never heard of a certification of good conduct"
My husband went to the local policate station today to request certification of good conduct. They were baffled and said they had never heard of it.

They suggested he may be referring to Data Protection Act stuff
http://www.centralsc..._protection.php

Does this look like it's the same thing?
FattyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-10-06 19:21:00
United Kingdome-mailing the consulate
Thanks for the info.

It was general questions really, rather than anything related to my case number.
I wish there was a phone number with info. I've called the premium number which is really for non-immirant visas mostly, and have been on the phone for like 5 and a half minutes (at £1.20 a minute!) just for them to tell me they can't give detailed answers, only basic ones and that I should e-mail the consulate.

Oh well.
FattyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-10-09 14:13:00
United Kingdome-mailing the consulate
Has anyone e-mailed the Londom consulate before? How long did it take to receive a response? I e-mailed them on the 2nd and haven't heard back yet. Should I expect to soon?
FattyNot TellingUnited Kingdom2006-10-09 09:51:00