ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
QUOTE (paul. @ Feb 12 2009, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I had my medical today at Bentinck Mansions. I had Dr. Syad, the Asian lady. Very professional, to the point, but a touch too critical of my lifestyle for my personal likings. I was told that I was obese because I have a high BMI. In actual fact, I have a small belly going, but I'm a 6'3" rugby prop forward, so most of it isn't fat...

Added to the minor issue of being obese, I had an extremely high blood pressure. I think it was mainly due to rushing to the appointment on foot from Great Portland street at Mach 2 as I tried to be on time and the fact that in my rush to leave the house this morning I took both lemsip flu pills for today, instead of just one as I've had a pretty nasty cold the last week. I can't believe I did that, it was an absolute accident, but all the medicine really turned up my BP and I got marked down for that too.

Finally, as I have an alcohol-related offense, I was made to feel like a complete alcoholic as I'd had 1 pint the day before the medical, as I told her that I do not drink to excess anymore as my job is a helicopter pilot and it isn't worth my career to be found under the influence of alcohol, so I basically don't drink. Well cue the fact I'd had one the night before with friends and again, I should have thought but I was nervous and she made me feel quite little about the fact that I had "lied" to her, stating that alcoholics mask there drinking habits and she had to consider that I might be masking it.

Nevertheless, I had to have bloods taken to ensure I'm not a raving alcoholic and I have to have my GP check my BP regularly until it is at an acceptable level. Luckily, I made this appointment about 2 months before a potential interview, so even if there is an issue, I have time to solve it.

Total cost:

180 for the medical
60 for vacs
40 for bloods
280 quid total cost!

Quite annoyed with the way it went. Mainly with myself for making some rather silly mistakes in my personal administration, but slightly at the Doctor for being quite rude about the way I live my life. Advice is one thing, but making you feel downright stupid is not on.

Top tips: don't drink for a week before the medical, don't rush to get there - give yourself plenty of time, ensure you budget more than the basic 180 or you could be in trouble.



I had my medical on the same day, Feb 12th. I agree with you Paul, I found the doctor quite condescending too. She asked me if I smoked. I smoked for 20 years but gave up 5 years ago (something I am quite proud of). She looked at me like I had a cigarette in my mouth there and then. She made me feel as if I had done something so wrong. No congratulations, just a look as if to say, you have let all of humanity down.

Apart from that, I felt that the whole process was painless enough. Pretty much as I had expected after reading what everyone has written about their experiences on this website. Didn't take long either, I was only in there for about 30 minutes.

I also had to have a toxology test done for a DD (DUI) in 1986. Even though it was an extra cost and I can see many arguments against it, I sort of understand why. I definately recommend not drinking a week before the medical, just in case.

With regard to the size of the photo as to whether it should be US or UK size, I would ring and ask them. I think they are very approachable.

Its a great feeling after the medical because you know that is it, one more step. Just need my interview date to come thru then I can be on my way.

Good luck to all.

p.s. do VJers meet somewhere in London during the week? I would be interested in joining them.......
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-18 15:42:00
United KingdomHKG POLICE CERTIFICATE
Thanks for that information, it has helped a lot.
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-12 06:45:00
United KingdomHKG POLICE CERTIFICATE
I am an ex-serviceman, who served for 3 years in HKG in the early 90's, whilst it was a British Colony.

Do I have to get a police certificate from HKG, and if so, has anyone got any suggestions on how this can be obtained.
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-11 13:29:00
United KingdomUS EMBASSY, LONDON
QUOTE (Nich-Nick @ Feb 5 2009, 04:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You could try calling the DOS in the US if it's just a question about received or if it's been sent.
(202) 663-1225 Press 1, then 0 to speak to a live person. They will know things like if packet has been mailed, when is the interview, etc.



That worked a treat, thank you very much.


jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-05 12:02:00
United KingdomUS EMBASSY, LONDON
I don't suppose anyone knows the number to ring the US Embassy Visa Department for K1 applications in London from the USA. I am in the USA on holiday and need to ring them about packet 4.

I have tried the 0904 number with a plethora of code combinations to no avail.

Thanks if anyone can help.
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-05 09:58:00
United KingdomDo K1's need to bring their x-rays with them?
I fly on 29th Apr, I am going to carry mine. Dont want anything to get lost....

I am looking forward to starting my new life in Florida....... kicking.gif kicking.gif
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-12 07:22:00
United KingdomBaseball Anyone?
Its a good game tonight, the Rays are 8-0 up in the 6th against the Red Sox (I think thats how it is said ha ha) good.gif good.gif
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-30 20:33:00
United KingdomBaseball Anyone?
I became a Tampa Bay Devil Rays devil.gif (now just Rays) fan in the begining of 07 when I was in Florida, and have supported them ever since.

A great run last year good.gif ... but not the bets start this year crying.gif ...... (Never Stop Believing good.gif )

I arrive Tampa on 29th Apr and am going to the Saturday game against the Red Sox......... kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-24 00:45:00
United Kingdomswine flu
I am flying to USA tomorrow, wild horses wouldn't keep me away

I was thinking of wearing one of those masks though for the whole flight?????

I am worried about my familly coming out for the wedding end of May 09 though!!!!!!!!!!
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-28 03:03:00
United KingdomPeople between NOA2 and Interview ~2009~
This is so painful and frustraiting waiting for the interview date. This is a never ending waiting game. I know it will happen, but come on.......... pppllleeaaasseee

Sorry, just venting.

Good luck to everyone
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-03 16:29:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Congratulations Miss G, Skeez & Titanic and SwanTiger kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-06 14:59:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Good luck for tomorrow Magpie and ahlpo............ good.gif good.gif

Stay calm and be ready for a long wait.........
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-29 08:45:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Sorry but I feel a bit bad, I was meant to say that I have my fingers crossed for DairyFarmer as to be told you are approved then to have that taken away from you must be exceptionally hard, upsetting and frustraiting......

I truly hope it works out very soon.....
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-26 14:39:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Received my passport with visa in it. Checked all the details and I am good to go. Booked my fight kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

We had planned our wedding last year, so am glad it has all worked out and I can get there in time.

http://weddings.thek...297420747607187

Not sure if the above link works but this is us........... (I have lost a few pounds since then ha ha) Gonna have a stag weekend in London 24/25th April....

Knightandmagpie.... I think it is natural to be nervous. I was right up until the night before then I had a calm come over me. I was then nervous walking up to the interviewer, but he was so nice and calming that all my nerves went. You will be fine good.gif good.gif

Good luck to everyone with interviews coming up and congratulations to all those who have been approved.

My fingers are crossed for Pothergavel, I truly hope you get a result soon.


jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-26 13:53:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Stinky Monkey @ Mar 23 2009, 07:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jhonscotland @ Mar 23 2009, 05:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All

Could we please be added to the list of approvees. Had my interview today and was approved. kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

As I said 8 months ago,,,,, the prize at the end is worth waiting for and she is.

The hardest bit is the waiting for so long for others to make decisions for you...

The best advise for the Embassy is, don't panic or worry and take a book to read. It is very painless.

X


Congratulations, shame I did not know you were there I were have congratulated you in person as I was at the embassy this morning sorting out an error on my visa
Well done!!!!!


Its a fabulous feeling and a lot better than what I antiscipated............. I have had a few drinks cebrelating..........

Hopefully flying out on 29th April, then a lovely beach wedding on 30th May (booked this in March last year)

All the best to everyone with interviews coming up............. And thank you to everyone on VJ, you are all so very supportive


jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-23 14:49:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Hi All

Could we please be added to the list of approvees. Had my interview today and was approved. kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

As I said 8 months ago,,,,, the prize at the end is worth waiting for and she is.

The hardest bit is the waiting for so long for others to make decisions for you...

The best advise for the Embassy is, don't panic or worry and take a book to read. It is very painless.

X
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-23 12:59:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Fingers crossed for you Stinky Monkey...........

Could anyone tell me if I need to complete the DS230 Part 2 (page 3 and 4) before the interview?

Many thanks
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-17 14:40:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
Hi All

If the interview is scheduled for 9am (I presume thta everyone has that time) what time should I get to the embassy?

Thanks
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-11 14:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-230 Part 1
Hi all

Sorry for the silly question, just getting a bit confused with all this paperwork.

When completing the DS-230 Part 1, sect 14 requests name of spouse. I thought I read somewhere (could be codswallop) that you have to complete this section even if you are divorced, with your previous wifes name and details.

Is this really correct or do I leave it blank, because if you are divorced, then surely they can no longer be your spouse?

Thanks for your help.
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-03 06:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156
Hi

On the DS-156, it asks for spouses name (even if divorced)???????????????

Do you actually fill this in if you are divorced, beacause surely once divorced, she is no longer your spouse!!!!!!!!!! Also, what happens if you have been divorced twice (like me)?

I would really appreciate anyone experience on this.

Thanks.


jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-03 09:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Email
Hi All

Just a small bit of advise please. My paperwork was put on the system at the US Embassy on 30th Jan. I was initially told that it would take 4 weeks, that was delayed to 4-6 weeks, and today that has been delayed to 6-8 weeks.

I spoke to the embassy and they have suggested that I email the Embassy should I want looking at earlier.

Do you think it would be better for my Fiancee in the US to email them or should it come from me?

Thanks all
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2009-03-09 14:09:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWife and baby stuck in Peru. Please help!
Glad to be of help Paul, that is what we are all here for.

Please let me know if I can help again.
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2011-12-28 21:28:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWife and baby stuck in Peru. Please help!
Hi Paul

I run a Freight Forwarding company in Tampa, FL and have a highly discounted FedEx account. PM me your telephone number and I might be able to save you $20 or so on the shipping. Not much, but I find every bit helps.
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2011-12-26 20:50:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPlease don't laugh at me!!
I am expecting all of you to call me a dim wit LOL

I have been checking my status on the USCIS website and it has always said, 'YOUR CASE HAS NOT BEEN FOUND'. This disturbed me as I filed in Jun 2011.

Anyway, after my conversation with the straight talking USCIS lady today, she told me that I was using the wrong reference number to look it up..

She told me, and this is where I believe she thought I was as thick as doggy doo, 'you must use the APPLICATION NUMBER that is on your ASC BIO appointment letter, not the RECEIPT NUMBER on Receipt Notice...

Sure enough, she was right...... LOL

As I said, please don't laugh at me... ha ha ha
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2012-01-06 16:15:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 June 2011 Filers

hey guys, just checked the case status and this is what I saw:

"On June 12, 2012, we ordered production of your new card. Please allow 30 days for your card to be mailed to you. If we need something from you we will contact you. If you move before you receive the card, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283."

Does that mean that it is finally approve? I sent in the RFE about a month ago


Yep it does, congratulations... You are at journeys end. The next message you will get will be that USPS has picked it up and you will get it in 10 working days. It took 2 days for them to get it to me.....
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-16 06:35:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 June 2011 Filers
I received my card in the mail today. Yyyyyyaaaaayyyyyy
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-13 17:17:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 June 2011 Filers
Things are moving fast, USPS have picked up my card and will deliver in 7 days....

I am like you TeeKol, not sure I need to rush to get my citizenship just yet. Just spent a year waiting for this card...
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-11 19:53:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 June 2011 Filers
Just got email that today my card was ordered and to wait 30 days for delivery. I think the invite to join me and my family on holiday worked.
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-08 16:49:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 June 2011 Filers
Phoned USCIS and was told that it can take 60 days for them to respond to the RFE. My 1 year extension expires on 23rd Sep but I am going on vacation overseas with wife, daughter and in -laws 1 to 8 sep. I suppose that when I am coming back in, they can't say anything as I am still in date.

Risk it or go to e-pass?

What gets me is that we are made to feel guilty until we prove our innocence. They probably don't mean to, it's just how the process makes us all feel.

P.s. our 3rd wedding anniversary today and we are so happy. Life couldn't be better. Looking forward to applying for Citizenship.

Hang in there everyone else waiting, patience will be rewarded.
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2012-05-30 21:13:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 June 2011 Filers

Well, a development in my case at last. Today I received a Letter requesting more evidence. They listed in the letter what I provided and stated that it didn't span the whole length of our marriage. I could be very annoyed right now, but I am actually relieved as it means they have looked at our case. I have gathered more evidence tonight and sending overnight to them tomorrow.

Barking mad but I do understand why we go thru this, just a shame it takes soooooo long.


Just an update.. Sent new evidence yesterday, arrived and signed for at Vermont 12:51PM today.. Lets see how long this takes... I so much wanted to write in the cover letter that if they wanted proof of our relationship being honest that they were invited to join my wife, daughter and my in-laws on our vacation in Spetember... I thought this might be a bit too sarcastic, so decided against it.... LOL
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2012-05-16 14:51:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 June 2011 Filers
Well, a development in my case at last. Today I received a Letter requesting more evidence. They listed in the letter what I provided and stated that it didn't span the whole length of our marriage. I could be very annoyed right now, but I am actually relieved as it means they have looked at our case. I have gathered more evidence tonight and sending overnight to them tomorrow.

Barking mad but I do understand why we go thru this, just a shame it takes soooooo long.
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2012-05-14 20:28:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 June 2011 Filers
I phoned USCIS and got thru to a lovely person called Laura. She told me that they are processing 20th Jun at Vemont, so i shouldnt have long to wait. She suggested I phone them back in 30 days if I don't here anything by then.

On a plus side, I have a piece of paper that says I am good until Sep 2012. That's what I keep telling myself... LOL

Off to Scotland 5th April to play at St Andrews and see family and friends for a week. Looking forward to the break. Hope to have good news upon my return.

Good luck everyone and keep your chins up. Final furlong ahead....
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2012-03-28 20:07:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 June 2011 Filers
I phoned the USCIS for an update as it is beyond the 6 months timeline. They speak so directly at you as if you are thick!!!!!! Oh well,,, Found out I probably have another 2 1/2 months to wait. I will probably be filing for citizenship before then LOL..
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2012-01-06 10:02:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 June 2011 Filers
Hi Everyone

Biometric done at 10.30am on 2nd Aug
Daughter born at 5.33pm on 3rd Aug

Couldn't be happier....
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-09 07:29:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 June 2011 Filers
Please could someone update the list for me as my Biometrics is on Aug 2nd.

Many thanks...
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-11 18:14:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 June 2011 Filers
Hi All June Filers. I hope you are all well and enjoying life in the USA.

I received my 1 year extension dated Jul 1st. Would someone please update the list as I am a bit of a computer biff.

P.s. Our daughter is due Aug 14th and I can't wait.
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-10 12:06:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 June 2011 Filers
Hi Everyone

Sent my packet in to the Vermont Service Center today... Let's hope this is a swift journey this time.
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2011-06-24 12:02:00
PhilippinesHong Kong Police certificate
I worked in HKG for 3 1/2 years in the British Military, so I guess I need to get a Police Certificate from the HKG Police.

The following is segment 3 from what I would need to send to get the certificate. Sorry for being thick but what does it actually mean?

3. the original and photocopy of a document proving his/her relationship with the principal applicant for the visa if item #2 does not contain the applicants name;
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-11 13:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly K-1 Filers, VERMONT Only Plz....
I noticed a thread that says that a couple of the Jun filers at the Vermont Center have received their NOA2. good.gif good.gif

I know this is the exception more than the rule, but it gets the heart pounding a bit.
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-14 04:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly K-1 Filers, VERMONT Only Plz....
Hi all

I am new to this thread, I was on another Jul thread but that had both Service Centers on it.

Just wanted to see if I am being crazy, does anyone else check their status on the USCIS website 3-4 times a day???????
jhonscotlandMaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-12 13:27:00