ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomMarrying in the UK/Scotland

Notice can be made by post in Scotland-- in fact, they told me a copy of my birth certificate by email was fine, and that I could bring the real one on the day itself. 


Ok now I understand. I suggest you ready the guidelines I posted previously and that will tell you what you need to do to arrange your wedding. I wish you well and hope you can make it happen.

Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-15 21:52:00
United KingdomMarrying in the UK/Scotland

Hi,
 
My name is Steph, and I'm American. I live with my British partner of 6 years in Mumbai, India. We are visiting his family in the UK in May, and wanted to get married as we intend to start filing for a CR 1 for when we move to the States in 2015. 
 
However, I neglected to read the process for giving notice, etc. and we are only in the UK for 10 days.
 
So...we are thinking to fly up to Edinburgh for a day and get married. Is this achievable? My marriage visitor visa is in process (and I have an interview on Tuesday!) 
 
We can seemingly submit our notice via post to Scotland, get it granted, and then arrange the civil ceremony.
 
What are our other options?
 
Any advice would be much appreciated!
 
Best,
 
Steph
















Why would flying up to Edinburgh make any difference? You still need to give notice in Scotland. I suggest you follow this link and read these guidelines on getting married in Scotland.
http://www.gro-scotl...o-about-it.html


Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-14 10:33:00
United KingdomTA (territorial army) military records for IR1/CR1 beneficiary

Does someone have recent experience with TA military records needed for the beneficiary of the IR1/CR1 process?
 
My wife was in the TA in the 2000's. I'm a USC currently sponsoring her for a IR1/CR1. For the NVC stage, we need to submit her "military records" (see: http://travel.state....ry/UK.html#docs )
 
When she resigned, she received a dated confirmation letter from the army personnel center in Glasgow. This letter states her name, rank, military ID number and discharge date. It says something about a notification appearing in a newspaper and thanks her for her service. It is hand signed by the Major in charge of these matters. Her enlistment date does not appear.
 
Is that going to cut it at the NVC and London embassy or do they need something more? Does anyone have any relevant recent experience with this?
 
Thanks!








I'm not sure if this will help but I had to take a copy of my TA records to my K1 interview in April last year. I never received a letter when I left so I had to write to glasgow for a complete copy of my records. I just took along the photocopy they sent me of my service record and it was accepted. The man I dealt with at the embassy said all they needed was something stating what I had done and my date of discharge and that I did not have any on going liability to the TA. Sorry if this doesn't help you much.

Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-25 16:06:00
United KingdomDescent Citizenship.

Boiler, does this mean that if my children (will be British by descent, first generation) live in the UK for 3 years any time before their kids are born (even if they come to the UK as minors), they will be able to pass along descent? That's how I thought I read it, but wasn't sure.


From what I've read and been able to understand I think you would need to live in the UK with your children for at least 3 years prior to them turning 18, they would then be able to register as British citizens before turning 18. Once registered as british citizens they would be able to pass on the citizenship to their children by descent. I could however be wrong, this is only my understanding of something that appears to be quite complex.

Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-04-26 20:45:00
United KingdomDescent Citizenship.

I just wanted to confirm what I've been researching already. My grandfather was born in England in 1907. He immigrated to Australia when he was 3 years of age with his family. He kept his British citizenship despite living out the remainder of his life in Australia. My mum is one step away from submitting the package to get citizenship by descent (I think they need a divorce certificate from his first marriage - I'm not sure about all the details). She was doing it originally because my oldest brother badly wanted British citizenship (long story there). But, it seems as if her children would not be eligible to receive citizenship after her. Does that stand correct?
 
Thanks.


That is correct. British citizenship by descent can only be passed on once. In this case that was from your grandfather to your mother so your brother is not eligible for citizenship by descent.

Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-04-24 11:44:00
United KingdomBaby - nationality, docs, moving back to UK - help?

Have you already filed for your husband's visa?
 
If not, when is this baby due in relation to the planned visa filing?

 
Are we sure?  OP says she was born of descent in the UK.  I presume she spent most of her formative years in the UK, and has since acquired full British citizenship...........................





OP states they were born in Britain of British descent. I assume they mean their parents are british by birth and therefore they would be considered british by birth so baby is british by descent. Even if OP's parents weren't british by birth but OP was born in Britain before 1st January 1983 then OP is considered a full british citizen and baby is british by descent.

Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-05-22 19:13:00
United KingdomBaby - nationality, docs, moving back to UK - help?
Your baby is a UK citizen by descent. As Boiler said I imagine just getting a british passport would be the easiest route.
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-05-22 16:47:00
United KingdomVaccination Certificate - Issue at AOS Interview
Congratulations on the approval. Enjoy the break from USCIS.
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-05-27 15:20:00
United KingdomAdvice on 90 days during K1

 
 
Called the recorder of deeds today.
 
She told me that if she did not have a social security number, that she would just need to sign a piece of paper saying she didn't have one and everything else would be fine.
 
We'll still bring passport and other items just in case. :P
 
She also said we could hand deliver the signed paperwork by the officiate afterwards to get a copy of it for AOS sooner.








I'm glad you got it all sorted. I think when they create the state websites about obtaining a marriage license they don't really take international marriages into account and are therefore mostly geared towards 2 USC's marrying. There may be the odd exception in states that are popular wedding destinations. Anyway I wish you all the best for your wedding ??

Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-06-02 11:25:00
United KingdomAdvice on 90 days during K1

 
Thank you for the advice.  (Not enough people do that on here these days :))


No problem. I wish you all the best for your up coming wedding :)

Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-05-30 20:46:00
United KingdomAdvice on 90 days during K1

 
Well this is what I was reading and thought it was required.
 
What would you recommend?  Calling my local recorder of deeds?
 
http://www.mo.gov/ho...rriage-divorce/





I would certainly call them to confirm. I was married in indiana and their website says the same thing but when we called we were told it only applies if you have one. I only needed to take my passport as proof of identity and got married without any problems.

Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-05-30 20:27:00
United KingdomThings you'll miss from the UK, and how you'll compensate?

In amongst all the serious threads about approvals and denials - I'm interested in what you guys will miss about the UK when you move, and what measures you'll put in place to combat them!
 
I'll start:
 
British TV! I think I'll rely on YouTube and ExpatShield for that...




If you're looking to still enjoy tv from home there's a really easy way to stream bbc and get access to bbc iplayer and 4od. If you use google chrome browser and download the hola free plugin it'll act as a proxy server and allow you access to bbc and 4od. Just passing on a tip someone here gave me.

I miss the chocolate, decent sausages, good cheese, irn bru and the good old NHS.



Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-05-09 19:02:00
United KingdomGetting old P60s and P45

Hello all,
 
I am a USC that worked in the UK for 3 years. I didn't realize i was meant to be filing taxes while I was over there so now I am behind on my US taxes and I have to catch up.
 
In order to do this I believe I need my p60s for the 2011/2012 tax year, the 2012/2013 tax year and the 2013/2014 tax year. 
 
My employer from 2011-2013 has said they have it all on file and will be sending me the forms once they get a chance. However my employer from May 2013 to December 2013 have said they don't have a record of it. I read online that employers are required to keep records for three years, so they should have it. Is this true? 
 
How can I go about getting old p60s and p45s? Everything I've read said the employers can make you a duplicate, but what if my employer says they don't have it on file?
 
Thanks all!










They should still have it on file but if they're not being helpful you can contact HMRC as they should have it on record. They can send you a letter showing your pay and tax information for that employer.

Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-10-03 09:19:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors

I can't seem to find one of the posts in this thread that asked this question, so forgive me for restating: is it possible to book the medical as soon as CEAC says our case is in transit from the NVC?
 
Jake and I are hoping to get a *very* specific date for the medical exam (Monday, May 19th) and want to try to book as soon as possible. The KB website says all they need to book the exam is the LND case number, and our appointment would be several weeks away, so we know that London will have received our case by then.
 
Any advice on this? I asked my fellow Feb filers, but I'm not sure anyone really knows. Thanks so much!




I know that some of the process has changed since I went through it but as far as I'm aware you can book your medical as soon as your LDN case number has been assigned. Just make sure you have your police certificate and anything else you may need for it. If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will correct me.

Some people like to wait until London has received their case before booking the medical but that's a matter of personal preference. Good luck with the rest of the process.



Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-04-28 14:54:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors

Funny how they have to wait until Friday for the results, the exact day that it was claimed the medical was in the first place!


Yeah that's what I thought! Just seems like it's some very horrible scaremongering aimed at upsetting people.

Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-04-23 23:38:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors

 
You'll fail. My fiance brought his GP letter and the doctor was very mean about it. We were notified that we have failed the medical.
 


You stated in another thread that your fiances medical was on 25th April.....

http://www.visajourn...-at-once/page-2

Has your fiancé even had his medical yet?





Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-04-23 23:18:00
United KingdomLondon Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors
Hi guys, I know it's been discussed before but I just wanted to share my experience. I had my medical on 5thFebruary, I was pretty nervous as I have a history of depression. Thanks to all the information on here I knew to take a letter with me from my GP. It all went well, the doctor asked a few questions and then said it wouldn't be a problem. She said that what they're really concerned about is whether or not you're considered to be a danger to yourself or anyone else and as my GP had stated in the letter that I wasn't that was good enough for her. I'm just posting this so that it may give hope to others as I know some of the previous posts regarding this issue are a bit older and just wanted to add something recent. Hope this helps.
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-03-21 14:29:00
United KingdomGot my Visa
Congratulations!!!! Wishing you every happiness for your future :star:
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-13 01:51:00
United KingdomThings I Want to Do Before I Depart These Shores
I'm going to be spending quality time with my family and completing an intensive yoga teacher training course before I go. When I was in London for my medical I made a point of visiting some of the sights I always wanted to see.
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-03-21 14:17:00
United KingdomTo pay or not to pay visa fee before interview?....

ah ok thanks gail. Yes it says that on my packet 3 letter too, just not on packet 4. I see you have your interview soon. Best of luck with your interview, and the rest of your journey :)


I see what you mean about the confusion. When I called the embassy about a week and a half ago and they told me the interview date the woman also told me then that I had to pay the fee before the interview. I paid it last week and they didn't say anything about paying on the day. I have my reciept to take with me. It might be worth giving them a call to clarify and let us know how you get on. Good luck with the rest of your journey.
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-01 14:03:00
United KingdomTo pay or not to pay visa fee before interview?....

Hi Gail,

Thanks for the reply, where in your packet 4 instructions does it state this?

My packet 4 just included this link http://london.usemba.../visaforms.html

and it didn't say anything about paying the fee before hand :huh:


Not packet 4 letter, packet 3 letter as stated in my post. The first line of the second last paragraph in my packet 3 letter states... 'All fiance(e) and K3/4 visa applicants must each pay a fee of $240 prior to their interview'

Hope this clears things up for you
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-01 13:49:00
United KingdomTo pay or not to pay visa fee before interview?....
According to my packet 3 instructions the visa fee has to be paid before the interview and you need to take the receipt with you. Hope this helps.
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-01 13:11:00
United KingdomInterview?

Do you have to wait for them to just send you a date, or is there somewhere you can call to schedule one yourself?


They will schedule you're appointment once they have received your forms and the results of your medical.
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-11 04:27:00
United KingdomNervous Wreck

Interview for my Fiance' is on Tuesday and I'm a nervous wreck. We've been over everything at least 100 times and I think we're as prepared as we can be. Now all we can do is wait for Tuesday to get here. I just can't help but be nervous and I'm the USC! Anybody else getting close and feeling like this???


I know how you feel. I've got my interview tomorrow as well. Travelling down to London today and although I know we have nothing to hide and have plenty of evidence I'm still super nervous! Hope everything goes well for you guys
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-08 00:16:00
United KingdomVisa's in hand!!!
Congratulations! Have an amazing wedding day!!
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-05 09:48:00
United KingdomAnyone else waited more than 6 weeks for an interview?

Thankyou Nancy108.  It has been an age and I am feeling really down right now.
 
I just emailed them again..my biggest concern right now is that my medical was done back in May and I can't get an answer out of them about whether or not I need to repeat it.


Friday is your 6 week mark so they have until then to assign an interview date and still be within their estimated timescale. As per the instructions for the medical, "In general the medical examination is valid for 12 months and the chest X-ray for 6 months but can be shorter"

Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-15 20:52:00
United KingdomAnyone else waited more than 6 weeks for an interview?
I received my interview letter 2 days before I hit the 6 week mark. Hope you hear something soon.
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-15 08:33:00
United Kingdommedical again in USA due to incomplete vaccination record ?

Really sorry to hear you're having such a hard time with the civil surgeon. I had to have my MMR done over here as although I had it years ago in the UK they couldn't find it in my medical records!! I had to call around lots of civil surgeons before I found one who would just give me the MMR and complete the vaccine record without a full medical. One civil surgeon I called even accused me of asking them to do something illegal, as according to them filling out the vaccine record without having a full medical would be breaking the law!!!! laughing.gif


Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-29 10:15:00
United KingdomTo all our VisaJourney friends.

Glad everything went smoothly for you. Wishing you all the best for your upcoming wedding. Congratulations!!


Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-26 11:56:00
United KingdomLetter to Student Loan Company

Great, thanks! Did you give them your address in the US and that is where they sent the letter? I ask because I am moving to the US in 3 weeks, so by the time anything they send to my address in the UK gets here I will be gone!

As far as I can tell it is whenever you find a job and they will assess you on the basis of the income you are getting then.


Yes I gave them my US address and that's where they sent the letter. I only mailed the form a few days before I left the UK so I'm sure you won't have any problems.

Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-06 16:38:00
United KingdomLetter to Student Loan Company


I am hoping someone here will have experience confirming change of circumstances with the Student Loans Company.
 
I am currently completing this form to inform the Student Loan Company of my move to the US. I will not be working until my work authorization comes through, so I need to provide them with one of the following:
 
Clear photocopy of a bank statement dated within the last 3 months showing your name, address 
and the funds you are living from
 
or
 
A letter signed and dated by a 3rd party confirming they are financially supporting you
 
I don't think I can send them a photocopy of a bank statement as I don't yet have a US bank account and so that would be pointless.
 
My other option is have my fiancee write, sign and date a letter saying she will be supporting me. Has any body done this before? If so, what should the letter say? I was thinking something like this:
 
"To Whom it May Concern
 
I, [my fiancee], am writing to confirm that I am engaged to [me] and will be marrying him in April 2014 when he moves to the United States on a K-1 visa. I confirm that will be financially supporting him while he is applying for employment authorization."
 
Is that enough?? It is all the guidance the support document, here, gives, but it seems a little sparse!
 
I can't find any examples online, and first hand advice is always the best in my experience, so any help would be appreciated! 






















I had to do that prior to moving here in July 2013. I completed the form and enclosed a signed letter from my fiancé stating that when I moved to the US we would be getting married and that he would be providing for me financially as I would have no income of my own. They accepted the letter without any problems. I got a letter back from th confirming that at present I don't need to make any payments and that should my circumstances change then I should inform them.

Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-06 16:28:00
United KingdomWhat parts of English culture will you/do you miss?
To the person who first mentioned Hola on here.... THANK YOU!!! You may just have saved my life lol!!!
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-07 11:03:00
United KingdomHow long does the POE normally take?
It depends on how busy they are at the airport. I waited in immigrant processing for 3 hours but my actual contact time with a CBP officer was about 5 minutes after the 3 hour wait. They called me to the window, stamped my paperwork and passport and reminded me to get married within 90 days.
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-23 16:44:00
United KingdomWatching 6 Nations Rugby in US

Gail83. Thank you!!! It worked. Very happy.


No problem, glad you got it to work. Did your husband see the game today or is it tomorrow's game he's more interested in?

Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-08 22:58:00
United KingdomWatching 6 Nations Rugby in US

Hi all,

For the rugby fans....have you located anywhere on tv where you can watch 6 Nations. I have looked everywhere and no luck.

Any and all suggestions appreciated.

Thanks.






I just found out about this yesterday thanks to another thread on here. If you use Firefox or Google chrome browser and download a plugin called Hola it'll act as a proxy server and let you watch stuff on bbc iplayer and 4 on demand. Also as bbc streams it's tv live you can watch that too, you just need to figure the time difference.

Hope this helps.



Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-03-08 11:17:00
PhilippinesArrived with k1, got married within 90 days, going back home after 8 months
If you leave without filing AOS and obtaining AP then your AOS is considered to be abandoned and the only way you can re-enter is with a spousal visa which I think is currently taking about a year to process from the point of filing.
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-05-03 15:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJULY 2012 FILERS

Hi!

Let's update ourselves here in that way we can share and together we will embark this journey...

Hi catzeye!

Great idea to keep each other company along the way.
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-18 08:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 APPROVED
Congratulations!!! Really happy for you! May God bless the rest of your visa journey :star:
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2012-08-05 08:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI got my visa.
Congratulations!! Have a safe journey and all the best for the future :star:
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2012-08-01 11:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports129f sent!!!!!
Good luck with the process!! We just posted ours off yesterday!!!
Gail83FemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-07 12:11:00