ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomInterview Completed - Pending further Evidence

So is it worth emailing the US Embassy Info unit (London) to try and prompt my case...

 

Or possible speak to someone?.....was due to get married this weekend....clearly not going to happen.......would like to get back for Christmas though.

 

Thanks for the response

 

 


Edited by ianf77, 12 December 2013 - 11:53 AM.

ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2013-12-12 11:52:00
United KingdomInterview Completed - Pending further Evidence

OK,

 

Without going into details.

 

I had my interview on 5th Dec, but was told that I needed to get further evidence on my medical review.

 

The officer said he could not approve the visa till the medical report came back.

 

I asked do I need to attend a second interview once the documents are submitted to the embassy. I was told NO and once received and reviewed my passport will be couriered with my visa (They withheld my passport).

 

Cutting a long story short, the medical documents etc where submitted yesterday and I was informed that they will be in the US embassy system yesterday afternoon.

 

The interview was fairly straight forward other than that and the officer gave me US citizen paperwork advising AOS. He also told me that I would need to apply for Advance Parole to be able to leave for work. This I was aware of.

 

My question is, how long do you think the approval will take? I don't need further interview, basically a paperwork exercise.

 

Also, do you receive a tracking number that your passport is being couriered?

 

Any advice here is appreciated............waiting to get back to my Fiance for christmas.

 

Thanks

 

Ian


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2013-12-12 05:02:00
United KingdomCEAC - Case creation

Can someone explain the case creation date to me.

 

I went for interview on 5th December......

 

Case creation date is 9th on CEAC and last updated on 9th December.

 

 

Just looking for information


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2013-12-13 04:46:00
United KingdomProcessing over the holidays

Apologies if this is the wrong forum.

 

Does anyone have an idea when the Embassy will cease processing for the christmas period.

 

I work globally and know of many consulates that will be closed from the 19th Dec - 6th January......

 

Any ideas???

 

 

 


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2013-12-12 12:04:00
United KingdomIs there anyway to speak to someone at the Embassy (LND)

Well I am now educated...thankyou

 

I was on IM with my American Fiance just now and I asked here to type what she thinks is the pound sign...low and behold she typed "#"

 

So there you go!!!

 

 

Anyhow, after at least 3 hours or so of calling Embassy, Courier, Knightsbridge.....i finally got an email confirming from Knightsbridge that my medical documents are with the US Embassy..........

 

So its now down to the medical officer there and processing of my visa.....its been since 11th december now..

 

Im just hoping there is no more issues here and its just down to processing..

 

Is it true that if you have applied for a Visa then you become ineligible to travel on an ESTA...?

 

 


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2013-12-17 12:04:00
United KingdomIs there anyway to speak to someone at the Embassy (LND)

What a completely frustrating experience........

 

So on calling the UK number numerous times, an automated call asking for my application number followed by a pound sign......."Do any phones have a pound sign on them????"...mmmm

 

I eventually got through to some lady at the Embassy...asked about my case and she couldn't tell me my medical documents had been received..and my case was still showing the creation date as of December 9th...I was refused for additional evidence which was re submitted "apparently" on the 11th from Knightbridge via the DX courier.

 

She told me to contact the payments/courier people to confirm this.......so,

 

Spoke with Knightbridge, they confirmed the documents went with the courier on 11th...I asked what information is provided on my documents, they confirmed case number etc.....but all individual envelopes are placed in one envelope and given to the courier.

 

Emailed courier service....response in 3-4 working days...tried calling DX direct.....put on a holding phone loop for 20 mins with now answer.

 

 

I work international and require my passport for travel and work visas.......I mentioned this to the call centre lady at the Embassy...she replied contact the courier........courier engaged, on hold for an age..

 

So as it stands i have no way of knowing my documents are in the system and its going to take 3-4 days for an answer as to when I will receive my passport back for work.......

 

Absolutely the worst logistics and information experience I have had.....

 

For the sake of "doing things right by the letter" I potentially will not see my Fiance's family over Christmas and my job is put at risk!!!!! Playing with lives is an understatement.

 

Apologies for the rant....just my experience to date..


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2013-12-17 10:49:00
United KingdomIs there anyway to speak to someone at the Embassy (LND)

Hi All,

 

Like the title suggests...Is there any possible way to speak with a person at the London Embassy.

 

My interview was 5th December and was refused, not denied, pending further medical evidence. This was resolved and the medical paperwork was delivered to the embassy on 11th Dec.

 

Now during the interview my passport was retained, I was given some AOS guidance, and told to get the medical evidence and documentation sorted, then processing will resume.

 

I have used the "contact us' method and as usual a reply saying we anticipate to answer your query within 5 days!.

 

I work internationally and require my passport at all times pending short notice.

 

Surely the embassy cannot retain such an important document for a long period, I mean we do work as well.

 

So as title suggests is there any way to speak with someone physically at the embassy??? wether it be through the appointment service pressing all the zero's........

 

Advice appreciated.


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2013-12-16 08:47:00
United KingdomIs it possible to skip AP after a status update.

Keeping a long story short.

 

Had my interview on 5th of December, got a refusal pending further evidence (Medical) got this sorted out and the Embassy received my Medical documents on the 11th..

 

Because of this I have not been able to travel to the US to see my Fiance and family all through the holiday period, been in the UK all the time.

 

My passport was retained after interview by the embassy which has also caused many a headache with my work, which I leave Sat 4th to Brazil on a second passport for another 6 weeks apart.

 

From the 11th Dec thru till now I have been continually monitoring my case status, which has bee READY throughout.  I had received a confirmation that my medical documents and application are with the consular officer, after emailing to make sure.

 

Today (3rd Jan) the case creation remains set at the 9th December, the status updated date is now 3rd Jan (Previously 9th Dec)

 

The status has never read AP, however I don't know how long AP status would remain.

 

Worst case here is that it has just remained READY as my case is still under review and an admin has just updated it to keeps statistics healthy.

 

Best case is the status changing to Issued in the next few days.

 

I just want to add here that I have been sending the Embassy numerous emails to return my passport for work reasons, so they will have that on file.

I have not received a response as to sending out my passport, getting it back is proving difficult.

 

Apologies for this post being a little long, wasn't intended that way when I started.

 

All advice and experience here is greatly appreciated.

 

Ian


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2014-01-03 14:34:00
United KingdomFinally!!!!!

Just to add....

 

A refusal at interview for further evidence...in my case medical examination review.....prevents you from entering the USA because you are not classed as medically fit.

 

Therefore I believe your ESTA may become invalid as well.

 

Basically the Consular officer informed me I would not be able to enter the USA because I was deemed not A grade health..

 

Not sure of the rules and regulations....this cost me Christmas/New year with Sarah and family and now I am back to work for a month...so roughly 2months till we see each other again from interview.....

 

However.......the next visit is the big one...yaaaaaaayy!!!

 


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2014-01-07 15:09:00
United KingdomFinally!!!!!

Returned to Knightsbridge to be referred elsewhere for the psychiatrist.

 

The psychiatrist just happens to be great friends with the senior doctor at Knightsbridge though,  I was speaking with the psychiatrist after the session as they had just had their ISP changed and no internet to email Knightsbridge my documents.

 

In fact, funny thing is the psychiatrist there called me back into his office to see if I could try and fix their internet issues as he already knew my working background. So there I was messing about with his computer and tracing cables in their server cupboard to try and get things working. The ISP technician had left them in a mess.

 

Anyways, the PA to the psychiatrist had kindly stayed behind and sorted my report through the dictaphone and faxed it off.

 

It was then that the psychiatrist called the senior doctor at Knightsbridge (his friend of course) and asked could he look at my medical documents first thing.

 

To be fair he did and my medical documents got signed off promptly and couriered to the embassy that lunch time. Quite a funny little story really on this journey.

 

 

The referral was based on 2 bottles of wine in one session, by guidelines that is classed as binge drinking, unfortunately it was slightly misinterpreted as me, soley, consuming 2 bottles of wine, whereas it was my fiancé and I during a weekend.  People just be aware!!!

 

Anyhow, 350 GBP later the documents were signed off.

 

SRVMAN - A monopoly indeed, a money making machine!!..........However, Knightbridge may well have won a contract here and is the only institute that has been commissioned by the US Embassy....


Edited by ianf77, 07 January 2014 - 03:03 PM.

ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2014-01-07 14:55:00
United KingdomFinally!!!!!

Thanks Nick.....I can finally start life in Texas for real.

 

My timeline is somewhat rough.....it has taken a little longer as i did not receive the package 3...i went about it via emails.

 

Also, I work offshore so there was delays in submitting DS-160, readiness paperwork and medical docs etc

 

With regards to the hiccups we encountered, No RFE only the 221 for supply of further evidence at interview. My medical was Oct 17th and Knightbridge informed me approx 4:30pm the day before interview.(5th Dec) i needed further review from a psychiatrist.......

 

 In this case I was requested to attend a session with a psychiatrist about information I had told Knightbridge about alcohol consumption.

 

I attended the session and was given a clean bill of health. Documents were submitted swiftly, 11th December....6 days after the 221.

People...please make yourself aware of the guidelines to alcohol consumption if you declare it at the medical......I have remained totally honest during my entire process, now I don't condone lying to anyone, if people wish to bend the truth then so be it.......people should be aware as to what 2 bottles of wine with your loved one during the weekend can be interpreted as at medical stage...........

 

My police certificate has a driving conviction from 5 years previous.

 

Never left UK to see Sarah all the holiday period, and now I am in Rio de Janeiro waiting for my Angolan visa to go work.

 

I will say, the time delays over the holiday, I think, were just reduced manpower and a real slowdown in processing.

 

I am more than willing to discuss my personal experiences with anyone in a similar situation, albeit to aleve some worries people have.

 

For now, I have a month in Angola, once I fly back to UK I will be collecting the passport/visa and back to my Fiance to get married......Finally!!!

 

 


Edited by ianf77, 07 January 2014 - 01:43 PM.

ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2014-01-07 13:34:00
United KingdomFinally!!!!!

After 390 days of pondering, patience and stress......

 

That magic word appeared on CEAC......

 

U.S. Department of State
NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION
Issued
Application ID or Case Number: LNDXXXXXX 01 LND Case Creation Date: 09-Dec-2013 Status Updated Date: 07-Jan-2014    
Your visa is in final processing. If you have not received it in more than 10 working days, please see the webpage for contact information of the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application.
 

For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV.


 

 


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2014-01-07 09:17:00
United KingdomDo I need to be there in person with ID to collect Passport/Visa from courier?

Ok...well I work internationally so i have my passport, drivers license and bank cards.....

 

I guess she can produce my birth certificate and a nice smiley picture of me?!

 

I have a mail redirection from my house to theirs so she has utility bills, bank statements etc....it will have to do

 

 

 

 


Ok...well I work internationally so i have my passport, drivers license and bank cards.....

 

I guess she can produce my birth certificate and a nice smiley picture of me?!

 

I have a mail redirection from my house to theirs so she has utility bills, bank statements etc....it will have to do

 

 

 

 


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2014-01-08 15:15:00
United KingdomDo I need to be there in person with ID to collect Passport/Visa from courier?

As the title suggests.

 

I was reading through the excellent guide posted today.....

 

One of the points was having ID to collect the passport/visa envelope from the courier...

 

I am currently in Brasil with work......passport etc is couriered to be delivered to parents address whilst away...

 

Surely my parents can sign to receive it?!


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2014-01-08 14:59:00
United KingdomParts of UK culture you WONT/DONT miss?

The lack of 24 hour Mexican restaurants.

 

 

I hear you  !!!  

 

?NO diet coke free refills in any chain restaurant........


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2014-01-09 17:27:00
United KingdomParts of UK culture you WONT/DONT miss?

After much relief of getting our K-1 issued today, it got me thinking about this topic of things I won't miss in the UK right now......

 

I had the unfortunate experience this Christmas/New Year break of not being with my loved one, stuck in UK, due to delays in processing and now being en route to work won't be going back till mid February with my one way ticket.....

 

So i thought why not redress the balance of a similar thread in the UK forum but at the other end of the scale....

 

Please this is just intended to be fun and light hearted....there are many things I love about the UK....however some I don't...Ill start.....

 

Fuel/Gas----Extortianate prices in the UK but mostly why does the UK petrol stations and companies believe it is a good idea to remove the little catches that you can click to have a hands free fill up at the station.......C'mon y'all have to agree hands free dispensing rocks.....

 

A big thing i noticed recently in fashion............Adult sized "Onesy's"...I mean #######......an epidemic of adult telly tubbies are emerging..........please go away and don't catch on in the US....and to those lazy individuals that think it is ok to just nip into the garage/grocery store in your PJ's or "Onesey"................STOP IT......!!!

 

Rain - Living in Texas rain is a joy in the summer and very welcome.......the relentless, grey, dull type in the UK is just not fun........and cars corrode a lot quicker as well.....1-0 Texas on weather...!

 

Live Football/Soccer - I am a huge Liverpool FC fan (And a season ticket holder for the Houston Dynamo).....I love that I get to watch EPL live all day on a Saturday , especially the 3:00pm games and most games for that matter......2-0 US for coverage..

 

Convenience/prices - Now I like a life of convenience and it comes in abundance where we live....great food/choice to eat out...cheap electrical goods..numerous hardware stores....if you need something for that weekend job...you will be able to get it within the hour.....another score for the US here...

 

On a slightly more serious note - Childrens Education/ Extra activities- i believe the education system in the US, especially in our particular area is superior from preschool- college.......Children have an amplitude of extra curricula activities to choose from and far more variety of things to try...Sarah and I are soccer coaches for a young team and the program support where we live is excellent.....I mean we watched High School soccer/football/other sports on TV.......the high schools have their own stadiums....great win here!!..I could go on here......we are never free at weekends as we always have something to do wether ourselves or other friends/family.

 

My last one for now.......Veteran support/Adult respect......I am only familiar with this in Texas...the ex military support and respect far out ways that of the UK...I am an ex serving forces person of 12 years and I visited a VFW and was welcomed with open arms to talk about old military stories, especially the older generation ...the respect for the nations veterans and currently active servicemen/women is the way it should be in the US.......it hurts to say that our British girls and Boys serving don't have the same support...my opinion....As for adult respect, In Texas, maybe I have been blindsided, but I am always welcomed with a yes sir or I hear yes ma'am.....great manners and respect from all ages up and down the age scale.......The respect for authority and elders in the UK is severely diminishing in my experience.......not everywhere but just a personal view......

 

Ok...without being to serious now....i like the little things that make a difference and I am sure there is a plethora we could contribute to the thread....would love to hear them!........


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2014-01-07 20:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMy baby visa is issued. So happy :)

Good feeling isn't it....

 

Got "Issued" today as well......before lunchtime UK

 

 

Congratulations

 

 


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2014-01-07 15:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThe magic word has just arrived

I have double posted here and will probably get told off by the admin.....

 

But we are super excited after 390 to the day we finally have th K-1 Issued.

 

There has been many logistical worries, stress, patience, missed time, admin, money and many other things involved with our case.

 

But to  finally have the CEAC say this is like lifting a tonne of off our shoulders.

 

To anyone interested here, I had an item on my police report and got a refusal at interview pending further evidence......if any person has wants to ask questions then feel free.....

 

...........If you stick with it and do as exactly asked you too could have the magic sign......

 

 

Issued
 
.....now back to getting on with life!!

ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2014-01-07 09:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview 3 wks. Advice on AOS. Offshore worker

That is a long time for processing the work authorization.

 

OK...another question.

 

As I travel a lot with my job...i have 2 passports. If the interview goes well I will have my visa issued too one of them..

 

If i have the K-1 visa, can I enter on the VWP with another passport?


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2013-11-14 03:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview 3 wks. Advice on AOS. Offshore worker

Hi All.

 

First post so bare with me.

 

I have received my interview date for the the US Embassy in London on 5th December.

 

Can you offer general advice on this process. I hope all goes well.

 

My next question is, I am an offshore worker based in Angolan waters on a 28/28 rotation. Most of my processing has been during time off.

 

Now, if my visa is approved, once received I will be travelling to the US where we plan to marry soonest (having a justice of the peace ceremony next year).

 

When we get the marraige certificate and file for AOS in the US, how long do I need to remain in the US till I receive my green card. Is there an option to leave the US for work during the processing.

 

I am trying to offer my employer some details so we can work out a schedule...............

 

All advice is greatly appreciated!!!!

 

Ian


ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2013-11-14 01:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCEAC for K1

Can someone quickly clear this up for me.

 

When checking the CEAC my case number refers to an immigrant visa (K1).....however is in fact an non-immigrant visa till

AOS.

 

Is this correct????....normal?

 

thanks

 

 


Edited by ianf77, 16 December 2013 - 12:55 PM.

ianf77Not TellingUnited Kingdom2013-12-16 12:54:00