biggish data

No, you don't attach your pictures to the form. I don't have the forms with me now, but I'm pretty sure that's in an "for office use only" type section. I expect the Embassy officer will want to verify the pictures are ok before sticking them to the forms.

Stu

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-30 10:13:00

The wording on the Packet 3 form (which comprises the checklist etc) states that you need to get the forms (DS-156 etc) to the Embassy asap, and then get the checklist to them after you've done the medical. As I intended to do the medical on the same day as the interview, holding on to that checklist made no sense, so I sent them all off at the same time.

You should be safe to send it back now. I had packet 4 last Friday and have only just arranged my medical this morning.

Hope that helps.

Stu

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-30 07:20:00

The only things you need to send are the various DS forms (230 part 1, 156, 156k and possibly 157), and then the packet 3 form itself which you sign.

They explicitly tell you not to send stuff like your birth certificate and so on, you bring that to the interview.

You'll need 3 US passport type photos, 2 for the interview and 1 for the medical. Usefully, they include a list of a few places which do these.

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-03 03:06:00

I'll do that, thanks again

Stu

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-02 15:55:00

Excellent, thanks Julez. I think I'll put what we're hoping to be our wedding date and then a departure date which would make that realistic.

I'm good to just leave the "Date of medical ______" bit blank then, or perhaps put "to be scheduled" and not tick the box for Medical?

Sorry to repeat myself, these forms are a bit more stressful than I anticipated and this head cold isn't helping!

Stu

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-02 15:49:00

Got my packet 3 in the post today (

) but I'm stumped on a few things, and am none the wiser after a bit of searching on here.

Basically, it gives you a checklist of things to tick to make sure you've got. One of these is the medical examination. When signing the form, it's also asking for the date of my medical.

Now, to save a few bob travelling down to London from Cardiff twice, I was hoping to schedule the medical for the day before the interview. That way I can travel down to London and stay at my sisters house after the medical, and then have the interview the next day, then come home.

What should I put on the packet 3 form if I want to do it this way?

I also noticed "date of travel" and "date of wedding", safe to leave those blank? They're both entirely dependent on a visa I don't have yet.

Thanks!

Stu

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-02 15:18:00

Congrats!

Hope yours comes through soon, Guinness1969!

Stu

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-30 12:45:00

Cheers

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-27 10:15:00

Shan rang DoS today and apparently the interview has been set for 9th July, and P4 was mailed out on 25th June. All that fretting over a missing form and they'd sent it out the next day anyway.

><

Stu

Edited by SMB x2, 27 June 2008 - 10:06 AM.

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-27 10:05:00

Be that as it may, the slow response doesn't explain the explanation given of the current case status (ie, a form missing).

I think I may send another DS-230 Part 1, just to be sure.

Thank you for reading my query.

Stu

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-25 13:00:00

Well, he seemed pretty insistent that because we were inside the 2-4 weeks estimated turn around for P3 received to P4 sent out, that there's nothing more he could do. It wasn't specifically stated that the P3 had been entered onto the system yet (otherwise I'd probably have an interview date), so he surmised that the "missing form" actually meant "not entered into the system yet". He couldn't expand upon that at all.

If this is the case, it's a strange system but entirely fair enough. Does nothing to ease an anxious mind, however. And if it IS missing and they've lost it, I'm more concerned about getting another copy down there asap. As I said though, he maintained it's not worth calling back before 9th July though, as 9th June is when they received P3.

Stu

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-25 12:41:00

I can't be explaining myself very well, sorry. I'm aware of the average waiting time for receiving P4, although thanks for the links. That's not my primary concern, however.

The person at the Embassy said, and I quote, "it's showing that your DS-230 part 1 is missing". I assume it's a computer he brought it up on. He seemed to interpret this as "your case hasn't been processed yet", not "you've forgotten a form, mate".

What is unclear, then, is whether they have lost my DS-230 Part 1, because I can say with 100% confidence I sent it. He didn't believe I should send in another DS-230 Part 1, he suggested waiting to see if P4 turned up, and call if 4 weeks from the Embassy's receipt of P3 passed (which would be 9th July).

I am not concerned about the time elapsed. That was just the prompt for me to try calling the Embassy, out of curiosity. What concerns me is what they said about my DS-230 Part 1, ie. should I send another DS-230 Part 1, despite what the guy told me?

I hope that explains it a little more clearly.

Stu

Edited by SMB x2, 25 June 2008 - 12:28 PM.

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-25 12:26:00

QUOTE (paothao @ Jun 25 2008, 01:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

All in all, the USCIS gave you 4 months to complete the process, including getting a visa in hand from date 1 that NVC sent your package to foreign US Embassy, and they knew your timeframe, so don't worry.

I'm sorry, I don't really understand your reply. Thanks for trying to help, though!

To re-iterate, other people have sent their P3 to the Embassy and already got their P4, but we're still waiting to hear anything. A bit concerned, I rang the Embassy and they told me what I posted above, which sounded like they didn't have my DS-230 Part 1, but I definitely sent it.

The guy on the phone said not to worry.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? I was basically told to wait until 4 weeks after they've received P3, which will be July 9th.

Stu

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-25 12:01:00

OK, I just called the Embassy. Well, I say just... I tried the £1.20 number at about 4pm and it kept cutting me off saying everyone was busy, although in fairness you're not charged for the call until they physically answer it apparently (so says the automated message).

Anyway, finally got through to a Liverpudlian chap just now and I confirmed that Royal Mail says they signed for my packet 3 on the 9th of June, a slightly puzzling 6 days after having sent it first class. DoS still doesn't have us on the system, so he did some poking around. It seems the last update for the case was "DS-230 part 1 missing". Now, I checked p3 had all the required documents so many times I started to question my sanity, and I found part 2 in my "to shred" bin here, so they definitely have part 1.

The chap told me not to worry though, as a processing time of 2 to 4 weeks after receipt of p3 is normal, and that "DS-230 part 1 missing" could mean they just haven't processed the case yet. Bit odd, but I suppose we'll have to take his word for it. We're to call back if we've not heard anything by the 9th of July.

What does everyone reckon, is this normal?

Stu.

Edited by SMB x2, 24 June 2008 - 01:06 PM.

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-24 13:06:00

I think this part of the process is even more stressfull than waiting for NOA2, just because it's the final part of the K-1 process and it could be any day.
The Embassy received our packet 3 on the 9th and we don't have anything either, but I've been calling DoS every other day or so and they're super nice! I've spoken to a gentleman named Chris two or three times now and every time, he always says "try back in a few days and Good Luck!" and sounds like he means it. I'm going to try calling them again later today, but it probably hasn't been scheduled yet. At least it eases my mind a bit though.
Good luck to you!

Edited by SMB x2, 23 June 2008 - 07:24 AM.

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-23 07:23:00

Why USA and not UK?

Stu's moving here for a lot of the reasons already mentioned.
I have a small child (6 year old) and I have a steady job, pets, etc..
I wouldn't mind moving over there though if I could easily find a job, bring my horses, bring my kid without having to fight the ex-in-laws.
Someday, it would be nice to go over there, I think.

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-05-20 16:03:00

Photographs

I believe they say 3 as you need 2 for the interview and 1 for the medical.

Stu

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-07-02 11:08:00

Where in the UK are you?? (or you other half)

Stu is from Southeast Wales near Cardiff.

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-01 09:15:00

How did everyone meet?

QUOTE (RGNSCOT @ Feb 8 2008, 09:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

bryan and i met in an online dating chatroom called PLENTY OF FISH

Fantastic name.

Stu

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-02-08 16:34:00

How did everyone meet?

QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Feb 6 2008, 06:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hot sorority chick: I didn't think nerds would be so good in bed
Lewis: Jocks only think about sports, nerds only think about sex.

Stu.

Edited by SMB x2, 06 February 2008 - 01:52 PM.

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-02-06 13:51:00

How did everyone meet?

That would be interesting to see, Ginger. I've been curious about that myself, because other than military or school or trips abroad, it would have been difficult for so many people from around the world to meet.

Stu and I met online on some forums for general gaming. I thought he was one of those pervy gaming nerds at first and told him that I would avoid him, but you can see how that worked out. He's still a pervy gaming nerd though

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-02-06 13:24:00

Passed medical...

Congrats!! That's wonderful!

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-07-11 15:45:00

Three weeks to go!

Hope you two have a good time

-Shan

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-07-11 15:49:00

Otherway round

I'm sorry to hear about this Pandora

I hope everything works out for you both!

-Shan

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-07-11 15:59:00

Chicago Brit Meetup - Friday, July 18

QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Jul 12 2008, 03:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Are you in the quad cities?

Yeah they seem to be pretty good about having monthly meet-ups. Would love to see you and Stu in the future.

Further west, Iowa City

A VJ meet up some time in the future sounds good! Be really cool to meet all the people here.

Stu

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-07-12 17:44:00

Chicago Brit Meetup - Friday, July 18

Since we're not sure exactly when Stu is going to be here, we'll have to pass on this one, but if there's ever another one, we'd love to go! Especially since we're not that far from Chicago.
I hope everyone has fun though!

-Shan

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-07-11 15:44:00

Which DS form needs to be filled out online..it produces a barcode ??

DS-156

The url to this form is in packet 3.

Stu

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-07-13 16:11:00

Bringing money to the USA

It blows my mind that anything you do in the UK could possibly be liable for a US tax of some sort.

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-07-15 12:53:00

Obtaining US passport photos

QUOTE (Saffyre @ Jun 13 2008, 01:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Here you go:

http://www.epassportphoto.com/

That one sounds pretty good too, actually. I just rung a local photo shop, they reckoned they could do it for £4.99 (as long as I brought the spec for the photo with me).

I think I'll have a stab at doing them myself from that site, especially if ASDA can print them for tuppence.

Ta

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-13 07:22:00

Obtaining US passport photos

Ah, that place looks decent, I'll give that one a whirl I think. By pure chance, my sister is visiting this weekend, I'll ask her to bring her dSLR with her. Thanks

Just out of interest, I still have a passport photo (taken by a lass in a US passport office) from when we sent off the K-1 paperwork last November. Now, granted photos need to have been taken within the last 6 months, according to the packet 3 blurb, but would it matter if it was a couple of months outside? I could scan that photo, make sure it's the right size and print it to glossy photo paper, if so.

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-13 06:18:00

Obtaining US passport photos

Thought I'd use my day off to fetch some US passport size photos, amongst other things, and went to lookup this "Snappy Snaps" that they recommend on the packet 3 bumf. According to the Snappy Snaps website though, the Cardiff branch doesn't exist, so I can't get a telephone number to ring them and ask for prices.

A random Google search found this place:

http://www.everybody...hell/index.html

I gave him a ring and he wanted £20 for 4. Seems a bit steep to me, given you can get 4 UK ones out of an automated machine just about anywhere for a few quid. Am I going to have to bite the bullet, or does anyone know of any places in Wales doing these photos (or UK-wide chains that may have a local shop here I can try ringing)?

I'd prefer to get them ahead of time, rather than on the interview, as it's one less thing to worry about!

Thanks

Stu

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-06-13 05:15:00

Gareth is all approved! Now onto packet 3!

Congrats!!

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-08-11 12:58:00

Ray of hope needed...

9 weeks sounds like a long time to wait for an interview, but I have heard that some people have had to wait almost 10 weeks. Sorry I can't be of more help.

I hope you hear something soon though!

Edited by SMB x2, 11 August 2008 - 01:13 PM.

SMB x2

Male

Wales

2008-08-11 13:12:00