Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
United Kingdom	London Medical Experience - September 2009	QUOTE (n1dom @ Sep 15 2009, 06:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi, I had my K1 medical at Knightsbridge Doctors yesterday and I just thought that I'd share my experience. Location The doctors office is located about a 5-10 minute wander from Bond Street tube station. Exiting the station, I crossed to the north side of Oxford Street and headed west (towards Selfridges) turning right into Gees Court and heading all the way through the pedestrian area to Wigmore Street. Across Wigmore and then into Jason Court and onto Marylebone Lane. Bentinck Street, where the the office is, is a few yards on to the right. As you turn right in to Bentinck Street, the office is located in the first building on your right (Bentinck Mansions). The building appears to be an apartment block and the office is on the ground floor to the right (Flat 4). You will need to buzz the intercom to get in. Check-in Spoke to the receptionist, who was very polite, and handed over the questionnaire (from the information contained in Packet 3), my passport and a photo. I was asked to go through to the waiting room. The receptionist appeared a few minutes later in the room and handed me an Embassy medical form which I was asked to complete along with an HIV screening authorisation form. I filled everything out and the receptionist came and collected the forms and told me the nurse would be along shortly. And she wasn't wrong! Nurse! After a couple of minutes the nurse came along and took me off to her office. We spoke about vaccinations and she explained about the K1 requirements. I didn't have any records and she told me that I would be able to get the required shots done at my GP for free. I opted to have the shots done there and then as my GP had nicely taken me off their books as I hadn't been for so long!!! The nurse and I chatted about things and before I knew it first shot was in my arm and done, a blink at the realisation that it had been done and the second was in there and done! This nurse was a first-class professional! It was all administered is a very cheerful and pleasant way. I was given record of the batch numbers of the shots and the nurse checked to see if the radiographer was free. Bing! Oh yes he was! X-Ray This bit was a little odd as it happened so quick and I didn't see anything happen! The radiographer was very cheery and he asked me to strip off my top. He then asked me to turn around and place my chest against a large square plate, place my chin on the top bar. He put my arms behind my back and gave me a, what I guess was a lead sheet to hold in both hands. And we were done before I knew it! The chap asked me to get dressed again and off I went back to the waiting room where I waited for about ten minutes. Doctor, Doctor My name was called and the Doctor introduced herself and led me off to her office. She was very polite and chatty, asking me about my day, my job, where I live etc. She asked me basic health questions about a previous operation and the she was ready for the physical exam. I popped my shoes off and she checked my weight and height, then she checked my eyesight (with glasses on). She then asked me to sit on the bed and she checked my breathing with her stethoscope, checked my glands and took my blood pressure. Then she took a blood sample which was very painless and asked me lie down on the bed. The doctor then proceeded to prod various organs while chatting away and finally asked to have a quick peek down below. A couple more questions, one of which was have I ever been in trouble with the police and have I ever been caught for drink driving. I thought they were a bit odd for a medical but then I guess they may reveal underlying problems. And we were done! 10-15 minutes top with the doctor. Conclusion So around 45 minutes after arriving it was back to reception and pay the bill. I feel that I was treated well and everyone I came into contact with was very friendly, but then I should hope so for such an expensive (but necessary) escapade! If anyone is worried or nervous, I found from my experience that it was quick, painless and not unpleasant at all. Hope this is helpful! Dom Hi Dom; I must congratualte you on a very good post. Obviously designed to make the reader feel relaxed and it definitely did that. Thanks Paul	paul p	Male	0	2009-10-14 14:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Affadavit of Support - Quick questions	QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 7 2009, 02:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (paul p @ Sep 7 2009, 08:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi all; Thanks in advance to everyone for ongoing suppport. I have done some research and would like the following clarified :0) 1) My fiancee (the petitoner and U.S citizen) has 3 children living with her and therefore when i arrive my assumption is that her household will be 5. Her, 3 kids and me. Is that correct? 2) If # 1 is correct then the petitoner has to prove that she earns $32,237. Is this correct? 3) Is the $32,237 Gross. I.e. Payment that she gets before taxers etc. 4) She has had this job for about 4 months and her last job payed less. Therefore her previous tax returns would not show that she can support me. Therefore if she takes her last monthly pay stubs and multiplied them up, would that be sufficient proof? 5) A letter from the employer can be attained and although this is a full time job, there is not much in basic pay. It is based on the work she does (she grooms dogs - the more and harder she does the more she is paid - and the last 3 months projection does pur her above the line - but not by much :0) ). Do we get her boss to simply write that she is working full-time, for this length of time and her pay is this? Or should we say projected pay? I dont want to lie or open up potential cans of worms :0) 6) It says 2 out of 4 evidence is required. We can get Monthly stubs and a letter from the employer. Is this enough? 7) Her bank balance is at zero (not in debt but no savings). I dont think this evidence helps out case. should we leave it out? 8) Her last tax return / W2 will not show that she is abov the line? Shoulld we leave them out and just go with the 2 bits of evidence that do? 9) I the beneficiary in the UK, have savings and it is ironic that she really doesnt need to support me as we have money for at least a year, if not longer? Should i present any of this informatiuon in Packet 3 as evidence or again could it cast doubt on the Petitioners ability to support me? Quite a few questions, and thanks again Paul London is one of the consulate that in the past has entertained self sponsorship.... moving to consulate forum... as this is a consulate item Real thanks for this. It is much appreciated QUOTE (Otto und Karin @ Sep 7 2009, 02:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (paul p @ Sep 7 2009, 08:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi all; Thanks in advance to everyone for ongoing support. I have done some research and would like the following clarified :0) 1) My fiancée (the petitioner and U.S citizen) has 3 children living with her and therefore when i arrive my assumption is that her household will be 5. Her, 3 kids and me. Is that correct? Yes, 5. 2) If # 1 is correct then the petitioner has to prove that she earns $32,237. Is this correct? Yes, more if in Alaska or Hawaii. Less if she's active duty military. 3) Is the $32,237 Gross. I.e. Payment that she gets before taxers etc. Gross 4) She has had this job for about 4 months and her last job payed less. Therefore her previous tax returns would not show that she can support me. Therefore if she takes her last monthly pay stubs and multiplied them up, would that be sufficient proof? Previous year's tax returns may/may-not match what her current income is - Pay stubs will be annualized to calculate current income. 5) A letter from the employer can be attained and although this is a full time job, there is not much in basic pay. It is based on the work she does (she grooms dogs - the more and harder she does the more she is paid - and the last 3 months projection does pur her above the line - but not by much :0) ). Do we get her boss to simply write that she is working full-time, for this length of time and her pay is this? Or should we say projected pay? I dont want to lie or open up potential cans of worms :0) If you're concerned about the letter, don't get one. 6) It says 2 out of 4 evidence is required. We can get Monthly stubs and a letter from the employer. Is this enough? Letter of employment is not really required - but the pay stubs and most recent year's tax return (with all supporting documents) is or will be needed. 7) Her bank balance is at zero (not in debt but no savings). I dont think this evidence helps out case. should we leave it out? This is optional - no need to disclose this information, especially if income is sufficient. 8) Her last tax return / W2 will not show that she is abov the line? Shoulld we leave them out and just go with the 2 bits of evidence that do? Tax return and supporting evidence (such as W-2's) is required. 9) I the beneficiary in the UK, have savings and it is ironic that she really doesnt need to support me as we have money for at least a year, if not longer? Should i present any of this informatiuon in Packet 3 as evidence or again could it cast doubt on the Petitioners ability to support me? Not really - if your fiance is qualified on the basis of her income, no need to go down this path. Really great reply. Yep, make sure can prove income above the line and concentrate on a case for that. Any evidence to show that i have money too may be dismissed but at least it wouldnt harm. Thanks again	paul p	Male	0	2009-09-08 09:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Affadavit of Support - Quick questions	Hi all; Thanks in advance to everyone for ongoing suppport. I have done some research and would like the following clarified :0) 1) My fiancee (the petitoner and U.S citizen) has 3 children living with her and therefore when i arrive my assumption is that her household will be 5. Her, 3 kids and me. Is that correct? 2) If # 1 is correct then the petitoner has to prove that she earns $32,237. Is this correct? 3) Is the $32,237 Gross. I.e. Payment that she gets before taxers etc. 4) She has had this job for about 4 months and her last job payed less. Therefore her previous tax returns would not show that she can support me. Therefore if she takes her last monthly pay stubs and multiplied them up, would that be sufficient proof? 5) A letter from the employer can be attained and although this is a full time job, there is not much in basic pay. It is based on the work she does (she grooms dogs - the more and harder she does the more she is paid - and the last 3 months projection does pur her above the line - but not by much :0) ). Do we get her boss to simply write that she is working full-time, for this length of time and her pay is this? Or should we say projected pay? I dont want to lie or open up potential cans of worms :0) 6) It says 2 out of 4 evidence is required. We can get Monthly stubs and a letter from the employer. Is this enough? 7) Her bank balance is at zero (not in debt but no savings). I dont think this evidence helps out case. should we leave it out? 8) Her last tax return / W2 will not show that she is abov the line? Shoulld we leave them out and just go with the 2 bits of evidence that do? 9) I the beneficiary in the UK, have savings and it is ironic that she really doesnt need to support me as we have money for at least a year, if not longer? Should i present any of this informatiuon in Packet 3 as evidence or again could it cast doubt on the Petitioners ability to support me? Quite a few questions, and thanks again Paul	paul p	Male	0	2009-09-07 08:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	London Embassy contact details for status update	All; Our case exited NVC late August. I am in the UK so assume it goes to the U.S embassy in London. I want to find out the status (have they received it, have they sent packet 3 etc.) but i have struggled to find a good contact number. THe premimum lines were not helpful and expensive. What is the best contact number? Should i use email? Are there any hints and tips? Paul	paul p	Male	0	2009-09-14 07:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Packet 3 - “ongoing consent to marry” letter - US Embassy in London address	QUOTE (Carlawarla @ Sep 14 2009, 02:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (paul p @ Sep 14 2009, 08:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi all; For packet 3 we have to create an ongoing consent to marry form for both the petitioner and beneficiary? What is the address that we use on this letter? What is the correct address to use for cases in London? Paul Address it to the Consulate/Embassy in London. The same place you'll be going to your interview, and the place you're returning Package 3 papers to. It's a letter of intent. You can just change the date from the first one you sent in with the original I-129F package as well if you want. Just make sure there is one for each of you with original signatures. OK, i will await packet 3 for confirmation and thinking it is this US Embassy 24 Grosvenor Square London, W1A 1AE United Kingdom	paul p	Male	0	2009-09-15 18:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Packet 3 - “ongoing consent to marry” letter - US Embassy in London address	Hi all; For packet 3 we have to create an ongoing consent to marry form for both the petitioner and beneficiary? What is the address that we use on this letter? What is the correct address to use for cases in London? Paul	paul p	Male	0	2009-09-14 08:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Affadavit of support - Employer letter - Full time but no set salary	QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Sep 17 2009, 03:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (paul p @ Sep 16 2009, 04:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Sep 16 2009, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (paul p @ Sep 14 2009, 09:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> All; We want to create an employer letter to give more substance to our case. The letter template i have found is: employer letter should state "To whom it may concern: (first name,last name) has been employed full-time with the XYZ Company since 200_ as a (name of your job), and is an employee in good standing with an annual salary of $XXXX. Signed, John Doe, Supervisor (or whatever title)" The letter should be on company letterhead. The petitoner has been in a new job for 5 months. Her last job can not be used as evidence as she did not earn enough. The petitioner is full time but gets paid dependent on more work she does. She's a dog groomer and the more dogs she does, the more money she gets. Her last 4 pay stubs and annual projection does show that she will above the limit but only just. How should i change the letter. I was thinking this? employer letter should state "To whom it may concern: (first name,last name) has been employed full-time with the XYZ Company since 200_ as a (name of your job), and is an employee in good standing, with an annual salary of $XXXX (basic and commision). Signed, John Doe, Supervisor (or whatever title)" The letter should be on company letterhead. I dont want the basic and commision part to set off any alarm bells. She doesnt really get basic. What do you think? Paul Unless there has been a rash a dog groomers filing petitions it is about 4th time this question has been asked in various presentations. 1. Petitioner's previous employment cannot be used, not because she didn't make enough, but because it is irrelevent. If she made $485,000 per year at a previous job it would not matter (unless she banked all the money and used assets to qulaify) Facetious item which is continually mentioned. NO ONE cares what she USED to make. 2. The way you word the sample is fine, if the company will sign off on it. This question has been answered multiple times. The answer will not change. I cannot say if it will set off alarm bells. Depends on how well that consulate officer reads the letter, the policy of the consulate, etc. I do not recall the consulate the petitioner is using, and have no interest to look it up myself. You did her no favors not to mention it in your "anonymous" post. Consulates have huge latitude in this matter and someone with experience with that consulate is denied the opportunity to give you very relevent evidence. Too bad for your "friend" 3. In this case, which is similar to a self employed person, a bank letter verifying bank deposits will also be helpful...if she has been depositing the money in the bank, something someone in this process with this sort of income to verify, should do. She will also have to submit, at least, the 2008 tax return, whether it is enough money or not. Current income is more important. I would submit ALL check stubs since the beginning of 2009, unless she can verify income with bank deposits. You will need to document heavily this income and that should not be a problem if she has earned the money. 4. It is perfectly acceptable to project 2009 income. Take YTD divided by months x 12 for projected annual. This is her answer to the "currently derive an income of..." question. In any case, consulates have WIDE latitude, any portion or portions of a person's income can be disregarded. They can deny even if income is "sufficient" If the petitioner is not comfortable with her income and verification based on input of previous history with the consulate she is using...she should have a co-sponsor if they are allowed by that consulate. As mentioned to this petitioner before. Great info as always. Really appreciated. p.s. I dont ever post anonymously. Why would i? This is my only log-on. :0) :0) Sorry. Perhaps "anonynous" is not the correct word, I guess we are all anonymous to a point. I meant with little information on the consulate/country. I see you are in UK. What is perfectly acceptable in London is not so in CasaBlanca or Manilla, or Ho Chi Minh City, Some consulates barely look at income verification (the guy in Kiev spent no more than 2 seconds looking at mine and there is no way he read the employment or bank letter, then detached it and handed it back to me) others really give it a lot of attention None of my business, but given the explanation of her income, is she actually an "employee" or is she an independent contractor? I am sure it could be either way in this line of work. Does her employer deduct taxes and Social Security from her checks? That would be the key question. if her employer is not considering her an "employee" then he cannot write an "employment letter" I remember this case and the questions but I do not recall if that was answered. If she is a contractor (no withholding tax from her check) then he can write a letter as her "client" but not as her "employer" It is OK to be self employed, just a little more complicated to verify income. Thanks again. Yep, sorry about the "anonymous" bit. Yep, basically i (the benficiary) am from the UK and my fiancee is in California. Know each other since May 2008, decided to do this process Jan 2009 after meeting twice, took ages to do the I-129F and sent it last April, She visited here in May, and now waiting to get to the U.S. At packet 3 stage today so thinking end of November hopefully go-ahead. The details you wrote about employee etc. i think are key. I actually dont know at the moment but will find out and update. Thanks again. Paul	paul p	Male	0	2009-09-17 12:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Affadavit of support - Employer letter - Full time but no set salary	QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Sep 16 2009, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (paul p @ Sep 14 2009, 09:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> All; We want to create an employer letter to give more substance to our case. The letter template i have found is: employer letter should state "To whom it may concern: (first name,last name) has been employed full-time with the XYZ Company since 200_ as a (name of your job), and is an employee in good standing with an annual salary of $XXXX. Signed, John Doe, Supervisor (or whatever title)" The letter should be on company letterhead. The petitoner has been in a new job for 5 months. Her last job can not be used as evidence as she did not earn enough. The petitioner is full time but gets paid dependent on more work she does. She's a dog groomer and the more dogs she does, the more money she gets. Her last 4 pay stubs and annual projection does show that she will above the limit but only just. How should i change the letter. I was thinking this? employer letter should state "To whom it may concern: (first name,last name) has been employed full-time with the XYZ Company since 200_ as a (name of your job), and is an employee in good standing, with an annual salary of $XXXX (basic and commision). Signed, John Doe, Supervisor (or whatever title)" The letter should be on company letterhead. I dont want the basic and commision part to set off any alarm bells. She doesnt really get basic. What do you think? Paul Unless there has been a rash a dog groomers filing petitions it is about 4th time this question has been asked in various presentations. 1. Petitioner's previous employment cannot be used, not because she didn't make enough, but because it is irrelevent. If she made $485,000 per year at a previous job it would not matter (unless she banked all the money and used assets to qulaify) Facetious item which is continually mentioned. NO ONE cares what she USED to make. 2. The way you word the sample is fine, if the company will sign off on it. This question has been answered multiple times. The answer will not change. I cannot say if it will set off alarm bells. Depends on how well that consulate officer reads the letter, the policy of the consulate, etc. I do not recall the consulate the petitioner is using, and have no interest to look it up myself. You did her no favors not to mention it in your "anonymous" post. Consulates have huge latitude in this matter and someone with experience with that consulate is denied the opportunity to give you very relevent evidence. Too bad for your "friend" 3. In this case, which is similar to a self employed person, a bank letter verifying bank deposits will also be helpful...if she has been depositing the money in the bank, something someone in this process with this sort of income to verify, should do. She will also have to submit, at least, the 2008 tax return, whether it is enough money or not. Current income is more important. I would submit ALL check stubs since the beginning of 2009, unless she can verify income with bank deposits. You will need to document heavily this income and that should not be a problem if she has earned the money. 4. It is perfectly acceptable to project 2009 income. Take YTD divided by months x 12 for projected annual. This is her answer to the "currently derive an income of..." question. In any case, consulates have WIDE latitude, any portion or portions of a person's income can be disregarded. They can deny even if income is "sufficient" If the petitioner is not comfortable with her income and verification based on input of previous history with the consulate she is using...she should have a co-sponsor if they are allowed by that consulate. As mentioned to this petitioner before. Great info as always. Really appreciated. p.s. I dont ever post anonymously. Why would i? This is my only log-on. :0) :0)	paul p	Male	0	2009-09-16 15:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Affadavit of support - Employer letter - Full time but no set salary	QUOTE (Stephen + Elisha @ Sep 15 2009, 03:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Bump - any suggestions for the OP? Can anybody give any help on this please? Thanks in advance	paul p	Male	0	2009-09-15 18:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Affadavit of support - Employer letter - Full time but no set salary	All; We want to create an employer letter to give more substance to our case. The letter template i have found is: employer letter should state "To whom it may concern: (first name,last name) has been employed full-time with the XYZ Company since 200_ as a (name of your job), and is an employee in good standing with an annual salary of $XXXX. Signed, John Doe, Supervisor (or whatever title)" The letter should be on company letterhead. The petitoner has been in a new job for 5 months. Her last job can not be used as evidence as she did not earn enough. The petitioner is full time but gets paid dependent on more work she does. She's a dog groomer and the more dogs she does, the more money she gets. Her last 4 pay stubs and annual projection does show that she will above the limit but only just. How should i change the letter. I was thinking this? employer letter should state "To whom it may concern: (first name,last name) has been employed full-time with the XYZ Company since 200_ as a (name of your job), and is an employee in good standing, with an annual salary of $XXXX (basic and commision). Signed, John Doe, Supervisor (or whatever title)" The letter should be on company letterhead. I dont want the basic and commision part to set off any alarm bells. She doesnt really get basic. What do you think? Paul	paul p	Male	0	2009-09-14 08:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	NOA2 Hard copy - Is it needed for Petitioners Embassy interview	QUOTE (Ellie-and-David @ Sep 16 2009, 01:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (paul p @ Sep 14 2009, 11:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Hannah+Vito @ Sep 14 2009, 02:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I wasn't asked for it at my k1 interview either, thank god cos we onlyanaged to get a copy of it 3 weld ago just in time for my aos interview, (not that the io asked for it then in the end either) I think they have a copy of it already there along with a copy of the I-129f packet. You'll still need it for aos though. Thanks all for your responses. Good stuff and much appreciated. Thank goodness you got your NOA2 in time. Quick question. Can you work before you have AOS done? Thanks again Paul Yes, but only with an approved Employment Authorisation Document. This can be filed alongside the AOS and is usually approved before AOS has been completed. Brilliant. I know it is in the wrong forum that question so i really appreciate you answer. I am planning that i wont be eligible to work until about 2 months after i get there. For the paperwork to be sorted etc. Is that realistic?	paul p	Male	0	2009-09-16 14:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	NOA2 Hard copy - Is it needed for Petitioners Embassy interview	QUOTE (Hannah+Vito @ Sep 14 2009, 02:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I wasn't asked for it at my k1 interview either, thank god cos we onlyanaged to get a copy of it 3 weld ago just in time for my aos interview, (not that the io asked for it then in the end either) I think they have a copy of it already there along with a copy of the I-129f packet. You'll still need it for aos though. Thanks all for your responses. Good stuff and much appreciated. Thank goodness you got your NOA2 in time. Quick question. Can you work before you have AOS done? Thanks again Paul	paul p	Male	0	2009-09-14 10:34:00