*can't think of anything clever to say as on phone to car dealership*

Okay, I'm shutting up now. I think I have had TOO much caffeine this morning.

Can I say -- we need more dates!!!

Defo! I want mine up there now!! I was hoping for before the end of March... Ah well... April should have nicer weather... maybe I can go sit in a park somewhere in London and celebrate by myself

My mum was hoping for the next couple of weeks cause then she would have come down with me - that would have been awesome

*sigh* I suppose, if you must.

I don't think I've yet amply shown how clever I am

*pats StP on head*

You're a very clever girl indeed. Now hush up and realise how wrong you are about duvets.

NEVER!

I shall fight on the beaches, I shall fight on the landing grounds, I shall fight in the fields and in the streets, I shall fight in the hills; I shall fight in every thread of VJ and I shall never surrender

LOL you all crack me up.. need it on a monday as well

I think this has been the best Monday in a long time - we defo need to arrange a chat time sometime though... maybe sometime this weekend? Hmmm CSI night on Saturday though and not sure what I am doing Friday...

Watch this space

A chat would be very cool. Generally my weekends are spent just chit chatting with Kris anyway. During the week not much going on save working, the kids, and writing.. so.. ya.. i'm game.

Yay! I have a chatroom on our website that works quite well although seems to be being slow and lame tonight - when I speak to jeremy I'll find out when he is working and maybe we can have a little knees-up together sometime

Nice.. oh did you tell him about the linkies on my site???

I've gotten some good news whilst I'm here in England...Devon, to be exact at this moment...

Darren has his interview date!!!! April 25 at 9:00 AM...please add us to the list!!!

I don't think I have yet!! Thanks for reminding me - I am sooo lame!!!

GEG - that is great news!!! You sent your packet 3 back about the same time as me so hopefully I will hear soon too!!! *keeping everything crossed as Debz normally does that for her but isn't here to do so*

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, Aly!

Wow, GEG - you'll probably be the first January filer in the US!

I'm keeping fingers crossed for me as well!!! Ohhh I just want to twext my mum now to find out if we got any mail...

GEG - any ideas when your packet 3 was actually received by the Embassy? I sent mine on the 13th and it arrived there on the 19th...

Finally! An update!!!

January 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:

Malia & Tom (Tom_g), jmrb, Dazzler, walkies_a, julez & Griff, English Muffin, Stephen & Amber, Chris & Amy, Shorty & Nilz, NikkisPrecious, Randy & Maggie(Mustang-sally), ddkm, Gwen666, Teachmehistory, Jeff & Bev (Wellywench), Shadow42 (Andrew & Robin), Chelsea & Ed (edchels), DD2004, Barrel_roll

February 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:
C and J (Cheryl & Josh), Tinkerbelle, weedebz, nacampbell (Neil & Annie), kdancer, GlenandLisa, Lil-Lost-Girl, lostpup, jodinjames, Janaus, Courtney, Gareth's Girl, ericdraven

• bunsk2007..........................................2008-02-11 ????????????
• Sad Eyes............................................2008-02-25 Stuck in AP - hopefully not for long!
• piqqulet..............................................2008-02-29 ???????????
• Bforbarree...........................................2008-03-03 APPROVED!!!!
• StillthePrettiest....................................2008-03-04 APPROVED!!!!
• toshtishtash........................................2008-03-05 APPROVED!!!!
• londonuk.............................................2008-03-06 APPROVED!!!!
• pkscotus.............................................2008-03-06 APPROVED!!!!
• lisalu100.............................................2008-03-10 APPROVED!!!!
• Darren&Laura......................................2008-03-11 APPROVED!!!!
• tomsandi............................................2008-03-12 APPROVED!!!!
• DonnaB..............................................2008-03-12 APPROVED!!!!
• ladyynara...........................................2008-03-14 APPROVED!!!!
• babblesgirl..........................................2008-03-14 APPROVED!!!!
• zoobuffalo...........................................2008-03-18 APPROVED!!!!
• KJC....................................................2008-03-20 APPROVED!!!!
• GeordieLover.......................................2008-04-01
• ajeanne.............................................2008-04-07
• thejoz/thesquozenone..........................2008-04-10
• greeneyedgirlfl....................................2008-04-25
• NickyMcMillan......................................2008-04-30 @ 10:00

Keep the interview appointments coming!!!

Anyone heard from Geordie Lover?

Ohhhh I am sooo jealous... even more now!! I WANT MY INTERVIEW DATE!!! I sent my packet 3 on 13th March

We have March graduates as well now Julez

I know! Just need to do some spring cleaning with that when I actually have time!

Woohoo, received packet 4 today, interview is 22nd April, the end is in sight!!

Another update!!!

January 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:
Malia & Tom (Tom_g), jmrb, Dazzler, walkies_a, julez & Griff, English Muffin, Stephen & Amber, Chris & Amy, Shorty & Nilz, NikkisPrecious, Randy & Maggie(Mustang-sally), ddkm, Gwen666, Teachmehistory, Jeff & Bev (Wellywench), Shadow42 (Andrew & Robin), Chelsea & Ed (edchels), DD2004, Barrel_roll

February 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:
C and J (Cheryl & Josh), Tinkerbelle, weedebz, nacampbell (Neil & Annie), kdancer, GlenandLisa, Lil-Lost-Girl, lostpup, jodinjames, Janaus, Courtney, Gareth's Girl, ericdraven

March 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:
Bforbarree, StillthePrettiest, toshtishtash, londonuk, pkscotus, lisalu100, Darren&Laura, tomsandi, DonnaB, ladyynara, babblesgirl, zoobuffalo and KJC,

• bunsk2007..........................................2008-02-11 ????????????
• Sad Eyes............................................2008-02-25 Stuck in AP - hopefully not for long!
• piqqulet..............................................2008-02-29 ???????????
• GeordieLover.......................................2008-04-01
• ajeanne.............................................2008-04-07
• thejoz/thesquozenone..........................2008-04-10
• Chorley80..........................................2008-04-22
• greeneyedgirlfl....................................2008-04-25
• NickyMcMillan.....................................2008-04-30 @ 10:00

Keep the interview appointments coming!!! Aly you must be next!!

Anyone heard from Geordie Lover?

I'm not really sure...I'm usually the OCD one in the relationship, not Darren...but I'm sure your interview date is on the way and will be there soon...

Well they got our package yesterday for the packet 3.. and Kris got all my paperwork today in the post. Now we wait for packet 4 and the interview date <sigh>

YAY!! Ok.. so you sent your packet 3 three days before me which means I *could* get it tomorrow or Friday... Oh please please please let me get it this week!!!



Hey - no sigh! I might have my interview the same day as Kris I hope I meet a VJ-er when I get my interview

ADD ME ADD ME ADD ME!!!! 9th April at 9am!!!!!! OMFG I ONLY HAVE A WEEK!!!!!!! OMFG OMFG!"!!!!!!!

I need to book my medical!!!

HEY!! Congratulations.

Gillian

Thanks! Anyone have the number for Knightsbridge? I need to book the medical now and mum sent my myu LND number!!!

Medical on Wednesday afternoon at 1510 - Bentick Mansions - they said I need to have my passport but won't the embassy need that? Also I found this:

http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/iv/index.html

Have they changed K-1 to immigrant visa now?!?!?!?!?! That means I *do* need the new police certificate!! OMGWTFBBQ!!!! I have so much to sort out now!! I can't believe I wanted short notice when there is so much to doooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you'll be fine, sweetie! I can't believe it's so soon though

I know!! I was expecting end of the month!! I got told off by the receptionist at Knightsbridge for not booking my medical beforehand. I also have to have my passport at the medical so how does that work? At least my mum can come with me which is something...

So with them changing the K-1 to an immigrant visa - where do I stand on that? Do I need the new police certificate after all? What about teh HPV jab? I was basing everything on K-1 being a non-immigrant visa so now I am completely confused with a week to get my head straight!!!

I am sooo nervous now - I am freaking that I am not going to get it due to some stupid technicality through our non-legal wedding or me missing something because I was basing everything on K-1 being a non-immigrant visa... ohhhh.... I just want to drink red wine until I go blind...

Another fandabbydozie update!!!

January 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:
Malia & Tom (Tom_g), jmrb, Dazzler, walkies_a, julez & Griff, English Muffin, Stephen & Amber, Chris & Amy, Shorty & Nilz, NikkisPrecious, Randy & Maggie(Mustang-sally), ddkm, Gwen666, Teachmehistory, Jeff & Bev (Wellywench), Shadow42 (Andrew & Robin), Chelsea & Ed (edchels), DD2004, Barrel_roll

February 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:
C and J (Cheryl & Josh), Tinkerbelle, weedebz, nacampbell (Neil & Annie), kdancer, GlenandLisa, Lil-Lost-Girl, lostpup, jodinjames, Janaus, Courtney, Gareth's Girl, ericdraven

March 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:
Bforbarree, StillthePrettiest, toshtishtash, londonuk, pkscotus, lisalu100, Darren&Laura, tomsandi, DonnaB, ladyynara, babblesgirl, zoobuffalo and KJC,

• bunsk2007..........................................2008-02-11 ????????????
• Sad Eyes............................................2008-02-25 Stuck in AP - hopefully not for long!
• piqqulet..............................................2008-02-29 ???????????
• GeordieLover.......................................2008-04-01
• ajeanne.............................................2008-04-07
• jeraly................................................2008-04-09 (bout freakin' time!)
• thejoz/thesquozenone..........................2008-04-10
• Chorley80..........................................2008-04-22
• greeneyedgirlfl....................................2008-04-25
• NickyMcMillan.....................................2008-04-30 @ 10:00

Still wondering......Anyone heard from Geordie Lover?

Nothing yet... has she even logged in since? Maybe things are a bit crazy hectic for her

Did anyone have any clue about all my previous ramblings about the change of visa type and all that jazz? I am so confused and scared and nervous about it all...

RE: HPV, you are still in the same position - you just tell the medical people you will get it done by AOS, in america.

RE: Police Cert, you have 2 choices
1) Go with your current police cert. The worst that can happen is that they say you need to get it. Your visa approval will be pending medical results anyway, and they only take 10 days, so you will only be adding on a few days before the visa is issued.

2) You apply for the new one, and maybe you get it before the interview, maybe you don't. L&P got it basically 3 working days after they applied for it, so it's possible. If it doesn't arrive before the interview, see option 1

RE: Real-but-not-official-wedding. If I hear you stress about that one more time, I am going to ask Ewok to ban you. For Real. Stop stressing about it. (however do not refer to Jeramy as your husband)

RE: Passport. I have heard tell that you can just bring a copy of your passport to the medical. Maybe also bring your drivers licence so you have something to back it up.

Thank you sooo much Poiteen It makes it harder that I am in work so I can't obviously research it all myself - when I get home I am going to be organising and printing and planning and all sorts...

I start a new job Monday as well which is... I don't know if that is a good thing or not!! I am sooo nervous and I know I will be fine but it was a shock and I wasn't expecting it all so soon... be careful what you wish for Although at least it will be out of the way

So for immigrant visas you don't need the vaccinations up to date? OMG I need to call my doctor and all sorts...

Have also changed medical date (at mum's suggestion) to Tuesday afternoon so that will be one less thing to worry about I also get to spend an evening in London with my mummy which is cool! She is off for Easter hols this week and next so she was kinda hoping I got my interview next week so she could come as well - neither of us thought that would happen though! I can't believe it!!!

At least I will have someone there to stop me stressing... think diet will go out of the window next week or at least for those two days.

And I am still going to drink a bottle of red tonight. Even if it doesn't make me blind

I could meet you for lunch if you'll still be around then!!! We could have our own little London meet up - just for you !!

Yay! On Tuesday you mean? Maybe post-medical? I can introduce you to my mum even though we never met and we can talk visa-babble while she sits there getting bored educated. I can freak out to you about the interview

I don't mind which, Tuesday evening is fine!

I do sometimes work late though, when is your appointment?

By the way, did you put an expected travel date on when you returned your packet 3? I should be about 10 days behind you, but I thought since I put down my travel date of 1st August, that I won't get a date for a while.

I put down the 30th June so a good ways in advance Fingers crossed you'll be hearing back soon as well! I didn't realise I was going to feel so panicky! I swear I am a total mess!!! I was completely calm before in fact I was scaring myself! If this is what I am like now then what will I be like in June when I move?!!?!

Med is at 3.10pm - apparently it takes about an hour so... I don't know anywhere in the area London is easy enough to navigate but I tend to do it on the fly rather than know points of interest... maybe we could pursuade StP to come as well!?

hang on, hang on, I'm lost - the 9th is Wednesday; that's interview AND medical, right? so when are you meeting for lunch? I should be able to wangle something - maybe... will do my absolute best

and I'm glad Poiteen came along and said what she did; I would have said exactly the same

I wouldn't bother about the new police cert... it's just one more thing to bother you, and if you DO need it, you've got plenty of time to arrange it

My goodness they aren't wasting any time with the interviews these days! From sending back packet 3 to getting packet 4 - WOW!!

Good luck Jeraly!

Ok - well I changed my medical date to the Tuesday now so I don't have to worry about the passport issue. Not that there would prolly be much of an issue but it is one less thing for me to concern myself. The receptionist at Knightsbridge was pretty funny - she told me off saying that I should have booked before then (which I knew ) and then said "you do realise that this means you won't get your visa issued at interview don't you?" I didn't bother to explain that a) I couldn't care less and as it takes a few days or so to send the visa anyway, a few more weren't going to bother me



I must say I was surprised after hearing it was going to take about a month... then GEG got her packet 4 yesterday and her packet 3 was posted the day after mine so I knew to expect it soon... I wasn't expecting the interview this soon but at least it is out of the way!

Ok... so... I need to get all this straight in my head because I am still in weird-interview-bubble-land.

*Need to gather all documents requested (passport, forms, birth certificate, police certificate)
*Print out things that say I don't need the new police certificate and that K-1 is a non-immigrant visa if it indeed still states that anywhere...
Ok - have found that K-1 has to fulfill some requirements of immigrant visas here which might mean the police certificate... Here is where it says that non-immigrant visas are not required to have the new style certificate... and HERE (thanks moxie) is where it says a K-1 is a non-immigrant visa...
So if I print all that out I should be fine with the Police certificate and the non-HPV
*Gather evidence of ongoing relationship

Is this really all I need to do? It just seems like more admin and paperwork that is annoying but not-too-hard...

I'm also concerned because babblesgirl said she had a letter to explain that she no longer suffers from depression from her doctor as she had it in the past. I did as well (about 7 years ago) and I declared that on my medical form thing and wondered if I needed a letter also - if so then I need to get on that fast...

How did people organise their files? Come on - I know you all had nicely organised folders with everything in... I just want to kinda have something to gauge it by if that makes sense...

Aly, Griff had his interview in the morning and his medical in the afternoon. He obviously didn't have his passport with him and it all went well. I can ask him for more details later as I just called home and he didn't answer.

ETA: Just saw your issue is resolved.

Also, regarding the depression, I would DEFINITELY get a letter from your GP.

Jeraly!! i see you got your interview date???? Nice!

Oh my god, I step away from the computer for 2 hours and this happens??? CONGRATS, JERALY!!!

I have v. little going on Tuesday until about 7.30-8pm if you have some time to meet up for reals!

I did, indeed, have nicely labelled folders

I had one with JUST the documents they specifically request you to bring, in Packet 4, each with a copy paperclipped to the original

I had one with a copy of the original petition sent off last July

I had one with a copy of the documents I sent in response to Packet 3

I had one labelled 'financial', with a letter from Dave's employer, some pay stubs, tax returns etc

I had one labelled 'evidence of ongoing relationship' with the photos and emails I mentioned elsewhere


and - you guessed it - the only one I even needed to open was the first one

Eep!! I hope that doesn't take too long or I am screwed So much to do and so much to think about!! Grr!!! I'll have to call them tomorrow and hope they can get something done fast so I can pick it up asap!!! Oh this is sooo stressful - what if I don't get it in time?!



Thanks StP!!! I knew you would have something up your sleeve I bought a nice sortable folder thingy but it is only the one - maybe I will just invest in some of those nice card sleeves or something... Very helpful though so thank you for that - it's nice to know organised people!!!

Maven - for sure - come along! My mum will be there but it could turn out to be a nice little party Where to meet though?! Or should I just let you all know when we have a hotel booked? My mum is just looking for train tickets as I type... I am going to have a bath - I need to de-stress!!!

Oh - any good hotel recommendations for around the visa-giving area?!?!

First, I think you should be able to get it in time. Second, if you can't, as soon as you do have it, forward it to Knightsbridge who will review it and then clear your medical. It will add some more time onto the process, but you still have nearly 3 months until you travel so its not a major issue, IMO. Please, Aly, take a deep breath and relax!!

Oh I will - eventually!! I just want everything to be done now so having things outstanding will just do my head in!!!

Any ideas on good hotels or something? I have my mum on VJ in her room refreshing in case someone comes up with a gem while I am in the bath

Or good websites to try would be cool

A lot of people stay at the Marble Arch Inn -- my parents have stayed there before and it isn't the biggest dump but it's not, um, that great. I'm looking on Hotwire right now for you...

What's your budget?