I might have to do that... I think I will wait until the end of the week though - if I don't get my packet 4 by then then I will start to get suspiscious... especially as it only took a week from NVC to packet 3!!!

Grr - well I called anyway and they haven't delivered it yet That makes me sad - looks like I am not going to get my interview date this week

Ah well... maybe it will give me time toget a new police certificate

Do wait until the end of the week. It took my packet a while to appear as received as it first goes to the drop box, then to the Visa unit despite the fact i paid for next day delivery. I kept calling the royal mail but in the end it got there no problem.

My passport was just delivered! My interview was the 12th so it took 3 full working days to be processed. I've booked my flight leaving March 31st via JFK onto Nashville. Ahh the next 2 weeks are going to drag!

Ahhh!! But at least it is only two weeks!

True! I'm working up until the Friday before I leave so I need to be organised and use this weekend to prepare, pack and sort out medical insurance etc. And try and figure out this AOS business!

Don't sweat AOS til you get there - when is your wedding set for? If it isn't right away then you will have plenty of time to read through it all - it seems pretty straightforward

Ooh how exciting! Useful to know roughly how long these things are taking. Did you get a text message to say it would be delivered today? And my final question - did you book your flight before or after you knew the visa was on its way?

I did book it before my passport arrived! I just couldn't wait. I received the text message at 16:15 yesterday saying that it would be delivered by 12 today. I paid a bit extra for midday delivery so my retired father wouldn't have to wait around all day for it to arrive!

Haha - well against all advice and info I want to book my flights asap cause I need to make sure I can get my cat on and in the summer there are going to be restrictions because of the heat embargo... Why do I have to make life so complicated for myself! I just feel like everything is up in the air at the moment with the packet not being delivered and the changes to the police cert and the HPV thing...

I need to know about this police certificate as well...Darren already has his 1 year certificate, and we need to know if we need to order a new one...

What a racket!!!

I'm too scared to book mine and I think I'm going to regret it! But, no text message yet. I paid the before 10am delivery thing. Hoping it's going to be tomorrow.



The old one is still valid until August. I'll check that though.

But if it is only valid if it has been carried out in the last six months then I might have to get a new one anyway...

Ahh!! 10th November - I should be ok

Yay, my visa came today!! Flights are booked for Sunday! The shippers came today to take the stuff we're shipping, so all that is left now is to finish packing and cleaning the place for the inspection Saturday.

Oh sooo cool! Bit of a stress at the last minute but it all fell nicely into place!! And how exciting to just book a flight for so soon!!!! Part of me would love to do that but I know when I am flying and it isn't for ages so

I guess I made the decision though - in theory I can go anytime but I want to be here for my mum's 50th and we are having our UK reception now on the 27th June so it all kinda works out... apart from the uber expensive flights to LA in the summer

Well the cooling off date WAS August 15th for the 'old' police certificate but someone is now reporting April 15th. See thread here. Sorry about that anyone who will be interviewed after April.
Also if you do go ahead and order the ACPO certificate the embassy states it is valid for 12 months after issuance and not the 6 months it states on the certificate.

Congrats Ladynnara!! I noticed some reasonable prices for travel this weekend, hope it stays that way so I can book mine. It's Good Friday this week, I do hope the courier service get notice to deliver my visa before then

Our flights have ended up being £330 each, which wasn't too bad...originally we were looking at £550 per person (for 4 of us, erk!), but going to an airport 2 more hours drive away has saved us over £800. The kids will probably sleep on the drive anyway. I'm feeling a lot more excited about the move now the major hurdles (visa, flights booked) are out of the way. Our house is mainly empty now, going to be sleeping on the floor for a couple of nights but c'est la vie. We have a hotel booked nearby Friday so we can come back here for the inspection on Saturday, and then a hotel booked for Saturday evening at Gatwick. Hoping immigration on entry won't be too much hassle!

I'm sure it will be fine. Plus, the kids will think it's an amazing adventure - sleeping on floors, hotels, airports, flights and then home to the US

Congratulations to everyone with recent interview dates and approvals!

Our update: My SO landed at JFK today (in hopes of getting the 90 EAD stamp) and made it thru immigration but that is about all I know (other than that the Virgin Atlantic flight was bloody awful) because we had a bad mobile connection and he was catching his connecting (DOMESTIC, HURRAH!!!!) flight...I should be seeing him in about 8 hours, I can't wait! We'll post a review of the JFK POE as soon as we can and many thanks to the others that have done so already.

CHEERS!

Wonderful news!!! I take it he's flying into the west coast somewhere?
I can't take another domestic flight I'm hoping to go through Dublin if the prices are reasonable enough by the time I book. Still no text *grumpy face*

ooo well that's important, i was hoping bg and i got married b4 both our birthdays, his was end of jan and so unfortunately we couldn't make it b4 his

Congrats on the recent approvals

I get to see him tomorrow ..last time was october

Genius! So you are flying from Gatwick instead of...? I haven't thought of different airports yet but I am sure I could use pretty much any one of them in the country - I am sure that for my immigration I will be able to get a lift!!! Has to be direct to LAX though for the sake of my poor cat



YAY!!! So good to see all my July buddies making the big move Can't wait to read the review!! Don't forget to post a link in the July thread!!!



Oh that is sooo cool - you must be so excited!!!!

As for police certificate thingy - it looks like I might be ok with August 15th as there is a page on the embassy website that says this is the cut-off date... so I am going to print the page and if they have any questions I am going to wave it in their face

Could you post the link for the August date because there are few people awaiting interview who are wondering about this. I couldn't find it when I checked again. Thanks!

Wow, I've had a whirlwind few days....

I have done ALOT of looking for a mother of the bride outfit for my mum, with no success. I have done a small amount of looking for a dress for my hen night (saturday), with SUCCESS! I now have two dresses... And the best bit - the stone I have lost for the wedding has been worth it! Woohoo! Unfortunately, I still can't afford clothes, but I love my interest free M & S card.

I am meeting my 10 friends tonight for a pizza and beer party, which will probably be the last time we'll all be together for many months. Should be fun though.

Friday I have a work do, sunday I am cooking for 15 family members (he he he, I foresee stress!).

I have planned leaving drinks from my two jobs for the week I leave.

Right now I am taking a break from packing up my room. Luckily, most of my "memory" stuff in already in the States, so there is no sitting on the floor thinking abbout old times, thank goodness.

24 days to go....... We got a great deal on a Manhattan hotel - $169 for a saturday night stay at the Hilton Manhattan, in Chelsea. I am so excited! I keep waiting for the tears to come, but I am too happy! I swear my friends are a bit dissapointed I am not really distarught about leaving them. Maybe I should fake a few tears tonight... Let's just hope I'm not caught off-guard in a few months, once the wedding is over, when I am missing everyone, and waiting for the green card before I am allowed back!

feeling so low tonight !!!!

http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/niv/add_crime.html



I am just collating my evidence to prove I can use my old police cert and not get HPV until I move to the US - it's like preparing for a court case!! So much stress!!



*hugs* I know how you feel - I can't bounce back after leaving Jeremy behind this last time... now I just want to be with him more than ever - our wedding has just made me love him more if that isn't too pukey

Hoping all those touches come back soon in an approval!!!

No news on my visa arrival yet. After tomorrow (which isn't likely since I haven't received a text message) the next delivery day will be next Tuesday which means that J and I will miss out on the trip we planned. Ah well, not the end of the world. Just another rearrangement of plans on the cards.

Is the embassy closed for good friday andmonday? I dont' believe it's a federal official holiday here.
Is hen night similar to bachelorette party?

The embassy close for all british holidays, and US ones. Nice for them

I got my fingers crossed for you babblesgirl, you never know, they might have just forgotten to text you.

Yes Hen night is the same as bachelorette party

Also have posted new topic on the HPV/Police cert thing if anyone is interested

Babbles - You should call them if it hasn't arrived!! That must be sooo frustrating if you're ready to go - Mine isn't going to matter too much because I am not moving for AGES

It came!! The courier was totally bemused by my lack of excitement. It just looked like a Next Directory delivery or somepin and I had talked myself out of it arriving before next Tuesday!

Conversation went like this:

Doorbell rings. I wake up from my dream that my visa is on its way to Stevenage (I live near Leeds) Run downstairs and open door.
Man hands over Next Directory looking package and asks me to print name and sign.
Him: 'Were you expecting this to arrive?'
Me: 'Ugh...don't know' *still half asleep*
Him: 'It said delivery before 10am'
Me: confusion starts to wither away 'Oh is it my visa!?'
Him: 'Yep, weren't you expecting it?'
Me: 'Well yes, but I didn't get a text message'
Him: 'So you weren't expecting it then?' *teasing*
Me: 'Well yes, but I thought with easter it wouldn't come till Tuesday'
Him: 'So, you WEREN'T expecting it then?' *teasing more*
Me: 'Well no' grins and thanks courier profusely
Runs upstairs and tickles mum 'I got my visa!!!'

Ok, now to book a flight



It worked. Thanks for your good vibes everyone

I think working at the embassy has to be one of the best jobs ever. All those holidays and getting to give the majority of people good news. It has to be a nice way of life.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SOOOOOOOOOOO JEALOUS!!!! Don't forget to let me know POE info!! Heheheehehe!!

Hooray for babblesgirl!!!! I am sooo happy for you! Now book that flight!

Incidentally, Griff didn't gert a text notifying him of the visa delivery either. Maybe it has something to do with the close medical/interview?

congratz!!!!

Who knows? I just want my interview date now so I can get it all over and done with - I am so nervous about it all even though I don't need to be!

Congratulations zoobuffalo!!!!!

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 @ 10:00
• GeordieLover.......................................2008-04-01
• ajeanne.............................................2008-04-07
• thejoz/thesquozenone..........................2008-04-10
• NickyMcMillan......................................2008-04-30 @ 10:00

Sorry for the delay in updating, but I've been sick Still am, but had to come back to work all the same.

Poor you, Julez! Hope you get better soon.

And Julez and Babbles -- Bruce didn't get a text either, even though his medical was a month before the interview. I think it's just one of those things... but as long as you have a happy ending, who cares??? Yay for visas arriving, texts or no!

Congratulations!!! So happy for you!!!

Sorry to hear you've been sick Julez, hope you're feeling much better now.

I really was banking on that text message and so glad now that I paid the extra for a 'before whatever' delivery, otherwise you'll end up being stuck in all day not really sure whether its coming or not. I would really recommend paying just a little bit more for a delivery time.

Anyway, thanks everyone for your messages (just taking a tip there from Crikey's thread ). But yes, thank you everyone, you are all truly wonderful!

I'm travelling on Saturday!! YAY!! I'm so flipping excited!

Best of luck to KJC for today!!

I can't believe there are no more interviews until the 1st April.

I want to include this information for others (and save you much frustration) but if you have questions about your case and it seems like things are moving slowly calling this number in Washington DC at the National Visa Center 1-202-663-1225 with your fiance's "Case Number LND**********" plus which Embassy you are working through they are able to give you helpful information about what is going on.

I had to call today because we turned in our Packet 3 on Feb. 1st and had not heard another thing from them. This Washingtom DC number I called said we were "not qualified" because we had not sent part 2 of DS 230. The instruction did not state that part 2 was needed but we will send this happily.

I just wonder how long we would have waited to hear from London Embassy about "not qualified" had I not called the Washington DC number as it was almost 2 months since we sent packet 3 in, I'm sorry but I feel a bit angry right now.

YAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!!!! OMG - THAT IS SO SOON!!!!!!! You must be SO excited!!!!!



Maybe they're saving a date for me I hope so - I would love to get my interview done and out of the way so I can panic about the moev instead!! Oh dear - you guys are giong to have to sort me out - I still can't even believe I am going to be living in America in a few months!!

That doesn't sound right. DS-230 is not required. In fact, I took a copy of it with me to the embassy just in case and no one asked me for it. However, they clearly noted that you hadn't sent yours in. I don't know what to think of this.

APPROVED!

All in all from when I joined the queue outside at 9:30am, it was about 5 hours before my interview was complete. The interviewer apologized for the wait as they were short-staffed. It also didn't help that they gave me a ticket for 'non-immigrant' rather than 'immigrant', and I got called up to one of the counters and told to go back down to get a ticket for 'immigrant' and was put to the back of the queue as I was the very last person to be processed for an immigrant visa.

Now I just have to wait for the visa & passport getting delivered sometime next week.

Congratulations!!! Bummer about the wait...but the outcome was worth it!!!

OMG...that's just two days away!!! I'm so excited for you!!!!

Congratulations!! I'm sorry it took so long. I was there about 4 hours too. The courier service seems the worst delayed part of it, but maybe that was just my experience. I hope your visa comes through quickly.



We're excited too. I was so lucky to get a cheap ticket on Saturday, they went way up after that through most of next week. I have to go through Chicago and I was trying to avoid that as I missed my connecting flight last time. Hopefully all will go well this time. I don't care though - I get to stay this time!!

Hmm.. I think my envelope containing my appointment letter and 156 form is on the streets of London somewhere. I'm sure I had it when I left the Embassy and now I don't have it at all. I must have dropped it when I was rushing to the subway in the rain.

Don't like the idea of that stuff laying around the streets. I don't have my passport either, but I'm sure the interviewer said they were going to keep it and send it back to me with the visa attached.

The embassy do take your passport. Are you sure the appt letter and DS-156 are not just poked away with the rest of your documents. Maybe you handed them over with other docs by accident?

Congratulations KJC!!!!!

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
• NickyMcMillan......................................2008-04-30 @ 10:00

Looks like we have a break in intveiws for the Easter holiday! Hopefully we'll see the April calendar fill up a bit more.