Hi all,

Sorry if this seems like I should have done more research on timelines, but I was wondering how long it usually takes for the Embassy to get back with Packet 4/interview date after sending back Packet 3 and the checklist. I sent Packet 3 back on 14 May and have heard nothing yet. The visa line seems to cost £1.20 a minute (anyone know a way around this!?) so was hoping to find out whether this 3-4 weeks is a usual timeframe or I should be getting worried?

Thanks for everyone's help

David

For me it took a month from sending back packet 3 to getting packet 4 but I've heard reports of people waiting 6-8 weeks or so. I think you're still within normal limits so I shouldn't worry just yet.

Thats a relief - good to know that I was just worrying over nothing and that I do not need to break the bank by phoning the exorbitantly expensive phone line!

Barry mailed his packet 3 back May 15 and he is still waiting for his packet 4 too....soooo frustrating!

If your feeling a little impatient you could call DoS and they will be able to tell you if you have had an interview scheduled yet. They so way cheaper than calling the embassey but are looking at almost an identical screen.

These timelines show processing averages at different consulates. London is there. I'm not sure what the average days mean, ie receipt of your package from NVC to interview maybe? But I can tell it's taking longer. It was about 50 days when I started this.
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...e-k1-historical

About calling the embassy. I did that to find out where Packet 3 was. They answered immediately and you're not on the phone very long. BUT she gave me totally erroneous information. The date she said my petition arrived was wrong. She gave me the date it left USCIS. She said it hadn't been processed yet. Well it arrived the next day and was postmarked two days before the date of my call (when they hadn't processed yet.) So even if you spend the money to call, it could be a waste because they don't have alot of information or she didn't know how to look it up.

don't forget there have been a number of public holidays and things that would slow down processing... I wouldn't worry just yet

unless, of course, you sent it Special Delivery...

Is there a number for the embassy to call from the US?

Thanks for soothing my nerves! I will hold on for another few weeks willing it to come in the post. After being through the process I am used to waiting...

Embassy information with phone numbers is here: http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/inde...&cty=London
I don't know if you can get through to ask questions from the main switchboard number. When I called, I was in the UK visiting and called the Operator Assisted Visa Information line which is only available from the UK.

Thanks...I'll be visiting Barry this week for 2 weeks...maybe I'll give them a call from his house....

I was impatient and posted on here about waiting for packet 4. I was told I could call the DOS...I did and was told my interview date and when my packet 4 was mailed.

For those of you in the US, here is the # for the DoS:

US State Department: (202) 663-1225 - press 1, then 0

You will need the LND#. There is no extra charge for using the line, just the cost of the long distance phonecall. They are open (I think) from 8AM to 5PM EST Monday - Friday.

we got our info that way too... I really recommend it; even with the phone call I had something like six days' notice for my interview; by the time the letter came, I had three days' notice

Hi all

Not sure if other people have fallen into this trap or if I was just being naive, but thought I would flag it up anyway. When I got my packet 3 I filled everything in and sent it off as soon as I could, and booked my medical about six weeks hence. After not hearing anything back for several weeks I started worrying and got my fiance to call the American number (the cheaper one) who told me that the embassy only processed things and organised an interview when they got the medical results. I did not know this or would have asked for a medical a lot sooner. Anyway, I had the medical last Friday and called the Embassy (1.20 a minute...) who said the letter was in the post and my interview was 28 July. So the moral of the story seems to get your medical done as soon as possible if you want to get through the process quicker. Was I just being stupid and was this this all common knowledge???

David

That's interesting, they specifically state on the checklist that it's not necessary to arrange the medical before, but that it would speed things up (as you can only be granted the visa pending medical results).

Lot's of other people have done it this way too, apparently. I'm doing the same, as getting to London twice is by no means cheap these days.


Stu

I do not think this is correct as I have seen posts from people having the medical the day before their interview and being approved " pending medical results"

This is strange. Lots of people have their medicals the same day as the interview and after and experience no disruption to the process. I think maybe they gave you a little duff info here, I hadn't booked mine when I sent back P3 and I just noted that my medical was yet to be arranged. My P4 came back in record time. I was told the medical results take 3-4 days to get to the embassy if everything is ok, then they have to be processed from the mail room and attached to your file. How long after your medical did you call?

Very odd indeed. At least you have an interview date now though, congratulations!!

Xxx

Just to confirm, I was given my interview date today (from calling DoS) and I haven't arranged a medical yet.


Stu

Yeah, I thought it was strange from everything I read on here. I half thought the person who told my fiancee that from the State dept phone line was just making it up, but then when we got the interview date the week after the medical it does seem to verify it. The plan was always to move over in September so at least the delay was not too important.

Another annoying thing came with the letter. It says there is a "non refundable visa application fee of $131" payable on the day of the interview. I was not aware of this before, and whilst it is "just" another 60 pounds or so it really annoys me that paying a hefty fee at the start of the process is not enough and we have to keep paying throughout. Grrrrr!!