London Interview Experience

[ptrober 0]

My parents had their IR-5 visa interviews in London today. Their appointment was at 9AM so they got in line outside at 8:30AM. It was pouring with rain and freezing cold but there is no covered area to wait so make sure you take an umbrella (you are allowed to take them inside!) Despite speaking to the security guards and showing their appointment letters, they were not allowed in until 9:20AM.

Once inside they were given an appointment number. They were allowed to do everything together as a couple so they only had one number. They waited for around an hour and a half before being called to the first window. Everything went fine except the lady struggled to get an acceptable set of fingerprints which is apparently common with people their age.

About 45 minutes later they were called to meet with a consular officer. The CO went over their paperwork but the only questions she had related to their medicals. She did question how they were going to get health insurance. My parents responded that I had researched their options and had found a plan that would cover their age range. The officer accepted that as they had no other proof with them.

The officer told them that she was approving their visas, had them swear/affirm the necessary statements and told them to go and pay the courier. They were told the visas take 3-5 business days (including the day of interview) to be delivered.

They were out of the Embassy by noon.

[Raj456 0]

CONGRATULATIONS ptrober!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My parents had their IR-5 visa interviews in London today. Their appointment was at 9AM so they got in line outside at 8:30AM. It was pouring with rain and freezing cold but there is no covered area to wait so make sure you take an umbrella (you are allowed to take them inside!) Despite speaking to the security guards and showing their appointment letters, they were not allowed in until 9:20AM.

Once inside they were given an appointment number. They were allowed to do everything together as a couple so they only had one number. They waited for around an hour and a half before being called to the first window. Everything went fine except the lady struggled to get an acceptable set of fingerprints which is apparently common with people their age.

About 45 minutes later they were called to meet with a consular officer. The CO went over their paperwork but the only questions she had related to their medicals. She did question how they were going to get health insurance. My parents responded that I had researched their options and had found a plan that would cover their age range. The officer accepted that as they had no other proof with them.

The officer told them that she was approving their visas, had them swear/affirm the necessary statements and told them to go and pay the courier. They were told the visas take 3-5 business days (including the day of interview) to be delivered.

They were out of the Embassy by noon.

[Boiler 43,720]

So where are they getting their medical insurance?

[ptrober 0]

So where are they getting their medical insurance?

At the moment it looks like the options will be either Inbound Immigrant or PIU's Bridge Plan. Neither are very comprehensive but they will soften the blow in an emergency.

[Boiler 43,720]

So where are they getting their medical insurance?

At the moment it looks like the options will be either Inbound Immigrant or PIU's Bridge Plan. Neither are very comprehensive but they will soften the blow in an emergency.

It depends on their ages, the low limits would be my main concern, but like you say it is something assuming they are otherwise in good health.

[Richard-UK 2]

EXCELLENT ptrober.

Have a GREAT Christmas with the folks

Best wishes

Richard

[ptrober 0]

So where are they getting their medical insurance?

At the moment it looks like the options will be either Inbound Immigrant or PIU's Bridge Plan. Neither are very comprehensive but they will soften the blow in an emergency.

It depends on their ages, the low limits would be my main concern, but like you say it is something assuming they are otherwise in good health.

Thankfully yes. According to their doctor and the embassy doctor they are both in remarkably good health for their age. We understand that could change overnight but we would rather trust God and be together as a family than for them to live out their days alone under government run healthcare.

[Boiler 43,720]

The plans you linked to are bridge plans until they qualify for government run healthcare.

[ptrober 0]

The plans you linked to are bridge plans until they qualify for government run healthcare.

Yes... sorry My original phrasing was confusing. We will exercise as much prudence as we can to protect our health and finances. We will use the bridge plan until they can apply for Medicare and pay the premiums.

What I meant was that we value being together as a family higher than the financial security of having them stay in the UK (where they have "free" healthcare).

[Feliz 0]

Congratulations and good luck at new life!!

I bought a tourist medical policy (just in case it raises problem on interview) here http://www.***removed***.com/newimmigrant.jsp