Hi Everyone! New to this whole procedure and a bit nervous

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

Yeah I figured it would be tough though to be honest. I know that just doing what I do now is not going to be able to support us in the long run, and that he definitely would need to have a job, hopefully soon if possible when he does get here. *sigh* I just feel bad because now he's got a promotion at work and it's just really hard. Just a huge decision, that's for sure. I'd be worried about having to get a job over there as well though, cause I know it took a really long time for him to get the job he has now ! I have a feeling he and I have a lot of talking to do!!!!

I can't even imagine the rush! I was so excited that he and I started discussing this It's definitely helping

Hi Kristen.

Not wanting to be a wet blanket here.

What I'd like to see you and Dan talk about is where IN THE LONG RUN it would be best for the two of you to live your lives.

US/UK couples are lucky because it's relatively easy to get a marriage visa for either country (compared to others).

I read your comment above about Dan wanting to live here in the US because it's "cheaper". Now as I said I don't want to be a wet blanket, but I've been traveling back and forth across the pond for many years. Been married to a Brit for ages also. I can tell you for a fact that most people living in Great Britain feel the way Dan does and I've never quite figured out why. Housing is cheaper in the US, yes that's true. But we build 'em cheap over here out of lumber with asphalt roofs. A brick and morter house with a tile roof in the UK lasts forever. As far as everyday necessities go like groceries and clothing, things are the same. Petrol is cheaper here, but we use more of it and drive further to get everywhere, so it comes out in the wash. New cars are a bit more expensive over there, but used cars are far cheaper than a used car here. Not to mention the fact you can effectively live WITHOUT a car over there. Health care. How much does THAT cost in the US compared to the UK?

Talk about these things. They'll matter as your life goes on. Talk about where the cultural activities are you both love. Talk about where your children will get a better education. Talk about HOW you want to live.

Life on either side of the pond can be good.

[kristinanddan09 1]

Hi Kristen.

Not wanting to be a wet blanket here.

What I'd like to see you and Dan talk about is where IN THE LONG RUN it would be best for the two of you to live your lives.

US/UK couples are lucky because it's relatively easy to get a marriage visa for either country (compared to others).

I read your comment above about Dan wanting to live here in the US because it's "cheaper". Now as I said I don't want to be a wet blanket, but I've been traveling back and forth across the pond for many years. Been married to a Brit for ages also. I can tell you for a fact that most people living in Great Britain feel the way Dan does and I've never quite figured out why. Housing is cheaper in the US, yes that's true. But we build 'em cheap over here out of lumber with asphalt roofs. A brick and morter house with a tile roof in the UK lasts forever. As far as everyday necessities go like groceries and clothing, things are the same. Petrol is cheaper here, but we use more of it and drive further to get everywhere, so it comes out in the wash. New cars are a bit more expensive over there, but used cars are far cheaper than a used car here. Not to mention the fact you can effectively live WITHOUT a car over there. Health care. How much does THAT cost in the US compared to the UK?

Talk about these things. They'll matter as your life goes on. Talk about where the cultural activities are you both love. Talk about where your children will get a better education. Talk about HOW you want to live.

Life on either side of the pond can be good.

Hi! I really appreciated your response and you're right, we do need to talk about this even more. You're not being a wet blanket at all, I like to hear what other people have to say, especially those who have been through the process. Yeah, he thinks that here we can get more for our money, like a house being the most important thing and then including other necessities that we'd need. I love it here, I admit that, but I love it there too. I can see what you mean though, the only thing thats really messing with my choice, is jobs. I know that the job market is hard here (michigan) and that's what worries me, because I want to get a different job after I get my bachelors degree, and I'm unsure of how Daniel looking for a job is going to go. Very true about the better education as well, it's a lot to think about for the future. However I'm not sure exactly how the education system there is, but I loved where I went to school here, plus we could move to a place with better education. I appreciate everything you've made me think about Anything else would be greatly appreciated!

[patient2010 93]

Welcome and good luck on your journey!!!

[kristinanddan09 1]

Welcome and good luck on your journey!!!

thanks I really appreciate it

[kristinanddan09 1]

So, after getting all my stuff finished, I'm just waiting for the papers from the guy. Anyways, I was trying to get example forms for him to look at when his packet comes after this is all finished. Wanted to see if anyone whose done it before, are they the forms underneath the Example forms for K-1 starting at the support form I have to fill out(I-134) and going down from there? and then of course including the ongoing relationship and anything else they might ask for? Just curious cause I was trying to get it altogether and save it so I could send it to him when he needed it. thanks!

Yikes, just realized that those forms expired, well some did in 2009 and here in 2010. Do the forms drastically change? or where can I get updated examples for them?

Edited October 3, 2010 by kristinanddan09

[july2009 1]

Hi Kristin,

Sorry, I don't have much advice to offer in the way of the forms, but just wanted to say hi and that that I'm so happy I found this thread because I'm pretty much in the same position- American girl in her 20s trying to marry her English boyfriend! The forms are all confusing, but just keep asking questions- this is an amazing website with amazing people here to help. Good luck with everything!

[kristinanddan09 1]

Hi Kristin,

Sorry, I don't have much advice to offer in the way of the forms, but just wanted to say hi and that that I'm so happy I found this thread because I'm pretty much in the same position- American girl in her 20s trying to marry her English boyfriend! The forms are all confusing, but just keep asking questions- this is an amazing website with amazing people here to help. Good luck with everything!

lol we are most definitely in the same boat then!!!!! if you ever want to message me feel free too! I feel like I've gotten a lot of the things done for now haha. And of course missing him loads I love this site

[twowls 217]

So, after getting all my stuff finished, I'm just waiting for the papers from the guy. Anyways, I was trying to get example forms for him to look at when his packet comes after this is all finished. Wanted to see if anyone whose done it before, are they the forms underneath the Example forms for K-1 starting at the support form I have to fill out(I-134) and going down from there? and then of course including the ongoing relationship and anything else they might ask for? Just curious cause I was trying to get it altogether and save it so I could send it to him when he needed it. thanks!

Yikes, just realized that those forms expired, well some did in 2009 and here in 2010. Do the forms drastically change? or where can I get updated examples for them?

Heya, here's a list of documents for that stage--we refer to them as Packet 3:

DS-230-I Part I

DS-156 x2 (Fill out online to generate barcode http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/...electronic.html - Add photo to each, do not sign)

DS-156K (Do not sign)

DS-157 (Male only)

IV-15 Checklist

Information on how to book your medical

For what you will send him, scroll down the page on the K1 guide. You'll send him a full copy of your initial petition, updated letter of intent to marry (which he'll match), and your ongoing relationship chats and emails and things.

Don't worry about the expiration dates on the example forms. When he fills them out, they will either be fresh forms the consulate sends him, or fresh forms he downloads from the official site--not this one. Also some of the current forms have past dates on them, but it's okay and they are still in use--just slightly confusing.

For now you can just send him the link to the example forms page and have him look at the DS forms listed above.

[twowls 217]

Oh and you'll also send him your sponsorship packets of course. When you get into that phase of things, additional questions about packet 3 and consulate experience and the medical and all that, migrate over to the UK regional forum for the best info. You can also read and have Daniel read the embassy reviews for London--tab is at the top right of this page. That will help him get familiar with what to expect.

[kristinanddan09 1]

Oh and you'll also send him your sponsorship packets of course. When you get into that phase of things, additional questions about packet 3 and consulate experience and the medical and all that, migrate over to the UK regional forum for the best info. You can also read and have Daniel read the embassy reviews for London--tab is at the top right of this page. That will help him get familiar with what to expect.

Thank you very much! Yeah, I figured I could start getting examples for him, and yup I read those embassy things, well nto all of them but I was mentioning it to him but i'll have to send him the site i'm sure.

[kristinanddan09 1]

I'm so excited ! Dan's sending out the paperwork tomorrow :D I hope it comes quickly. I just had to put my excitement out there haha :D Then I'll FINALLY be able to send out the paperwork. I'm really happy to be able to start the process !!!!

[kristinanddan09 1]

I'm curious what everyone would recommend, a check or a money order? Also, I have all the originals saved and also a copy of each one on my laptop as well. And I'm sending copies of everything correct? Also, do the two hold punches at the top of the page go in the middle? or can I just paperclip all the corresponding parts together? I'd have to go out and by those clips cause I haven't hand any but I of course have loads of paperclips. Can I just put all the information into one enveloped or should I put another one inside of it?

[kristinanddan09 1]

also, should I be putting United Kingdom, or England as the country? I've been putting the UK I hope that's alright!

[Gemmie 142]

United Kingdom is fine.

We stapled a check to the front of the entire file, and it was cashed straight away. We put it all together by paperclipping sections and then putting it all in one big envelope, along with contents and coloured labels to make it easy to look at.

[kristinanddan09 1]

United Kingdom is fine.

We stapled a check to the front of the entire file, and it was cashed straight away. We put it all together by paperclipping sections and then putting it all in one big envelope, along with contents and coloured labels to make it easy to look at.

Thanks :)