Police certificate expiring soon after interview... issue?

[oscillate.wildly 1]

Hi everyone,

I have been given my interview on 2nd Feb (this was rescheduled from 4th Feb after I messaged them asking to move by a few days because I have a doctor's appointment that day (specialist referral) - no problems!)

My police certificate was issued on 12th Feb 2015. I know it has to be issued within the last year, so I am fine, but could this cause problems or delays? Is there a chance they could ask for a reissue because the 'expiry date' is close to the interview date?

Some advice would be great

[DaveNot 55]

It's not expired, therefore, shouldn't be an issue. Unless you have something new to declare within that time-frame.

[oscillate.wildly 1]

No, nothing new and there is nothing on there anyway. I just want to cover the bases - my interview is almost a year from the date we applied so I am just dying to get this done!! Thanks for the reply

[DaveNot 55]

I know the feeling and how anxious it can be. I did the police certificate and the subject access request (not needed), however, in case they wanted extra. Honestly, they didn't even look at 10% of my prepared paperwork. I had evidence of pretty much everything possible lol. It was smooth, just have fun, be yourself and be on your way to the states! Good luck.

[oscillate.wildly 1]

Thanks for the reassurance Right now I am in the 'do I buy my flight or wait' stage... I might risk it and go with 2 1/2 to 3 weeks after the interview date. It would be with BA using airmiles, so even with a change fee (should there be a delay) it's still cheaper than a one-way with someone else

I need one of those eight balls that gives you an answer! Decisions are not my forté

Thanks for the reassurance Right now I am in the 'do I buy my flight or wait' stage... I might risk it and go with 2 1/2 to 3 weeks after the interview date. It would be with BA using airmiles, so even with a change fee (should there be a delay) it's still cheaper than a one-way with someone else

I need one of those eight balls that gives you an answer! Decisions are not my forté

[DaveNot 55]

Don't' buy tickets until that passport is in your hand. Change fees are pointless paying for... :S Just waiting until you have your passport back with the visa inside it.

I've always used "skyscanner", or "studentuniverse" to travel. Cheapest out there by far. You can always find something next day, but more expensive of course. General rule of thumb is to avoid weekends and fly midweek. 6 weeks in advance, but not always the case to save. Either way, a return can be cheaper believe it not, but some people will advise against this as it shows DHS you're maybe returning ... I've flown with pretty much all the big airlines, I personally preferred virgin above all the others. Iceland air or lufhansa is usually the cheapest and worth considering, but they have a stop over in iceland usually.

Just play around with the figures, days and numbers on the webpage direct vs not... Usually you can find something good. Anyway, goodluck i need to leave for work!

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

He's using air miles on BA.

[oscillate.wildly 1]

Yeah, I (she ) looked online and looks like it's £380-430 Manchester to Washington with Icelandair but only £195 or so using some airmiles with BA. I get one less bag so would need to fork out for another, but still much less. I think change fees are about £100 if it came down to it.

Nich-nick, as you know a lot about timeframes... I've looked at the interview to visa in hand post and it looks like a flight 3 weeks after the interview date would be quite safe. I was born in the UK so I don't think I am at great risk for AP - yes I've spent time in Nigeria for my PhD fieldwork and have been to countries like India and Kenya on holiday, but would that really warrant further checks? What do you think about booking a flight for 3 weeks after my interview date?

I just don't know how realistic it's going to be to book a flight a week before I would leave. Sounds like it would be really, really expensive, but maybe I'm wrong. People must do it!

[DJ6372 111]

I would personally not advise buying your ticket until you have your passport, the interview went well you were approved on the day, things may change!

There are far too many topics on VJ about people who have done this and other things and suddenly are in AP

I waited till I had my passport then went google crazy, there are always deals, yeah you won't fly tomorrow but you'll pick up a deal somewhere

I flew 9 days after my passport came through and I bought a return ticket, they are cheaper, just didn't use the return part

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

I tend to say wait as well. Do you have a big fancy wedding you must get to? If not relax a little. No need to stay on high stress level hoping it works out. A week more is not much if you look at it with your brain and not emotions. Chances are 3 weeks is fine, but stuff happens..... Nigeria, you forget a document, your birth certificate was the wrong kind, the visa comes and they spelled your name wrong, the packet was ripped right open and has to go back. I have seen a lot of confident people get tripped up when they least expected it.

And with miles, it is just the availability of a seat, Right? Not a price increase. I know I booked a reward ticket to the UK about 5 hours before departure and I still had to pack and drive almost two hours to the airport. The miles needed was the same as if I was booking for a month out. Look and see what reward availability is for different dates.

[oscillate.wildly 1]

Thanks everyone. I think you're all right. I hope I don't end up with AP. I am so tired with this whole process and not sure how I will cope with months more delay

I just looked for a reward seat for a week today and you're right Nich-nick, it's the same price! So that is great, I'll wait. I'll still worry about it, but I won't buy the flight

[trudi 1,317]

I have my interview on the 2nd too

Not even looking at flights until I have the visa in hand, too scared of jinxing it!

I'll spend the time from now until the interview obsessively checking my papers and finding new things to stress over...

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Thanks everyone. I think you're all right. I hope I don't end up with AP. I am so tired with this whole process and not sure how I will cope with months more delay

I just looked for a reward seat for a week today and you're right Nich-nick, it's the same price! So that is great, I'll wait. I'll still worry about it, but I won't buy the flight

And the flip side is, what if your visa arrived in 4 days? You could leave sooner than the built in three week buffer you were considering.

[oscillate.wildly 1]

You're right!! That would be awesome.

Good luck Trudi! We're almost there