IR1 Visa Embassy Interview Experience

[TTG 8]

It's all finally happening. Just had my interview here in London February 1st. Here's a summary of the experience for reference. Hope it's helpful for anyone anxious about theirs.
 

Getting there and check-in.

 

•  Interview for 9:30am. The embassy guide said be there 15 minutes early. I arrived 30 minutes early. Rush hour is unpredictable so better safe than sorry. Nearest tube is Vauxhall, then a 15 minute walk along the river to the embassy. Go to the south entrance (signs are near the building, if in doubt ask a heavily armed policeman for the visa entrance.)
• There is airport style security (with real TSA personnel.) Had my passport and DS-260 confirmation print out ready to be checked then went through security. 15 minutes or so from start to finish. 
• Once past security there'll be another queue at a reception in a big lobby. Once again had my DS-260 confirmation checked. Enjoy the giant Rachel Whiteread artwork along the wall to the right  15 minute wait time in this queue.
• At the reception desk I was allocated a number which was stuck onto the DS-260 print out and then sent on my merry way.
  
  Document check
   
• The visa services area is on the 1st floor. There are elevators. Admire the declaration of independence and Kennedy quote as you wait for the elevator. Once you get upstairs there will be a giant Men in Black style waiting area with lots and lots of screens displaying numbers. The immigrant visa section is to the left, around the corner, tucked away with its own separate waiting area. 
• There was only 1 other person waiting when I arrived and I was called to the window right away. 
• I was asked to provide DS-260 confirmation, email confirmation of interview, passport, 1 US passport sized photo, birth certificate, ACRO police certificate, marriage certificate, and an original deed poll since I changed my name not too long ago. I arrived with photocopies of everything but was never asked for the copies.
• I was not asked to provide form I-864 (affidavit of support), proof of relationship, proof of my partner's domicile/nationality, proof of payment for IV fee or AOS fee. Although of course I showed up with all of those documents also.
• After a quick check that all the documents were present, the lady scanned my photograph and returned it to me. She also gave me a CD with the xrays from my medical which she instructed me to carry on my person when I travel to the US. This only took 5 minutes or so. After that I was instructed to wait for my number to be called again.
  
  Interview
   
• 10 minutes later, back I went to the window but this time a case officer was there with a folder full of my documents. I was asked to raise my hand and swear an oath (to tell the truth.) The CO went through all of my documents and asked me a series of questions: 
• How and when did you and your partner meet? When was the first time you met in person? Why has it taken so long for you to move? Where will you live when you get to the US? What will you do when you get there? Have you resided in any other country since you were 16? Do you hold an existing US visa? Have you ever changed your name?
• I answered truthfully and except for being asked why it has taken so long, was met with polite but curt acknowledgement. (He wanted a more in depth answer about why it had taken 7 years to apply for this visa.)
• Finally, after the questions were done he quickly let me know that my visa had been approved. I should expect the visa to arrive via my chosen delivery method (DX courier) within 2 weeks. The visa in my other passport (different country) was cancelled with a stamp, and my documents were returned to me. I don't remember if the lady returned them to me beforehand or if the gentleman returned them to me after the interview but can confirm that everything except the ACRO certificate was returned to me.
• A few parting words from the CO: "You must travel to the US before the date stated on the visa. This date is 6 months from the date of your medical appointment. Your partner must either be in the country when you travel or travelling with you into the US. When the passport is returned to you it will come with an immigrant visa package, do not open the package and ensure you carry it on your person when arriving in the US for the border officer to review."
• No problems at all throughout the process. Not at all intimidating and not nearly as complex as I thought it would be. I was out of the building in under 5 minutes and back home an hour later. 
  
  Receiving the visa
   
• During the registration process before the interview I opted to receive my passport back visa DX courier. My interview was on Friday morning and I received a text on Tuesday that it would be ready to collect from the depot that day. In actuality it was not ready until Wednesday (it arrived Tuesday evening but the depot closes at 5pm.) At any rate, far faster than the 2 weeks predicted by the CO.
• I received no immigrant visa package with the passport. The visa enclosed reads 'IV docs in CCD' which negates the need for the package.
  
  
  So that's it. The entire process. The final step for immigration after this is the immigrant fee ($220). This is the fee for the green card and it must be paid before travelling to the US. 
  
  Now onto packing, sorting the house out, quitting the job, and getting outta here!

[TTG 8]

Oops forgot one last thing. During the interview you'll have your biometrics done. This happens even if you have previously had a US visa and they already hold you biometric data.

[Ann&James 179]

20 minutes ago, TTG said:

It's all finally happening. Just had my interview here in London February 1st. Here's a summary of the experience for reference. Hope it's helpful for anyone anxious about theirs.
 

Getting there and check-in.

 

•  Interview for 9:30am. The embassy guide said be there 15 minutes early. I arrived 30 minutes early. Rush hour is unpredictable so better safe than sorry. Nearest tube is Vauxhall, then a 15 minute walk along the river to the embassy. Go to the south entrance (signs are near the building, if in doubt ask a heavily armed policeman for the visa entrance.)
• There is airport style security (with real TSA personnel.) Had my passport and DS-260 confirmation print out ready to be checked then went through security. 15 minutes or so from start to finish. 
• Once past security there'll be another queue at a reception in a big lobby. Once again had my DS-260 confirmation checked. Enjoy the giant Rachel Whiteread artwork along the wall to the right  15 minute wait time in this queue.
• At the reception desk I was allocated a number which was stuck onto the DS-260 print out and then sent on my merry way.
  
  Document check
   
• The visa services area is on the 1st floor. There are elevators. Admire the declaration of independence and Kennedy quote as you wait for the elevator. Once you get upstairs there will be a giant Men in Black style waiting area with lots and lots of screens displaying numbers. The immigrant visa section is to the left, around the corner, tucked away with its own separate waiting area. 
• There was only 1 other person waiting when I arrived and I was called to the window right away. 
• I was asked to provide DS-260 confirmation, email confirmation of interview, passport, 1 US passport sized photo, birth certificate, ACRO police certificate, marriage certificate, and an original deed poll since I changed my name not too long ago. I arrived with photocopies of everything but was never asked for the copies.
• I was not asked to provide form I-864 (affidavit of support), proof of relationship, proof of my partner's domicile/nationality, proof of payment for IV fee or AOS fee. Although of course I showed up with all of those documents also.
• After a quick check that all the documents were present, the lady scanned my photograph and returned it to me. She also gave me a CD with the xrays from my medical which she instructed me to carry on my person when I travel to the US. This only took 5 minutes or so. After that I was instructed to wait for my number to be called again.
  
  Interview
   
• 10 minutes later, back I went to the window but this time a case officer was there with a folder full of my documents. I was asked to raise my hand and swear an oath (to tell the truth.) The CO went through all of my documents and asked me a series of questions: 
• How and when did you and your partner meet? When was the first time you met in person? Why has it taken so long for you to move? Where will you live when you get to the US? What will you do when you get there? Have you resided in any other country since you were 16? Do you hold an existing US visa? Have you ever changed your name?
• I answered truthfully and except for being asked why it has taken so long, was met with polite but curt acknowledgement. (He wanted a more in depth answer about why it had taken 7 years to apply for this visa.)
• Finally, after the questions were done he quickly let me know that my visa had been approved. I should expect the visa to arrive via my chosen delivery method (DX courier) within 2 weeks. The visa in my other passport (different country) was cancelled with a stamp, and my documents were returned to me. I don't remember if the lady returned them to me beforehand or if the gentleman returned them to me after the interview but can confirm that everything except the ACRO certificate was returned to me.
• A few parting words from the CO: "You must travel to the US before the date stated on the visa. This date is 6 months from the date of your medical appointment. Your partner must either be in the country when you travel or travelling with you into the US. When the passport is returned to you it will come with an immigrant visa package, do not open the package and ensure you carry it on your person when arriving in the US for the border officer to review."
• No problems at all throughout the process. Not at all intimidating and not nearly as complex as I thought it would be. I was out of the building in under 5 minutes and back home an hour later. 
  
  Receiving the visa
   
• During the registration process before the interview I opted to receive my passport back visa DX courier. My interview was on Friday morning and I received a text on Tuesday that it would be ready to collect from the depot that day. In actuality it was not ready until Wednesday (it arrived Tuesday evening but the depot closes at 5pm.) At any rate, far faster than the 2 weeks predicted by the CO.
• I received no immigrant visa package with the passport. The visa enclosed reads 'IV docs in CCD' which negates the need for the package.
  
  
  So that's it. The entire process. The final step for immigration after this is the immigrant fee ($220). This is the fee for the green card and it must be paid before travelling to the US. 
  
  Now onto packing, sorting the house out, quitting the job, and getting outta here!

Congratulations and good luck with the rest of your journey. 

[TTG 8]

2 minutes ago, Ann&James said:

Congratulations and good luck with the rest of your journey. 

Thank you very much

[Zoeeeeeee 795]

15 hours ago, TTG said:

It's all finally happening. Just had my interview here in London February 1st. Here's a summary of the experience for reference. Hope it's helpful for anyone anxious about theirs.
 

Getting there and check-in.

 

•  Interview for 9:30am. The embassy guide said be there 15 minutes early. I arrived 30 minutes early. Rush hour is unpredictable so better safe than sorry. Nearest tube is Vauxhall, then a 15 minute walk along the river to the embassy. Go to the south entrance (signs are near the building, if in doubt ask a heavily armed policeman for the visa entrance.)
• There is airport style security (with real TSA personnel.) Had my passport and DS-260 confirmation print out ready to be checked then went through security. 15 minutes or so from start to finish. 
• Once past security there'll be another queue at a reception in a big lobby. Once again had my DS-260 confirmation checked. Enjoy the giant Rachel Whiteread artwork along the wall to the right  15 minute wait time in this queue.
• At the reception desk I was allocated a number which was stuck onto the DS-260 print out and then sent on my merry way.
  
  Document check
   
• The visa services area is on the 1st floor. There are elevators. Admire the declaration of independence and Kennedy quote as you wait for the elevator. Once you get upstairs there will be a giant Men in Black style waiting area with lots and lots of screens displaying numbers. The immigrant visa section is to the left, around the corner, tucked away with its own separate waiting area. 
• There was only 1 other person waiting when I arrived and I was called to the window right away. 
• I was asked to provide DS-260 confirmation, email confirmation of interview, passport, 1 US passport sized photo, birth certificate, ACRO police certificate, marriage certificate, and an original deed poll since I changed my name not too long ago. I arrived with photocopies of everything but was never asked for the copies.
• I was not asked to provide form I-864 (affidavit of support), proof of relationship, proof of my partner's domicile/nationality, proof of payment for IV fee or AOS fee. Although of course I showed up with all of those documents also.
• After a quick check that all the documents were present, the lady scanned my photograph and returned it to me. She also gave me a CD with the xrays from my medical which she instructed me to carry on my person when I travel to the US. This only took 5 minutes or so. After that I was instructed to wait for my number to be called again.
  
  Interview
   
• 10 minutes later, back I went to the window but this time a case officer was there with a folder full of my documents. I was asked to raise my hand and swear an oath (to tell the truth.) The CO went through all of my documents and asked me a series of questions: 
• How and when did you and your partner meet? When was the first time you met in person? Why has it taken so long for you to move? Where will you live when you get to the US? What will you do when you get there? Have you resided in any other country since you were 16? Do you hold an existing US visa? Have you ever changed your name?
• I answered truthfully and except for being asked why it has taken so long, was met with polite but curt acknowledgement. (He wanted a more in depth answer about why it had taken 7 years to apply for this visa.)
• Finally, after the questions were done he quickly let me know that my visa had been approved. I should expect the visa to arrive via my chosen delivery method (DX courier) within 2 weeks. The visa in my other passport (different country) was cancelled with a stamp, and my documents were returned to me. I don't remember if the lady returned them to me beforehand or if the gentleman returned them to me after the interview but can confirm that everything except the ACRO certificate was returned to me.
• A few parting words from the CO: "You must travel to the US before the date stated on the visa. This date is 6 months from the date of your medical appointment. Your partner must either be in the country when you travel or travelling with you into the US. When the passport is returned to you it will come with an immigrant visa package, do not open the package and ensure you carry it on your person when arriving in the US for the border officer to review."
• No problems at all throughout the process. Not at all intimidating and not nearly as complex as I thought it would be. I was out of the building in under 5 minutes and back home an hour later. 
  
  Receiving the visa
   
• During the registration process before the interview I opted to receive my passport back visa DX courier. My interview was on Friday morning and I received a text on Tuesday that it would be ready to collect from the depot that day. In actuality it was not ready until Wednesday (it arrived Tuesday evening but the depot closes at 5pm.) At any rate, far faster than the 2 weeks predicted by the CO.
• I received no immigrant visa package with the passport. The visa enclosed reads 'IV docs in CCD' which negates the need for the package.
  
  
  So that's it. The entire process. The final step for immigration after this is the immigrant fee ($220). This is the fee for the green card and it must be paid before travelling to the US. 
  
  Now onto packing, sorting the house out, quitting the job, and getting outta here!

Thanks for giving such a comprehensive guide to the day - and congratulations!

[MrsB2212 123]

On 2/19/2019 at 3:43 AM, TTG said:

It's all finally happening. Just had my interview here in London February 1st. Here's a summary of the experience for reference. Hope it's helpful for anyone anxious about theirs.
 

Getting there and check-in.

 

•  Interview for 9:30am. The embassy guide said be there 15 minutes early. I arrived 30 minutes early. Rush hour is unpredictable so better safe than sorry. Nearest tube is Vauxhall, then a 15 minute walk along the river to the embassy. Go to the south entrance (signs are near the building, if in doubt ask a heavily armed policeman for the visa entrance.)
• There is airport style security (with real TSA personnel.) Had my passport and DS-260 confirmation print out ready to be checked then went through security. 15 minutes or so from start to finish. 
• Once past security there'll be another queue at a reception in a big lobby. Once again had my DS-260 confirmation checked. Enjoy the giant Rachel Whiteread artwork along the wall to the right  15 minute wait time in this queue.
• At the reception desk I was allocated a number which was stuck onto the DS-260 print out and then sent on my merry way.
  
  Document check
   
• The visa services area is on the 1st floor. There are elevators. Admire the declaration of independence and Kennedy quote as you wait for the elevator. Once you get upstairs there will be a giant Men in Black style waiting area with lots and lots of screens displaying numbers. The immigrant visa section is to the left, around the corner, tucked away with its own separate waiting area. 
• There was only 1 other person waiting when I arrived and I was called to the window right away. 
• I was asked to provide DS-260 confirmation, email confirmation of interview, passport, 1 US passport sized photo, birth certificate, ACRO police certificate, marriage certificate, and an original deed poll since I changed my name not too long ago. I arrived with photocopies of everything but was never asked for the copies.
• I was not asked to provide form I-864 (affidavit of support), proof of relationship, proof of my partner's domicile/nationality, proof of payment for IV fee or AOS fee. Although of course I showed up with all of those documents also.
• After a quick check that all the documents were present, the lady scanned my photograph and returned it to me. She also gave me a CD with the xrays from my medical which she instructed me to carry on my person when I travel to the US. This only took 5 minutes or so. After that I was instructed to wait for my number to be called again.
  
  Interview
   
• 10 minutes later, back I went to the window but this time a case officer was there with a folder full of my documents. I was asked to raise my hand and swear an oath (to tell the truth.) The CO went through all of my documents and asked me a series of questions: 
• How and when did you and your partner meet? When was the first time you met in person? Why has it taken so long for you to move? Where will you live when you get to the US? What will you do when you get there? Have you resided in any other country since you were 16? Do you hold an existing US visa? Have you ever changed your name?
• I answered truthfully and except for being asked why it has taken so long, was met with polite but curt acknowledgement. (He wanted a more in depth answer about why it had taken 7 years to apply for this visa.)
• Finally, after the questions were done he quickly let me know that my visa had been approved. I should expect the visa to arrive via my chosen delivery method (DX courier) within 2 weeks. The visa in my other passport (different country) was cancelled with a stamp, and my documents were returned to me. I don't remember if the lady returned them to me beforehand or if the gentleman returned them to me after the interview but can confirm that everything except the ACRO certificate was returned to me.
• A few parting words from the CO: "You must travel to the US before the date stated on the visa. This date is 6 months from the date of your medical appointment. Your partner must either be in the country when you travel or travelling with you into the US. When the passport is returned to you it will come with an immigrant visa package, do not open the package and ensure you carry it on your person when arriving in the US for the border officer to review."
• No problems at all throughout the process. Not at all intimidating and not nearly as complex as I thought it would be. I was out of the building in under 5 minutes and back home an hour later. 
  
  Receiving the visa
   
• During the registration process before the interview I opted to receive my passport back visa DX courier. My interview was on Friday morning and I received a text on Tuesday that it would be ready to collect from the depot that day. In actuality it was not ready until Wednesday (it arrived Tuesday evening but the depot closes at 5pm.) At any rate, far faster than the 2 weeks predicted by the CO.
• I received no immigrant visa package with the passport. The visa enclosed reads 'IV docs in CCD' which negates the need for the package.
  
  
  So that's it. The entire process. The final step for immigration after this is the immigrant fee ($220). This is the fee for the green card and it must be paid before travelling to the US. 
  
  Now onto packing, sorting the house out, quitting the job, and getting outta here!

Thank you! This is so helpful.

 

My interview in on March 1st and I am sooo nervous!!!

 

Additionally I am having some major hiccups  🤯

 

I just got my interview notification last night, and its in 10 days! I thought they give 4 weeks notice to get medicals etc done...... so

 

1. My medical can only be done Feb 28th at the earlist-  which is ONE day before my interview.

Doesn't it take 5 days for the embassy to get the medical report? 

Do I need to reschedule my interview??

 

2. I'm having trouble registering for the courier, it keeps saying 'CASE NUMBER NOT READY TO SCHEDULE'.

I emailed the email address provided and they said they will reply in 4 days 😰

 

3. I currently have my passport in my maiden name - I wanted to change to my married name, so new passport.

Is it too late or  can I do this before my interview ?  

My application shows my maiden name even though I put my married name on the DS 260

 

Any advice?

[Wuozopo 4,285]

1 hour ago, MrsB2212 said:

1. My medical can only be done Feb 28th at the earlist-  which is ONE day before my interview.

Doesn't it take 5 days for the embassy to get the medical report? 

Do I need to reschedule my interview??

 

No. You will wait longer after the interview for the visa while the medical gets there. It has been taking longer than 5 days. Don't panic if it takes 2+ weeks after the interview before your visa gets issued. Hopefully not, but they aren't always speedy getting back to cases.

 

1 hour ago, MrsB2212 said:

3. I currently have my passport in my maiden name - I wanted to change to my married name, so new passport.

Is it too late or  can I do this before my interview ?  

My application shows my maiden name even though I put my married name on the DS 260

You can take a new passport to the interview. I am aware of others who have done this in London. It was a non-issue. 

Edited February 20, 2019 by Wuozopo

[MrsB2212 123]

25 minutes ago, Wuozopo said:

No. You will wait longer after the interview for the visa while the medical gets there. It has been taking longer than 5 days. Don't panic if it takes 2+ weeks after the interview before your visa gets issued. Hopefully not, but they aren't always speedy getting back to cases.

 

You can take a new passport to the interview. I am aware of others who have done this in London. It was a non-issue. 

Thank you so much. 

Ok I’ll just keep my appointment, after all it’s taken over 11mo this to get to this stage!

 

also re passport I’m so glad as I can finally officially use my married name!

[Wuozopo 4,285]

1 hour ago, MrsB2212 said:

Thank you so much. 

Ok I’ll just keep my appointment, after all it’s taken over 11mo this to get to this stage!

 

also re passport I’m so glad as I can finally officially use my married name!

There's not that much time, so if you can't get an expedited passport appointment, you might want to push the interview back. 

[MrsB2212 123]

2 minutes ago, Wuozopo said:

There's not that much time, so if you can't get an expedited passport appointment, you might want to push the interview back. 

Ya definitely not going to move the interview. Who knows how long it will take be rescheduled!

We have same day passport appointments in U.K. so I should be ok. 

Thanks so much ❤️

[TTG 8]

7 hours ago, MrsB2212 said:

Thank you! This is so helpful.

 

My interview in on March 1st and I am sooo nervous!!!

 

Additionally I am having some major hiccups  🤯

 

I just got my interview notification last night, and its in 10 days! I thought they give 4 weeks notice to get medicals etc done...... so

 

1. My medical can only be done Feb 28th at the earlist-  which is ONE day before my interview.

Doesn't it take 5 days for the embassy to get the medical report? 

 Do I need to reschedule my interview??

  

2. I'm having trouble registering for the courier, it keeps saying 'CASE NUMBER NOT READY TO SCHEDULE'.

 I emailed the email address provided and they said they will reply in 4 days 😰

  

 3. I currently have my passport in my maiden name - I wanted to change to my married name, so new passport.

 Is it too late or  can I do this before my interview ?  

My application shows my maiden name even though I put my married name on the DS 260

 

Any advice?

1. Do NOT reschedule your interview. Go to the interview date and do not worry about your medical results. When they are ready they will be forwarded to your CO. The interview cannot be rescheduled until after the original interview date is passed, and a second interview date might be months away. Go to the original interview.

 

2. Don't worry about this. I tried to register 2 days after receiving my interview email and their system hadn't updated. Try again in a few days.

 

3. If you can get a new passport now (you've got 10 days until the interview be quick) then it's best to get a new passport under your married name and take that to your interview. There's no problem with having used your maiden name throughout the process and then showing up with a passport with your married name. As long as all paperwork supporting a name change is present, there's zero issue at all. In this case you would need your marriage certificate assuming that's how your name was changed. 

I personally started this process using a Chinese passport and filed for the I-130 under my birth name even though my marriage certificate showed a 'married name'. 4 months later I naturalised as British and then changed my name via deed poll to a name that does not match my 'married name' or my birth name. There were zero issues throughout the process. I took my marriage certificate, previous Chinese passport, birth certificate, deed poll, and new British passport to the interview. I had 3 completely different names spread throughout these documents but everything was legally supported and no questions were asked. 

 

Honestly don't panic. Just make sure you have everything to support your name change with you. If the new passport doesn't arrive in time, take the old passport to the interview and take your marriage certificate (you need this anyway). Explain that you've applied for a new passport but it has not arrived yet. They should be OK to issue your visa in the old passport.

 

A side note on this is that when you update your passport details they ask for your old passport. Since you need your old passport for the interview, you can apply for a new passport by stating your old one has been lost.

 

Alternatively you can just go to the interview with your old passport and when you receive the visa, apply for a new passport by handing your old one in. Your old passport with be cancelled and returned to you along with your updated passport. When you travel carry both on you since your visa will be in the old passport and make sure you travel with your marriage certificate on you! This complicates things somewhat as all your immigration documents (visa & green card) will bear your maiden name but your travel document will be under your married name

 

Your third option is simply to keep your maiden name and not bother with a new passport at all. The CO had no problem with me not using the name indicated on my marriage certificate. He also didn't give me a hard time about my partner and I not sharing surnames.

Hope this helps. 

[MrsB2212 123]

6 minutes ago, TTG said:

1. Do NOT reschedule your interview. Go to the interview date and do not worry about your medical results. When they are ready they will be forwarded to your CO. The interview cannot be rescheduled until after the original interview date is passed, and a second interview date might be months away. Go to the original interview.

 

2. Don't worry about this. I tried to register 2 days after receiving my interview email and their system hadn't updated. Try again in a few days.

 

3. If you can get a new passport now (you've got 10 days until the interview be quick) then it's best to get a new passport under your married name and take that to your interview. There's no problem with having used your maiden name throughout the process and then showing up with a passport with your married name. As long as all paperwork supporting a name change is present, there's zero issue at all. In this case you would need your marriage certificate assuming that's how your name was changed. 

I personally started this process using a Chinese passport and filed for the I-130 under my birth name even though my marriage certificate showed a 'married name'. 4 months later I naturalised as British and then changed my name via deed poll to a name that does not match my 'married name' or my birth name. There were zero issues throughout the process. I took my marriage certificate, previous Chinese passport, birth certificate, deed poll, and new British passport to the interview. I had 3 completely different names spread throughout these documents but everything was legally supported and no questions were asked. 

 

Honestly don't panic. Just make sure you have everything to support your name change with you. If the new passport doesn't arrive in time, take the old passport to the interview and take your marriage certificate (you need this anyway). Explain that you've applied for a new passport but it has not arrived yet. They should be OK to issue your visa in the old passport.

 

A side note on this is that when you update your passport details they ask for your old passport. Since you need your old passport for the interview, you can apply for a new passport by stating your old one has been lost.

 

Alternatively you can just go to the interview with your old passport and when you receive the visa, apply for a new passport by handing your old one in. Your old passport with be cancelled and returned to you along with your updated passport. When you travel carry both on you since your visa will be in the old passport and make sure you travel with your marriage certificate on you! This complicates things somewhat as all your immigration documents (visa & green card) will bear your maiden name but your travel document will be under your married name

 

Your third option is simply to keep your maiden name and not bother with a new passport at all. The CO had no problem with me not using the name indicated on my marriage certificate. He also didn't give me a hard time about my partner and I not sharing surnames.

Hope this helps. 

Thank you for being so detailed and helpful in your response. I greatly appreciate your time.

 

When getting a new UK passport you have to submit the old one, and it's returned to you with the new passport. So I think I have to do it really fast. I have an appointment for Saturday and it will be ready on Monday.

 

I do have one question -  As my entire application and supporting documents are in my maiden name, would I need a new ARCO police certificate if I change my passport to my married name?

Edited February 20, 2019 by MrsB2212

[TTG 8]

4 minutes ago, MrsB2212 said:

Thank you for being so detailed and helpful in your response. I greatly appreciate your time.

 

When getting a new UK passport you have to submit the old one, and it's returned to you with the new passport. So I think I have to do it really fast. I have an appointment for Saturday and it will be ready on Monday.

  

 I do have one question -  As my entire application and supporting documents are in my maiden name, would I need a new ARCO police certificate if I change my passport to my married name?

OK good to hear you've got the appointment sorted. 

 

Your ACRO should be fine since it will be obvious your new passport was literally just issued. If it is a problem they will just ask for a new ACRO under your new name. You can submit it to them after the interview if they ask for it.

 

 

[MrsB2212 123]

9 minutes ago, TTG said:

OK good to hear you've got the appointment sorted. 

 

Your ACRO should be fine since it will be obvious your new passport was literally just issued. If it is a problem they will just ask for a new ACRO under your new name. You can submit it to them after the interview if they ask for it.

 

 

ah ok, great. Thanks so much!

[MrsB2212 123]

On 2/20/2019 at 7:35 PM, TTG said:

1. Do NOT reschedule your interview. Go to the interview date and do not worry about your medical results. When they are ready they will be forwarded to your CO. The interview cannot be rescheduled until after the original interview date is passed, and a second interview date might be months away. Go to the original interview.

 

2. Don't worry about this. I tried to register 2 days after receiving my interview email and their system hadn't updated. Try again in a few days.

 

3. If you can get a new passport now (you've got 10 days until the interview be quick) then it's best to get a new passport under your married name and take that to your interview. There's no problem with having used your maiden name throughout the process and then showing up with a passport with your married name. As long as all paperwork supporting a name change is present, there's zero issue at all. In this case you would need your marriage certificate assuming that's how your name was changed. 

I personally started this process using a Chinese passport and filed for the I-130 under my birth name even though my marriage certificate showed a 'married name'. 4 months later I naturalised as British and then changed my name via deed poll to a name that does not match my 'married name' or my birth name. There were zero issues throughout the process. I took my marriage certificate, previous Chinese passport, birth certificate, deed poll, and new British passport to the interview. I had 3 completely different names spread throughout these documents but everything was legally supported and no questions were asked. 

 

Honestly don't panic. Just make sure you have everything to support your name change with you. If the new passport doesn't arrive in time, take the old passport to the interview and take your marriage certificate (you need this anyway). Explain that you've applied for a new passport but it has not arrived yet. They should be OK to issue your visa in the old passport.

 

A side note on this is that when you update your passport details they ask for your old passport. Since you need your old passport for the interview, you can apply for a new passport by stating your old one has been lost.

 

Alternatively you can just go to the interview with your old passport and when you receive the visa, apply for a new passport by handing your old one in. Your old passport with be cancelled and returned to you along with your updated passport. When you travel carry both on you since your visa will be in the old passport and make sure you travel with your marriage certificate on you! This complicates things somewhat as all your immigration documents (visa & green card) will bear your maiden name but your travel document will be under your married name

 

Your third option is simply to keep your maiden name and not bother with a new passport at all. The CO had no problem with me not using the name indicated on my marriage certificate. He also didn't give me a hard time about my partner and I not sharing surnames.

Hope this helps. 

Help please !

 

Im getting really annoyed 

 

Did you have any trouble registering for courier services on the AIS website??

 

it keeps saying MY case number not ready to schedule interview 😱

my status on CEAC is “ready”

 

 Did you use your IV case number? And what are you putting for your DS number ? 

 

 

I emailed them 6 days ago and they said try today and still drama 😖