CB&RB

There are various sites that you can find that will decipher the receipt numbers, but basically:

Example: WAC 17 040 50011

WAC = CSC

17 = Fiscal year they received the case  - "17" Fiscal year runs Oct 1st 2016 - September 30th 2017. 

040 = This is the 40th "computer working day" from Oct 1st. The day they entered it into system. 

50011 - Last 5 are the case number - in the example it represents the 11th Case entered that day. 

That's basically it. Hope it helps you decipher your receipt number. 

Although we have my 10 year green card (May 2016 filer - approved November 2016 no interview - things were faster then!!!) - my mother-in-law is a Nov 2016 filer so I keep an eye on this topic. 

Regards,

Chris. 

I believe that they are flying with Easyjet but I will check and confirm, thanks

That could be a good thing as Easy Jet still accept UK Photo driving licences as valid ID as below:

Article 13 Documentation and Other Requirements 13.1 Photographic ID Requirements

13.1.1 The airline requires all passengers to provide photographic ID at check-in on all Flights including domestic services. Passengers who use the online check-in service will be required to provide photographic ID at the boarding gate.

And here is their definition of Photographic ID:

You need to provide photographic ID at check-in on all flights, including domestic services. If you check-in online you will still need to provide your photographic ID when you go through security and again when you board the plane.

Photographic ID means:-

International flights outside the EU - Valid passport only

International flights within the EU - Valid passport or national identity card *

Domestic flights (excluding UK) - Valid passport or national identity card *

Domestic flights UK - Valid passport or photographic I.D.

* not every country issues a national identity card

Please note: a driving licence does not represent a valid photographic ID, with the exception of UK domestic flights.

As NI is classed as a UK Domestic flight the last line above covers it all I guess!! If they both have Photo driving licences that is!!

Regards,

Chris & Silvia

I just had a thought: can they fly back home to N.I using another form of ID? Not sure if rules or whatever have changed since I was there.

Hi again,

Just done a couple more checks on other airlines and found the following airlines accept Photo Driving Licences as valid ID Documentation - British Airways and Easy-Jet. I think you should contact the airlines direct to get their policy - just to be 100 % sure!!

Chris & Silvia

I just had a thought: can they fly back home to N.I using another form of ID? Not sure if rules or whatever have changed since I was there.

Hi Collie,

Now that is a very good question!! I have had a quick look at Ryanair's policy - as I was actually checking in on-line for a flight to Spain as I got your reply and their policy is Passport or National ID only!! As per this from their T&C's of Carriage below:

THE ONLY FORMS OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ACCEPTED ON RYANAIR FLIGHTS ARE:

• A valid passport
• A valid National Identity Card issued by the government of a European Economic Area (EEA) country. (Only the following EEA countries currentlyissue National Identity Cards acceptable for carriage on Ryanair flights: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France*, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden (not accepted on non Schengen flights), Switzerland). *The validity of French National ID cards (issued for adults) has been extended from 10 years to 15 years.

Who are they planning to fly with? It may be that they may have a case to ask for issue the same day!! There was a couple recently that were asked to come back later that day to collect their passports as they needed to get their dog on a flight to the US that month!!

Maybe there are others on this site that have been through the same senario who may have a solution.

I'll keep looking too.

Chris & Silvia

It happened!!!!!

My visa status shows as ISSUED on the CEAC website!!! Wohoooo!!

I am such a happy bunny right now.

Hoping I will get my visa in time for 17th now

Dimple

Hi Dimple,

I'm so glad it happened!!! I told you it would!! And if you go by my delivery time from issue you should see it next Wed or Thursday I reckon - Congratulations!!

Me ad My wifey were Skyping when your message came through we are so pleased for you!!

Good luck in getting out there for the 17th!! I'm sure you will.

Chris & Silvia

For the London folks: is there an option for the passport to be mailed rather than have to pick it up in London?

I think that another flight to London would give my poor parents financial heart failure!

You can do home delivery or depot pickup, no need to go back to London thank goodness!

Hi Collie,

As far as I'm aware you cannot go to the embassy to collect the Passports, so they definitely do not need to fly back to the UK! In fact you need to make sure they have registered on the web site, Link here: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gb/iv , and choose your return method - as BOS_LHR stated you can collect from the nearest DX Secure depot (They have one at Belfast Airport) or have it delivered to a private or business address! They need to print out the confirmation form and add it to the package they take to the embassy as it is required when your parents are called to the window for the first time - which is ID and Document checking phase.

Hope this clarifies the process a little.

Best of Luck to them,

Chris & Silvia

Congrats!!! Wow, I see you got a magical early date and already have your visa in hand!!! YAYs!!! My husband also had his interview today and is APPROVED I was hyperventilating since he is originally from Pakistan (in England on a student visa), that he would get put into the dreaded AP... however, the heavens showed mercy on us Wish you a great fishing trip with your stepson and a lovely journey over to the US!

All the best!!!

Hi Hunnymoon,

That's great news - congratulations to you both, so will your hubby POE before the big day now???

Yes we got an earlier medical date - in fact very early, but we didn't pursue it after they told us to let them now when I had had my medical. As we had booked our trip to Spain as we didn't hear from the embassy we were doubly surprised to just get two letters in the post saying my medical had been rescheduled to the 2nd. It all turned out well in the end though and I now have my passport in hand, with the visa, and can go and enjoy the fishing trip, and then we fly back together on the 29th - what a wonderful day that will be and I also get to attend his Graduation on th 30th!! Whoo Hoo!!

Best Wishes and good luck with the big day!

Chris & Silvia

Hey that's great! You're probably on your way to pick up your passport now (if you haven't already picked it up).

That was really quick turnaround and I am hoping I will be just as lucky as you!!

Yes definitely been checking the CEAC website, I don't know if this means anything but yesterday it said 'last updated 7th May' and now it says 8th may. I don't know if this is because I have been checking or whether they're actually reviewing my case but status is still administrative processing which is depressing I'm just hoping it's not a wait for many weeks/months.

Thanks for all of the information, really appreciate it.

Dimple

Hi Dimple,

Yes you are correct - I have just got back from collecting my Document Pack - and just like London buses - you wait forever and then two come along!!! Yes I have two visas printed in my Passport!! Although one has "cancelled without prejudice" stamped across it. they are identical apart from the serial number!! I can only assume that some over zealous admin person printed and stuck it in my passport twice!! The package had the famous Brown Envelope inside it also - although mine is a big white one - LOL!! Now I need to log in and pay the final $165 to get my Green Card processed!!

I must say that the speed mine has been processed was fantastic, and I'm sure you will soon get good news.

Hang in there it will happen,

Best Wishes,

Chris & Silvia.

Thank you for the encouraging words Chris.

I had my medical on 30th April. To be honest it was always on my mind about results not reaching embassy but they kept re-assuring me.

The turnaround was so quick I got my interview date in the evening,scheduled an appointment the followin morning and next available slot was 30th so even I I wanted I couldn't have changed this.

Hubby already beat me to it and checked, it says 'Administrative Processing'.

I'm just praying, all I can do I guess!

Dimple

Hi Dimple - well lets hope that they do get the results today and review it before the end of the week!! To give you a bit more potential good news at 1:00pm today I got an email from the Embassy visa team saying that they had handed over my documents to the courier. I used the tracking number supplied and it says it will be ready for collection tomorrow. I opted to collect from the nearest depot so I didn't miss them or have to stay in for a day or two waiting for them to deliver. So not including the weekend & Bank Holiday my passport will have taken three working days to get to me!! Friday last week was my interview as you know!! So keep checking the CEAC site to say it's issued and then look out for the e-mail headed:

U.S. DoS Visa system return travel document shipment notice - that's the one that tells you the couriers have the documents!!

Best wishes,

Chris & Slvia

Hi Chris,

So here's the update, it's not good news but not entirely bad news either.

My interview went really well, she asked questions about me and hubby, how we met, what hubby does for a living, when/where we got married however she refused the visa as they have not yet received my medical results!!!!!!! As you can imagine I am FUMING at Knightsbridge as I kept asking them whether the results would get there in time to which they kept answering yes, I even called everyday to move the medical earlier but no joy.

So now the lady said they will wait for my medical results to comes through and as long as that is all ok they will review my case and send me through my visa and sealed envelope (which she told me not to open) she has also kept my passport.

Straight after this I went to Knightsbridge doctors and they told me the results have been sent and will be with the embassy by lunchtime today, the delay was due to the bank holiday ?

I know this is in a way good news but I am again back to the waiting game as I have no idea when I will get my visa now and definitely throws out my plans for travelling on 17th. This whole process is so upsetting which the doctors and embassy staff can never understand unless they go through it themselves!! ?

Has anyone on this forum come across this situation before?

Dimple

Hi Dimple,

Wow I bet you were fuming!! When did you have your medical??

I wouldn't give up hope about travelling on the 17th!! It may be tight but also possible if they get the results today and review them straight away it may still be possible. I would keep checking the CEAC site to see when it changes to Issued! That means it has been printed and is the last step before they give it to the courier for delivery! Hers's the link if you don't have it:

https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=o/iS8zDpeAKjMWCuebHqOw== - I'm sure you are already checking this site for updates.

Hang in there it will happen!!

Best Wishes,

Chris & Silvia

Thank you Chris.

I am currently on the way to the embassy!

I will let you know how it goes once it's all over

Dimple

Good Luck!!

Thank you for the information.

My interview is on Wednesday but very glad the train strike is off, will still be leaving the house early.

Was just going through interview questions with hubby, really excited but nervous at the same time!! Only 2 days to go.

Will definitely update here after my interview.

Thanks again.

Dimple

Hi Dimple,

Good Luck for tomorrow - hope you get there early and are the first in the queue!! I look forward to hearing good news early tomorrow!

Regards,

Chris & Silvia

I am just having him take the copies as extra.

I am sending him with his P4 letter, Passport, Photos, and 2013 tax info.

Just re-read your list - don't forget the print out of your Courier booking form!! They take this from you also - it's their proof that you have booked the return of your Passport and the MBE to you!!

Regards,

CB & RB

I don't know about the tax stuff. That is what I need help on. I could do a new I-864, but I don't have a 2013 tax transcript. I wasn't going to file taxes and then someone told me I had to so I did, but the IRS has not completed my taxes yet so I don't have a tax transcript for it. Only my W2 and the 1040 form stamped showing filed by the IRS.

Medical results are forwarded to the consulate.

Opps and I meant my 2013 tax info in my original post. Just noticed I wrote 2014.

Hi Angela,

I took a copy of everything that we had submitted to either USCIS or NVC, including a new I-864 and Tax transcript for 2013 - but I wasn't asked for any of it at either the first interview window or the actual interview itself. I only had to hand in the interview letter, my courier booking print out, my passport and the two passport style photos for the visa. In fact I was given back all me original documents and the two photo's we originally sent to NVC. I think they take the ones you take with you as they assume they are more recent in date!!

Hope that helps a bit.

Regards,

CB & RB

Hi,

Quick question, did they give you the sealed envelope on the day of the interview or does this come with your visa?

Thanks.

Dimple

Hi Dimple,

No they didn't - and in all honesty I forgot to ask I was so excited and relieved when the guy said I was approved, but have read up about the MBE as it's known - (Mystery Brown Envelope - LOL!!) and it seems it now comes with your passport!! And is regularily damaged in some way apparently - although it has to be left unopened as you are aware I'm sure.

Good luck for tomorrow - at least the Tube Strike is OFF - so no expensive taxi ride for you!!

Regards,

Chris.

Huge congratulations to both of you...

Thanks bkghosh, your turn will come! Oops I see you have your interview date - very best of luck to you both.

Dang the angels are smiling on ya'll. Is it luck of the Irish the British the UK folk. It's on ya dear. WOW that's awesome. (Unless they trying to get rid of you. hehe)

Thanks DBWheels - you don't know how true those words could be - "Luck of the Irish" My wife's family are Irish, albeit she was born in England!! LOL!!

Just a quick update - Checked the CEAC Case Update site and it states that my Visa has been ISSUED and that it was printed today!!

So I think that some of the staff there really do have their fingers on the pulse as that's what both the staff I spoke to said, that it would be printed today or at the latest Tuesday (Monday being a holiday here!) - So it should be back with me late next week as advised!!

Regards,

CB & RB

Got my P4 Letter. Husband's Interview is June 13th!

Congrats to you two - good luck in London!

Party time......! Congratulations!!

So happy for u....good luck for new life to begin....!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I have eagerly been monitoring the thread to read your update!!so very happy for you.

Thank you so much for sharing, it's definitely made me think about a few things such as time I get there, my interview time is 9:30am but I am hoping to get there as early as possible, maybe even same time as you but due to tube strike will definitely have to take a taxi there.

If all goes well I am hoping to fly out on 17th so praying it won't be a problem. Does anyone who has gone through London embassy know if the home courier is a better option than asking for it to be sent to local depot as that's currently what I have chosen.

Good luck with your move and on starting a new chapter in your life ?

Dimple

P.s: now you can update your timeline to visa approved, what a great feeling eh ?

Hi Dimple - All will be fine - I truly would ignore your appointment time the people who check you in seem to ignore it completely. The guy who checked me in even wrote "8:30" and "On list" on my letter so he knew the time I was due and didn't bat an eyelid just asked me to join the right hand queue with everyone else!!

I hope you get you passport in time to fly out on the 17th - as to home or depot - I choose depot purely so I know I can get my visa from them as soon as they tell me they have it. I am out and about a lot at the moment and didn't want to miss the delivery guy as 1 - I live alone and 2 - the lodge I live in is extremely hard to find unless you know where it is! So I opted to drive (40 miles each way) to the depot in Leeds to collect it.

Take care and good luck next week!

Congratulations CB&RB!!! So happy for you

Congratulations Chris and Silvia!! Posts like this one give us so much hope that this long journey is about to end. Thanks for sharing your experience, I'm very happy for you

Congrats to everyone who got an interview date! A special congrats to Chris and Sylvia! Your post gave me goosebumps. Can't wait til we are there!

Also a very special thank you to Dwheels for all your hard work. You are much appreciated!!

Congratulations. Awesome news. Graduation here you come. Happy and blessed journey and do pop in and let us know how's it going. You know I'll be here keeping the light on.

Whooo hooo congrats!!!!

CB&RB, on 02 May 2014 - 12:04 PM, said:

[...]

Congratulations!!!!

Many thanks for all the congratulation messages! I'm sorry about the original post being posted twice - I was battling with a very poor wi-fi signal in the middle of King's Cross station and realised I needed to edit the post a bit as the grammar wasn't brilliant! LOL!! I didn't realise it had been posted twice!!

I have had time to reflect and re-read the post and everything I wrote was as it happened - I did meet a really nice fellow Immigrant applicant (K1 Visa and originally from Iran) and we kept each other company through the whole process from being next to each other in the queue all through being called forward at similar times (she was I904) to even bumping into each other outside where we were both on the phone to our other halves - Her's in Missouri and my Wife in Illinois! So I'd like to thank her for being nice company and wish them both well with their wedding in the near future (she was approved also).

And a special thank You to DBwheels and Saylin for running the two threads in the way you do - you do make a difference! And yes Graduation here I come - in fact My step son and I fly back together now on the 29th - his graduation being the next day! His uncle (my wife's brother and the person who introduced us 28 years ago) is flying out from the UK the day before as well so My Wife is a very happy person to have all the men in her life, there together, at the graduation!! We are so happy - it's seems so unreal - BUT IT IS REAL!! and it will be for you all very soon also.

Hi Everyone - well here is the news some of you have been waiting for (but not as much as the wife and I) - We were APPROVED this morning at the London Embassy!!

It went so smoothly and efficiently I don't know why I was so anxious!! Happy Dance Time!!! I was in and out within 55 minutes!

Here's a quick write up of what I remember and advise others to do!

Firstly - Ignore the time on your letter!! Mine was set for 08:30 but I got there at 7:05 and there was already 20 - 25 people in line. By 7:35 ish they were all set up and starting to check people in and let them through the security gate 4 at a time. I was through to the next reception area at 7:45 (that's the time on my ticket they attached to my interview letter) - I was I902 - the 2nd immigrate visa number issued that day!

I 901 was called at around 7:50 then a couple of N numbers then my number at 7:55 - I was called to window 13!! And to my relief I had the nice Afro-Caribbean lady that is regularly mentioned on these pages. She was wonderful and so helpful and calming!! She had me all sorted and sitting back down in the waiting area by 8:10 I guess! I then sat there and waited, maybe 15 minutes, and was then called to window 15 and A 40 ish year old male Vice-Consel introduced himself as the person that would be conducting my interview. He confirmed a few things and asked me easy straightforward questions:

Where we met and when? Which when I told him it was 28 years ago he was surprised and really interested!!

About our marriage and where and when?

When I hoped to fly out to the states.

What I did in UK and what I was intending to do in the USA!

What does my Wife do and where/ how long has she worked there?

Do we have any Children?

Have I lived anywhere else - to which I told him I lived in Germany while serving in the RAF - we then proceeded to talk about my time in the Falklands (something he was really interested in as he spent time studying politics in Argentina a few years ago!!)

There may have been a couple more questions but that was the gist of it - to which he said your visa is approved. WHOO HOO!!!

I did ask at both windows how long it would take to get my passport back as due to them bringing my interview date forward and my step-son and I had a trip to Spain booked on the 15th - both of them told me it should be back well in time to leave on that trip!! Which is a relief!! I asked them both for their names so I could quote them on that and they both laughed!!! So hopefully it will be back in plenty of time!!

I then thanked him and had left the building by 8:50, then promptly called my wonderful wifey and woke her up with the great news!!

I will also say that there were approximately 180 - 200 people in the hall when I came back after the first window and when I got out of the embassy there were still about 80 people outside in the queue - so I can not re-iterate enough to get there as early as you can and hopefully like me you should be out of there by 8:50!!!

Hopefully this will help others - just hang in there - it will happen.

Best Wishes,

Chris & Silvia

PS - They seem to be a lot more relaxed about what you can take into the embassy these days - I can confirm that phones are allowed but they must just be off while you are at the interview windows. And the guys who manage the process outside the building also stated that Ipads, tablets and the like are OK now as long as they do not have a keyboard attached to them they will be allowed through security.

Hi Everyone - well here is the news some of you have been waiting for (but not as much as the wife and I) - We were APPROVED this morning at the London Embassy!!

It went so smoothly and efficiently I don't know why I was so anxious!! Happy Dance Time!!! I was in and out within 45 minutes!

Here's a quick write up of what I remember and advise others to do!

Firstly - Ignore the time on your letter!! Mine was set for 08:30 but I got there at 7:05 and there was already 20 - 25 people in line. By 7:35 ish they were all set up and starting to check people in and let them through the security gate 4 at a time. I was through to the next reception area at 7:45 (that's the time on my ticket they attached to my interview letter) - I was I902 - the 2nd immigrate visa number issued that day!

I 901 was called at around 7:50 then a couple of N numbers then my number at 7:55 - I was called to window 13!! And to my relief I had the nice Afro-Caribbean lady that is regularly mentioned on these pages. She was wonderful and so helpful and calming!! She had me all sorted and sitting back down in the waiting area by 8:10 I guess! I then sat there and waited, maybe 15 minutes, and was then called to window 15 and A 40 ish year old male Vice-Consel introduced himself as the person that would be conducting my interview. He confirmed a few things and asked me easy straightforward questions:

Where we met and when? Which when I told him it was 28 years ago he was surprised and really interested!!

About our marriage and where and when?

When I hoped to fly out to the states and what I did in UK and what I was intending to do in the USA!

What does my Wife do and where/ how long has she worked there?

Do we have any Children?

Have I lived anywhere else - to which I told him I lived in Germany while serving in the RAF - we then proceeded to talk about my time in the Falklands (something he was really interested in as he spent time studying politics in Argentina a few years ago!!)

There may have been a couple more questions but that was the gist of it - to which he said your visa is approved. WHOO HOO!!!

I did ask at both windows how long it would take to get my passport back as due to them bringing my interview date forward and my step-son and I had a trip to Spain booked on the 15th - both of them told me it should be back well in time to leave on that trip!! Which is a relief!! I asked them both for their names so I could quote them on that and they both laughed!!! So hopefully it will be back in plenty of time!!

I them thanked him and had left the building by 8:50 and promptly called my wonderful wifey and woke her up with the great news!!

I will also say that there were approximately 180 - 200 people in the hall when I came back after the first window and when I got out of the embassy there were still about 80 people in the queue - so I can not re-iterate enough to get there as early as you can and hopefully like me you should be out of there by 8:50!!!

Hopefully this will help others - just hang in there - it will happen.

Best Wishes,

Chris & Silvia

PS - they are a lot more relaxed about what you can take into the embassy these days - I can confirm that phones are allowed but they must just be off while you are at the interview windows. And the guys who manage the process outside the building also stated that Ipads, tablets and the like are OK now as long as they do not have a keyboard attached to them they will be allowed through security.

I have my interview next week Wednesday. I was originally planning on trying to get to the US Embassy by 7:30am to start lining up but the trains don't start until 7:00am and they're not stopping at bond street due to strike (jubilee line) so am planning on taking a taxi.

Good luck for your interview tomorrow, I will eagerly be awaiting your update on your experience at the embassy so I can know what to expect (just like the medical- thank you for sharing that experience with us, really helpful)

Dimple

P.s: I have just noticed you are also going to be in Chicago like myself (hopefully) ☺️

Morning Dimple,

Thanks for the good wishes, as you can see I am awake already - have been for the last hour!! LOL!! I plan on getting to the embassy around 7:15 - I will only have my paperwork with me so no need for me to wait for Goulds to open. As I am ex UK Forces I always stay at the UJ Club and avail myself of their great Left Luggage facility. My wife and I had our usual skype visit last night and she insists on me waking her up with a call as soon as I can after the interview, which I was always intending to do anyways! although it will be 3 - 4 am there!!!

Next week will be a real headache for those coming down but I'm sure you will find a way to get to the embassy on time - no one wants to miss this final appointment - it's been a long haul. I will let you know how it goes as soon as i can.

Our US filing location is Chicago but we live further South in Quincy, Illinois. Right on the river!! I will hopefully be POE'ing through Chicago, with my step son, on 29th May!! Whoo Hoo!!

Best Wishes,

CB & RB

#######, i have my interview on the 6th, maybe i will just get a taxi..

Could be a good move my friend!!!

Good luck on your big day!

Thanks for good luck wishes - they are appreciated - I keep double checking that I have everything ready but it's too late if I have as I'm already in my hotel down here in London!!!!

This process will drive you mad if you let it!!! But we won't let it will we!!!!

CB & RB

Hi All,

Just wanted to remind those who have an interview next week that there is another three day walk-out next starting at 9 pm on 5 th May, unless they get their heads bashed together beforehand. So anyone down there then should be prepared for delays.

On another transport related issue that is affecting Bond Street Tube Station only - see below:

• From 23 April to late June: Central line trains will not stop at the station while while a lift shaft is constructed
  
• From July to early December: Jubilee line trains will not stop at the station while extensive work to improve access to the Jubilee line platforms is carried out
  
• The station will then operate on an exit and interchange only basis until the end of 2014 to enable future tunnelling works
  

As this is the nearest tube to the Embassy it could hinder quite a few when attending their interviews!

We have our interview tomorrow (2/5/2014) so just missed out on the disruptions!

Best Wishes to all,

CB & RB