Kat&Jon

2017 Interview Date to Visa in Hand

Jan 6th - 7 days (Kat&Jon) Depot

Jon picked up his visa from the Depot today!!! 7 days from Interview to Visa in hand!!!

2 hours ago, Valabum said:

The flight is booked! My fiancé will be here February 9!!!!!

 

Now....anybody know how to lose 20 pounds in 27 days? ?

CONGRATS!!! Welcome to the US!

Clean eating and exercise is your best bet! That is what I do and I have lost 10 lbs in 3 weeks, but I am limited to moderate exercise due to a knee injury! Clean eating means eating mostly veggies, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and things like fish, low fat cuts of beef, and chicken! Try not to eat anything already boxed or pre-made since they tend to have loads of salt which makes you hold weight.  Best exercise regimen (according to my trainer) is 2 to 3 days of Strength Training and 2 to 3 days of Cardio! The Strength Training is the most important since it helps build up your metabolism!

On a related note Jon picked up his Visa from the Depot today!!! Woot!!! Now we just have to wait the agonizing 5 weeks and 4 days until his arrival at the end of February!

90 days is the timeframe in which they respond, but it is 90 days from when they received your response. If it has been 90 days since they received your response (which it will have been as of January 17th) you will want to contact USCIS and ask for a tier 2 supervisor in order to get a proper status check.

Your petition will be sent with an expiration date on it. Our petition had an expiration date of January 19, 2017 when we received it, so it's best to get your interview scheduled before that time, but it is not required to!

The consulate can automatically extend that expiration date if needed. If you do have your interview past your expiration date it is best to have a new letter of intent to marry, dated closer to your interview, from your US Fiance. If you do need it extended it is best to use the contact form to notify them that you need to schedule your interview after the petition expiration date, but you can always just send them things slowly like we did so that they know you are still working on it.

For example, we were approved in September but Jon didn't fill out his DS 160 until late October, then we scheduled his medical for mid December, and finally had the interview and were approved on January 6th.

I am not sure why it would be updated twice in two days. It could be that they got your results the first day or were notified that the results were received and then they did an update when they actually entered the data into the system.

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Does it still show ready for interview? That is what matters most!

Got home Monday from my trip to see Jon for the holidays. I checked the CEAC status and it shows Issued!!! Hopefully he will be able to collect it from the depot soon!

Glad to hear fellow UK VJers are moving forward as well!

Liking your new job JFH? Are you still a flight attendant? 

On 1/9/2017 at 3:00 AM, CRamak said:

It's midnight here. My fiance just picked up his passport at his hometown location in India. The CEAC status STILL says "administrative processing", but the passport had the visa in it. AHHHHHHHHHH THANK GOD!!!! I am in tears.. in a good way this time. Thank you all for your good wishes. I am shaking!! Now just to get him here asap! I am BEYOND relieved and happy. 

YAY!!!! I am so glad you got some good news finally! WOOOOOOOOOT!!!! When will he be coming home to you?

Jon's visa status changed to Issued today!!! He should hopefully have it soon!

Yes, that should be sufficient. Jon told me that they took all my paperwork proof that I provided as listed above, but the the letter from my employer and pay stubs were enough since I had received a promotion midway through 2016.

We were approved today!!! They let me in with Jon as well. I wasn't on the list, but the nice girl outside let me in after calling the IV unit!

Will post a review later!

CRamak, I really hope you hear soon!!! At least there has been something going on! I am sure you guys will get your visa soon!

Congrats to everyone who is moving forward! Welcome to America all those that have made it!

Ceisen,

That must be incredibly annoying to find that out. I am pretty sure our counties here are the same way 0.0

Good News though!!! We were at Jon's interview today and we are approved!!!!! They let me in as well after the nice girl outside called in to check! They didn't have me on the list, even though we emailed a request! Will post a review later!!!

For anyone still following along... the India Embassy wrote back to me and said no mistake was made. I must submit more proof. As I said, the problem is that they are asking for items I just sent in.. again.. Although I asked about this they gave no explanation at all. Wire transfers, photos, wedding invitations with guests contact info (we are not having a wedding, just an elopement ceremony which is booked for end of january at a resort - i showed them all the bookings, cake order, rings, etc) phone bills..

I have already submitted ALL of this.. and they are asking for it again. I found 28 more photos of us and now that is all I have. We are in the photos with our friends but not necessarily together.. but it's all i have left. they have over 100 photos now. I found facebook texts and emails.. i sent everything else. my immigration lawyer was shocked at all the proof they already have.

so my fiance will drop it off tomorrow at a city near his hometown. They will mail it all back to the embassy. I hope it is enough. Since I now know it was not a mistake I am very worried. We obviously have more than enough relationship proof so obviously someone is not letting it through.. the proof we are sending in now it not exactly extraordinary to seal the deal... so I am very worried.. they just kept asking until we ran out..

Have you followed up with your local congressman as well? What did they say or advise you of at this point? Stay strong! I know you guys will make it!!!

I feel your pain CRamak, was supposed to have our interview today but hospital called Monday and said we had to do more tests that take two months to get results. Was expecting in and out now our plans are up in smoke, as we don't know when our interview will be, and aren't sure what to do in this situation. Only thing I could do was email the consulate but haven't received a reply back yet. I'm thoroughly bummed out this is the way the year ends.

That is really tough to hear! At least you know how long your delay is and even though it's hard the wait will be worth it! You might have a POE along the lines of Jon so hopefully that helps you keep cheery!! He won't be coming over until March!

Hey vj family!! Had my interview today and I was approved!! So thankful for all your positive vibes and all...good luck to those who haven't been approved yet. Stay positive!!

So I arrived there at 7am ...the embassy opens at 8am..at 8am they let me in took my bags and phones as they're not allowed in the building...

Waited 30 min ..I was the only one ...then a lady called me and asked why I was there, asked for my documents, then took my fingerprints and sent me to the cashier to pay. Then told me sit again and wait. All that took about 30 min..

Then the CO came and called me..he was very very very nice and smiling...here were the questions:

Where does your fiance lives?

How long has he been living there?

How did you meet him?

When was the last time you saw him?

Why him specifically?

Do you guys talk everyday?

"OK Mam,I approve your visa"

Then he said" we will call you when it's ready to pick up"

He didn't ask for any chat log or picturesomething or evidence of relationship...

Congrats!!! That is amazing!!!

I leave today to go see Jon over the holidays and to be there for his interview January 6th! Wish us luck! Pray that they let me in! We never got a response from our contact form requesting me to be added.... just like Allison/Robert we are in the dark until we show up on the day!

Awesome! Good luck!

I fly out today to see Jon and be there for his Visa Interview! I will try and see if you are all good before I head out!

Looks good! That is all Jon took to his medical last week and had no issues!

Just make sure you get your vaccinations either before or during the medical to help avoid the expensive Civil Surgeon fee in the US for AOS!

If your husband is working and has healthcare with any major life change such as getting pregnant or marriage he should be able to add you without issue. Your spouse losing coverage is also covered under the law for him to request to add you even before open enrollment.

These changes are called Qualifying Life Events to have a change to his insurance. Have him call his insurance company and have you added asap as a dependent!!! He could have done this as soon as you were married as well, just an FYI.

Here is the link to the information from the law that he can cite if needed:

https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/qualifying-life-event/

Congrats!!!

A big welcome to the US!!!! Where is your POE? Atlanta?

It looks like you have everything, but in case you wanted to double check I figured I would provide you a link to the actual list straight from the US Embassy in London's web page. Key thing is don't worry about the I-864 stuff or sending docs to the NVC, that is where your I-134 comes in as you are a K-1 visa interview!

https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/fiancee-2/the-interview/

Good luck at your interview!

I've contacted the Senator's office. I am also going to consult with an immigration lawyer.. the one i used to get him here the first time. just one consultation. I'll see what advice he has. Maybe he has some pull also.I feel trapped now.

Ugh! This is not the updates I was hoping to see for you!!! I am sending all my well wishes and positive thoughts to you and your fiance!!!

I am sure the combination of your Senator and your Immigration Lawyer will come up with a plan! Please keep us informed! You are almost there!!!

https://uk.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2015/09/prohibited_items_2014.pdf

Think in line of what you would be able to bring on board a plane. So, nuts/fruit - probably yes. A large water bottle - maybe no.

Also, in general, the embassy in London only admits the applicant. And there is certainly no need for you to be there. So, maybe easier to just stay at a nearby coffee shop?

This is amazing! Thank you so much! I certainly was searching the website wrong!!! It looks like I should be able to bring a snack in, and possibly a water bottle as long as it's plastic. I am not worried about the water so much as I am the food.

I know that I don't have to attend the interview, but I would like to for support, and because of my own curiosity as to the inside of the US Embassy. I know Allison/Robert was able to get in for a K1 interview, and they allow the US Spouse to attend as long as you submit the request form (which we did). It won't be too huge of a deal if I don't get to go in, though I will probably freak out more outside on my own than if I was able to wait inside with Jon.

Thank you again! You are my new hero!!!

I was searching all over the embassy website, and I tried to find an answer here. I know most of the questions are regarding if you can bring your phone which I know we can.

My question is am I able to bring food into the embassy with me. I know they have snack machines, but most snack machines consist of foods that are not in line with my nutrition plan. I just wanted to know if I could bring in a bottle of water, nuts, and/or a piece of fruit. I am hypoglycemic and I have to eat on a strict schedule in order to maintain my blood sugar levels, or I can get sick. Jon doesn't have to worry about this, but this is something I have to keep in mind.

Every time I search through the embassy website it directs me to bringing food into the US through a POE and not the Embassy itself. I could be searching wrong, but I just want to know in advance since we sent a request to have me added to the list for the interview. If they don't let me in, it won't be a problem because then I just find a nearby cafe and eat something there, but if I do get let in I need to be able to eat in line with my food schedule.

I am just trying to be prepared well in advance. If anyone can find me a resource I would greatly appreciate it!

I didn't want to start a new topic for what is the same thing! I am posting on behalf of Jon who had his medical today 12/13/16. Even though I am posting in US time, all times I list below will be in UK local time for when Jon actually attended!

Jon said in general his medical went smooth! The only bumps he had were due to his GP (which I will get into later) and his train to get into London!

He had a train scheduled for 7:30 AM from Norwich to London Liverpool Street. The train was cancelled due to a freight train that was stuck somewhere on the line so they put him on a train to Kings Cross. He arrived in London with no other delay around 10:30 AM. His medical was scheduled for 11:30 AM.

Since Jon ended up in Kings Cross instead of London Liverpool Street, where I had provided him step by step instructions on where to go (he didn't want to be lost and he relied on my OCD to get him there LOL), he opted for a cab rather than mess with the underground and possibly get lost (even though it was a simple change). The cab cost him £11 which isn't bad for a London Cab IMO.

Jon arrived at Knightsbridge 30 mins early and they let him right in. He spoke to the receptionist who took his documents to scan and make copies and was provided all his documents back. He waited for a small amount of time for the first nurse who called him into the back and explained to him that he was missing an MMR shot. (Enter GP Bumps that were costly) Jon had sent me back in October a copy of his shot records where I saw that he didn't have his second MMR on there so I told him he would need his Tdap (because it had been more than 10 years), flu (because of medical in flu season), and MMR. When he scheduled his shots through the NHS they told him flat out he didn't need his MMR and that they wouldn't give it to him. I assumed from this that I just missed the MMR on his print out so we went with it. Knightsbridge confirmed he still needed his 2nd MMR shot so they gave it to him there and charged him a whopping £50 for it!!!! Lesson from this is make sure, regardless of what your GP says, if the visa requires a shot and you can't see it on your print out, GET IT ANYWAY!!!! Shots from Knightsbridge are ridiculously overpriced!!! Rant Over!

After the super nice nurse that provided him his shot, he was sent to another another room where he had to undress and get in a hospital gown. His wait was very short, only a couple of minutes before the doctor came in. Jon made note that the first thing the doctor asked him was "Are you wearing underwear?". Jon was checked for rashes, breathing, eyes, ears, throat, and blood pressure. He then did an eye test where Jon discovered his left eye is quite a bit weaker than his right, but apparently he does not need glasses for it! They took a blood sample and it was on to the next part. They also measured his height and weight and he made sure to tell me lost 8 kilos since his last way in back in September! (we are in a challenge to lose weight before the wedding)

After this bit Jon was met by another nurse who took the x-ray. He did state that they push you up against the machine but it was not uncomfortable for him.

After the xray was taken he was lead back to the waiting room to pay. He had to drop £340 due to the cost of the medical AND the MMR shot... stupid GP!!!! They were having a temporary issue with taking cards so he had an extra 10 minute wait while they reset it so he could pay with his Debit Card.

All in all Jon said it was easy and the only annoying part was getting the MMR shot that he was told he wouldn't need and couldn't get! The extra £50 was an annoying blow, but it would save us extra in the long run not having to mess with a local Civil Surgeon (hopefully). Jon also confirmed that he received the documentation back from his medical which confirmed that he had been verified and received all required vaccinations for Immigrating to the US!!! Hopefully this works for our AOS journey in the future!

I hope this helps everyone moving forward! If you have any other questions about Jon's medical post them below and I will get answer from Jon!

Jon's medical was fine! There were only bumps due to train issues (freight train got stuck on his rail so they had to switch him to a different line). Also, his GP is an idiot and caused him to be charged £50 for an MMR shot which I knew he needed, but his GP said he didn't and wouldn't give it to him!!!

I will be posting a full review for him later!

Now we are just onto the interview, which hopefully they put me on the list for!!! Fingers crossed!

I would call them and inquire to make sure you don't miss your interview letter if it was sent. This is mainly to cover your butt and make sure you don't miss the letter and miss your interview (if there is one).

Technically, it is not required to have both since your fiance doesn't make enough to support you. I would recommend providing both though, just in case they ask for it. I say it is better to be prepared than not be!

Congrats everyone!!! I feel so out of the loop! I am sorry I missed so many updates. Work has been ridiculously busy and planning the wedding for after we get our approval (hopefully) has taken a lot of time as well!!!

Jon goes in for his medical tomorrow. Thankfully the railway strikes are not affecting his journey, but it did make me worry until I looked EVERYTHING up about the strike... I swear the UK trains strike just about every other month I feel like!!!! Thankfully it doesn't affect me directly, but that has to be annoying for all the people in the UK!!!!

I head out for my trip to see Jon next Thursday... long overnight flight! Hopefully I can sleep!!! Our interview will be right around the corner!!!

I hope everyone who has gotten in the US has a smooth AOS process!!! Keep us updated!