jenni and sami

I had my interview at the embassy yesterday, and they tell me they will be issuing a visa! Woop, woop!

Now I just wait for the courier - I have a flight booked for next Thursday, so it's cutting it a little fine, but they said it should take 3-5 working days.

Loads of other people have posted on exactly what the interview entails, so I won't go into detail - basically a lot of waiting around, followed by some pretty simple questions from some pretty friendly people. I did mess up a little, in that I forgot to bring photocopies of my documents - the first lady I saw said it wouldn't be a big problem, they'd just copy them and charge me for it, but by the time I went up for my actual interview with the immigration officer, they never charged me for the copies, so I'm presuming they turned a blind eye or something. I'm not complaining either way...

Now just waiting for that doorbell to ring. I've paid extra for an expedited delivery - this won't speed up the delivery in terms of days, but it does mean it will arrive before 8am. Figured this was worth it, just in case it doesn't arrive until Thursday morning - I may still make my flight then.

Finally - this time next week I'll be sitting at Gatwick, just hours away from seeing my good lady and getting on with our lives!

Good luck to all those still waiting. I wish you all speedy progress.

Sami

You did not mention copy of tax return or transcript. Tax return data is the most common evidence, and tends to be the most preferred above all else. Transcripts can be requested from the IRS for free.

The most common list of evidence is: (Copies of tax returns with w-2s (or tax transcripts) for most recent 1-3 years, pay stubs for past few months, and letter from employer)

http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq1-6.html

Thanks. Any idea how long they take?

You did not mention copy of tax return or transcript. Tax return data is the most common evidence, and tends to be the most preferred above all else. Transcripts can be requested from the IRS for free.

The most common list of evidence is: (Copies of tax returns with w-2s (or tax transcripts) for most recent 1-3 years, pay stubs for past few months, and letter from employer)

http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq1-6.html

Thanks. Any idea how long they take?

Sorry - ignore that question. Info given in the link you kindly provided.

Cheers,

Sami

Hi All,

Sorry. One more Affidavit of Support query. I have been going through I-134s my fiance and her mother, who is co-sponsoring, have sent. It all looks fine, but I am a little concerned about the supporting evidence they have provided. I can't seem to find the section of this site where I got the initial guidance on what to include as support, so I hope you guys can tell me if they've done enough.

My fiance has provided a number of recent payslips, statements from the bank, a letter from her employer and a letter from the bank. HOwever, the letter from her bank will only state when her account was openned and what the balance is - not how much has been deposited in the last year (which I think was suggested was needed). I am presuming that for her this should be OK, given all the other evidence.

However, she is in grad school and only working part-time, so we are having to ask her mom to co-sponsor. Her mom has only included a letter from her employer, and a letter from her bank. i.e. no bank statements or payslips. The letter from her bank is the same as my fiance's - it only states the date it was openned and the balance - this doesn't really tell the consulate anything as the balance is not enough to cover the 125% above poverty level requirement. Am I right in thinking she should have included payslips too, or some other evidence? She has also included on the form details of her house value and mortgage, and where the mortgage is located, and life insurance value etc. but no evidence to prove this. WIll this be enough? I don't want to bother her if this is going to be OK, but I also don't want delays due to lack of evidence? Any advice, as always, would be gratefully appreciated.

Cheers,

Sami

Many thanks.

Hey all,

Just a quick query. We are just getting together all the stuff we will need for our interview. Regarding the affidavit of support, under question 11) i.e."That I intend [] do not intend [] to make specific contributions to the support of the person(s) named in item 3." both my fiance, and her mother (who is a co-sponsor) have put "N/A (K1 visa for permanent residence)". I was a bit confused as to whether this is correct. Shouldn't we still tick one or other of these boxes? Apparently they got this wording from a sample form available on this site, so I am guessing they are doing the right thing. I'm just nervous about getting rejected on some stupid technicality.

If it makes any difference, I will be living with my fiance, but I will be paying rent from my own savings.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Cheers,

Sami

I sent my packet 3 back mid-October. I phoned today to ask if there was any update - the lady on the other end of the phone told me first that packet 4 was sent yesteday ( woooooop!!!), and then said "Oooops, sorry. Read the dates wrong. That was your packet 3 back in October."

She told me my information weny up on the system yesterday, and because I had sent in the form saying I had all the relevant documents, that would go up on the system tomorrow. She also said that I probably had a 6 week wait now until I get my interview date, and then another couple of weeks wait until the actual date. I'm hoping she's wrong, as I REALLY want to be there by Christmas. Am now wandering whether to book a trip in November, or whether the packet will come while I'm away. I really want this ####### to be over with. Really.

Sorry, I know everyone else is in the same boat, or worse. Hope you get your date in time to fit in with your plans.

Cheers,

Sami

Hey ya'll,

I live in North Carolina and I was wondering if the INS will accept a marriage performed by my friend who was ordained on line by the Universal Life Church? NC recognizes ordained ministers, but is it legal enough for visa requirements???

Thanks

Do you have a marriage certificate and license?

Also I just notice you filed for K-1...thats is for fiance(e)s only. If youre already married you have to file K-3 or CR-1

Yes, we applied for K-1 and have already received packet 3...I am just trying to plan ahead for when he gets here. Justice of the Peace or friend.

Hey ya'll,

I live in North Carolina and I was wondering if the INS will accept a marriage performed by my friend who was ordained on line by the Universal Life Church? NC recognizes ordained ministers, but is it legal enough for visa requirements???

Thanks

Hi All,

Had my medical yesterday. All went pretty smoothly, though I am £300 poorer after paying for a train ticket to London, the medical (£160) and £60 for a couple of vaccinations.

300 pounds for a train ticket? JESUS that's expensive. That's over $550USD. We can get round trip economy plane tickets from NYC to London for less at times. The UK is SO expensive!

Actually it was £100 for the train ticket - I meant £300 poorer overall, including the medical. Still rip-off for an hour-and-a-half journey. Don't get me started on British train prices...

I just had mine done in Snappy Snaps. The have a special type of photo they take for visas and passports. There is a Snappy Snaps in most towns in the UK.

In packet 3 it specifys where to get them done; it gives you a list of places that are approved by the Consulate. I actually can't help but think you made things a little difficult for yourself...

The only Snappy Snaps in town was closed for refurbishment. Still, you are right, if I'd have done it a day earlier I could have used another shop around the corner.

Hi All,

Had my medical yesterday. All went pretty smoothly, though I am £300 poorer after paying for a train ticket to London, the medical (£160) and £60 for a couple of vaccinations. I does seem crazy that this is the only place on the country authorised to do it. A tip for all those still to go through it, if you can get vaccinations through your local doctor in advance, or proof that you have had these, then it'll save you some cash. My doctor didn't have any record of my previous vaccinations and, in the end, I just figured I'd get them done on the day to make sure I get the right ones.

In terms of the medical itself, it is all pretty painless and inobtrusive - they check your vaccinations and, if you want, give you any extra you need. Then a chest x-ray, and then a 10-15 minute examination with a doctor - they weigh you, ask you a few questions about medical history, drug or alcohol abuse, mental health etc. Then they ask you to strip to underwear and socks and give you a once over, checking your back, chest etc. They do take a quick glance at your nether-regions, but no painful insertions of anything cold, so I was pleased with that. ;-) Staff were friendly and efficient, though at the price you pay you would certainly hope they were!

One final tip, I spent most of Wednesday running around trying to get US size photos, as the guidelines sent to me by the embassy said I needed a photo for the medical, and two for the visa appointment, and that these had to be specifically US-sized photos. I went to the only place in Bristol that I knew of to do them, and they were closed, then wandered around the other stores who all said they couldn't do it. Finally found a place that would, but they were unable to have them with me the same day. Eventually I phoned the doctors to tell them that I couldn't get an appropriate photo (my appointment was 1st thing in the morning), and asked whether I could either go get it done afterwards in London, or if I could reschedule for later. They said "don't worry, a normal UK sized photo is fine." Apparently you only need the US-sized ones for the embassy. I did go and get some done though immediately afterwards, so now I should be ready for the big day. Passport Photo Service on Oxford St, near the embassy, were very fast and efficient, their details are in packet 3 that was sent to me by the embassy, though I did wander if I had the right place as their offices look a bit dingy.

So now, barring any nasty surprises from the blood test, x-ray etc, all I need to do is await packet 3 from the embassy. Here's hoping they don't take too long. I'm missing my lady.

Cheers,

Sami

So now, barring any nasty surprises from the blood test, x-ray etc, all I need to do is await packet 3 from the embassy. Here's hoping they don't take too long. I'm missing my lady.

Sorry, that should read packet 4.

Hey ya'll,

My baby just got packet three on Saturday!!! Finally. My question is....he wants to wait to send back the sheet of paper that states he has everything until he receives the police report. It should be arriving in the next ten days. He has everything except for that. Now, does the return of this paper hold up packet 4 being sent to him??? I just want to get on with it since we know that the police report is on its way. He is afraid to send in the paper in case anything happens to the report. Should we wait or not???

Thanks for any imput

J

Hi Y'all,

Just to let you know that our packet 3 arrived. It has taken just over a month from NOA2 approval through to receiving packet 3.

Looking at the packet it all looks pretty straight forward. I will be filling out all the forms and returning them today.

Then just need to make a medical appointment and finish up gathering all the appropriate forms - police report and affidavit of support should be with me soon (I applied for the police report about a month ago, and my lady has been busy with affidavit stuff and has now sent those to me). I also need to get some photographs. Once all the appropriate documentation is together, I need to send in another form letting them know that I have it all and am ready to be called for interview.

Bring it on!

Hi All,

Looking at people's timlines, and at the guides has got me a little confused. We were approved by CSC on the 7th of Sept, and then sent on to NVC. We then got an email a couple of weeks later saying we were received at NVC, and would be sent on to the embassy in London. Since then we have heard nothing. We are both freaking out a little as we'd really hoped to be together for Thanksgiving (almost certainly not possible now), or at least for Christmas (looking less and less likely).

I'm just trying to ascertain how long the whole thing might take from here, and whether I should book a trip to see my lady whilst I'm waiting, so I was wandering if people could advise on the following:

a) How long should I wait before worrying that packet 3 hasn't arrived. Seems like most people get theirs in a month, to a month and a half or so from NOA2 date. Is this still accurate? The embassy tells me they can't give me any info until they have issued a reference number and got me in their system. Surely if I don't hear something soon they should be able to check that it was at least received?

B) What is packet 4? I can't find info on this in any of the guides, yet it appears on people's timelines. Is this the communication of when the interview date will be? Is it more forms that I will need to fill out? SHould I make sure I am in the country when it arrives?

c) When do you get to know your interview date? I can see from timelines roughly when you can expect to be interviewed (i.e. 8-12 weeks after the embassy receives your stuff), but do you get an interview date soon after returning packet 3, or do you only find out the actual date much nearer the interview time?

Many thanks for any advice you can give.

Sami

hey folks,

In trying to "plan" ahead a little bit ( which is nearly impossible as many of you know), I am trying to figure out when my fiance may be able to work. Our NOA2 has been sent to the London Embassy and we are waiting on an interview. Once he has visa in hand and enters the US we plan on marrying right away. I realize the adjustment of status and work permit are seperate files we must submit, but my question is, Do we have to be approved for the adjustment of status before they issue him a work permit...or will he be able to work while we are waiting for the temperary residency to be completed?

thanks for any input

Now is that letter ok to send after receiving the NOA2? It looks like the one we sent fot the I-129.

Thanks

Hey ya'll,

I am preparing my I-134 and such to send to my fiance. Any thoughts on exactly what the letter of intent to marry should include(besides the obvious...i intent to marry..)

Thanks for any input

jenni

Thanks for all the advice guys. Mystery solved. Jenni's sister, who had been living with her, recently moved out and for some reason the postman mistook the two. The NOA2 was returned to CSC, who then resent it to the sister's new address. It is now in Jenni's hands. I think she is going to phone USCIS, just to make sure they have not changed the address in their records.

Many thanks again, as always, for the help and support.

Sami

Hey ya'll,

I am getting ready to fill out my affadavit of support for my English fiance. I am a full time grad student and only work part-time so at this point I make below the required amount. My parents are also filling out the form to co-sponser him. Is there a seperate form to file for co-sponsers or should we each fill out the I-134 form. Also, should I include a letter explaining that they are co-sponsering?

Thanks for your help

We were approved on 7th of Sept, yet our NOA2 has still not arrived. Jenni called USCIS last week and they prmised to send a duplicate, yet that has not arrived. Is this likely to cause a problem? The USCIS lady said that I wouldn't need Jenni's copy, as I would be sent my own copy? This doesn't seem to fit with what I've read. I thought Jenni was supposed to send me her copy? Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

BTW, we had a letter from NVC today saying that our case would be sent to London within a week.

Cheers,

Sami

Then NVC will ship your case to the Consulate you are dealing with. Once it is shipped I would give it a week or so then contact the Consulate to make sure they received it.

Stacey, do you know if NVC send confirmation when they ship the case, as well as when they receive it?

Thanks,

Sami

We were approved on the 9th and have yet to receive ours (Jenni is in North Carolina). She phoned up USCIS on Wednesday or Thursday last week and was told they would re-send the receipt. Today she got the following email, which I am presuming means they have resent what they needed to resend, Anyhow, hope you get yours soon, and I hope we get our too. I've had quite enough of waiting:

>*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

>

>The following is the latest information on your case status

>

>Receipt Number: WAC0619353760

>

>Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

>

>Current Status:

>

>On September 22, 2006, the document we made based on the approval or

>registration of this case was mailed directly to the person to whom issued.

>

>If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status

>results listed above, or if you have not received a decision or advice from

>USCIS within the projected processing time frame*, please contact the

>National Customer Service Center.

>

>National Customer Service Center (800) 375-5283.

>

>*The projected processing time frame can be found on the receipt notice

>that you received from the USCIS.

>*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.

>

>

>Sincerely,

>

>

>The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

I want to personally thank everyone here who has prayed for me . Today we received our decision to the I-129-f petition we filed in March. We were given a denial . Please do not ask me questions concerning our case, as I want to keep things private as not to be scorned or ridiculed . Just know that I will retain council tomorrow to help us appeal our case. That is all. God Bless every member on here. I am praying for each and everyone of you. All Glory and Praise to our precious Heavenly Father !

Jabree and Hitham

Very sorry to hear the news Jabree,

I wish you luck in your appeal and hope you can be with your loved one soon.

Thanks for the info! I really appreciate the advice and the swift responses.

Cheers,

Sami

Hi All,

I seem to be messing up these posts by editing them, so hopefull this will work this time and I haven't posted this three times, along with my other now nonsensical post. Arrrggghh computers hate me. I just have a couple of affidavit of support questions. APologies if they have been answered elsewhere on the site, but ~I couldn't find relevant info:

#1 The guides on this site state that most embassies require an I-134, but some need a i-864. CAn anyone tell me which one the London embassy requires. I tried to email but no luck. Tried to phone but got cut off. Don't want to spend another £1.20 a minute if I can help it!

#2 Jenni is a grad student and only works part time. She is not earning above the poverty line. Her mom has agreed to sponsor me. Does Jenni still need to fill out a form too? She's crazy busy right now with work, voluntary stuff, studies, wedding plans etc. One less form would be a big help. However, if there is any chance it would prejudice our application then she will of course fill out a form.

#3 Can I include any of my shares and savings to back up our application? Should I take bank statements, share certificates, pention plan info along to the interview? I guess it can't hurt huh?

Many thanks in advance, as always, for your advice.

Cheers,

Sami

Eh? Where did the dude with the sunglasses appear from? All I typed was B)