CaptainAmerica

I’ve been meaning to write an update on the final stages of my K-1 visa experience. I’ve been in the US for four months now so I don’t know how helpful it is… However, I know that it helped me reading as many unique experiences as I could find, so I thought it might be worth writing a brief note of my personal experiences of the major milestones for me of the K-1. It’s really been a whirlwind since I entered the US, got married, and started settling into US life. I know I still have a long way to go but have already sorted out those early milestones - social security number, biometrics appointment, driving licence (it was somewhat of a DMV fiasco but I’m grateful that California has an AB60 to fit around the ‘you are a resident but only in the eyes of California’ grey area!) - and biding my time happily enough until my EAD arrives. 

Knightsbridge Medical - April 10th
I was grateful to have a 8.50am appointment, meaning I was one of the first to be seen. I arrived slightly early and alongside one of the reception staff, who was very pleasant and let me in to wait before I could officially register my arrival. I liked that the staff I dealt with were friendly, and the environment was sort of like a family doctor’s surgery. Thankfully being early in morning meant I was seen swiftly - and you can always use the waits in-between to supply that urine sample since there’s only one bathroom with a possible queue! People were seen in rotation, with my first appointment being the X-ray. I was met by a friendly lady, who made the process go smoothly and made me feel comfortable. After that was all completed swiftly, I was sent back to the waiting room for a short while. Next was the main appointment with a lovely, incredibly friendly male doctor who immediately put me ease. He looked at my documentation, essentially told me, “you have nothing to worry about, you’re an easy case”, and then went through his basic checks, chatting with me along the way. Again, I really felt like I was just seeing my regular GP! I have a history of depression and was concerned that it might cause an issue, but as I had that letter from my GP with the 'magic words', he told me I had all that I needed. I’d had a recent MMR jab via my GP - who told me that was all that they could supply - but the Knightsbridge doctor advised it was best to have the second jab to meet the required US standards. I knew that would come up, and I’d already decided to have any additional jabs they thought I’d need there and then so that my DS-3025 would be complete. So it was back to the waiting room one more time, before I was called to a third room to have the MMR jab (which cost £50). That process was over quickly too, and I was given a secondary slip to prove that had been completed (it was also documented on my DS-3025). After that, it was back to reception to receive my copies of the forms, make my payment of £350, and then head home. All in all I was in there for an hour and 40 minutes, and that flew by!


London Embassy - April 24th
My appointment at the embassy was for 9am. Even though I lived an hour’s train journey away from London, I commuted enough to know that trains can be very unreliable and I didn’t want to jeopardise not getting there in time! So I chose to stay at the Holiday Inn Express - Vauxhall Nine Elms, in order that I could be in easy walking distance and attempt to get a good night’s sleep beforehand (I recommend rooms at the back of the hotel to avoid traffic noise). I walked the route to the Embassy the night before, and it was bliss just to know I only had a short walk the following morning. Plus I found a handy Sainsbury’s only 5 minutes from the hotel. I admit I got a bit teary-eyed when I walked around the Embassy, seeing the US flag and knowing that I was finally reaching the last hurdles (at least of this first part of the process). It was also helpful to acquaint myself with the entrances - the South Pavilion Consular Services being at the very rear of the building from the main road.

On the morning of my appointment, I arrived 30 minutes early as the instructions advise. I’d read that some people who arrived early were left waiting outside once they’d been seen by the first ‘checkpoint’ ie that weird stand outside the security entrance, but I was let straight through. I had a bottle of water with me, intending to give it up if I was asked, but I was let through without needing to hand it over (though once inside the Embassy, I found out from talking with others that there’s a discrepancy whether they allow water or not). Next it was walking up to the reception desk inside the Embassy itself. A lady inside asked what time my appointment was, moved me up in the (short) queue, and then I got my papers checked and a nice big sticker put on the front of my passport (which includes your ticket number, floor you need, and which windows to wait outside). I headed up the lift to the Level 1, and met with the brand spanking new waiting area which essentially looks like a really clean Post Office with all the windowed booths on one side. After a quick visit to the bathroom* (head right from exiting the lifts to the edge of the area and keep on going right until you see them!) I was ready to go to the nicer, smaller area for the K-1 visas. This area is tucked round to the left as you come out of the lift. This waiting area was a bit more pleasant to feel tucked away, although as others have noted, there is zero privacy in these areas so you have to be prepared for everyone to hear what you’re saying!

As with my medical, being an early appointment may have helped with being seen quickly. First I went to one window, gave my fingerprints, handed over those required documents (ACRO, photos, birth certificate, choice of courier option**), along with the I-134. My fiancé was the sponsor, and I’d brought his tax returns and bank statements, but none of those were needed. The man handed me my envelope from Knightsbridge, and then I went back to the seats to wait for the main interview portion. Looking in the envelope which should contain the X-ray CD, I realised it was empty!! I managed to find another member of staff to ask about this, who said not to worry, and to tell the person who would interview me what to do about it. Not what I needed, but I knew that it should be something easily resolved. After a slightly longer wait - and trying not to listen to everyone else’s interviews! - I was called to a second window, and met with a friendly-looking lady. I was prepared to be asked a number of questions… After a few pleasantries, swearing an oath, and again fingerprinting, I was asked two simple questions - where does my fiancé live, and where did we meet. That was it. She told me, “I’m happy to approve your visa today” and I was almost agog that it was that simple. I had to ask her, “is there anything else?” and she met that with a smile, and said I was all done. I then asked her about my missing X-ray CD. She went away to try to find it, but to no avail. She recommended I get in touch with Knightsbridge to get my own copy***, since their records showed that they had everything they needed from me. And that was it! I made all my calls outside the Embassy, telling family the good news. All in all was in the Embassy for about 90 minutes, but the main part of the process was done within an hour. It was an amazing feeling to reach the end of a long wait (it had been 8 months since submitting the K-1), and start the countdown to leaving the country and the final preparations that entailed!

*On the way to the bathrooms I spotted a photo booth, which is helpful to anyone who doesn’t already have their US-sized photos.
**After reading some of the DX Group delivery horror stories on here, I decided to collect my documents directly from the depot. That personally gave me peace of mind, although I know I’m fortunate that the depot was a 30 minute drive from my home, which may not be the same for everyone who are otherwise forced to use the delivery option.
***I contacted Knightsbridge about my missing CD, who sent another CD to my home address to keep for my own personal records. Thankfully easily resolved!

POE at Los Angeles International - May 17th
Virgin Atlantic has always been my airline of choice to get to the USA, and using them as an airline for my regular trips to LA to see my fiancé had the added bonus of flying into Terminal 2 at LAX. This terminal is small (very short walk from the gate to the main area), which means that I’d often only have a short wait in their small immigration hall. On most journeys flying Premium Economy with carry-on, I could be off the plane and out of the airport within 15 minutes. After a tearful but heartwarming journey (as soon as the Virgin Atlantic staff realised I was leaving home to move and get married, they went out of their way to make my journey exceptional), I made the same journey to the immigration I’d now done many times before… but with the added heart-racing of knowing I was finally here but first had to get through the immigration hurdle. Once again, I had nothing to worry about. I had a very short wait to see an immigration officer, and handed him that large white envelope. He opened it up, looked through the documents briefly, then asked me to do the usual fingerprinting. He then made a note on the visa page of my passport of my entry date, and said to me, “you know the rules about how to fulfil your K-1 visa?”. I replied that I did, and told him I would soon be married. He then handed me back my passport, and gestured that he was finished. I was again flabbergasted that it was all done so quickly, and asked if he needed anything else from me. He said “no, you’re free to go”. Having psyched myself up that I might need to go to secondary questioning, this was a huge surprise…! I was out of the immigration and customs area so fast that my then-fiance was barely prepared for my arrival. It’s hard to explain the relief and exhilaration I felt to finally be able to stay with him without a countdown for either of us to leave, and to be able to continue together with the rest of our lives. The ongoing paperwork process since then has still has had its moments of stress, but it’s so much nicer to be able to do it with my husband at my side.

In hindsight it’s been strange to consider how anxious and stressed I was preparing for these events, and yet in reality they were such smooth sailing. As others advised, as long as you have your paperwork in order and no skeletons in your closet, there’s no reason why you’d have anything to worry about. However, these things are easier said than done, and it’s not until you’ve experienced them for yourself do you see what everyone means! 

If you are older than 18 years old, then skip the Hep B shot.
 
Go get a flu shot at Boots or a clinic in a grocery store. Or pay at the medical exam (£14). Or move your appointment from Wednesday to the following Monday and skip the flu jab.
 
Absolutely make sure you have your shots needed for AOS before you leave that appointment. Then you have nothing more to do medically for immigration. If you wait, you will have to go pay a doctor in the US to sign you off on shots. Most of them will insist that you have another full medical. You'll spend hundreds of dollars.
Can you verify the dates you had shots? Or post a photo of your record?  
MMR and diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis 
 
 
 
 

Hello to everyone on this thread! I've just spent ages catching up on everyone's posts until I decided to chime in... I've been here since mid-May, married June 1st and had my NOA1 on 20th July. It's amazing to me that some people have already had interviews! Congratulations to those people. I'm in the Los Angeles area, so I'm not holding my breath to get my interview anytime soon. I had my biometrics done in August and my case status changed to 'ready to be scheduled' since August 17th but no change since then. I'd resigned myself that I wouldn't get my EAD or AP until at least late November or early December, but if those are coming sooner that would be a blessing. I would love to be able to go home for Christmas, but I'm not planning anything until I have the AP in hand! 
 
I've seen a few people mention getting their driving licences, and it's odd how much it differs from state to state. California is the same pain as that once your I-94 expires, you're back in limboland in the DMV's eyes... I even called California Highway Patrol to ask their thoughts on driving on a UK licence, but they advised I can't. You're a California resident in their eyes, and so you must have a California licence (though the man I spoke to was so friendly and recognised the absurd situation). Thankfully there is the AB60 option. I have that licence, and I'll explain how I got it! 
 
I initially had quite a fiasco with the DMV (after spending four hours waiting/being seen on my first visit) but I was able to apply for a temporary licence within my i-94 window. I had my written test during my first visit and passed, and was very lucky in being able to find a practical test slot two weeks later. I'd already been driving my husband's car during my previous visits to him (on my UK licence) but wanted to make sure I was able to drive to the California test standard, so I took a few lessons with an instructor so that I'd feel more confident and also know how to pass the test. Thankfully I managed to pass first time! BUT, after passing my test I really only had two weeks of a licence before that would expire. This is when I put in three separate calls to the main DMV call centre, and they helped me clear up what I could do. Each person I spoke to was well aware of this limbo issue for certain visas, and were helpful in how I could resolve the problem. 

California DMV won't accept any other form of verification that you are legally within the US until your EAD is ready, in order to get a regular licence (or the new RealID). They do however provide the AB60 licence, which functions similarly to a regular driving licence with limitations ie you can't use it to fly (which is no problem if you have a passport), or for work authorisation. If you can provide the DMV with your passport, SSN, and proof of residence, you should be able to get an AB60 with no problem. I'd read that there is a secondary review which can take a long time, but twice upon talking to the DMV over the phone, they told me that I had enough documentation to successfully get the AB60 - but I had to go to a specific driving licence processing centre to get that ie not every local office can process it. Fortunately there was one processing centre only a short drive from me, so I went there to prepare to wait hours again. Thankfully I was done in 90 minutes! I'd brought my passport, current temporary licence (that had just expired), SSN card with the slip including my address, bank statements, and even my marriage and birth certificate in case they needed those. All that I needed to show them again was my passport, SSN card and bank statements for proof of residency. And that was it. I received my California licence in the mail just over a week later, and it's been a blessing to have it. My husband and I are looking to buy a new car, and just having that licence with me has been such a help. Once I receive my EAD, I just need to go back to the DMV again to swap the licence for a RealID. 

I hope this information helps anyone else in a similar situation, although it might be that you can now hold out for the EAD if these really might be with us by next month! 

If it helps, this was my experience receiving my AB60 license in California late last year, months before I received my EAD. It's a little bit more of a complicated process, but it can be done if you have the correct documentation: 
 

The individual states are pretty strong on protecting their state's rights to run their own show.  If you haven't figured it out yet, there are many things that come under state laws...education, marriage, divorce, driving, insurance, banking, sales tax.  If a federal law is passed concerning anything covered by state law, the state must comply. That would include issuing driver licenses to aliens. They must show legal presence in the US.
 
SO as a K1, you get 90 days in the US. That's all you have on paper (your I-94 and passport stamp) as allowed presence in the US.  Now we all know you get to hang out while you wait for your AOS decision, but you have nothing to show the DMV that says you are allow here until [date].  The reason they need a date is so your license will expire on that date. K1 is unique in that you only get 90 days, it can't be extended, and you are in limbo land while you wait on USCIS to to approve something. 
 
When you apply for AOS/EAD/AP you get NOA1 receipts that do not have an end date or an extension of your 90 day presence. It only says you applied. Most states won't give a license based on that because your legal presence is not defined with an end date. 
 
 If you got a license during your 90 days, it would expire on Day 90 and you quit driving. Most won't bother with giving you a license for less than 6 months, but that is up to each state to decide.  
 
When your EAD is approved, the card has an expiration date of one year. That will get you a license expiring in one year. When you get a green card, it will expire in two years and also makes you a permanent resident. Some states expire you on the two year date. Some give you a regular driver license for whatever their typical duration is. My state gives 6 years before renewal. I got six years when showing my green card. 
 
Almost all states want at least an EAD card (from K1s) before any license is issued. I think there are some that require a greencard. That doesn't apply to non-immigrants like students who are here on long term visas because their visas will have an end date. 
 
And that's the story of K1s and driving. Don't expect your DMV to know all the nuances of immigration, especially K1 visas because you are a tiny minority that nobody in the real world outside of USCIS seems to know how to handle.  You think you are a resident, but not really until you get something beyond your entry stamp for 90 days. 
 
 

I’ve been meaning to write an update on the final stages of my K-1 visa experience. I’ve been in the US for four months now so I don’t know how helpful it is… However, I know that it helped me reading as many unique experiences as I could find, so I thought it might be worth writing a brief note of my personal experiences of the major milestones for me of the K-1. It’s really been a whirlwind since I entered the US, got married, and started settling into US life. I know I still have a long way to go but have already sorted out those early milestones - social security number, biometrics appointment, driving licence (it was somewhat of a DMV fiasco but I’m grateful that California has an AB60 to fit around the ‘you are a resident but only in the eyes of California’ grey area!) - and biding my time happily enough until my EAD arrives. 

Knightsbridge Medical - April 10th
I was grateful to have a 8.50am appointment, meaning I was one of the first to be seen. I arrived slightly early and alongside one of the reception staff, who was very pleasant and let me in to wait before I could officially register my arrival. I liked that the staff I dealt with were friendly, and the environment was sort of like a family doctor’s surgery. Thankfully being early in morning meant I was seen swiftly - and you can always use the waits in-between to supply that urine sample since there’s only one bathroom with a possible queue! People were seen in rotation, with my first appointment being the X-ray. I was met by a friendly lady, who made the process go smoothly and made me feel comfortable. After that was all completed swiftly, I was sent back to the waiting room for a short while. Next was the main appointment with a lovely, incredibly friendly male doctor who immediately put me ease. He looked at my documentation, essentially told me, “you have nothing to worry about, you’re an easy case”, and then went through his basic checks, chatting with me along the way. Again, I really felt like I was just seeing my regular GP! I have a history of depression and was concerned that it might cause an issue, but as I had that letter from my GP with the 'magic words', he told me I had all that I needed. I’d had a recent MMR jab via my GP - who told me that was all that they could supply - but the Knightsbridge doctor advised it was best to have the second jab to meet the required US standards. I knew that would come up, and I’d already decided to have any additional jabs they thought I’d need there and then so that my DS-3025 would be complete. So it was back to the waiting room one more time, before I was called to a third room to have the MMR jab (which cost £50). That process was over quickly too, and I was given a secondary slip to prove that had been completed (it was also documented on my DS-3025). After that, it was back to reception to receive my copies of the forms, make my payment of £350, and then head home. All in all I was in there for an hour and 40 minutes, and that flew by!


London Embassy - April 24th
My appointment at the embassy was for 9am. Even though I lived an hour’s train journey away from London, I commuted enough to know that trains can be very unreliable and I didn’t want to jeopardise not getting there in time! So I chose to stay at the Holiday Inn Express - Vauxhall Nine Elms, in order that I could be in easy walking distance and attempt to get a good night’s sleep beforehand (I recommend rooms at the back of the hotel to avoid traffic noise). I walked the route to the Embassy the night before, and it was bliss just to know I only had a short walk the following morning. Plus I found a handy Sainsbury’s only 5 minutes from the hotel. I admit I got a bit teary-eyed when I walked around the Embassy, seeing the US flag and knowing that I was finally reaching the last hurdles (at least of this first part of the process). It was also helpful to acquaint myself with the entrances - the South Pavilion Consular Services being at the very rear of the building from the main road.

On the morning of my appointment, I arrived 30 minutes early as the instructions advise. I’d read that some people who arrived early were left waiting outside once they’d been seen by the first ‘checkpoint’ ie that weird stand outside the security entrance, but I was let straight through. I had a bottle of water with me, intending to give it up if I was asked, but I was let through without needing to hand it over (though once inside the Embassy, I found out from talking with others that there’s a discrepancy whether they allow water or not). Next it was walking up to the reception desk inside the Embassy itself. A lady inside asked what time my appointment was, moved me up in the (short) queue, and then I got my papers checked and a nice big sticker put on the front of my passport (which includes your ticket number, floor you need, and which windows to wait outside). I headed up the lift to the Level 1, and met with the brand spanking new waiting area which essentially looks like a really clean Post Office with all the windowed booths on one side. After a quick visit to the bathroom* (head right from exiting the lifts to the edge of the area and keep on going right until you see them!) I was ready to go to the nicer, smaller area for the K-1 visas. This area is tucked round to the left as you come out of the lift. This waiting area was a bit more pleasant to feel tucked away, although as others have noted, there is zero privacy in these areas so you have to be prepared for everyone to hear what you’re saying!

As with my medical, being an early appointment may have helped with being seen quickly. First I went to one window, gave my fingerprints, handed over those required documents (ACRO, photos, birth certificate, choice of courier option**), along with the I-134. My fiancé was the sponsor, and I’d brought his tax returns and bank statements, but none of those were needed. The man handed me my envelope from Knightsbridge, and then I went back to the seats to wait for the main interview portion. Looking in the envelope which should contain the X-ray CD, I realised it was empty!! I managed to find another member of staff to ask about this, who said not to worry, and to tell the person who would interview me what to do about it. Not what I needed, but I knew that it should be something easily resolved. After a slightly longer wait - and trying not to listen to everyone else’s interviews! - I was called to a second window, and met with a friendly-looking lady. I was prepared to be asked a number of questions… After a few pleasantries, swearing an oath, and again fingerprinting, I was asked two simple questions - where does my fiancé live, and where did we meet. That was it. She told me, “I’m happy to approve your visa today” and I was almost agog that it was that simple. I had to ask her, “is there anything else?” and she met that with a smile, and said I was all done. I then asked her about my missing X-ray CD. She went away to try to find it, but to no avail. She recommended I get in touch with Knightsbridge to get my own copy***, since their records showed that they had everything they needed from me. And that was it! I made all my calls outside the Embassy, telling family the good news. All in all was in the Embassy for about 90 minutes, but the main part of the process was done within an hour. It was an amazing feeling to reach the end of a long wait (it had been 8 months since submitting the K-1), and start the countdown to leaving the country and the final preparations that entailed!

*On the way to the bathrooms I spotted a photo booth, which is helpful to anyone who doesn’t already have their US-sized photos.
**After reading some of the DX Group delivery horror stories on here, I decided to collect my documents directly from the depot. That personally gave me peace of mind, although I know I’m fortunate that the depot was a 30 minute drive from my home, which may not be the same for everyone who are otherwise forced to use the delivery option.
***I contacted Knightsbridge about my missing CD, who sent another CD to my home address to keep for my own personal records. Thankfully easily resolved!

POE at Los Angeles International - May 17th
Virgin Atlantic has always been my airline of choice to get to the USA, and using them as an airline for my regular trips to LA to see my fiancé had the added bonus of flying into Terminal 2 at LAX. This terminal is small (very short walk from the gate to the main area), which means that I’d often only have a short wait in their small immigration hall. On most journeys flying Premium Economy with carry-on, I could be off the plane and out of the airport within 15 minutes. After a tearful but heartwarming journey (as soon as the Virgin Atlantic staff realised I was leaving home to move and get married, they went out of their way to make my journey exceptional), I made the same journey to the immigration I’d now done many times before… but with the added heart-racing of knowing I was finally here but first had to get through the immigration hurdle. Once again, I had nothing to worry about. I had a very short wait to see an immigration officer, and handed him that large white envelope. He opened it up, looked through the documents briefly, then asked me to do the usual fingerprinting. He then made a note on the visa page of my passport of my entry date, and said to me, “you know the rules about how to fulfil your K-1 visa?”. I replied that I did, and told him I would soon be married. He then handed me back my passport, and gestured that he was finished. I was again flabbergasted that it was all done so quickly, and asked if he needed anything else from me. He said “no, you’re free to go”. Having psyched myself up that I might need to go to secondary questioning, this was a huge surprise…! I was out of the immigration and customs area so fast that my then-fiance was barely prepared for my arrival. It’s hard to explain the relief and exhilaration I felt to finally be able to stay with him without a countdown for either of us to leave, and to be able to continue together with the rest of our lives. The ongoing paperwork process since then has still has had its moments of stress, but it’s so much nicer to be able to do it with my husband at my side.

In hindsight it’s been strange to consider how anxious and stressed I was preparing for these events, and yet in reality they were such smooth sailing. As others advised, as long as you have your paperwork in order and no skeletons in your closet, there’s no reason why you’d have anything to worry about. However, these things are easier said than done, and it’s not until you’ve experienced them for yourself do you see what everyone means! 

That is a question that really can not be answered. For some it takes hours. For my fiance it took less the 10 minutes. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.

I went ahead and contacted a senator (I do not like my congressperson at all haha). Just a tip for anyone else in California- Kamala Harris' website has a wonderful template for every visa category (K1 is under immigrant) that formulates a PDF that can be easily printed and signed and faxed or emailed to her with all the information she and her office needs to get the answers. 

Have you seen if this is included in your patient summary? That may help you work out if it's even something that will be recognised at all. Others may have more experience with this, however I doubt that this would be taken with the same degree of concern if you haven't been directly diagnosed with subsequent mental health issues. I was also signed off work in the past and that wasn't flagged separately at all, although I was diagnosed and medicated for depression in the past as well (and so needed that 'no harm' letter from my GP).  

Hopefully our experience can help someone else.  The best advice we can give is GET EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF MEDICAL INFORMATION you can get your hands on from your GP, from any reports, from the NHS, from your old records, from wherever. GET IT ALL AND START GETTING IT NOW, AS MUCH IN ADVANCE AS POSSIBLE. Pay any fees you need to, it will be much less expensive in the long run. And don't believe anyone who tells you that the summary should be enough. It may not be. If it seems that if you have ANYTHING that makes Knightsbridge do even a slight double take, they will request more information from your GP.  And in our experience, we had to wait from October 3rd to November 5th for the GP to write a 5 sentence letter of no real value or help.  Medical offices and GPs have no real stake or interest in your case and they can be unbearably and frustratingly S-L-O-W and unhelpful.  In the end, I believe it was more the additional medical reports that showed the full story, as it seemed the GP didn't want to sign his name to anything and essentially wrote "no comment."  Understandably he didn't know much about my fiancee as he had only been assigned in 2016 and never met her. However, to take an entire month to get that information back to us felt cruel, and was simply exasperating. Now that we are nearly out of the matrix, we are breathing a bit easier since the embassy are in the final stages of processing our case. But we could have saved ourselves lots of stress and exhaustion if we would have requested any and all records from everywhere possible, starting from when we filed our original 129F petition in February. Good luck to all.

I randomly decided to check my case status online yesterday... And there I spotted my EAD and AP had been approved that same day! I hadn't received any notification at all  yesterday (and still haven't) via text or email. Regardless, I'm glad to have spotted it so coincidentally! So now I anticipate receiving my card(s) at some point in the next two weeks, with the expectation that Thanksgiving will slow down the processing and delivery. All in all it took 121 days from receipt to approval. Fingers crossed for everyone else waiting for their approval! 

I randomly decided to check my case status online yesterday... And there I spotted my EAD and AP had been approved that same day! I hadn't received any notification at all  yesterday (and still haven't) via text or email. Regardless, I'm glad to have spotted it so coincidentally! So now I anticipate receiving my card(s) at some point in the next two weeks, with the expectation that Thanksgiving will slow down the processing and delivery. All in all it took 121 days from receipt to approval. Fingers crossed for everyone else waiting for their approval! 

I randomly decided to check my case status online yesterday... And there I spotted my EAD and AP had been approved that same day! I hadn't received any notification at all  yesterday (and still haven't) via text or email. Regardless, I'm glad to have spotted it so coincidentally! So now I anticipate receiving my card(s) at some point in the next two weeks, with the expectation that Thanksgiving will slow down the processing and delivery. All in all it took 121 days from receipt to approval. Fingers crossed for everyone else waiting for their approval! 

Yay!!! So happy for you! 

I want to add that anybody reading this prior to NOA2 needs to learn:
Trying to gather medical information from NHS in two weeks is unlikely to be complete, especially if you need a report written by your doctor. NHS is s-l-o-w. You can start getting your shot records and shots months before your NOA2. Not getting all shots needed before the visa exam is going to cost you more money to see a civil surgeon in the US and most likely another medical exam.   Same for your health summary and a special write up of any surgeries, significant illnesses, ongoing conditions, etc. Start before NOA2. If alcohol or drugs are mentioned anywhere in your questionnaire, health summary, police report, or written report from you GP, you've opened further scrutinty in the mental health section of the exam which includes addictions and abuse. Rushing to get that medical exam and interview set as soon as NVC gives out a number has backfired on so many people. They end up frustrated and delayed because everything was not in order on interview day to keep the case moving forward to have a visa in hand in 7 days. 

First, it’s a happy ending. I was approved and hope to be winging my way to Indiana by the middle of November. Yes, I’m now one of those converts to the “don’t worry about it” club, as it appears the majority of those who attend the London Embassy for their interviews join the same club after they’re done.
 
Coming down from Liverpool, I stayed in a cute little AirBnB in Wandsworth. The host was absolutely lovely, and it is a 15-minute walk from the Embassy. If anybody wants the details for their own trip I can send you my referral code. The night before I just tried to not worry myself and went off for a curry and a few pints.
 
The morning of the interview I pinged awake far earlier than I ever intended, but it felt inevitable that I would do that. After spending some time getting ready and checking my documents once again I headed off to the Embassy. My appointment was for 10:30am but I got there for 9am and decamped to the café in the nearby Waitrose for a toastie (cheese and ham on sourdough, lovely) and a cup of tea. You absolutely cannot miss the Embassy as it is HUGE and imposing, which is to be expected I suppose. The flag outside was at half-mast in respect to the murders committed at the synagogue in Pittsburgh a day or two earlier.
 
Once you hit the Embassy grounds it’s a simple matter of following the path and signage that skirts the moat (yes) that surrounds the building. In short order I came to a red tent type-of-thing manned by a guy that sounded exactly like Jay from The Inbetweeners. He asked for my DS-160 confirmation and passport. As I had arrived before 10am, I was asked to stand off to the side with a few other people and wait until the hour to be let in.
 
I went through security with no hassle (much quicker and less harried than an airport, but also less volume of course) and walked across the Embassy’s inner grounds toward the main building itself. I waited in a queue to have my DS-160 and passport looked at again, and my passport was slapped with a sticker telling me my appointment number and where to wait. I took the elevator to the first floor and found the windows I was to wait by (20 and 21). The Embassy didn’t seem busy that day, and I was only waiting for 20 minutes or so before my ticket was called.
 
Frankly, the two interviews and documentation exchanges couldn’t have been easier or more pleasant. The first person asked me for my passport, a photo, an original birth certificate, an original police certificate and the I-134. I also had my finger and thumb prints taken.
 
During this exchange, there was a security alert. A booming voice came over the PA system urging us to “DUCK AND COVER! STAY AWAY FROM THE WINDOWS!”. Well, I thought that was it really; I make it all the way to the Embassy only for ISIS to get me at the final hurdle. After ducking in my booth for about five minutes, calm resumed. It was a stray suitcase in a lobby somewhere. Still, it was quite an intense few minutes and quite nerve-wracking.
 
Turns out I had taken a LOT more documentation than I was ever asked for. I wasn’t even asked for the piece of paper you get on booking the interview that asks you to print it out to take with you (still take it though, obviously). I wasn’t asked for evidence of financial support, a letter from her employer, tax returns, pay slips, further relationship evidence or the evidence of my fiancee’s previous name change.
 
After he takes what he wants from me, I’m told to sit and wait in the same spot I was earlier and to wait for my second interview. I managed to meet with @chlosicles whose interviews were around the same time as me. I won’t speak for her as I think she will do her own review, but we chatted a little to pass the time and swapped meeting stories etc.
 
Not long after sitting down, I was called to a second window. I was met there by a woman who conducted an extremely simple and brief interview. I performed my oath, confirmed my fingerprints on her scanner and answered some easy questions.
 
How did we meet? When did we meet in person? What does she do for a living? She then remarked that I’ve been to the States a lot since we met, and that I was approved.
 
“What? Really?” I said, probably something she hears a few times a day. She nodded, smiled and then explained what the next stage was (delivery of visa and passport). Elated, I left her saying thank you and waited for @chlosicles to have her interview.
 
Shortly after I left the Embassy, phoned my parents and fiancée and…that was it. Went for lunch, few celebratory pints and then headed back North.
 
The next day I told my employer and colleagues about everything. I hadn’t mentioned it once to anybody. Although I’ve only worked there for a few months it’s a good job and I’ve formed some good friendships. My Directors couldn’t have been more pleased for me, so everything went super smoothly.
 
That’s yer lot. If anyone has any questions, I’ll happily answer as best I can.

I think we're all sick and tired of that word
Personally- I am
It's already enough of a headache with the K-1 process. Ayeeee

Yeah, that's what I meant. When they have your stuff together and think you're good to get scheduled, your status changes, but the chances of you getting that interview vary. California and Texas? Pffff

:))) Maybe. Don't know. I didn't have time in the last 8 years to do anything else, or just sit and do nothing. I was just working a lot. Surly I am looking to go back to work when I have my EAD, but trying to make out as much as I can from this experience by doing other stuff. Also I don't mind being alone or not yet having new friends... maybe I am weird lol

Congrats!!!. @emekus94 thanks for the mention. Otherwise I would have missed the post!!!
 
Looking forward to getting the ead and finding some job, but honestly started to like this extended vacation :)))) will be hard to go back to work lol
 
 

I’ve been meaning to write an update on the final stages of my K-1 visa experience. I’ve been in the US for four months now so I don’t know how helpful it is… However, I know that it helped me reading as many unique experiences as I could find, so I thought it might be worth writing a brief note of my personal experiences of the major milestones for me of the K-1. It’s really been a whirlwind since I entered the US, got married, and started settling into US life. I know I still have a long way to go but have already sorted out those early milestones - social security number, biometrics appointment, driving licence (it was somewhat of a DMV fiasco but I’m grateful that California has an AB60 to fit around the ‘you are a resident but only in the eyes of California’ grey area!) - and biding my time happily enough until my EAD arrives. 

Knightsbridge Medical - April 10th
I was grateful to have a 8.50am appointment, meaning I was one of the first to be seen. I arrived slightly early and alongside one of the reception staff, who was very pleasant and let me in to wait before I could officially register my arrival. I liked that the staff I dealt with were friendly, and the environment was sort of like a family doctor’s surgery. Thankfully being early in morning meant I was seen swiftly - and you can always use the waits in-between to supply that urine sample since there’s only one bathroom with a possible queue! People were seen in rotation, with my first appointment being the X-ray. I was met by a friendly lady, who made the process go smoothly and made me feel comfortable. After that was all completed swiftly, I was sent back to the waiting room for a short while. Next was the main appointment with a lovely, incredibly friendly male doctor who immediately put me ease. He looked at my documentation, essentially told me, “you have nothing to worry about, you’re an easy case”, and then went through his basic checks, chatting with me along the way. Again, I really felt like I was just seeing my regular GP! I have a history of depression and was concerned that it might cause an issue, but as I had that letter from my GP with the 'magic words', he told me I had all that I needed. I’d had a recent MMR jab via my GP - who told me that was all that they could supply - but the Knightsbridge doctor advised it was best to have the second jab to meet the required US standards. I knew that would come up, and I’d already decided to have any additional jabs they thought I’d need there and then so that my DS-3025 would be complete. So it was back to the waiting room one more time, before I was called to a third room to have the MMR jab (which cost £50). That process was over quickly too, and I was given a secondary slip to prove that had been completed (it was also documented on my DS-3025). After that, it was back to reception to receive my copies of the forms, make my payment of £350, and then head home. All in all I was in there for an hour and 40 minutes, and that flew by!


London Embassy - April 24th
My appointment at the embassy was for 9am. Even though I lived an hour’s train journey away from London, I commuted enough to know that trains can be very unreliable and I didn’t want to jeopardise not getting there in time! So I chose to stay at the Holiday Inn Express - Vauxhall Nine Elms, in order that I could be in easy walking distance and attempt to get a good night’s sleep beforehand (I recommend rooms at the back of the hotel to avoid traffic noise). I walked the route to the Embassy the night before, and it was bliss just to know I only had a short walk the following morning. Plus I found a handy Sainsbury’s only 5 minutes from the hotel. I admit I got a bit teary-eyed when I walked around the Embassy, seeing the US flag and knowing that I was finally reaching the last hurdles (at least of this first part of the process). It was also helpful to acquaint myself with the entrances - the South Pavilion Consular Services being at the very rear of the building from the main road.

On the morning of my appointment, I arrived 30 minutes early as the instructions advise. I’d read that some people who arrived early were left waiting outside once they’d been seen by the first ‘checkpoint’ ie that weird stand outside the security entrance, but I was let straight through. I had a bottle of water with me, intending to give it up if I was asked, but I was let through without needing to hand it over (though once inside the Embassy, I found out from talking with others that there’s a discrepancy whether they allow water or not). Next it was walking up to the reception desk inside the Embassy itself. A lady inside asked what time my appointment was, moved me up in the (short) queue, and then I got my papers checked and a nice big sticker put on the front of my passport (which includes your ticket number, floor you need, and which windows to wait outside). I headed up the lift to the Level 1, and met with the brand spanking new waiting area which essentially looks like a really clean Post Office with all the windowed booths on one side. After a quick visit to the bathroom* (head right from exiting the lifts to the edge of the area and keep on going right until you see them!) I was ready to go to the nicer, smaller area for the K-1 visas. This area is tucked round to the left as you come out of the lift. This waiting area was a bit more pleasant to feel tucked away, although as others have noted, there is zero privacy in these areas so you have to be prepared for everyone to hear what you’re saying!

As with my medical, being an early appointment may have helped with being seen quickly. First I went to one window, gave my fingerprints, handed over those required documents (ACRO, photos, birth certificate, choice of courier option**), along with the I-134. My fiancé was the sponsor, and I’d brought his tax returns and bank statements, but none of those were needed. The man handed me my envelope from Knightsbridge, and then I went back to the seats to wait for the main interview portion. Looking in the envelope which should contain the X-ray CD, I realised it was empty!! I managed to find another member of staff to ask about this, who said not to worry, and to tell the person who would interview me what to do about it. Not what I needed, but I knew that it should be something easily resolved. After a slightly longer wait - and trying not to listen to everyone else’s interviews! - I was called to a second window, and met with a friendly-looking lady. I was prepared to be asked a number of questions… After a few pleasantries, swearing an oath, and again fingerprinting, I was asked two simple questions - where does my fiancé live, and where did we meet. That was it. She told me, “I’m happy to approve your visa today” and I was almost agog that it was that simple. I had to ask her, “is there anything else?” and she met that with a smile, and said I was all done. I then asked her about my missing X-ray CD. She went away to try to find it, but to no avail. She recommended I get in touch with Knightsbridge to get my own copy***, since their records showed that they had everything they needed from me. And that was it! I made all my calls outside the Embassy, telling family the good news. All in all was in the Embassy for about 90 minutes, but the main part of the process was done within an hour. It was an amazing feeling to reach the end of a long wait (it had been 8 months since submitting the K-1), and start the countdown to leaving the country and the final preparations that entailed!

*On the way to the bathrooms I spotted a photo booth, which is helpful to anyone who doesn’t already have their US-sized photos.
**After reading some of the DX Group delivery horror stories on here, I decided to collect my documents directly from the depot. That personally gave me peace of mind, although I know I’m fortunate that the depot was a 30 minute drive from my home, which may not be the same for everyone who are otherwise forced to use the delivery option.
***I contacted Knightsbridge about my missing CD, who sent another CD to my home address to keep for my own personal records. Thankfully easily resolved!

POE at Los Angeles International - May 17th
Virgin Atlantic has always been my airline of choice to get to the USA, and using them as an airline for my regular trips to LA to see my fiancé had the added bonus of flying into Terminal 2 at LAX. This terminal is small (very short walk from the gate to the main area), which means that I’d often only have a short wait in their small immigration hall. On most journeys flying Premium Economy with carry-on, I could be off the plane and out of the airport within 15 minutes. After a tearful but heartwarming journey (as soon as the Virgin Atlantic staff realised I was leaving home to move and get married, they went out of their way to make my journey exceptional), I made the same journey to the immigration I’d now done many times before… but with the added heart-racing of knowing I was finally here but first had to get through the immigration hurdle. Once again, I had nothing to worry about. I had a very short wait to see an immigration officer, and handed him that large white envelope. He opened it up, looked through the documents briefly, then asked me to do the usual fingerprinting. He then made a note on the visa page of my passport of my entry date, and said to me, “you know the rules about how to fulfil your K-1 visa?”. I replied that I did, and told him I would soon be married. He then handed me back my passport, and gestured that he was finished. I was again flabbergasted that it was all done so quickly, and asked if he needed anything else from me. He said “no, you’re free to go”. Having psyched myself up that I might need to go to secondary questioning, this was a huge surprise…! I was out of the immigration and customs area so fast that my then-fiance was barely prepared for my arrival. It’s hard to explain the relief and exhilaration I felt to finally be able to stay with him without a countdown for either of us to leave, and to be able to continue together with the rest of our lives. The ongoing paperwork process since then has still has had its moments of stress, but it’s so much nicer to be able to do it with my husband at my side.

In hindsight it’s been strange to consider how anxious and stressed I was preparing for these events, and yet in reality they were such smooth sailing. As others advised, as long as you have your paperwork in order and no skeletons in your closet, there’s no reason why you’d have anything to worry about. However, these things are easier said than done, and it’s not until you’ve experienced them for yourself do you see what everyone means! 

I’ve been meaning to write an update on the final stages of my K-1 visa experience. I’ve been in the US for four months now so I don’t know how helpful it is… However, I know that it helped me reading as many unique experiences as I could find, so I thought it might be worth writing a brief note of my personal experiences of the major milestones for me of the K-1. It’s really been a whirlwind since I entered the US, got married, and started settling into US life. I know I still have a long way to go but have already sorted out those early milestones - social security number, biometrics appointment, driving licence (it was somewhat of a DMV fiasco but I’m grateful that California has an AB60 to fit around the ‘you are a resident but only in the eyes of California’ grey area!) - and biding my time happily enough until my EAD arrives. 

Knightsbridge Medical - April 10th
I was grateful to have a 8.50am appointment, meaning I was one of the first to be seen. I arrived slightly early and alongside one of the reception staff, who was very pleasant and let me in to wait before I could officially register my arrival. I liked that the staff I dealt with were friendly, and the environment was sort of like a family doctor’s surgery. Thankfully being early in morning meant I was seen swiftly - and you can always use the waits in-between to supply that urine sample since there’s only one bathroom with a possible queue! People were seen in rotation, with my first appointment being the X-ray. I was met by a friendly lady, who made the process go smoothly and made me feel comfortable. After that was all completed swiftly, I was sent back to the waiting room for a short while. Next was the main appointment with a lovely, incredibly friendly male doctor who immediately put me ease. He looked at my documentation, essentially told me, “you have nothing to worry about, you’re an easy case”, and then went through his basic checks, chatting with me along the way. Again, I really felt like I was just seeing my regular GP! I have a history of depression and was concerned that it might cause an issue, but as I had that letter from my GP with the 'magic words', he told me I had all that I needed. I’d had a recent MMR jab via my GP - who told me that was all that they could supply - but the Knightsbridge doctor advised it was best to have the second jab to meet the required US standards. I knew that would come up, and I’d already decided to have any additional jabs they thought I’d need there and then so that my DS-3025 would be complete. So it was back to the waiting room one more time, before I was called to a third room to have the MMR jab (which cost £50). That process was over quickly too, and I was given a secondary slip to prove that had been completed (it was also documented on my DS-3025). After that, it was back to reception to receive my copies of the forms, make my payment of £350, and then head home. All in all I was in there for an hour and 40 minutes, and that flew by!


London Embassy - April 24th
My appointment at the embassy was for 9am. Even though I lived an hour’s train journey away from London, I commuted enough to know that trains can be very unreliable and I didn’t want to jeopardise not getting there in time! So I chose to stay at the Holiday Inn Express - Vauxhall Nine Elms, in order that I could be in easy walking distance and attempt to get a good night’s sleep beforehand (I recommend rooms at the back of the hotel to avoid traffic noise). I walked the route to the Embassy the night before, and it was bliss just to know I only had a short walk the following morning. Plus I found a handy Sainsbury’s only 5 minutes from the hotel. I admit I got a bit teary-eyed when I walked around the Embassy, seeing the US flag and knowing that I was finally reaching the last hurdles (at least of this first part of the process). It was also helpful to acquaint myself with the entrances - the South Pavilion Consular Services being at the very rear of the building from the main road.

On the morning of my appointment, I arrived 30 minutes early as the instructions advise. I’d read that some people who arrived early were left waiting outside once they’d been seen by the first ‘checkpoint’ ie that weird stand outside the security entrance, but I was let straight through. I had a bottle of water with me, intending to give it up if I was asked, but I was let through without needing to hand it over (though once inside the Embassy, I found out from talking with others that there’s a discrepancy whether they allow water or not). Next it was walking up to the reception desk inside the Embassy itself. A lady inside asked what time my appointment was, moved me up in the (short) queue, and then I got my papers checked and a nice big sticker put on the front of my passport (which includes your ticket number, floor you need, and which windows to wait outside). I headed up the lift to the Level 1, and met with the brand spanking new waiting area which essentially looks like a really clean Post Office with all the windowed booths on one side. After a quick visit to the bathroom* (head right from exiting the lifts to the edge of the area and keep on going right until you see them!) I was ready to go to the nicer, smaller area for the K-1 visas. This area is tucked round to the left as you come out of the lift. This waiting area was a bit more pleasant to feel tucked away, although as others have noted, there is zero privacy in these areas so you have to be prepared for everyone to hear what you’re saying!

As with my medical, being an early appointment may have helped with being seen quickly. First I went to one window, gave my fingerprints, handed over those required documents (ACRO, photos, birth certificate, choice of courier option**), along with the I-134. My fiancé was the sponsor, and I’d brought his tax returns and bank statements, but none of those were needed. The man handed me my envelope from Knightsbridge, and then I went back to the seats to wait for the main interview portion. Looking in the envelope which should contain the X-ray CD, I realised it was empty!! I managed to find another member of staff to ask about this, who said not to worry, and to tell the person who would interview me what to do about it. Not what I needed, but I knew that it should be something easily resolved. After a slightly longer wait - and trying not to listen to everyone else’s interviews! - I was called to a second window, and met with a friendly-looking lady. I was prepared to be asked a number of questions… After a few pleasantries, swearing an oath, and again fingerprinting, I was asked two simple questions - where does my fiancé live, and where did we meet. That was it. She told me, “I’m happy to approve your visa today” and I was almost agog that it was that simple. I had to ask her, “is there anything else?” and she met that with a smile, and said I was all done. I then asked her about my missing X-ray CD. She went away to try to find it, but to no avail. She recommended I get in touch with Knightsbridge to get my own copy***, since their records showed that they had everything they needed from me. And that was it! I made all my calls outside the Embassy, telling family the good news. All in all was in the Embassy for about 90 minutes, but the main part of the process was done within an hour. It was an amazing feeling to reach the end of a long wait (it had been 8 months since submitting the K-1), and start the countdown to leaving the country and the final preparations that entailed!

*On the way to the bathrooms I spotted a photo booth, which is helpful to anyone who doesn’t already have their US-sized photos.
**After reading some of the DX Group delivery horror stories on here, I decided to collect my documents directly from the depot. That personally gave me peace of mind, although I know I’m fortunate that the depot was a 30 minute drive from my home, which may not be the same for everyone who are otherwise forced to use the delivery option.
***I contacted Knightsbridge about my missing CD, who sent another CD to my home address to keep for my own personal records. Thankfully easily resolved!

POE at Los Angeles International - May 17th
Virgin Atlantic has always been my airline of choice to get to the USA, and using them as an airline for my regular trips to LA to see my fiancé had the added bonus of flying into Terminal 2 at LAX. This terminal is small (very short walk from the gate to the main area), which means that I’d often only have a short wait in their small immigration hall. On most journeys flying Premium Economy with carry-on, I could be off the plane and out of the airport within 15 minutes. After a tearful but heartwarming journey (as soon as the Virgin Atlantic staff realised I was leaving home to move and get married, they went out of their way to make my journey exceptional), I made the same journey to the immigration I’d now done many times before… but with the added heart-racing of knowing I was finally here but first had to get through the immigration hurdle. Once again, I had nothing to worry about. I had a very short wait to see an immigration officer, and handed him that large white envelope. He opened it up, looked through the documents briefly, then asked me to do the usual fingerprinting. He then made a note on the visa page of my passport of my entry date, and said to me, “you know the rules about how to fulfil your K-1 visa?”. I replied that I did, and told him I would soon be married. He then handed me back my passport, and gestured that he was finished. I was again flabbergasted that it was all done so quickly, and asked if he needed anything else from me. He said “no, you’re free to go”. Having psyched myself up that I might need to go to secondary questioning, this was a huge surprise…! I was out of the immigration and customs area so fast that my then-fiance was barely prepared for my arrival. It’s hard to explain the relief and exhilaration I felt to finally be able to stay with him without a countdown for either of us to leave, and to be able to continue together with the rest of our lives. The ongoing paperwork process since then has still has had its moments of stress, but it’s so much nicer to be able to do it with my husband at my side.

In hindsight it’s been strange to consider how anxious and stressed I was preparing for these events, and yet in reality they were such smooth sailing. As others advised, as long as you have your paperwork in order and no skeletons in your closet, there’s no reason why you’d have anything to worry about. However, these things are easier said than done, and it’s not until you’ve experienced them for yourself do you see what everyone means! 

I’ve been meaning to write an update on the final stages of my K-1 visa experience. I’ve been in the US for four months now so I don’t know how helpful it is… However, I know that it helped me reading as many unique experiences as I could find, so I thought it might be worth writing a brief note of my personal experiences of the major milestones for me of the K-1. It’s really been a whirlwind since I entered the US, got married, and started settling into US life. I know I still have a long way to go but have already sorted out those early milestones - social security number, biometrics appointment, driving licence (it was somewhat of a DMV fiasco but I’m grateful that California has an AB60 to fit around the ‘you are a resident but only in the eyes of California’ grey area!) - and biding my time happily enough until my EAD arrives. 

Knightsbridge Medical - April 10th
I was grateful to have a 8.50am appointment, meaning I was one of the first to be seen. I arrived slightly early and alongside one of the reception staff, who was very pleasant and let me in to wait before I could officially register my arrival. I liked that the staff I dealt with were friendly, and the environment was sort of like a family doctor’s surgery. Thankfully being early in morning meant I was seen swiftly - and you can always use the waits in-between to supply that urine sample since there’s only one bathroom with a possible queue! People were seen in rotation, with my first appointment being the X-ray. I was met by a friendly lady, who made the process go smoothly and made me feel comfortable. After that was all completed swiftly, I was sent back to the waiting room for a short while. Next was the main appointment with a lovely, incredibly friendly male doctor who immediately put me ease. He looked at my documentation, essentially told me, “you have nothing to worry about, you’re an easy case”, and then went through his basic checks, chatting with me along the way. Again, I really felt like I was just seeing my regular GP! I have a history of depression and was concerned that it might cause an issue, but as I had that letter from my GP with the 'magic words', he told me I had all that I needed. I’d had a recent MMR jab via my GP - who told me that was all that they could supply - but the Knightsbridge doctor advised it was best to have the second jab to meet the required US standards. I knew that would come up, and I’d already decided to have any additional jabs they thought I’d need there and then so that my DS-3025 would be complete. So it was back to the waiting room one more time, before I was called to a third room to have the MMR jab (which cost £50). That process was over quickly too, and I was given a secondary slip to prove that had been completed (it was also documented on my DS-3025). After that, it was back to reception to receive my copies of the forms, make my payment of £350, and then head home. All in all I was in there for an hour and 40 minutes, and that flew by!


London Embassy - April 24th
My appointment at the embassy was for 9am. Even though I lived an hour’s train journey away from London, I commuted enough to know that trains can be very unreliable and I didn’t want to jeopardise not getting there in time! So I chose to stay at the Holiday Inn Express - Vauxhall Nine Elms, in order that I could be in easy walking distance and attempt to get a good night’s sleep beforehand (I recommend rooms at the back of the hotel to avoid traffic noise). I walked the route to the Embassy the night before, and it was bliss just to know I only had a short walk the following morning. Plus I found a handy Sainsbury’s only 5 minutes from the hotel. I admit I got a bit teary-eyed when I walked around the Embassy, seeing the US flag and knowing that I was finally reaching the last hurdles (at least of this first part of the process). It was also helpful to acquaint myself with the entrances - the South Pavilion Consular Services being at the very rear of the building from the main road.

On the morning of my appointment, I arrived 30 minutes early as the instructions advise. I’d read that some people who arrived early were left waiting outside once they’d been seen by the first ‘checkpoint’ ie that weird stand outside the security entrance, but I was let straight through. I had a bottle of water with me, intending to give it up if I was asked, but I was let through without needing to hand it over (though once inside the Embassy, I found out from talking with others that there’s a discrepancy whether they allow water or not). Next it was walking up to the reception desk inside the Embassy itself. A lady inside asked what time my appointment was, moved me up in the (short) queue, and then I got my papers checked and a nice big sticker put on the front of my passport (which includes your ticket number, floor you need, and which windows to wait outside). I headed up the lift to the Level 1, and met with the brand spanking new waiting area which essentially looks like a really clean Post Office with all the windowed booths on one side. After a quick visit to the bathroom* (head right from exiting the lifts to the edge of the area and keep on going right until you see them!) I was ready to go to the nicer, smaller area for the K-1 visas. This area is tucked round to the left as you come out of the lift. This waiting area was a bit more pleasant to feel tucked away, although as others have noted, there is zero privacy in these areas so you have to be prepared for everyone to hear what you’re saying!

As with my medical, being an early appointment may have helped with being seen quickly. First I went to one window, gave my fingerprints, handed over those required documents (ACRO, photos, birth certificate, choice of courier option**), along with the I-134. My fiancé was the sponsor, and I’d brought his tax returns and bank statements, but none of those were needed. The man handed me my envelope from Knightsbridge, and then I went back to the seats to wait for the main interview portion. Looking in the envelope which should contain the X-ray CD, I realised it was empty!! I managed to find another member of staff to ask about this, who said not to worry, and to tell the person who would interview me what to do about it. Not what I needed, but I knew that it should be something easily resolved. After a slightly longer wait - and trying not to listen to everyone else’s interviews! - I was called to a second window, and met with a friendly-looking lady. I was prepared to be asked a number of questions… After a few pleasantries, swearing an oath, and again fingerprinting, I was asked two simple questions - where does my fiancé live, and where did we meet. That was it. She told me, “I’m happy to approve your visa today” and I was almost agog that it was that simple. I had to ask her, “is there anything else?” and she met that with a smile, and said I was all done. I then asked her about my missing X-ray CD. She went away to try to find it, but to no avail. She recommended I get in touch with Knightsbridge to get my own copy***, since their records showed that they had everything they needed from me. And that was it! I made all my calls outside the Embassy, telling family the good news. All in all was in the Embassy for about 90 minutes, but the main part of the process was done within an hour. It was an amazing feeling to reach the end of a long wait (it had been 8 months since submitting the K-1), and start the countdown to leaving the country and the final preparations that entailed!

*On the way to the bathrooms I spotted a photo booth, which is helpful to anyone who doesn’t already have their US-sized photos.
**After reading some of the DX Group delivery horror stories on here, I decided to collect my documents directly from the depot. That personally gave me peace of mind, although I know I’m fortunate that the depot was a 30 minute drive from my home, which may not be the same for everyone who are otherwise forced to use the delivery option.
***I contacted Knightsbridge about my missing CD, who sent another CD to my home address to keep for my own personal records. Thankfully easily resolved!

POE at Los Angeles International - May 17th
Virgin Atlantic has always been my airline of choice to get to the USA, and using them as an airline for my regular trips to LA to see my fiancé had the added bonus of flying into Terminal 2 at LAX. This terminal is small (very short walk from the gate to the main area), which means that I’d often only have a short wait in their small immigration hall. On most journeys flying Premium Economy with carry-on, I could be off the plane and out of the airport within 15 minutes. After a tearful but heartwarming journey (as soon as the Virgin Atlantic staff realised I was leaving home to move and get married, they went out of their way to make my journey exceptional), I made the same journey to the immigration I’d now done many times before… but with the added heart-racing of knowing I was finally here but first had to get through the immigration hurdle. Once again, I had nothing to worry about. I had a very short wait to see an immigration officer, and handed him that large white envelope. He opened it up, looked through the documents briefly, then asked me to do the usual fingerprinting. He then made a note on the visa page of my passport of my entry date, and said to me, “you know the rules about how to fulfil your K-1 visa?”. I replied that I did, and told him I would soon be married. He then handed me back my passport, and gestured that he was finished. I was again flabbergasted that it was all done so quickly, and asked if he needed anything else from me. He said “no, you’re free to go”. Having psyched myself up that I might need to go to secondary questioning, this was a huge surprise…! I was out of the immigration and customs area so fast that my then-fiance was barely prepared for my arrival. It’s hard to explain the relief and exhilaration I felt to finally be able to stay with him without a countdown for either of us to leave, and to be able to continue together with the rest of our lives. The ongoing paperwork process since then has still has had its moments of stress, but it’s so much nicer to be able to do it with my husband at my side.

In hindsight it’s been strange to consider how anxious and stressed I was preparing for these events, and yet in reality they were such smooth sailing. As others advised, as long as you have your paperwork in order and no skeletons in your closet, there’s no reason why you’d have anything to worry about. However, these things are easier said than done, and it’s not until you’ve experienced them for yourself do you see what everyone means! 

I’ve been meaning to write an update on the final stages of my K-1 visa experience. I’ve been in the US for four months now so I don’t know how helpful it is… However, I know that it helped me reading as many unique experiences as I could find, so I thought it might be worth writing a brief note of my personal experiences of the major milestones for me of the K-1. It’s really been a whirlwind since I entered the US, got married, and started settling into US life. I know I still have a long way to go but have already sorted out those early milestones - social security number, biometrics appointment, driving licence (it was somewhat of a DMV fiasco but I’m grateful that California has an AB60 to fit around the ‘you are a resident but only in the eyes of California’ grey area!) - and biding my time happily enough until my EAD arrives. 

Knightsbridge Medical - April 10th
I was grateful to have a 8.50am appointment, meaning I was one of the first to be seen. I arrived slightly early and alongside one of the reception staff, who was very pleasant and let me in to wait before I could officially register my arrival. I liked that the staff I dealt with were friendly, and the environment was sort of like a family doctor’s surgery. Thankfully being early in morning meant I was seen swiftly - and you can always use the waits in-between to supply that urine sample since there’s only one bathroom with a possible queue! People were seen in rotation, with my first appointment being the X-ray. I was met by a friendly lady, who made the process go smoothly and made me feel comfortable. After that was all completed swiftly, I was sent back to the waiting room for a short while. Next was the main appointment with a lovely, incredibly friendly male doctor who immediately put me ease. He looked at my documentation, essentially told me, “you have nothing to worry about, you’re an easy case”, and then went through his basic checks, chatting with me along the way. Again, I really felt like I was just seeing my regular GP! I have a history of depression and was concerned that it might cause an issue, but as I had that letter from my GP with the 'magic words', he told me I had all that I needed. I’d had a recent MMR jab via my GP - who told me that was all that they could supply - but the Knightsbridge doctor advised it was best to have the second jab to meet the required US standards. I knew that would come up, and I’d already decided to have any additional jabs they thought I’d need there and then so that my DS-3025 would be complete. So it was back to the waiting room one more time, before I was called to a third room to have the MMR jab (which cost £50). That process was over quickly too, and I was given a secondary slip to prove that had been completed (it was also documented on my DS-3025). After that, it was back to reception to receive my copies of the forms, make my payment of £350, and then head home. All in all I was in there for an hour and 40 minutes, and that flew by!


London Embassy - April 24th
My appointment at the embassy was for 9am. Even though I lived an hour’s train journey away from London, I commuted enough to know that trains can be very unreliable and I didn’t want to jeopardise not getting there in time! So I chose to stay at the Holiday Inn Express - Vauxhall Nine Elms, in order that I could be in easy walking distance and attempt to get a good night’s sleep beforehand (I recommend rooms at the back of the hotel to avoid traffic noise). I walked the route to the Embassy the night before, and it was bliss just to know I only had a short walk the following morning. Plus I found a handy Sainsbury’s only 5 minutes from the hotel. I admit I got a bit teary-eyed when I walked around the Embassy, seeing the US flag and knowing that I was finally reaching the last hurdles (at least of this first part of the process). It was also helpful to acquaint myself with the entrances - the South Pavilion Consular Services being at the very rear of the building from the main road.

On the morning of my appointment, I arrived 30 minutes early as the instructions advise. I’d read that some people who arrived early were left waiting outside once they’d been seen by the first ‘checkpoint’ ie that weird stand outside the security entrance, but I was let straight through. I had a bottle of water with me, intending to give it up if I was asked, but I was let through without needing to hand it over (though once inside the Embassy, I found out from talking with others that there’s a discrepancy whether they allow water or not). Next it was walking up to the reception desk inside the Embassy itself. A lady inside asked what time my appointment was, moved me up in the (short) queue, and then I got my papers checked and a nice big sticker put on the front of my passport (which includes your ticket number, floor you need, and which windows to wait outside). I headed up the lift to the Level 1, and met with the brand spanking new waiting area which essentially looks like a really clean Post Office with all the windowed booths on one side. After a quick visit to the bathroom* (head right from exiting the lifts to the edge of the area and keep on going right until you see them!) I was ready to go to the nicer, smaller area for the K-1 visas. This area is tucked round to the left as you come out of the lift. This waiting area was a bit more pleasant to feel tucked away, although as others have noted, there is zero privacy in these areas so you have to be prepared for everyone to hear what you’re saying!

As with my medical, being an early appointment may have helped with being seen quickly. First I went to one window, gave my fingerprints, handed over those required documents (ACRO, photos, birth certificate, choice of courier option**), along with the I-134. My fiancé was the sponsor, and I’d brought his tax returns and bank statements, but none of those were needed. The man handed me my envelope from Knightsbridge, and then I went back to the seats to wait for the main interview portion. Looking in the envelope which should contain the X-ray CD, I realised it was empty!! I managed to find another member of staff to ask about this, who said not to worry, and to tell the person who would interview me what to do about it. Not what I needed, but I knew that it should be something easily resolved. After a slightly longer wait - and trying not to listen to everyone else’s interviews! - I was called to a second window, and met with a friendly-looking lady. I was prepared to be asked a number of questions… After a few pleasantries, swearing an oath, and again fingerprinting, I was asked two simple questions - where does my fiancé live, and where did we meet. That was it. She told me, “I’m happy to approve your visa today” and I was almost agog that it was that simple. I had to ask her, “is there anything else?” and she met that with a smile, and said I was all done. I then asked her about my missing X-ray CD. She went away to try to find it, but to no avail. She recommended I get in touch with Knightsbridge to get my own copy***, since their records showed that they had everything they needed from me. And that was it! I made all my calls outside the Embassy, telling family the good news. All in all was in the Embassy for about 90 minutes, but the main part of the process was done within an hour. It was an amazing feeling to reach the end of a long wait (it had been 8 months since submitting the K-1), and start the countdown to leaving the country and the final preparations that entailed!

*On the way to the bathrooms I spotted a photo booth, which is helpful to anyone who doesn’t already have their US-sized photos.
**After reading some of the DX Group delivery horror stories on here, I decided to collect my documents directly from the depot. That personally gave me peace of mind, although I know I’m fortunate that the depot was a 30 minute drive from my home, which may not be the same for everyone who are otherwise forced to use the delivery option.
***I contacted Knightsbridge about my missing CD, who sent another CD to my home address to keep for my own personal records. Thankfully easily resolved!

POE at Los Angeles International - May 17th
Virgin Atlantic has always been my airline of choice to get to the USA, and using them as an airline for my regular trips to LA to see my fiancé had the added bonus of flying into Terminal 2 at LAX. This terminal is small (very short walk from the gate to the main area), which means that I’d often only have a short wait in their small immigration hall. On most journeys flying Premium Economy with carry-on, I could be off the plane and out of the airport within 15 minutes. After a tearful but heartwarming journey (as soon as the Virgin Atlantic staff realised I was leaving home to move and get married, they went out of their way to make my journey exceptional), I made the same journey to the immigration I’d now done many times before… but with the added heart-racing of knowing I was finally here but first had to get through the immigration hurdle. Once again, I had nothing to worry about. I had a very short wait to see an immigration officer, and handed him that large white envelope. He opened it up, looked through the documents briefly, then asked me to do the usual fingerprinting. He then made a note on the visa page of my passport of my entry date, and said to me, “you know the rules about how to fulfil your K-1 visa?”. I replied that I did, and told him I would soon be married. He then handed me back my passport, and gestured that he was finished. I was again flabbergasted that it was all done so quickly, and asked if he needed anything else from me. He said “no, you’re free to go”. Having psyched myself up that I might need to go to secondary questioning, this was a huge surprise…! I was out of the immigration and customs area so fast that my then-fiance was barely prepared for my arrival. It’s hard to explain the relief and exhilaration I felt to finally be able to stay with him without a countdown for either of us to leave, and to be able to continue together with the rest of our lives. The ongoing paperwork process since then has still has had its moments of stress, but it’s so much nicer to be able to do it with my husband at my side.

In hindsight it’s been strange to consider how anxious and stressed I was preparing for these events, and yet in reality they were such smooth sailing. As others advised, as long as you have your paperwork in order and no skeletons in your closet, there’s no reason why you’d have anything to worry about. However, these things are easier said than done, and it’s not until you’ve experienced them for yourself do you see what everyone means! 

Hello to everyone on this thread! I've just spent ages catching up on everyone's posts until I decided to chime in... I've been here since mid-May, married June 1st and had my NOA1 on 20th July. It's amazing to me that some people have already had interviews! Congratulations to those people. I'm in the Los Angeles area, so I'm not holding my breath to get my interview anytime soon. I had my biometrics done in August and my case status changed to 'ready to be scheduled' since August 17th but no change since then. I'd resigned myself that I wouldn't get my EAD or AP until at least late November or early December, but if those are coming sooner that would be a blessing. I would love to be able to go home for Christmas, but I'm not planning anything until I have the AP in hand! 
 
I've seen a few people mention getting their driving licences, and it's odd how much it differs from state to state. California is the same pain as that once your I-94 expires, you're back in limboland in the DMV's eyes... I even called California Highway Patrol to ask their thoughts on driving on a UK licence, but they advised I can't. You're a California resident in their eyes, and so you must have a California licence (though the man I spoke to was so friendly and recognised the absurd situation). Thankfully there is the AB60 option. I have that licence, and I'll explain how I got it! 
 
I initially had quite a fiasco with the DMV (after spending four hours waiting/being seen on my first visit) but I was able to apply for a temporary licence within my i-94 window. I had my written test during my first visit and passed, and was very lucky in being able to find a practical test slot two weeks later. I'd already been driving my husband's car during my previous visits to him (on my UK licence) but wanted to make sure I was able to drive to the California test standard, so I took a few lessons with an instructor so that I'd feel more confident and also know how to pass the test. Thankfully I managed to pass first time! BUT, after passing my test I really only had two weeks of a licence before that would expire. This is when I put in three separate calls to the main DMV call centre, and they helped me clear up what I could do. Each person I spoke to was well aware of this limbo issue for certain visas, and were helpful in how I could resolve the problem. 

California DMV won't accept any other form of verification that you are legally within the US until your EAD is ready, in order to get a regular licence (or the new RealID). They do however provide the AB60 licence, which functions similarly to a regular driving licence with limitations ie you can't use it to fly (which is no problem if you have a passport), or for work authorisation. If you can provide the DMV with your passport, SSN, and proof of residence, you should be able to get an AB60 with no problem. I'd read that there is a secondary review which can take a long time, but twice upon talking to the DMV over the phone, they told me that I had enough documentation to successfully get the AB60 - but I had to go to a specific driving licence processing centre to get that ie not every local office can process it. Fortunately there was one processing centre only a short drive from me, so I went there to prepare to wait hours again. Thankfully I was done in 90 minutes! I'd brought my passport, current temporary licence (that had just expired), SSN card with the slip including my address, bank statements, and even my marriage and birth certificate in case they needed those. All that I needed to show them again was my passport, SSN card and bank statements for proof of residency. And that was it. I received my California licence in the mail just over a week later, and it's been a blessing to have it. My husband and I are looking to buy a new car, and just having that licence with me has been such a help. Once I receive my EAD, I just need to go back to the DMV again to swap the licence for a RealID. 

I hope this information helps anyone else in a similar situation, although it might be that you can now hold out for the EAD if these really might be with us by next month!