garyandkris

Gary was approved this morning!

We've been worrying that he'd be denied and have to file a 601 waiver due to a past conviction. Details about that are in a waiver forum thread I've just updated.

The thing that ended up giving him the most trouble was his name change. He's been using the name Gary since he was two weeks old, though his birth certificate says Mark. In packet 3, they state that you must show proof of early adoption of a name, such as a baptismal certificate, which is what he brought with him to the interview along with his birth certificate. The woman at the first window tried to tell him this wasn't acceptable, and he argued with her for a few minutes until she called someone to ask about it. It turned out alright in the end, but he's going to get a Deed Poll before he leaves the UK in case we need it for AOS.

If your name's ever been changed, it's extremely important that you have a subject access report listing every name you've used, even if the name change was done when you were an infant or child. They told Gary a number of interviewees with early name changes didn't realize this and had to reapply for subject access, which delayed their approvals by a month or more.

His interview was for 8:30, so he arrived at 7:20, and there was already quite a queue. People who didn't have appointments until 10:00 and 11:00 were already lining up. It took him 50 minutes to get through the queue and security. He was called to the first window at 8:25, where he handed in all his documents. He wasn't called to the second window for the interview until 9:45. The interview itself took less than five minutes. He was asked almost nothing beyond why his name had changed and what the circumstances behind his offense and caution were.

Gary said he gave very short answers because he didn't realize that this was the actual interview until she told him he'd been approved.

Now, if they can only get his passport back to him in time for his flight to Phoenix, we'll both be over the moon.

I'm updating this old thread because my husband's interview was today. I hate it when people don't come back and report what the outcome was, because I think it helps the people who come after you.

Gary was approved! His interview took about five minutes. The ConOff looked at his police report and asked him about the two incidents. He doesn't think she more than glanced at the court record for his conviction/fine, a letter we'd gotten from the Freedom of Information records office concerning the circumstances of his caution, or the addendum Laurel Scott had prepared for us.

It still hasn't sunk it yet that he doesn't need a waiver. I'm in denial over an approval.

When Chris was preparing for his interview he read on the embassy site that you couldn't. So he had the hotel store it for him.

Thanks. I don't know how I managed to miss that info on the embassy site; I could have sworn I had it all memorized by now. I've just phoned his hotel to let him know, so I'm hoping they let him keep his bag there.

My husband's staying at a hotel tonight and will have to check out before his interview early tomorrow morning. This may seem like a silly question, but will they let him take his overnight bag into the embassy with him? Or is there someplace he could stash it until after the interview's over?

Hi all,

In 2005 I was denied entry to the US on account of the fact that could not show strong enough ties to the UK. I was later allowed to fly a few days later when I showed proof of a job to return to, enough money, etc.

Now, my question is - we have been totally honest on our I-129F submission. I stated on there that I was once denied entry on these grounds. I also ticked the appropriate box on one of the forms I submitted. Will I be specifically asked about this?

Is it a scenario that has happened to other people here? What sort of questions where you asked at the interview about it?

Does anyone have any opinions or advice on this?

Keith

I've seen this come up a quite a few times on these boards. Yes, they are likely to ask you about the denial, but, no, it won't cause you any problems. Just be honest as you have been all along. Lots of people are denied at POE for similar reasons, and it isn't a big deal.

I sincerely hope that this program's an overwhelming success, and that they'll start to implement similar programs in other countries in a few years. Anything that speeds up the waiver process and spares people the pain of separation from their loved ones can only be a good thing.

I agree 100%. So far it has been successful. Too bad they couldn't also put something into place to address those of us who have already been waiting for 6 months and were not eligible to be included in this program simply due to the start date

US Immigration only seems to make things retroactive when it suits them. I know the wait times for waivers at CDJ are terrible. Any idea when you can expect to hear something? I hope it's soon.

It sounds like a good sign to me, too, and I hope he gets some good news when he goes in Monday. As to why they've asked him to come in to the embassy, if they haven't specifically asked him to bring something, maybe they're missing his signature from one of the documents? I hope whatever it is, it's minor.

I sincerely hope that this program's an overwhelming success, and that they'll start to implement similar programs in other countries in a few years. Anything that speeds up the waiver process and spares people the pain of separation from their loved ones can only be a good thing.

Years ago, I couldn't imagine buying a pre-made, pre-packed sandwich, and I was a bit dubious of them when I first saw them in the UK, but I loved Pret. However, if you live in the North East US, especially New York or Philly, you should buy your sandwiches, freshly made, from a real Italian deli, someplace that gets fresh rolls in all day or bakes their own. Prepackaged bread in the US is for the most part horrendous, though my husband's discovered the delights of real rye bread, which isn't hideously sweet or fluffy.

The thing I'm continually disappointed with in the States is the lack of veggie sandwiches. It seems as if just about every place I go offers one option that contains more cheese than I should eat in a week. And the ketchup is like candy. I avoid it when going out, but have found a few organic brands I use at home that contain much less sweetener.

And corn syrup is evil.

Wow, sorry this has happened. On the plus side, it's amazing that you got through to anyone at CSC, let alone a manager, without the intervention of your Congressman. How on earth did you manage that?

No matter what anyone here advises you, the most important thing for you to do now is consult a qualified, experienced immigration attorney. This is much too complicated and there is too much at stake for you to do it alone. Although you may be very fearful of bad lawyers, one highly highly recommended for waivers is Laurel Scott www.visacentral.net. You can do a phone or email consult with her first to get her thoughts on your case and to guide you on the waiver process. Good luck.

Unfortunately Laurel's website says she's not taking any new cases until May. The OP might be able to get a consult with her at least, though.

LilQueen, I can't quite wrap my head around various events and the dates they occurred in your case. You might want to try to devise a simpler timeline to aid both yourself and anyone who tries to help you. It sounds as if the woman at the Embassy may have been confused about the timeline as well. I can't tell when you might have been considered out of status.

You should definitely talk things over with a lawyer and try to get a clearer picture of things. You may also want to hire one to put together your waiver application. I know it doesn't feel like it now, but having to file a waiver isn't the end of the world, and London has a pretty good approval rate.

I know you must be feeling crushed, and I'm very sorry to hear about your denial. My husband's interview is in a few days, and we may be required to file a waiver as well, though not for an overstay ban. We're lucky in that we know we might have a problem ahead of time, but it will still be a blow if he's denied.

I hope you can get some clarity on your situation over the next few days. All the information about waivers can be overwhelming at first. If you haven't done so already, you might want to check out the waiver forums at http://www.immigrate2us.net/forum/portal.php . The site can be extremely slooooooooow, but it's also very helpful. There are a lot of people there who have gone through or are going through the waiver process for overstays.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you keep us updated on how things progress with your case.

I had absolutely no idea what to do when we started, and sought advice from my Senator. His aids advised us to go the K-3 route, which is what I have done, though it seems a lot of people don't like this method now that I read this site

Well, the K-3 is still faster once the I-129F's been approved because it doesn't hang around at the NVC for months, but many feel it's not a big enough difference to make up for the benefits you get with a CR1.

The thing I find most annoying is that you must file the I-130 before you can file an I-129F. I filed before they made the announcement that they would be holding I-130s if there was an approved I-129F petition. We assumed when we were filing that we would be able to decide which path to take later in the process. Now we don't see the CR1 as an option because we'd have to file a motion of action, shell out a couple hundred more dollars, and wait another six months or so for our approved I-130 to start being processed again.

I'm sure the K-3 was a godsend years ago, but now it's a bit of an albatross.

Quick question.... as I am noticing - I think we are behind on getting back packet 4. We sent packet 3 back like March 19th. Could someone please explain to me how to go about calling the state department? Or what should I do. We were kind of hoping for an interview around May 10th, which is looking like it won't happen!!

State Department Visa line: (001 if calling from the UK) 202-663-1225 Press 1, 0, then 0 again to avoid the long, boring recorded messages. Explain why your calling, they'll ask for your case number, and then they'll tell you your status. They're open during normal business hours, East Coast time, I think, so you'll have to wait until tomorrow to ring them.

Each time I've called, they've been nothing but pleasant, and I haven't had to wait more than five minutes to talk to an actual person. Hope they give you some good news.

I've flown from London to Phoenix and back loads of times, and I've always ended up with BA. They have a direct flight that is often cheaper than flights with stopovers. 17 May flights currently have a price of about £230 each way, with taxes and fees included.

I've never managed to find a one way flight that was cheaper than a round trip when I've wanted one.

has anybody been through this process in this way? how long did it take the uk visit for marriage visa to come through ? how long was the k3 process? overall timeline?

thanks in advance x x

I went through the UK fiance visa process a few years ago. It was fairly painless compared to the US K-1 process, and it only took two months. I didn't have to go through an interview, just filled out the online forms ( http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/Welcome.htm ), mailed in supporting information and my passport, and they mailed me back the visa. You can also set up an appointment to apply in person for your visa at the Chicago, New York, or Los Angeles British embassies, and they can issue the visa the same day, though there might be unexpected delays. You might want to check out the forums at http://www.americanexpats.co.uk/index.htm and also http://www.britain-info.org/index.asp the British Embassy's US site.

You can click the "Immigration Timelines" link above to see how long the K-3 process has taken at various times and for varying countries. In our case, the process from filing to interview has taken roughly seven months. YMMV.

We had to file the I-601 because when he was 17yrs old he took a casette tape from woolworth on a dare from a friend and got caught and got a 50pound fine. So they denied us the K-3 because of that so then we had to file the I-601 to get the K-3. see we got married 5yrs ago in the US then moved to England for 3yrs and then we came to the US in jan of 05. I'm afraid I knew nothing of DCF at the time or we would have done that. So we went way around the block. The I-601 is for police records and I think the I-212 is for overstays. You have 180days after your K-1 expires before your an overstay and fall under a 3yr ban from the US I believe.

Flower, I'm not sure why your husband was required to file a waiver in the first place. If he was convicted of one CiMT (such as theft) under the age of 18, he would fall under the first of the ineligibilities exception clauses if five or more years have passed since.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/ineligib...Ineligibilities

You may want to prepare a short brief or have a lawyer prepare one for you explaining why your husband falls under this exception. Your husband could take that to his CR1 interview and attach it as an amendment to his DS230.

My husband will hopefully be flying into Phoenix on the 7th, but he bought a flexible ticket just in case. He's flying BA because they're the only carrier with a direct flight from London to Phoenix.

BA's food was yummy years ago, but now it's mostly inedible. You used to get tasty finger sandwiches and surprisingly decent tea as a snack, and the veggie meals were consistently good. Now every vegetarian meal I have on one of their flights tastes like charcoal and dirt, and the lovely finger sandwiches have been replaced by cold baps with a slice of half-frozen cheese and a sad greenish tomato. Blecth. I bring my own food now.

I was actively watching this fourm last year as I was awaiting for my petition.

Following are my observations:

1. Some people are "cry babies", I noticed many who would start crying if they don't get NOA in timely matter, the fact is when you are in international relationship you have to bare. No crying....

2. After while many people feel that they are on top of the world, and many provide very useful information.

e.g. Aussie : read her response, always helps, her tricks works, you can cut time by following her steps

Yordak: don't read his posts, he don't contribute by providing useful info but still want to advise (mostly his belief), don't answers to reader's questions but questions them in return.

3. Some times lying is helpful. If you are little short on your resources make them up, learn from other people's mistakes and lie effectivly.

4. Don't spend too much time on this forum as you will only get deppressed.

5. Some people are very dumb, ask questions that are already answered. Do research "slobbbbbs"

6. Learn how to spell or use spell checker. ( I have made some spell errors find it)

Is this a joke? If so, your troll-fu is strong.

I have been actively watching this forum for the last seven months as I've been waiting for visa approval.

The following are my observations:

1. Some people are "whiners". I've noticed many who start whining if they don't like what others have posted. The fact is that when you are a member of a discussion forum, you have to put up with opinions that are contrary to your own. No whining....

2. After a while, many people feel that they have learned enough about the visa process so far that their knowledge may be helpful to others who are just starting out. Some posters may appear gruff in style, but the ultimate goal of their posting is to aid newer members.

3. Most of the time, lying will come back to bite you in the a** at some point later in the process. If you decide to lie to immigration about something, you must accept the possible negative consequences.

4. Don't spend too much time obsessing over the negative stories on this forum or you will only get depressed. Do spend time both sharing your immigration experiences with and encouraging others.

5. Some people are new to both this forum and internet forums in general, and they haven't acquired the search skills necessary to find answers to all their questions. It's a minor annoyance to see the same questions asked repeatedly, but the search function isn't perfect, and many don't even realize it's there until they've been on the boards a while.

6. Who cares if a word or two is misspelled in a post as long as you understand the meaning? English isn't everyone's first language, and we all make mistakes when posting, especially if we're in a hurry.

7. I like cookies.

Congratulations!

What is it with passport pictures? My husband looks like a serial killer in his, and I look sloshed. I was sure some worker at CSC would take one look at the photos and stamp a big red "NOT A CHANCE!" across our petitions.

MargotDarko, sorry if this is OT, but you mentioned people being resident in the UK for at least 11 months before you can do DCF. I had a 2 year LLR visa which began in December 2004. In September, 2006, when I called the UK embassy helpline and then the USCIS London office, they told me I wouldn't be eligible for DCF until I received ILR in January. If I attempted to file directly, the forms would be sent back and I wouldn't receive a refund.

I'm slightly annoyed to find that I might have been able to stay in the UK with my husband while this process was going on. We've received bad information several times from the embassy, with the not-much-help-line being the main source of misinformation. They actually told us on three different occasions that my husband should enter the US on the VWP and then adjust status. The third time we rang, we asked what we should said at the POE, and they advised us to lie. Brilliant.

Ah, well. It's all water under the bridge now, I suppose.

I have a very oily skin and an acne problem. Every product I buy for acne (obvioulsy they're oil free) works fine for my skin, like Neutrogena or Clean & Clear. I've been using them for a while and I feel they help preventing future break outs and controlling the oil.

But since I'm not 16 anymore I was starting to look for an anti-aging product and I've been having problems with the fact that, even though they say ''oil-free'' and ''don't clog pores'', I feel my skin very oily after I put the product on and my acne keep appearing. So I keep going back to using oil-free acne prevention products.

My question is, do any of you have the same problem and/or know about any product that is not only anti-aging but also help preventing acne? Or am I asking too much?

Are all grown up women that want to prevent wrinkles or other aging effects acne free? Am I the only person in the world that keeps having acne problems after being an adult?

Because I keep looking for all types of products and I can find a variety of them, but they're all good either for acne or they're anti-aging, anti-wrinkle.

Any help is welcome.

I think we have the same skin type. I'm in my thirties, but have the skin of a teenager, which is both a blessing and a curse. Most moisturizers and sunscreens turn my face into an oil slick and/or make me break out.

The most important anti-aging thing you can use is sunscreen, even if, like me, you never burn. Some sunscreens contain zinc, which will help with acne and excess oil. I'm currently using Biore pore minimizing something-or-other with SPF 15, though I'm not really sure what's in it. I went through about half a dozen moisturizers since I returned to the States, and that's the only one I've liked so far.

I also love Alpha Hydrox products, but they can be harder to find. They dissolve the top layer of dead skin cells, clearing pores and lessening fine lines. They can cause irritation, however, and you must use sunscreen while using any alpha hydroxy acid product.

I think oily skin turns into a blessing as you get older. Your body produces its own moisturizer, so you don't have to worry as much about anti-aging stuff.

Definately as a tourist...

First time when I went as a student they gave me a hard time, took me about 45 minutes to get passed the officer, as she was grilling me with questions...

Just don't want to be repeated...

I went back to the UK as a tourist four days after my Limited Leave to Remain expired to visit my husband over Christmas. I had no problems at the UK POE; in fact, the official was quite sympathetic once he found out my husband was in US immigration limbo. :-) I was staying in the UK for three weeks and was only asked a couple of questions regarding my LLR and why I'd let it expire.

Perhaps it was in my favor that I had done things the "correct" way in the past by obtaining a fiance visa and LLR, and the immigration official took that as a sign that I wouldn't try to stay in the country illegally. Who knows?

You'll need to file a 601 waiver. You might find this site helpful: http://www.vaclib.org/legal/immigration.htm#immigration Scroll down to "Vaccination Requirements".

I think the passport photo will be okay. Neither mine nor my husbands were exactly 2 by 2 because they were cut slightly wrong by the store clerk , and we didn't have any problems with our petitions.