Uzume

Thanks folks - yes, it really is exciting - the final (ish - apart from AOS) hurdle is in sight and our "fingers crossed" plans will soon become firm and binding ones :-)

This is the best feeling so far, only to be topped by the feeling of getting the visa in my hand I imagine.

WOO HOO HOO HOO!

I can't sleep I'm so excited. It's 3am and I've got that hungover without drinking feeling

BBFN (looking forward to hearing about your interview date blspicer - good luck with that).

I want to take my friend with me for moral support when I go for my interview - is this allowed?

Thanks

JD

Received in the mail, 31st August - how exciting is THAT??

Anyone else going to US Embassy in London that day? GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!

I'm so excited that I can't spill praperly iny moar!

Hahahaha

xxx

Why would you feel you had to hide your Bra???? its just an item of clothing, I am sure everyone there has seen a Bra at some time in there life.... would you hide a bikini top too if you were carrying that??

Kez

Well, not everyone feels the same way - do they Kez? I didn't like it and would have appreciated being informed of where I was going next. You don't feel that way so - good for you!

RE part of the process:

Unfortunately, yes it is and were it not so important I would have walked out. I think it's a shame that this means people can treat you how they want to. I know if I worked somewhere people had no choice but to attend to be with their loved ones I would be very friendly and sensitive to the process. I would have been before going through it myself, but then I've always workied in caring professions and not money making ones.

I also got a bit sick of the doctor regularly slagging off the NHS when my NHS doctor is fantastic and always apologises when she is running late etc and listens to me.

Anyway, enough said, I really just wanted to warn the privacy conscious amongst us, of which I am sure I'm not the only one.

Onwards and upards then ;-)

Good luck to eveyone yet to go for the medical and interview.

Immigrants are put through medical checks in order to protect the US public from infectious diseases and also to ensure that the immigrant is healthy, i.e. is not likely to become a public charge due to serious illness, or to protect the US public from people with dangerous mental health problems, drug addictions, alcohol addiction, etc. These checks aren't for you at all...they're for us, and they're important. You may find it degrading, but it is essential and it's only fair for everyone to be put through them.

There are so few physicians doing the checks probably because it's a nice little earner and a guaranteed source of revenue for whoever does them. Also, the technical instructions for conducting the checks are so precise that it's probably mandatory to be trained or even certified by the CDC or other arm of the US government to do them.

As for the NHS vs private debate...the US government has nothing to do with that. Private physicians here in the UK usually go private because they have attitude about the NHS so I wouldn't expect them to have many good things to say about it. However, for the physician to SHARE those opinions with you is extremely unprofessional.

I don't remember disputing the "need", only the attitude. Just because someone has to do something I don't see why it means those carrying out the procedure aren't caring and friendly about it. I seem to be repeating this over and over so this is really the last time I'll make the point.

I am also very conscious of the fact that this is actually a 2-way process. I am sure the US government won't be refusing what could be a considerable amount of taxes I will be paying once I am there. Whilst I appreciate the privilege of admission on a visa, it's not exclusively to benefit me, I'll be paying my dues, believe me!

Thanks for all your info - putting the LND number in the subject line didn't help at all ;-/

I suppose I'll just have to wait and hope that the package has reached them!

Cheers

Do what you think is best for yourself, honesty is always the policy, in this my case sometimes.

Be careful very careful of what you answer on the medical history questionnaire!!!

I stated that I had a bout with depression over 30 years ago and treatment was one pill a day and overnight stays at the hospital psych ward, I went to work during the day. And now for that declaration I need to get detailed transcripts.

I also wrote that 22 years ago I was a problem drinker, but I haven't had a drink since my then wife got pregnant with my daughter who is now 21 years old. And for giving those replies I need documentation from my family who has known me for less than 10 years stating whether or not I am a psychologically dangerous entity to myself or others and I must now go through a battery of tests to show that my liver and whatever else is alcohol free and I am healed or on the mend. The two declarations are the reason the Dr. told me that it is likely that our petition will be denied. So right now I will do what is asked. I will also prepare for the denial by composing a little rant to present to the consulate ####### if I happen to see her, I owe her one, a big one. I was thinking that I should go see the other Dr. here and get a second opinion and use the most favourable one.

On the good side, we have planned a get-together for the July 4^th celebration, will be there for that whole week. I hope to be able to pass through customs with no problem.

The above is my situation only not yours, don't stress over the possibility of denial because of past performances just fortify yourself with all necessary documentation. If the Dr. doesn't utter denial you're greased lightning.

OMG! There's nothing like them dragging up the past like it was yesterday eh?

I hope everything goes well for you.

Why would you feel you had to hide your Bra???? its just an item of clothing, I am sure everyone there has seen a Bra at some time in there life.... would you hide a bikini top too if you were carrying that??

Kez

Well, not everyone feels the same way - do they Kez? I didn't like it and would have appreciated being informed of where I was going next. You don't feel that way so - good for you!

RE part of the process:

Unfortunately, yes it is and were it not so important I would have walked out. I think it's a shame that this means people can treat you how they want to. I know if I worked somewhere people had no choice but to attend to be with their loved ones I would be very friendly and sensitive to the process. I would have been before going through it myself, but then I've always workied in caring professions and not money making ones.

I also got a bit sick of the doctor regularly slagging off the NHS when my NHS doctor is fantastic and always apologises when she is running late etc and listens to me.

Anyway, enough said, I really just wanted to warn the privacy conscious amongst us, of which I am sure I'm not the only one.

Onwards and upards then ;-)

Good luck to eveyone yet to go for the medical and interview.

I had my medical yesterday which went OK (as far as I know) but was the most bizarre experience. I felf a bit like a heifer being herded from one place to the next, but hey, it's done now.

It was at Bentinck Mansions (:-/) and I did feel that as everyone there was paying, (for me £200), that they should really have been on time! My appointment was 1-30pm and they collected be for round 1 (x-ray) at 1-50pm. This took 5 minutes.

Next, I was told to keep my robe on and bring my top and bra with me. I was taken into a room which was almost full! I quickly hid my bra as there were men and children running around. I wish I had been warned that this is where I was going but they hadn't told me. I thought I was being taken to see the Doctor.

I sat and waited....and waited.....and waited.....etc

Eventually, I was called to see the doctor who was very matter of fact and asked lots of questions. Blood taken, "bits" looked at (WHAT is that about? It's just a "look" literally - I felt somewhat violated!!)

Anyway, it was relatively painless but mildly dehumanising experience. I know it's for immigration but it could be a little more ... well, warm really. And faster - in all, I was there nealry 2 hours and was seen for appx 20 minutes in total so take a good book and HIDE YOUR BRA ;-)

I suppose it depends on one's definition. I think "conditions" have a negative stigma to them but if they are called "boundaries" which is the same thing really, this is what I mean by conditions. It also depends if it's mutual.

What happens in a relationship where one side loves the other unconditionally but it's not reciprocated?

For me, it has always been logical and necessary for my relationships to be healthy to have certain conditions. Not necessarlily written but I do make it clear that I don't accept bullying behaviour, disrespect or cheating for example. Now, those who do believe in unconditional love, if this applies to you also, it is not unconditional at all.

I don't have to worry about any of the above with my beloved Chris however ( ) because he's adorable.

Hi all, sorry if this has been asked before - I wanted to post it before I go out.

I have tried to email the embassy as it states on Visajourney embassy info page " E-mail is definitely the best way to contact London if necessary. "

My emails are returned with the message "Your e-mail was deleted without being read. "

Is this normal?

Thanks

JD

Congrats for your NOA2 !

Go CSC faster faster !

Love the CSC survivor pic... *LOL* made me smile

Congratulations too... !

*LOL* This is more my cup of tea - give us this day our daily thread.

I like the pics!

Here's some "good news" from Ezekiel 9:6:

"Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house."

Yeah for God! And genocide!

*LOL*

I am definitely concerned about moving to the bible belt and can smell the smoulder of the kindling from here! Goodness only knows what I'm in for.

Definitely stick. I hate the "lurch" when an automatic changes gear and the ones I've driven never seem to change when I would using a stick. I hate not feeling like I have control of the car.

Just curious how many peeps got an AIDS test before getting hitched.

We both did, long before the medical. We felt that the complete new start should be just that with no worries or fears. It also means that there is one less thing to worry about at the medical, not that I particularly had cause to worry you understand - I couldn't imagine not getting tested and then finding out something like that as my visa arrives.

Totally personal choice, the above are our reasons and not in any way a comment or criticism of anyone else's views.

Ok, I still haven't managed to post a "real" poll but here goes:

I am a Gemini and Marlon is a Capricorn.

Me: Aquarius He: saggitarius

I have to laugh because in the UK, I could eat what I want (even go to the chippy once a week), and generally lose weight, but here I have to really really watch what I eat. It's insane

Its because of the damn High Fructose Corn Syrup in everything, rather than using sugar like they do in the UK. Its way sweeter than sugar and it also turns off the part of your brain that tells you its full. Sadly its used in everything here, so its hard to avoid.

I can't actually take the stuff in high quantities (HFCS), as it gives me stomach pains. If I drink a non-diet soda in this country, I'm literally doubled over in pain 30 mins later, and yet in the UK I have no problem. In fact I tend to drink a lot of Coke in the UK, because I love it but can't drink it over here. I have to stick to diet sodas.

It also raises your insulin levels to ridiculous levels and increases the risk of diabetes...... but hey, that's not a fun subject!!

I'm not in the USA yet but my fiance has told me about the corn syrup. Also, he thinks I will find food too salty over there as I don't have much salt in my food here.

It will be interesting though, I'm looking forward to trying some new things.

When I first saw this thread heading, I thought it was "too sweet" like "way cool man" !! *LOL* Then it was about sugar, which made me laugh.

In the Orange County Business Journal today there was an announcement that Tesco is going to open two stores within the next year in California, one in Laguna Hills and one in Fullerton with more stores to follow, planning to spend $490 million on US expansion. They are currently evaluation 300 sites on the West Coast and have already purchased a warehouse facility in Riverside County.

Quote:"They have not come across the ocean to make a little splash, they are going to make a big splash."

Wow, and Wal Mart has moved to the UK disguised as Asda!!

Does this mean marmite, Heinz beans and real marmalade? Now that would be great

Somehow, I posted this using my wife's login - but this is actually me, Londonspod

As promised, I've volunteered to open and run a new thread from the 'Brits in the USA' thread to keep just one list up-to-date.

This thread is a list of all us Brits who are moving or have moved to the USA with our SO's, list alphabetically by state.

If for any reason I have missed off your name now, please accept my apologies as I've tried to go through the list completely to make sure everyone who was on it in the previous thread is still on it.

If your new to this thread and would like your name added, please send post a message on here with your VJ name, your real name if you would like people to know it, the name of whoever your SO is that you are with in the US(and if they are on VJ they're name on here too)and where in the US you are, by city and state. Also, if both you and your SO are VJ'ers, please state which of you is the UK citizen and which of you is the US citizen. If you aren't yet in the US but moving there soon and you would like people to know when, just put the month of when you are moving there too(I will assume that it is this year unless you state otherwise).

I will add anyone who isn't on the list and has asked to be added to it and re-post it once a week(I will try for twice a week, but it depends on the time I have).

So here is the up-to-date list:

ALABAMA:

Shari (& British hubby, Keith) - Birmingham, Alabama

Miranda and James (another future British hubby!) - Huntsville, Alabama

Welshcookie - Mobile, Alabama (eventually)

ARIZONA:

BlueRaiderUK - Michael & Ashley - Mesa, AZ

ARKANSAS:

SpriteyStace (Stacy & Paul) - Stuttgart, Arkansas

CALIFORNIA:

Ladybutterfly444 - San Diego, California

lynzm22 (lynsey and Jason)- Lancaster, California

Daisy - hubby is north of Palmdale, California

Perfect - South Orange County, CA

ddchucksgirl - northwest Lost Angeles, CA

robinklake - Myself and UK fiance are in sunny Santa Monica, CA!

Purple Hibiscus - Huntington Beach, CA.

Els and Brian-Riverside, CA

Englishsammy (Sam (not there yet!) and Roshon) - Fresno (Woohoo laughing.gif ), CA

Andrew(AFQuaid) & Fiona - Stockton CA

Liam4Lisa - Ventura County, CA

COLORADO:

Ladybird216 - Western Colorado

Boiler - Boulder County, Colorado

Cmltdg (Tiffany - US & Caspian - UK) Aurora, Colorado

CONNECTICUT:

Jayke(USA) & hubby(UK) - Connecticut

Bradfordplip - Time split between SE Michigan & NE Connecticut

nickels&dimes - Connecticut (Nickels=Sheril UKC & Scott USC)

FLORIDA:

Kerry - Central Florida

Munchkins (Val and Alan ) - Jacksonville Florida -to be with daughter and family

atothelkini (Alan, N.Ireland) - Tallahassee, Florida

missyandneil - Orlando, Florida

Kate, Josh & bump - Tallahassee

LisaD - (newly engaged!) - Lisa Daytona Bch FL, David Sunderland...

Lawrencetoland - Josie and Damian - Orlando, FL and Astoria, NY

lynnd227-Lynn (from New Jersey) and Liam (from Northern Ireland) to Palm Beach County

GEORGIA:

Crazy Brit - Covington, Georgia

Matti_n_Kelli: Hiram, Georgia

IDAHO:

MeandMyGeordie - Sher (USC) & Steve (Newcastle upon Tyne) South Central

Idaho, Twin Falls

ILLINOIS:

pj1959us (hubby David)---central Illinois

Luv2teach77 (And her handsome british Husband ) - Trenton, Southwest Illinois

(Near Missouri border)

JJM8081(British fiance Joe)--Chicago suburbs

poppy33usa - just on the illinois side of the illinois/missouri border in the st louis metro area

jpkeswim - Southwest, Illinois near St. Louis Missouri

Crisscat - (Sharri & Neil ) Southern IL 65 miles southeast of St Louis MO and not far from alot of you here in IL LOL

Yorkie - Chicago, Illinois

Frances (Yorkshire hubster, VJ username falcozappa) - Chicago

Circus-of-Power(Paul and Catherine) Central IL

morning75-Jim(Somerset, UK) and Amy-Hopedale, Illinois

INDIANA:

Annelizabeth - Southern Indiana

Andy(uk) Patricia - Near Indy, Indiana

Baileyj - Southwest Indiana

IOWA

Ktun - Kate (originally from London) & hubby Craig. Iowa/Nebraska borders, 2 minutes over the bridge from Omaha Nebraska.

KENTUCKY:

Itsmeitsmeitsree! (Billy and Becky) - Lexington, Kentucky

MAINE:

clmarsh (Christina & Chris): Portland, Maine

MARYLAND:

Terry & Jeannine.... Towson, Maryland

MASSACHUETTS:

matanddanni-Southampton,MA

Kezzie - Boston MA

MICHIGAN:

Bradfordplip - Time split between SE Michigan & NE Connecticut

euro (Amanda) & Mark(USC)..Brownstown (near Detroit)

sanctifyer - somewhere near detroit in mid 2006

badbabe113 - Rockwood Michigan (near detroit)

David(alias Scotty)Scotland to Livingstone County to be with Bess

lizaanne (USC) & Simon (Brit) - Detroit area -one of these days, if this process ever ends

Charlie76 - Michigan, Detroit area

mary&tom - Southeastern Michigan

Alison and Scott - Otsego in Plainwell, Michigan

Colin(Keigwyn UK) and Lisa - Escanaba way up in the UP

MINNESOTA:

Chrissy25 - Southern Minnesota

britsngrits - Twin Cities of MN - Paul-Peterborough

JayJay - Minnesota Lake, near Mankato about 2 and a half hours away from the twin cities

Tucker (Minneapolis) and Fiona (St. Boswells, Scotland) - Twin Cities

MrsDarby (Twin Cities) and Oliver (Worcester England) We are married and living in the Twin Cities

MISSOURI:

DaniChristine - Dani (USA) and Anthony (Northern Ireland)

Rosie420 - Waynesville, MO (Right in the middle!)

MONTANA:

wherezdabearz - John (USA) and Alison (UK) hope to be living together in Missoula (that's where da bearz are...) from end of Jan 2006

techgirl - Terry (USA) and Davo (UK)- Flathead Lake (western MT)

NEW JERSEY:

Gemma12nEl - Bergen County New Jersey

VisagirlNJ - My fiance will be moving to Hudson County, NJ in APril

Jodyangel - South Jersey

GimyGirl(USA) & SO(UK) [Location not known at this time, to be updated]

NEW YORK:

Louandmikek3 - Long Island, New York (Louise, UK and Mike, US)

DavidUK- Manhattan, New York

Gwen75 - Manhattan, New York

Shakysgirl- Russell (UK) and Patricia (US)- upstate NY

Donna(dmd01708) Oneida County, Upstate New York

Estella76 - Marie (US) and Adam (UK) - Queens, NY

Peachbythebeach - Me (US) Hubby (UK) - Long Island

crashandcari - Crash (UK) and Cari (USA) - Brooklyn, NY

ljwinquist(Laura - USA) & Ian(Leicester,UK) - Lockport, NY

NORTH CAROLINA:

Jo1973 - Durham, North Carolina

saturn5man (Neil) - Near Raleigh, North Carolina

Jaylen Brit(UK) and LenJayUS (US) - Lenior, North Carolina (from this year)

mullensgirl (UK) Chris (USC) Eventually Jacksonville NC

ajames79-Franklin, NC and BigChris(who never posts) Yorkshire UK

D&B (Dipen & Bindu, London UK) Dipen - Charlotte, NC & Bindu still in UK hoping to be in Charlotte soon!

OHIO:

TenderCats (hubby) - Ohio

Widge - NE Ohio

Helen - Columbus OH

martinleach-Martin (St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK) to Westerville

Londonspod (Anthony - UK), Cat07758 (Caitlin - US, NJ) & Baby Brianna - Hoping to be in Toledo, OH by July 06!

Linababe - Lina (UK) moving to David (Columbus, Ohio)

sassasdave - David (Gateshead to Westerville)

OKLAHOMA:

Sukie175 (Sarah) - Gage, NW OK (near Woodward)

OREGON:

Pam & Dave, Portland OR

ZZZZZZ (aka Pam & Dave) Portland OR/ Southminster UK

blandas - Move from Loughborough (just south of Nottingham) to Oregon.

PENNSYLVANIA:

Broma25 - Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Britjohn- Delaware County, Pennsylvania (near Delaware border)

cheeky^Wolf - (Helen will be there soon) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pumpkinsnook - Berks Co, Pennsylvania (arriving 17th August - 13 days and

counting!)

Antone and Lyanthya - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Abby(PAX) and Ewen - Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania (likely moving to NYC, NY in the summer of 06)

Helen (soon to be in Pittsburgh, PA) & Dave (USC)

bettenan (Bette & Richard) Beautiful Bucks County, PA

SOUTH CAROLINA:

zenaelarabi - (Oxfordshire to Columbia SC)

pink_cloud-Charleston, South Carolina

TENNESSEE:

govols- (Karen & Tony-from England)-Middle Tennessee

TracyTN (and future hubby ChasUK) - Nashville, TN

Memphis - Mike Wooten future wife Adele (mrsw2b UK)

TEXAS:

Geordieluvr (aka Andria and her Geordie Peter) - Richardson, Texas

medicjeff (wife Jane from the UK) Austin, Texas

Melo (aka Anita from London) & Paul now in Odessa, Texas moving to Houston, Texas

silent whispers - San Antonio, Texas

tamarae (Shawna & Ciaran from the UK, arriving soon) - Lubbock, TX

Tex'n'Brit(Sheila- UK) & Hubby(Kyle - USA) - Ovilla, near Dallas, TX

UTAH:

HuffyTheSlayer - Salt Lake City, UT

VERMONT:

Lou - Central Vermont

VIRGINIA:

naiku - Northern Virginia (whenver this process is finished)

mijkij (also NoVA)

Litlemo (aka Ally - Geordie,,, Greg - USC)

MrsBeer:30- N.Virginia

KikiDoug - (Kiki, from England...Doug, from the USA) - living in the very SW corner of Virginia!

WASHINGTON:

arwensun1965 - Kent, WA

samantha_lou - Vancouver, WA

Alana (US) & Ewan (Scotland) in Des Moines, Washington......

torpedo_bob, Camas,Washington

WEST VIRGINIA:

Margyw- West Virginia

rebeccajo (and robertwesley - Wes) irishman & southern gal in West Virginia

Girona40 - Curt (USC) and Glenys, Michael and Sarah (UK)

WISCONSIN:

Michelle(USC)andCraig(England)...northern Wisconsin...border of UP of Michigan

Badgerbabe - Green Bay, Wisconsin

SteveLaura/LauraSteve - from London, UK to Milwaukee, WI

Moonlite-just north of Milwaukee

AllSerene-near Milwaukee I think?

Mellie(and Scott)-near Milwaukee

Nicola&Matthew - West WI on the boarders of MN

And ME *LOL*

Moving to Nashville Tennessee to be with lovely Chris!

Jacqui

I've seen this question asked for VJers from everywhere, but I'm wondering what factors led Canada/US couples to decide to live in the US instead of Canada. Of course some factors to consider will be the same for all couples. But like some other countries, Canada shares with the US the same language (well, most of Canada does), a culture that's similar in many ways, and the same standard of living more or less. Most Canadians have probably travelled in the US, and we get US TV, so there's less for us to get used to. Most of us aren't deciding on the language or continent, just which side of the border to live on (and all the changes that either decision brings).

My fiance was prepared to move to Canada to be with me. But when we took the emotion out of the equation (we both love our own countries), it made more sense for me to move to the US. I'm self-employed and work at the computer, so I can continue doing the same work almost anywhere that has an Internet connection. I earn most of my income in USD already. And he has a closer connection with his family, where he lives, than I do with mine.

Since you're here at VJ, you decided to live in the US. How did you make that decision? Or if you've lived in Canada together or plan to later, how did you decide that?

Well, I'm not there yet.... but whilst in the long term it makes more sense for us to live in the UK, for now the USA is the more practical choice.

I am somewhat nervous about it, living overseas is quite a daunting prospect and I will be leaving my family, including my son, behind and some amazing and close friends who I have known for about 20 years or so.

However, it is an adventure and I can come home if it is unbearable. I'm looking forward to my new life... with some trepidation and excitement in equal measure.

Gavin is going for his medical in a week-it will be WAY before the interview, I think I read somewhere that the medical results are good for a while(as long as it wasn't done a year ago-you shoudl be fine).

Someone will correct me if I am wrong

Hi,

Yes, I have just booked my medical and posted packet 3 back. I read thet the medical is valid for 1 year (same as the police cert.

Good luck

JD

Hi michelle

I googled for British shops around Milwaukee and came up with this site and shop Made in Britain hopefully this will solve your problems ...there is a telephone number might make it quicker to order

Janice

WOW!!! Pickle, mint aero, marmite AND TWIGLETS!!!!!!!! Most excellent. ;-)

K1 visas are never in the automated system so your experience is fairly normal. Good to hear your petition has been forwarded - you should receive a letter from the NVC indicating this as well.

Splendid!

I have just telephoned the NVC and spoken to someone having heard nothing since NOA 2. Also, the automated service had no record of our case number.

Anyway, a very nice woman said that our application had been forwarded to the embassy in London on the 15th, so if you are having no luck with the automated service and it's been a while, it's worth speaking to someone.

JD

I decided to start this topic so february filers can track progress of other february filers with the NVC status. I was approved on May 9, but i'm sure it hasn't been sent yet. I hear your supposed to wait 2 weeks before U call. Anyone else hear anything???

Hi,

We were approved on 1st May and it's not there yet!! I did read someone elses post who said they had been told it was taking appx 3 weeks at the moment. I'll start to panic on Monday then!