Hanxa

So, I'm getting confused trying to work out what to do here. Some sources say I just need to take the written test while others say I need to take the full driving test. Do any British expats in MO know the process here? I really don't want to have to take another full test again.

10 year. I don't need to worry about immigration stuff until I'm thinking about citizenship (if I do) and until we start the paperwork to get him to the UK later

Yep. He was fine with that. But I'm here now and other things take priority

It isn't that he doesn't want to. He does. He just doesn't understand my need to get things moving as soon as I can.

Thanks guys. Hubs very much has a laissez-faire attitude to many things (especially this apparently) and he doesn't see the need for me to be this bothered since I fly home (back to the UK) at the end of the month to work my notice. But I know that. I'm still trying to build my life here and having a head start for December will make everything else so much.... Easier. I hope. I'll ask him about adding me as an authorised user to start building my credit, but will see. He's currently rebuilding his credit so I don't know if that's an option. I'm used to phone contracts. I've not had payg since I was a kid and it bothers me that it isn't straightforward. But I'll get something sorted. I've not even started looking into healthcare... I need to get my prescription transferred over somehow and that's my biggest worry - access to my meds. I know I have time, but sitting around with no car isn't helping. I'm just stuck. I hate it and I want to go home to where the world makes sense. 😂

Hubs is still on a family plan under his ex's name with their kid. He pays for it but I'd rather not be attached to her myself. If I can't get a plan, my plan is to get prepaid instead. I just need a damn phone 😂 I don't understand why I don't exist anywhere on anything yet. Nothing seems to speak to anything else. It's really not made to be easy.

First up. Yes, I am impatient. Nothing works. I have my SSN but I don't have a US phone number yet. I tried opening a Chime account to get me started but they won't accept the temporary green card in my passport (yey!). I can't apply for a secured credit card to start building credit history because, nothing can find me. I don't exist. I want to open a phone line but... Hey ho, credit check. I don't even know if it will be accepted rn. I'm feeling super isolated. I'm applying for summer work to get me started, but without a US account, who knows how that will go. I'm out here in the middle of nowhere with no transportation, a UK phone number and I can't even do the few things I had hoped to while hubs is at work. I'm super frustrated rn... How do you even get started when the whole system seems to be against you? I'm hopefully heading to T-mobile today about a phone. I will take the car and go alone if I have to... I will want an account eventually. I have a Wise US account so hopefully that can tide me over for now.

That looks fine to me. It has the key phrases required and shows you have engaged with treatment, which is what they want to see with MH histories. I included what my GP wrote in another thread. It had a little less detail in some areas but probably more in others as I have been an active self-harmer.

We requested an expedite at NVC and were approved the next day (super fast - emergency circumstances). I was lucky on the medical appointment times but not so much for booking my interview - that was a month and a half later. But trying to reschedule at 1am found an appointment slot a week after my medical appointment so I took that one. I did request an expedite at the consulate but didn't need it since I managed to make it sooner myself. Visa status changed to issued on Friday. My interview was Wednesday.

So, I fell asleep when I got home. Very drained. These are the letters. Disclosure: still on mobile. First is from my GP: The second letter was from GoGoDoc:

I posted this on Reddit, but it may help people here as well. If the doctor who saw me today looks at this forum, hi!! And thank you again. I hope to put more people's mind at ease as you did for me. --- Trigger warning: depression, self-harm, SA UK to USA CR-1/IR-1 I want to preface this with a bit about why I'm writing this post. In the run up to my appointment, I have been made increasingly worried by the prospect of 'failing' the medical aspect due to my very long history of self harm and my ongoing depression. Everywhere I looked, people were asking questions about what to do and were met with lots of suggestions and also a lot of scaremongering. It has been stressful and if I can help anyone else alleviate that stress, I will. I will list out my recommendations at the end if you want to skip over the long experience stuff. This doesn't have to be a big scary process and I want to offer some reassurances that I couldn't find. Heads up, I am writing this on my phone on the tube home, so please forgive typos... I'll fix them when I see them or they are pointed out. --- My experience My history It's important to give a little context to the experience as this won't apply to everyone. For example, this will likely not apply to drug users. But for people either with a history of SH or ongoing mental health issues, it might be of use. I have engaged in SH behaviours for much of my life, both as a child for nearly a decade and relatively recently. The last time I did was a year ago, but I am very aware that this may not last as I had one break of about three years. I have been with mental health services on and off since I was 15. First with CAMHS until I aged out. Then a few years later with NHS talking therapies. Then with a rapid response team two years ago, my GP and again now with NHS talking therapies. I am also on a waiting list for trauma counselling with the Havens in London due to very recent events that have expedited my immigration case. I have been on medication for the past 2 years and 3 months. I have never been hospitalised for my mental health. This is all relevant for the medical. Preparation: before the appointment. Right from the get go, filing the I-130, I was worried about this part of the process. I know there is a lot of stress around proving a relationship and all that jazz, but there is so much speculation around the medical. In hindsight and under different circumstances, I would have started getting what I needed while at NVC. By the time we were preparing, I was at crunch point which added so much extra stress. My GP took a very long time. First thing I did with my GP was fill out an SAR for my medical records, vaccination records and a letter regarding my mental health. This took them six weeks to fulfil. I booked the medical once they gave me a collection date and then had a ton of stress around that because they missed the collection date. I finally picked everything up yesterday. My appointment was today. I also arranged a consultation with a second doctor privately (I used GoGoDoc with a telephone consultation) to request a second letter from them regarding my current state. I didn't need this, but I felt it would be beneficial to have two professional opinions. If I had had my first appointment with the most recent TT, I would have requested one from the therapist as well. I'll post the wording of the letters in a comment thread after this post. I had to be VERY explicit with both my surgery and the second doctor that the wording no 'risk to herself or others' had to be there if they felt it was accurate. The GP letter has quite a bit of detail that proved helpful. I filled in the questionnaire and ticked yes for 1 hospitalisations (three surgeries, not related to mental health), yes for 5 mental health disorders/depression, yes for 9 deliberate injury to myself or others and yes for 11 medication. I then wrote up a paragraph for each part (expect the last on which just stated my medication and dosage). The supplementary page was one side of A4. I will post a redacted version in the comments for an idea of what was included. The appointment Visa Medicals is kind of hidden away. It's not far from Bond Street station. I ubered in thanks to the tube strike continuing this morning and gave myself two hours for what would be a 30 minute journey without traffic. It was barely enough. Huge source of stress. When I arrived, they took my picture as my case is digital - they didn't need the passport photos I brought so I will be taking them to my interview next week. They then took all my documents, removed all staples and photocopied them. The originals were returned to me and they took the questionnaire and supplementary information sheet. I then had to fill out a more detailed questionnaire (yes/no again) and was again honest when asked if I ever had thought about harming myself and if I had ever acted on them. I then sat in the waiting room for a while. I saw the doctor first (you may see any of the three components in any order). I had requested a female doctor due to the physical examination part and my responses to men coming into contact with me following a recent SA. This was not a problem. I did not request a chaperone, though you have every right to. First, she asked how I was and I told her I was very nervous. Immediately, she reassured me - she had looked over my records, my own statement and the letters from two doctors and was happy with that. She would need to ask questions, but was very happy I had come prepared and had been very upfront in how recently my situation has changed and adjusted. It wouldn't be a problem from her standpoint or a barrier to the Consulate approving my visa. The first part of the assessment was mostly talking. She asked about my history with SH, my method and my motivations. She asked when I had last done so, and I told her it was June last year. She asked about the help I have received over the years and we talked about my calling the crisis line two years ago. We discussed my medication and how it has helped but I knew it hadn't solved the problem. I'm in very regular contact with both my GP and various MH services whenever I notice a change in my MH. The last six weeks, I have been in near constant contact due to recent events that have happened very close together. We talked about my support plan and my plans for the US if I am approved. I told her that we had already looked into insurance options and sorting out my prescription to form a plan and I would have a buffer window of my medication with me. My remote support would continue. She said that, because I have a clear history of seeking help and support, have remained consistent and am very aware and forthcoming about my current mental health, that she was satisfied. She was happy that I am constantly reflective on my own condition and that I am aware that I will continue to fluctuate and seek out support whenever it is needed. I didn't hide anything. I probably gave more than I needed to, if I'm honest, but I would do so again. I've stabilised as much as I have by being honest. I had read that the physical would be in a gown. I don't know if it was due to recent trauma (all in my medical notes) but I didn't. Please be aware this might not be the norm. I had to undo my dress buttons so she could listen to my chest and I had to pull up my leggings so that she could look at my scars and check they were not more recent than said. Beyond that, I remained fully clothed. I showed her all the scars I know I have. She took my blood pressure and drew some blood, took my height and weight and temperature. Then, that part was done. The second part was the chest x-ray for TB with a nurse. This did require a gown. The final part was reviewing my vaccinations. I'm up to date on everything so they didn't need to see me for that. I paid the £350, collected my passport, signed more forms and then left. They will contact me if something comes up from the x-ray or the blood tests but other than that, I am good on their end. All in all, quite painless. --- Key takeaways - Be prepared. I can't overstate this. Check everything and make a list of what you need. There are no shortcuts - Be honest. Trying to hide things or lie make it look like you have more to hide. Honesty really is the best policy. My recommendations 1. Get your records early. Sure, some GPs are faster than others and for the care summary, they don't need to do much, but my initial given time frame of 28 days turned into 6 weeks. 2. Get a second opinion. Be it a therapist or another medical professional, having two people stating you are not a risk is more compelling. This isn't essential, but honestly anything that makes it smoother is worth it. The appointment cost £40 and the letter £25 and I'd pay it again in a heartbeat! 3. Be factual in your supplementary information. Facts and dates. Take out the 'I feel' and all that. It isn't necessary. 4. Be honest and complete in your supplementary information. 5. Don't try to cover scars. They are going to see them and even great coverage won't hold up to close inspection. If you try to hide them, what else are you hiding? 6. Seek out support and document the support you have received, wherever it is from. Phone lines, charities, 111, therapy, GP, specialist services. Document it all. --- I hope this is helpful to someone else and puts their mind at ease. Every case is different but there is no need to panic. The doctor said it really well... They aren't trying to go against you. That's not their job. They aren't trying to deny people and split up families. There is a very real risk in the US if you have MH issues, especially with the ready access to lethal weapons. If you are genuinely not a risk to yourself or others, you have nothing to worry about. I'll post the letters when I get home 😊

It might be because I was asked to book my own. It's in the same menu as where you would cancel your appointment and where you can amend the delivery address for the courier.

I went to 'reschedule appointment' at about 1am. Saw one there for the 15th June and moved my appointment to it.

Edit. My interview is now 15th June. If your GP is anything like mine, it's can take a month to get your medical notes 😑 Visa Medicals now needs a patient care summary (new requirement according to the email).

Nevermind! Checked at 1am and a slot appeared on the 15th. I've rescheduled 😊

Ours was never scheduled. We had to schedule ourselves due to the expedite. And there is thanks to our travel window and everything else.

Thank you. I've put in the request... They may not see it as significant but fingers crossed...

Hey, just wondering how many people have been able to pull their CR-1/IR-1 interview forwards thanks to cancellations. I'm currently booked for the 5th July. My medical is the 7th June. Just hoping to get it earlier if at all possible. So much stress. We were expedited out of NVC but scheduling your own appointment is more stressful than being given one, I think.

GP finally pulled their thumbs out their arses for my records. Medical is booked (7th June) so I've been able to book my IV interview, finally (trying to play it safe and it's backfired on me). Current appointment is 5th July.... Hoping to see a cancellation crop up to get it done sooner.

I don't know if I needed to see this but I'm hidden away in an office at school crying... I'm trying to look after my husband as he has arguably been through so much worse and I'm trying to get three classes through the last stretch rn along with supporting all of year 13. Putting myself first has never been an option... Thank you for this. I wouldn't expect working my contractual notice to be held against me... I'd hold it against myself. It is self-imposed. I know that... It doesn't assuage the guilt. But you're right. I can't move forward while I'm still here. I'm not sleeping. I'm barely able to function and I need to be the one keeping it together because everyone else relies on one thing or another and I'm worthless if I'm not able to support them. I can't fall apart... And yet here I am falling apart.

Unfortunately this late in the year is really hard for recruitment. I don't mind the 'until xmas' bit and hubs and I knew that would be the case as we'll miss the May notice point. It's mostly for the kids that I'm even asking about Easter. And my HoD who has gone above and beyond to support me. I don't want to be here right now. A series of awful circumstances that have made it very hard to stay... It's out of a feeling of obligation that I'm considering the extra time. I don't want to let my kids down. But I need to leave. I can barely leave the flat and don't want to live my life constantly looking over my shoulder. I'm really looking forward to being with my husband and focusing on healing together... We both need that. We're not healing apart and have both recently been through several traumas. I'm almost done packing (started when I got the invite to interview) and, if we get the green light, am ready to ship all my stuff ahead of my physical move. My cat has her shots and I've got the airline route sorted, I think. The sooner I'm gone, the better. But with minimal impact on my classes if possible. Especially the exam classes who are incredibly worried about their GCSEs next year. I care about their progress and learning. I wouldn't be a teacher if I didn't. The long term plan with hubs is to move back to the UK in about a decade. Once his youngest is an adult, essentially. He doesn't want to stay in the US and loves London and I don't want to teach in the US for the rest of my working life. But he can't leave until little one is an adult, nor would I ask him to leave his kid/take him from his mum. Hence I need to think ahead and not burn bridges with schools as their memory is loooong. Also, given all their support at this time in getting me back to work, I don't want to screw them. I know I need to be selfish, but I can't be that selfish.

It's also 6 months from the medical. That's a thought... I could enter in the October half term which would then mean 5-5½ months until March. Possibly. There are other circumstances that mean I needed to be there in the summer (as a visitor if denied) but if I can handle that, then October would be feasible.

September to December isn't my worry... It's whether I would be able to finish at the end of March instead to help them out and get my kids up to exam season. They've had such disrupted learning for the past couple of years and they deserve the stability if I am able to give it to them. But looks like I may not be.

I know... We were looking at class allocations and I normally take on a huge chunk of A level which has made year 13 particularly difficult. Year 11 will finish content by Christmas so we're not worried too much there. It's just year 13. I hope they are. I don't want to put my residency at risk and have been told not to. So unless it isn't an issue at all, I'll close out at Christmas. I just worry a lot about my students and want the best for them.

No.. UK boss says that if it will hurt my green card, to not worry about the spring term and only finish out my contractual notice (December) I do have to work until Christmas regardless. We plan to return to the UK in about a decade and I'd rather not be blacklisted from schools around here.