SEWI

6 minutes ago, LunaSky said:

I don't think those are accepted.... 

It has to be a private test with a "travelling letter" stating you're negative.

This has been my understanding also. 
 

56 minutes ago, Morgan5698 said:

Thanks for the Info. They’ve updated their website on Virgin now to reflect PCR And Antigen test, and advising not to use the T2 facility unless absolutely necessary as the queue ‘goes outside the terminal’! Brilliant. 
 

I booked mine at T5 for Sunday evening - We fly Monday afternoon. Did you have to produce your flight info? I’m wondering if I’m allowed to use T5.... it didn’t say I couldn’t! 

About to depart for the runway, so I’ll try to type this quickly/

the instructions I received, stipulated that flight confirmation MUST be provided, however only my passport was reviewed. 
 

definitely take your travel confirmation/itinerary passport... it’s such a faff, you’ll want absolutely everything with you. Honestly, I think your T5 plan is great thinking, and from what the VA representative told me, should be far more streamlined (I think it is in the car park as opposed to being in-out of the terminal like the T2 station?)
 

I’ll post some feedback of the LHR experience during my layover at ATL. 

But for the most part, it was actually a whole lot less stressful/delayed than I had imagined/feared. 
 

2 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

 It’s fascinating to me how businesses adapt on the fly to serve customers and quickly add a new gig during all the changes that pop up with no notice. 

You mean, profiteering on highly stressful situations that often have little-to-no notice! haha. 🤪

But yes, I agree, it is quite interesting how I arrived at the LHR testing facility under the impression that only they could offer testing to meet the standard of airlines/governments, only to then be told that actually, a little creativity will deliver acceptable solutions (i.e. hotel room/test bundles!) 

also, UPDATE:

I've just now received a telephone call from Delta- the <24hour before departure call, whereby a representative informed me that I MUST produce a certified negative COVID test, in order to travel with them. 

As of today, Delta's position is that a negative test is required, with no particular test type being specified. 

I sought clarification that both Delta and the US Government would accept my negative Antigen test, which she confirmed would be satisfactory. 

As per my previous message, this seems to be changing frequently, so keep in touch with your airlines, and subscribe to the https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa e-mail alerts.

8 hours ago, Morgan5698 said:

Jeez what a disaster. Extremely concerning what a mess they are in and the fact Virgin can’t even give a definitive answer as to what test to take! 
Thanks for the heads up! I’m getting mine done with my wife the evening before we fly as we are staying in a hotel near Heathrow, so should have plenty of time and hopefully they will be a bit more organised by then. 

Hi @Morgan5698, honestly ~18hours later, I'm still wound-up over it all. 

I should have commented that I tested at the Terminal 2 facility, which was probably all the more chaotic owed to people trying to test on the day of their departure. 

During one of my several rants with(not at) the Virgin representative, who was pretty stunned by my accounts of Collinson only 4-floors below him, advised that there is also a testing facility at Terminal-5 (in the car park, not the actual terminal?) which seemed to be far less busy. He also pointed out an alternative provider: https://www.expresstest.co.uk/pcr/ which has facilities in the area, as well as the local Holiday/Premier Inn, which is also testing- Actually, on this note, I would certainly encourage you to enquire with the hotel your staying with if they could test you. He actually commented that most hotels are offering tests at a considerable discount, as part of a room/test package.

If you're testing at T2, I'll try to save you some confusion, as there is absolutely zero signage for the testing, or information in the confirmation e-mail:

The testing area is on floor 0, the queues start outside- on the terminal side in-between the terminal and floor 0 parking. You'll know you're in the right place when you see a large gathering of people cramped together in a cattle-pen system, with ~10 queuing lines. The queuing is somewhat irrelevant as the times are called in blocks ("13:00-13:00 appointments can now proceed to the stairs!"), where you'll then wait some more, before eventually meeting your first representative of Collinson, where they admit ~2 people at a time into the building, where you'll wait until an administrator is available to process your details, before waiting some more until a testing booth is available.

WRAP-UP! It is a LONG time standing outside, and the wind seems to get accelerated due to the funnel like nature of being in-between the two buildings.

My  advice would be to do this: 

Enter the T2 at level 5 (departures), find the Virgin Atlantic representatives, and have them give the airlines official/most-up-to-date position on Covid testing, notifying them that you will be checking-in/departing within X-hours, and the test that you are booked for. Following this conversation, head back to the lifts with floor 0 as your destination, which will place you inside the parking lot, from here, you just need to walk yourself to the other side of the lift- so you're facing the terminal again, and that is where you'll see the testing queues. 

Following the test, you'll be advised to stay accessible to the terminal (Costa Coffee was the suggestion offered to me), for ~45-60 minutes, as a precaution to the test not being readable. Tip here- my test was administered by a St. Johns Ambulance Paramedic, so, I asked for his professional opinion as to whether my test was satisfactory, and whether he thought it likely that I'd be able to depart on Monday morning, his off-the-record response was a thumbs-up, and to enjoy my trip!. So, if at all possible, try to spot the paramedic, as the other testers might not have enough experience to save you an extra 1hour parking charge! 

Beyond this, I wish you the very best luck and the smoothest experience possible with your test, travels, and a wonderful start to your new life state-side! 

🎄

UPDATE:

I've just returned from London Heathrow, where I tested with covidtesting.collinsonassistance.com - I was originally booked to have the RT-PCR, however, after overhearing conversation whilst waiting, it was made apparent that the PCR test results were taking more than 48hours to be delivered, which is beyond my departure time. 

As a result, I changed my test to the ANTIGEN (Covid-19 (SARS CoV-2) Antigen) test, which delivered results within ~1 hour, for 50GBP. (Negative test- yay!)

I would like to comment, now that I have calmed down, that the London Heathrow/ Collinson testing is an absolute disgrace. A complete and utter shambles. There is zero coordination/information whilst you queue, they run very behind schedule (my test was ~80minutes after my appointment time), and the results are delayed by a minimum of ~60-90 minutes- whereby you might be required to return to the testing location (pre-security) for a second test, if an issue transpires. 

I would also comment that ~10-15% of those queuing, were in the process of missing their flights, owed entirely to the delays.

Essentially, I would suggest allowing ~6 or so hours before your departure, if you are testing on the day of. But, where possible, test before the airport. == this only works for the LAMP/ANTIGEN tests, which should deliver within 90minutes.

Virgin Atlantic advised me that Boots are now able to conduct pre-flight Covid testing-- which I'm sure is a far better service than the Collinson process.

Virgin Atlantic also refused to give me a definitive answer as to which tests would be accepted in order to allow me onto their aircraft, regardless of what testing the US government accepts. Due to liability concerns, I'm sure?, just that the accepted tests were changing on a daily basis, and that if checking-in TODAY, they would accept LAMP, ANTIGEN and PCR test results (<72hour).

I was unable to reach Delta, for guidance whilst at LHR.

For reference, a member of staff informed me that the LAMP test results take 60-90minutes to be delivered.

I hope this will be of benefit to members, to ease the aggravation of my experiences! 🥴

14 minutes ago, Morgan5698 said:

Merry Christmas! 
 

ive been keeping an eye on this too as I fly on Jan 4th. Virgin originally chose to voluntarily test so they decided PCR and Lamp test. Then the US govt brought in compulsory testing a couple of days later which is PCR or Antigen. So I think Virgin have just not had time to update their info and guidance to reflect that. I already had a Lamp booked at the Terminal day before I fly so I need to contact them and change it to antigen. 

Hi @Morgan5698! I've booked the RT-PCR test (£99) for tomorrow, 26th December ~15:00, which was the earliest availability, and will put my result at the ~40/72 hour window.

I opted for the PCR test, due to comparing the Virgin/Gov statement, which suggested that the PCR test was (the only test?) accepted by both carrier, and country.
In the very unlikely circumstances that I test positive, is anybody aware of the protocol regarding flight changes/cancellation, to accommodate not being able to travel?

Virgin/Delta suggests that flights can be changed without change fees, but the online system is not working for me, and I've been unable to reach a representative. 

Merry Christmas members, 

A new USA travel advisory has been issued.

With less than 72 hours until I'm due to leave the UK, the UK's foreign travel advice to the USA has just updated (08:51)

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa

Delta/Virgin Atlantic have so far failed to provide any guidance regarding my travel itinerary. 
I'm in the process of exploring Heathrow Airport (Terminal) testing, via covidtesting.collinsonassistance.com 

Also, in comparing the GOV/Virgin Atlantic information, it seems that the PCR test is the only test accepted by both the US government and carrier. 

The issue with the terminal testing is that it is pre-security, and they seem to only offer/operate standard business hours, which won't sufficiently accommodate my AM departure time.

As such, I'll be travelling to Heathrow to test tomorrow (26th), or Sunday (27th).

My only outings in 2020, since my university went remote in February, have been visa based (medical&interview), so I've not yet been(or needed to be) tested.

As always, grateful for any input/guidance.

🎄

______________________________________________________________

I will update this thread with the Collinson Assistance / Heathrow (Terminal) testing process, once I am booked & tested, in the hopes it will be helpful to other members imminently travelling.

I'm due to travel to the US on December 28th, curious to know if there are any updates relevant to this thread? 

So far, I have not received any updates or (covid) travel guidance from Virgin Atlantic/ Delta, and my flight departs a week today. 

Very anxiously keeping a tab on my e-mails... My flight to the US is booked for  Monday 28th December. LHR -> ATL -> CHO. 👀

So far, no updates, or (covid) travel guidance from Virgin Atlantic/ Delta. 

Still waiting for a few callbacks, from some UK based internationally focused independent financial/life-insurance advisors, so I will post the offerings here once I receive them. 

But, yes, @Boiler is correct- eliminate exchange risk, international tax complications, and to (hopefully) simplify the ease of access for my parents, should the payout ever be required.

I will also explore alternative (additional) options state-side, preferably employer sponsored.

15 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Well you not an Expat, well yet. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/cheap-life-insurance/

 

 

 

Ha, perhaps not yet, but after speaking with Legal&General, they'll only underwrite a policy providing I do not permanently leave the UK in the next 90 days- hence my (pre-)expat consideration. 

https://www.legalandgeneral.com/life-cover/articles-and-guides/life-insurance-guides/life-insurance-moving-abroad/

I suppose a follow-up question then, would be: do people abandon, or transfer(where possible) their policy to a US provider for life insurance, upon relocating? Or, simply rely on an employer offered policy?

20 minutes ago, Boiler said:

You just want Term Insurance? No end of places you can buy online.

Yes, just a straightforward lump-sum payout over a 30-35 year period- to support my parents, should something happen. As I expect to have a more comprehensive coverage as part of my US employment contract.

I suppose I'm mostly curious/unsure of how the permanently moving overseas aspect impacts the policy? 

Since posting, I've made a few enquiries and callback requests with expat-life insurance (independent) advisors. 

I'd be very grateful for any thoughts, feedback or tips on the process, or experiences with life insurance when moving overseas.

Now that I have my flight to the US booked (28th December- yay!), I would like to organise a few final considerations.

Primarily, I would like to take out a UK based life insurance policy, and so I would be very grateful for any insights into this process or peoples experiences with regards to expatriate life insurance.

A few quick facts: 

- I am 25-30years of age,

- male,

- non-smoker,

- medical record includes sporting related injuries, but I'm fit and healthy.

I will be joining a large financial services company in the US, and from memory they offer a comprehensive life/medical insurance policy (will be confirmed, when I receive the final paperwork, etc.), however, I would like to take out a UK based policy, whereby my parents(UK) would be the sole beneficiaries. Which I expect would simplify the process for them, should something happen to me before/during their retirement.

I intend to maintain at least one UK based bank account. 

This would be my first LI policy, and so, I would be grateful for any suggestions and feedback

12 hours ago, Andy&Jamie said:

Well guys... 

 

I got... 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED!

 

 

Well, technically I got the green slip asking me to upload the missus' 1040 for 2019. But uh... That is now already uploaded, because despite my wife being in california she's still awake and she did it 😂. CO told me as long as I did it today it wouldn't add any processing time to my visa processing. 

 

The words do not exist in the English language to express my relief thst this is done, and that in all likelihood I'll be home with my better half for Christmas. This year has been horrible, I'm sure we can all agree. But thank you guys all so much, for all the information, support, encouragement, all of it. I'm feeling a lot of things right now so I'm not sure if I'm even typing this in English. 

 

I'll do a interview review thing shortly. Right now I need to decompress. I'm sure those of you recently approved will be familiar with the feeling but it's like... Literally my whole damn life from august last year to right now has revolved around this process and now it's done. Do I laugh? Cry? Scream all of that stress into the void and breathe in the glorious fresh air of relief? I'll update you all which one(s) I decide to do. 

 

Much love. ❤️❤️❤️

@Andy&Jamie really really happy for you! Enjoy this moment, and all of the wonderful times to come! ❤️

It seems our experiences are similar, with regards to processing times and missing 1040s!

It took 10 days for my passport to be returned to me, after my interview and the (second) submission of my spouses 2019 1040. Hopefully yours will be returned a little faster than mine! 

Hi @Ugoogli, 

My understanding is that you're pretty much set to go on the basis of your passport having the visa. Beyond this, it seems sensible to have a copy of your marriage certificate at hand. It sounds like you'll be travelling with your visa interview documents- so, you're likely to have all the evidence you might need. 

I plan on entering the US with my CR1 in the coming weeks, so I'm interested in following this thread for updates and experiences. 

Best of luck- please do keep us posted and update this thread with your POE experiences! 

 @PBabz recently travelled to the US to visit their spouse, so It is probably very useful for me to share the post with you in this thread- 

On 12/3/2020 at 10:59 PM, twln said:

Hi all,

 

I'm flying to Chicago shortly, to visit my spouse, from Scotland and via Heathrow.

 

My question is; has anyone flown to the US from the UK recently and if so, what did you have to do (if anything).

 

I have our marriage certificate, a copy of the procolomation excluding spouses, a copy of my spouse's passport, and have checked that my ESTA hasn't been cancelled.

 

If anyone could offer some advice I'd very much appreciate it!

 

Thanks.

On 12/3/2020 at 11:11 PM, PBabz said:

I took a trip at the beginning of September to see my husband; flew into Dulles via Heathrow. 
Some advice from my journey:

1. DON’T CHECK IN ONLINE 

2. Get to the airport early, since you’ll need to check in at a desk and speak to someone

3. Bring along all that you mentioned you have prepared already 

4. Make sure you know where you’ll be staying and be prepared to give this address when checking in (an employee from homeland security was at Heathrow and asked for details from me)

5. Have a wonderful trip, enjoy every moment  most know about the exception to the proclamation by this point so you shouldn’t have any issues really 🤞🏽

13 minutes ago, yvettejj said:

Thanks all! Yes...calling was definitely the way to go! Passport in hands today after a 4 day delay! Thrilled!!!!!! Good luck everyone.

Great news, @yvettejj! I'm really glad to hear it has all worked out!

6 hours ago, SEWI said:

Hi @yvettejj, I understand your frustration and concerns,

The DX delivery tracking information tells me my passport is due to be delivered 04/12/2020. I will update this thread when it is delivered. 

 

 

My passport was delivered today at ~16:00. Somewhat concerningly, it was delivered via a hired van-- I guess DX is just a courier broker service, not a full (DHL/ FEDEX type) courier service? 

I'm hoping you will also receive your passport today!

Hi @yvettejj, I understand your frustration and concerns,

The DX delivery tracking information tells me my passport is due to be delivered 04/12/2020. I will update this thread when it is delivered. 

In the meantime, I have found a few contact details you might want to explore on the DX website:

Service Contact Numbers

If you would like to speak to our team about a delivery please call us on:

DX Express (mail and smaller parcels-tracking number between 9-12 digits) UK - 0333 241 5700

https://www.dxdelivery.com/consumer/dx-services-for-us-embassy/

I would definitely encourage you to call verses e-mailing, due to the fact that your date keeps getting pushed back.

57 minutes ago, kjmaiwen said:

Finding this thread so useful and encouraging - thanks for all the info and big congrats to those who have been approved! 
My husband and I DQ’d mid October, so we have a while to wait but wondering at what point people booked their medicals? It sounds like you get between 2-4 weeks notice for your interview, so does that give you enough time, or does it make more sense to book the medical before you get the interview date? 

31 minutes ago, PBabz said:

Good to get a range of opinions, but personally, I wouldn't suggest getting the medical done before your interview date. It is a fairly straightforward process providing your medical history is not extensive, but your medical is only valid for six months. 

Unsure what the wait for your interview might look like, could continue to follow something along the lines of the same between 4-5 month wait, but it could be before then.. at this point who really knows?!

Personally, had no issues getting my medical done - interview notice received on Friday morning, booked medical Friday morning when office opened and had medical that following Wednesday. 

You wouldn't want to get your medical and then have it expire or get down to the wire and add to the stress. Just my opinion though. 

 

Here's hoping the time flies by for you and you get your interview date soon! 🤞

I agree with PBabz, here. You will definitely want to make sure it is done before your interview - try to make sure it is at least ~1week before, to allow enough time for the Medical Office to process and forward it to the Embassy. If you interview before your medical, your case will be held back for Administrative Processing, which will introduce delays.

I will also comment that I made three medical appointments (twice rescheduled) all with less than 10 days notice, and the actual appointment I attended was within 24hours notice of my booking. So, if the trend of 2-4weeks notice continues, you should be perfectly fine! 

I would encourage you to utilise this time over the coming weeks/months to ensure you're fully up-to-date with the required vaccinations (including the Flu jab if you interview before 31-March), and to have any outstanding issues/advisories accounted for- i.e. doctor's letters produced, etc.

Hi Charlie,

I use my UK purchased iPhone in the US and simply switch between my UK/US sim cards. Works wonderfully. 
I also have a US purchased phone that works without hiccups here in the UK.

You're most likely to be futureproofing your device when you buy it unlocked.

Also, a quirky tip- I have a sim only plan with Three network here in the UK, with unlimited 4g/5g(when/where available) data for ~£20/month (used to be £13!), which I can use without any additional surcharges when roaming oversees... Which works out to be a much better deal than my US cell plan with Verizon that runs me ~$77/month for a similar data allowance- I'll be keeping my UK sim card for my mobile data allowance, and getting a minutes only US cell plan. 

15 minutes ago, willingtowait4it said:

Hi, I asked our lawyer if we should upload our taxes/W-2s before our interview which is in two weeks, and she said that she didn't think it would be possible for us to do that on CEAC. How did you manage to upload the documents? I am wondering if my lawyer is missing something. Thank you!

Log into your CEAC portal, click on the *Documents* tab, and then upload into the respective category. Just as you(they?) would have done for the documents, as originally required. Just make sure to press the *Submit* button at the end, and complete the confirmation pop-up. 

Best of luck today, @R1CH1991 & @PBabz ! 🌟

8 minutes ago, PBabz said:

Apologies for the five million questions, am sure you understand the slight panic mode I'm in now having just been through it yourself! 

Appreciate you continually coming back to me.

 

 That's super helpful! We ordered extra copies of our marriage certificate at the ceremony, I think there's four flying around between us with all the things we seem to have needed it for thus far. 

Fingers crossed I've got all that they might ask for - can't imagine them wanting anything more, but as you said, variable process.

Not a problem! I'm completely available and happy to share my feedback- in the chance it could help you or others in anyway- I have been spamming @Dags with questions throughout my process, so I know first hand how helpful this can be! (Thanks @Dags !!) 

1 minute ago, PBabz said:

Ooh - have I misunderstood again?! I don't have a certified copy of anything because I've got originals of everything I'm bringing along, with the exception of my husband's documents, of course. The way I read the guidance was that you needed an original AND copy but if you didn't have original then needed a certified copy. Please tell me I'm not wrong - no chance I can find somewhere to certify documents between today and tomorrow, especially since I'm at work until this evening!

 

I have got all of the documents you mentioned though, printed what my husband uploaded and of course I have all of my originals and copies of them all.

 

My best friends' mother actually made a photo album of our wedding, just some of the less official photos and some of the photos people took she collated and put together so I'm bringing that along with a few photos, airline tickets and receipts/invoices from places we've been and stayed, car rentals, etc. Not lots, but enough I'd say  

Sorry, I should have elaborated- the certified copies I took with me were:

- Certified copy of my Birth Certificate (and the original)

- Certified copy(/original) of our marriage certificate.

- Certified copy of my wife's divorce decree, from her previous marriage. (this is mostly what I was referring to, with regards to my post - I had to have this couriered from the Texas courthouse to arrive in time for the interview)

Everything else was just printouts of documents uploaded.