Sandy&Rob

Thank you so much, everybody!

Herzlichen Glückwunsch

Dankeschön

Exactly 8 months after we filed for my K-1 I finally got it today! And I'm sure at some point I'll be able to stop crying LOL

Thanks to visajourney and all you nice people here for all the help!

Thanks everybody

I'll hopefully get my visa this week, I'll let you know immediately

Don't worry, they usually denied the visa to those who have tried to kill themselves not to those with "normal" psycological problems. I am a Doctor and I work (at the same hospital) with one of the doctors that work for the embassy here in Nicaragua and that's what she told me when I asked her about what psycological issues would cause denying on visa procedures!

Thank you for your reply, that makes me feel a little better B)

Don't worry, they usually denied the visa to those who have tried to kill themselves not to those with "normal" psycological problems. I am a Doctor and I work (at the same hospital) with one of the doctors that work for the embassy here in Nicaragua and that's what she told me when I asked her about what psycological issues would cause denying on visa procedures!

Thank you for your reply, that makes me feel a little better B)

It's rare to get denied for psychological stuff, and when it happens, it would be for serious ongoing issues such as secere paranoia, untreated shizophrenia etc. Unless you actively tried to kill yourself (as opposed to "just" stopped eating), or you still have an eating disorder, the doc may not even have mentioned it in his report.

She did mention it (I watched her write it down), but she wrote "cured" behind it. How is the general procedure in cases where the psychological issues might cause problems? Would the doctor tell you right away that you'll have to see an embassy psychologist or ask from notes from your old psychologist to prove that I'm cured?

Am I just getting kinda paranoid after all those months and months of waiting?

Hey all,

I wouldn't be me if I didn't find something to worry about

I had my interview on Thursday and my visa was approved, but they only received the medical results on Friday, so I don't know if they were ok.

During the exam the doctor asked me questions about my medical history, including psychological stuff. I was in therapy twice, once when I was a teenager (12 years ago) for an eating disorder and then again about 6 years ago, cause I had panic attacks. Now I read that the visa can be denied if you have had a mental disorder that caused harmful behaviour towards yourself or others. Isn't not to eat anymore pretty harmful to yourself? Would the doctor have told me right away if this would cause any problems and sent me to some psychological evaluation?

She wrote "cured" on her report...

I guess I just won't stop worrying until I have the visa in my hands...

Sandy

Hi everybody,

I had my interview this week, here's how it went.

I went to Frankfurt on Tuesday and stayed for two nights. On Wednesday I had my medical. If you go there early enough you don't have to wait too long. All in all it only took me an hour. First I had to fill in a form about my medical history, then I had to go downstairs for the blood and urine tests and the x-ray. Then back upstairs for an exam with the doctor. She asked some questions, and did a quick exman, including an eye test (I wonder why that was necessary... not that there's anything wrong with my eyes, but what if? Would it matter??).

The staff was really nice, especially the woman who took my blood. The doctor was a bit grumpy, but since I don't want to marry HER, I didn't really care

So on Thursday I had the dreaded interview. All I can say is, don't be nervous. It was a piece of cake, really!

I took a taxi from my hotel to the consulate and was there at about 6:50; my appointment was scheduled for 7:30. At 7:00 they let everybody in, did a security check (small bags are allowed, just no luggage; you can also bring a small bottle of water), and in I was. It took about half an hour until I was called to the first counter (#23). I had to give the woman there my passport, a photo and the payment slip. She gave me a big envelope that I had to put my name and a stamp onto (you can buy them there) and instructions about what order my documents have to be in. I sat down and waited again. Then I was called to the next counter (#19). The lady there was really nice, she went through my application with me, took all my documents and told me everything about the visa. She said that if my medical is ok (they would get the results a day later) I'll get my visa within a week. I hope she's right!

Then I waited again, and finally I was called to the third counter, where the actual interview took place. It consisted of ONE question!!! First the officer made me sign that one form that you're not allowed to sign at home, then he asked me how me and my fiancé met. I told him that I was engaged to a German man with the same name who, a few years ago, got an e-mail from the American Rob, who had googled his own name. They started writing to each other, then me and the American Rob started writing, too, became friends and finally fell in love.

That was that. He took my fingerprints and told me I was all set. What??? I had a bag full of stuff to prove my relationship and he didn't want to see a single thing

At 8:30 I left the consulate - visa approved! Yayyyy!!!

BTW, the security staff there is really friendly, just smile at them and say good morning

OMG, I am moving to America in two weeks from tomorrow and I'll get married in four weeks from today! After that long, long wait (California Service Center...) things are going SO fast now!!!

I just saw my doctor, and I only needed to refresh the tetanus thingy, the rest was fine! He wrote into my Impfausweis that I had varicella when I was 5, and that was that. Now I'm all set for my medical on the 6th... and for Rob's visit THIS week

Do I understand you correctly, that if you already had varicella, you don't have to get the shot?

Thank you for your help! I'll ring them tomorrow and see what they say. We've already booked my flight (I know you shouldn't do that, but we were feeling lucky ). The worst that could happen is that we'd have to change it again. Oh well.

May I ask another silly question, please?

I got my interview appointment, it's on Aug 7th. I want to go to Frankfurt on the 5th and have my medical on the 6th. How long does it typically take until you actually receive the visa, if you have the medical so close to interview?

Congratulations

Will you please let us know when you get your visa? I'll have my medical the day before the interview (Aug 7th, got packet 4 yesterday ) and I'm curious to know how long it takes to get the visa if you don't have your medical a long time before the interview!

Hope you'll get your visa soon!!!

I've got to disagree with you. If you can afford the ticket and return ticket if need be, why not try? It's just money. To some people, its not worth the risk and to others it is. This isn't going to hurt your chances of getting a K1 if you get turned away or denied a tourist visa. All you have to lose is $$

I've got to disagree here. It's not just about the money you're losing paying for a return flight, it's the emotional consequences. It would hurt me so much if I had booked a trip, paid the money (that I barely have), travel 13 hours and then be told I'm not allowed into the next room where I know my guy is waiting.

Luckily I've had no problems entering, but I would never risk it. Always bring something.

That's what I was so afraid of! To know he's just a few feet away and yet I can't see him. That's why I went through Dublin, because then at least he'd be thousands of miles away.

Thank you very much! I'll probably get them done here, since my German health insurance will pay for them. I'm not even sure, how many I need, because I'm pretty up-to-date with them.

The website still says that my case is "received and pending", not a single touch, nothing. We received NOA 2 on May 8th and meanwhile I'm waiting for packet 4 from Frankfurt. I wouldn't worry too much about the information on the website.

Good luck!

I really don't know. Rob and I decided to wait, because we were afraid that if we contacted the USCIS they'd pull out our case and then put it at the end of the line afterwards. We were afraid that it'd cause major delays, so we waited. But really, I don't know how the USCIS works and if it's better to contact them right away.

I traveled to the US twice while my K1 was pending and had no problems.

The first time was for two weeks in February. I entered the US in Chicago, the officer asked me three questions and I was free to go.

The second time I arrived in April and stayed for 12 weeks, and thanks to VJ I knew that I had to be prepared. I flew through Dublin (they clear US immigration there) in order to avoid being sent back home from Chicago. It would have been unbearable to know that Rob is just steps away and yet I can't see him.

I had a whole bunch of stuff with me in order to prove that I'd really go back to Germany. My return ticket, a contract and a letter saying that I'll start a job here on July 1st, a letter from my flatmate saying that I live here, pay my rent and that all my personal belongings are still here (my landlord was on holidays, otherwise he'd written that for me). I also had travel insurance documents and an approved treatment plan from my dentist (the treatment costs a lot and my insurance company pays most of it, so wouldn't I be silly if I didn't go back?). I also had a letter from Rob saying that he'd support me while I'm there, and copies of all the documents and forms we had sent to the USCIS.

So then I got to Dublin and spent some days there with friends, before I went on to Chicago. I got to Dublin airport early, because I expected to be questioned for ages. The first officer asked the usual questions:

What's the purpose of your trip? (Vacation)

How long are you going to stay? (12 weeks)

Oh. Do you have a return ticket? (Of course)

How can you go on such a long trip? (I'm in between jobs, and my new job doesn't start until July 1st)

Who will you be staying with? (Rob G.)

How do you know him? (He's my sweetheart - tried to avoid the word fiancé here )

How much money do you have with you (Not much at all, since I won't need any)

Have you been to the US before? (Yes, 2 months ago).

Well. Needless to say that I had to go to the back office after that conversation

The officer there was a lot less intimidating than the first one. He asked me if I had packed my own bags and then he really got started. He wanted to know every possible thing, but he never tried to intimidate me. He was really friendly. He asked me about Rob and how we know each other. He also wanted to know if we're engaged and since when, and I told him. He didn't ask about the visa.

He wanted to see my return ticket and after I told him about the new job starting in July he wanted to see the contract and the letter from the employer. Then he asked me why I had a new passport (my old one was going to expire in June) and if I had other documents to identify myself with (I showed him my German ID and social security card). He asked me what I had studied and when I finished and many things more. The whole thing took about 10-15 minutes, I think. He also asked me how much money I had with me and told me that I was not allowed to work without a visa. I said I know that and told him that I have a letter from Rob saying that he'd support me, while I was there. I asked him if he'd like to see it and he just grinned and said: No, I believe you. I'd do the same if I were him.

I then got the stamp in my passport

I'm glad I took the trip to Dublin, because this way I was so much more relaxed during my flight to Chicago then I would have been otherwise. I had an amazing 12 weeks with Rob and can't wait to go back for good!

I made a mistake myself. I put in the wrong father. I have a step father and a birth father and put in the name of my step father, even though I should have put in my birth father. After my case had been forwarded to Frankfurt, I sent them an e-mail and asked if this is a big issue that'd cause any delays. They simply replied that we can change it when I'm there for my interview, since they have my file there. So it was no big deal at all.

I haven't had my interview yet, but I'll print out the e-mail I got from Frankfurt to show it to the officer there.

Try not to freak out, I'm pretty sure this is no big deal!

Thank you so much! I'm feeling a lot better now. I was wondering about those six weeks, since a lot of people have their medical on the day of the interview. And I'm sure not all of them waited for six weeks afterwards. I was about to travel all the way to Frankfurt tomorrow, but now I won't. What about the vaccinations? Do I need them before I travel, or can I still get them done in the US?

Hi everybody,

I have to apologize in advance, because I'm pretty sure all this has been discussed here before and I'm just to confused to find the right topics.

Anyway.

I sent packet 3 (K 1) to the consulate in Frankfurt a week ago, and according to the timelines on visajourney, my interview should be in about 3 weeks. We have a panel physician in Leipzig, but the earliest appointment they could offer me would be later than that, so I'm thinking that I should just have my medial while I'm in Frankfurt. So far so good. Now I just read that you have to have the medical done no later than 6 weeks before you want to travel to the US. WHAT??? I was hoping that I could leave Germany as soon as I get my visa, which would hopefully be less than 6 weeks after my interview. But if I have my medical on the same day as the interview... I would hate to have to wait so much longer (I mean, we're all waiting long enough and at some point I just want it to be over!). So would it be wiser if I went to Frankfurt right away to have my medical done (you don't need an appointment there, do you?)? And what do I need to bring there. The doctor in Leipzig said one passport picture, but I just read somewhere that you need three. Do they have to be American size, or is German size alright? And what about the vaccines? Some people say you have to have them all, before you travel to the US, others say that when you're applying for a K1 you can still get them done when you're in the US.

I'm sorry I ask so many questions, but I hope someone out there can help me. Thank you!

I just got a note from the consulate in Frankfurt...

Regarding the issue with listing your step father on the G325, we can correct this error on your appointment day, since we have your file here in Frankfurt.

I am SO relieved, I could cry! I was really afraid that it would be a big deal, but it looks like it isn't. Thanks again for your replies

I'll go back home to Germany in 2 weeks (have been here in the States for a visit since early April) and then, hopefully, things will go really fast.

Ah. Sounds rather like the ability to change your name by deed poll in the UK.

Which that consulate (London) asks the visa applicant to show proof of any name changes.

I have no reason to assume that Frankfurt would have different standards.

I can prove that my name was changed, so that shouldn't be a problem. What I'm worrying about is that I gave them a wrong information in the petition.

BTW, thank you guys so much for all your replies

Lemme get this straight.

Your name on your birth certificate is your given name, middle name, and surname of your stepfather?

But the father on your birth certificate is your biological (birth) father?

If so, sounds to me like it's just a 'quirk' of the way adoptions are handled in Germany. If so the consulate should be familiar with this, and won't have much of a problem with your 'error'.

My stepdad never adopted me, otherwise things would be fine, cause he's be my "legal" dad. On my birth certificate it says my name: Sandy K.

K. is my stepdad's last name. I took it on when my mum got married to him. The certificate says that my parents are my mum and my real dad. It just says that on this and that date I took on the name "K."

It is very complicated, isn't it?