smchadwick

It is my understanding that pursuant to 9FAM 41.81 N3.1 (Period of validity), the consulate can extend the approval notice for another 4 months, if my fiancé and I remain legally free to marry and continue to plan to marry after my fiancé enters the United States.

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Hey Kim! Quick question about the sample letter. What does what I put in bold mean {9FAM 41.81 N3.1 (Period of validity)}? Do I change any of that? Is the period of validity the date we were approved? Thanks for your help!

Stephanie

Hi Gaura, hope your transition goes smoothly. Umm pictures... still working on it.

Steph, They may do it automatically but heres an example I found...

Dear Honorable American Consulate of (name of consulate):

It is my understanding that pursuant to 9FAM 41.81 N3.1 (Period of validity), the consulate can extend the approval notice for another 4 months, if my fiancé and I remain legally free to marry and continue to plan to marry after my fiancé enters the United States.

Therefore, please be aware:

I and my fiancé continue to be legally single and free to marry.

I and my fiancé love each other and plan to marry after his/her entrance in to the United States.

If my I-797 approval notice has expired by the time of my fiancé’s interview,

I sincerely request that you extend the approval notice (copy attached) so that my fiancé, (name of fiancé) may receive the K-1 visa.

Thanks Kim!!

Wow Lili, sorry to hear of all the confusion. However, i'm not too surprised. It's unbelieveably frustrating to me how many people there are in this 'field' that really just dont even know what they're talking about! I'm sure there are exceptions to this but the reality seems to be that most do not know or care...and even worse, don't have the compassion to deal with those of us already going through a difficult time. Address or Consulate changes should be easy enough to take care of but they really do seem to cause so much hassle for people.

Anyway, i'd call every day and hope you find someone that actually might know how to do their job!

Hey all! Glad to see everyone is doing ok!! Do any of you know where I can find a sample letter to extend the application for 4 more months? We were both ready to do this emotionally but unfortunately not financially. Still in the process of saving money, and with Christmas coming up, both of us need a bit more time. We're sad that this Christmas won't be our first together, but Gareth also wants to spend it with his family, so extending our app is a good and necessary option.

If you know where I can find the sample letter, please let me know! Thanks!!

Again, congrats to you all!!

Stephanie

Stephanie, the approved petition is valid for 4 months... so 4 months from NOA2 date. Consulates will routinely extend this period without much hassle or any paperwork on your part but usually due to their not being able to interview in that time frame. If you're going to go beyond the 4 months until his interview you will most likely need to file for an extension with the Consulate. Good luck.

Suzy, congrats hon!! I hope the visa is there in time for you to travel together. Did ya get that boy some thermals????

Good luck today Dale.

Raff, be thinking of you. Keep us posted!

Congratulations mama Nich and errr papa Nick! I hope you posted more about in the March thread!

Awww Gaura, Conrats to you as well. What a good feeling, eh?

Well we're still living in bliss and still feeling as though we were never apart. Weird, that is. We're very busy trying to get our yard/gardens ready for our ceremony. You know, the one that was suppose to be just a few people? Well it's turned into quite the event but i'm not stressing about it one bit! We're getting AOS paperwork ready this week as well.

Hope everyone else is well.

Thanks!! I'm pretty sure we'll make the 4 month mark because that will be around the first of December. If I see that we need and extension, I'll get info on that when needed. Thanks so much!! And Congrats guys!!

Stephanie

Hi all!! I'm so glad to hear all the good news! Congrats!!

I've been oober busy with school and just trying to stay sane! We have all the paper work ready to go to send to London, but we've been delayed due to lack of money. We don't want to send in the papers or make a medical appointment until we are sure we'll have the cash. I'd hate to have it all planned out and then things go squash to lack of cash. So we're sad for the delay but we know we'll be together eventually!

I have a question though...How long will our case stay I guess active between Packet three and Gareth sending in the paperwork? We'd hate to lose all our progress due to the money situation! If it will still be ok after a month, we should be good. If not we're gonna have to do some major begging and write a lot of IOUs. If any of you know the answer, please get back to me. Just to ease mine and Gareth's stress. Thanks!

And again congrats to all! I can't wait for my love to be back in my arms!!

Stephanie

YEAH BABY!!!!!

I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet but he text me and said it was all good and the visa will be delivered to his house by Monday! Waiting for him to get home now so we can chat. omg... I can hardly believe we're finally here.

Congrats Kim!!!

It's ten for Gareth and me! I've always liked older guys. Gareth looks younger than he is, when my mom first met him the first thing she said was that he looked very young. And that's good for him since he's a smoker and that is supposed to make ya look older if you've done it awhile. People always think I'm like 16 which angers me (for now anyway!). I'm lovin' my older man though!

Stephanie

What number do I need to call for London? The switchboard? Or that $16 1-866 number?

I'm calling DOS again today and see if another person knows more...and I'm going to ask them what I need to do.

If I can't get this thing sorted I wonder if just having his mail forwarded will do? We'll see! There has GOT to be a way to do this, I'm sure it's been done before. Have a good day guys!!

Stephanie

I have a quick question for all you UK medical experience people!

What all does my fiancé have to bring to the medical? What does he do if he can't get his records from his doctor? Does he absolutely need them or will they just give him what is required?

Thanks!

Stephanie

Stephanie,

NHS is National Health Service in the UK...the "free" doctors. In other words, the family doctor's office.

Thanks!

I wonder what ever happened to Jerry?

Brian!

Glad things are moving along for you. Our petion has been at the NVC for a week and a half. Not sure whats up with that. We've recieved two letters from them stating our case was there..one dated the 20th and one dated the 25th and both saying the same thing. The Embassy has all they need from us.

It is quite surreal at this point. Feels so good to know we will be together again very soon...gives me warm fuzzies!

Elizabeth, I hope the Consulate is not as difficult as you've heard. There's been much discussion about Ramadan. Seems you may have a point there if it doesn't effect your situation. Hope so!

Stephanie, I'm not really sure how Consulates handle missing components from a P3. Do they ask it to be returned with the packet or just to have it for your interview? In NZ, the Consulate does the police check for you. Perhaps you could include a letter stating that you are expecting the police report but wanted to try to expedite the process?

So as I stated above, we've received a second letter today from NVC letting us know that our petition was there and that they'd be sending it out in the next week. ...hmm Didn't you say that a week ago??? Still keeping our fingers crossed that they'll issue an interview date even without the entire petition from the NVC. Ummm I sent along a duplicate they're free to look at.

No you just have to have it at the interview, but you have to send in a checklist saying you have everything for the interview. He's going to go a head and check that he has it because we're sure it will be there before the interview.

And Kim I got like four letters saying that! LoL!

The Medical

There is only one place in the UK you can have your medical done. That is Knightsbridge Doctors.

See reviews of recent medicals here.

It's cheaper to have all the necessary vaccinations before your medical examination. Most are available on the NHS.

What is NHS?

Thanks Kim! I'll email them and see how that goes...and lets just say if I haven't heard anything by the middle of next week I'll call. Gareth still has to do the police records thing so we have some time. We want this to go as fast as possible, but even if we don't get the packet sent out until some time next week then I still think Gareth will be here by Thanksgiving.

Also, should we go ahead and send in the checklist with the things checked even if the police records haven't arrived, but are on the way? I would say so.

Thanks again Kim!!

Hi

Can someone explain what it means to "contact DOS" and how I do that?

Thanks!

Yep. The DOS (Department of State) in Washington can be contacted on 202-663-1225. Basically, they can tell you pretty much everything that your embassy can about your case once it's left NVC.

I guess the girl that I talked to is new and doesn't know what's going on. I called DOS today and tried to do the address change thing and she said "We don't do that here ma'am, you'll have to call the Embassy directly."

Is she right or just dumb? LoL! Not sure if anyone has tried to call DOS about address changes, but like you said Kim they can tell you pretty much everything. But this girl said that if it hasn't left the US then call the NVC, but if it has then I have to call London.

Should I call again and hopefully get someone who knows or do I need to call London? $$$$$$ LoL! If I have to do that I'll get a calling card or see if Gareth has time to do it. He gets nervous and frets about dealing with calling important people he said, lol he says I'm a lot better at handeling this stuff. Not that he doesn't want to help, he's just afraid he'll say the wrong thing or something. He's a worrier, as am I.

Hope I can get this thing sorted out this week! And school started today so I gotta deal with this between classes.

Thanks guys!

Stephanie

Hi Jer, good to know you're still moving in the right direction. It's gorgeous here in MA today too but unfortunately, i've too much work to do and can't enjoy these last days with my pool.

Hi Sal, you're never interupting hon. You're right, DOS can give you any information the Embassy can really. Well...except get your packet 3 sent out early. hehehe

So Kim you sent in everything before Russ got Packet 3?

If so, that gives me even more confidence that Nich's idea is a great one...even though I knew it was good from the start!! We'll be sending in the papers ASAP. Gareth had to take care of some business that he's been behind on because of his month long visit here, but things are leveling off now and he can start getting things ready and filled out and all the things he needs to do.

My timeline is going to be a little screwy with the whole address situation...but I'll update it the best I can.

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Stephanie

Congrats!!!!

Steph ~ Sorry to hear about the address confusion, I'm going through something similar to Raffaela, Luis' birth certificate is spelled wrong & and we are trying to get it fixed ASAP we got a lawyer so we'll see what happens. Always this dumb ####### has to happen at the last minute and mess us up!

NVC received my case today! So I guess I just have to wait for it to be forwarded to Lima now. How long does that usually take? The lady said 2-4 weeks, but I noticed for some people it's like 2 days.

Let me know the real deal guys, hehe

Yeah it sucks! Mama Nich has saved the day yet again with her brillant ideas! Good luck with the BC!!

It only took a couple of days for them to forward mine so it should be sometime next week!!

Stephanie

Steph--

You know what I would do? I would print the checklist from the P3 scans I gave you. Fill it in and mail it along with your DS forms. I know they are not going to bat an eye at that. There is nothing you get in P3, except a cover letter that tells you your LND case number, that is specific to you. If you already know that, then you're set. You do not send their cover letter back to them. Nothing official with your name on it goes back except things you have filled out yourself.

Meanwhile you can do the address change or whatever. If you're not in a hurry, then wait a few more weeks for another packet, but I seriously would use the scans with not one moment's hesitation. The scans print better than they look on screen. And London P3 is messy, poor photocopy quality. It's not like you're sending in something crappy when they sent a fine laser printer checklist. They don't. It's messy and crooked on the page.

I'm not much on taking risks unless I think the odds are mucho heavily in my favor, so I wouldn't give you this opinion unless I was real confident that it would be A-OK.

When you send in P3, include a cover letter itemizing what you are sending, then add a paragraph saying please note my new address is _____. That's just another way of making sure they get told your address one more time.

When I say "you" above. I mean Gareth.

You know what that is a great idea!!!! Thanks soooo much!! I wouldn't have thought of that!!!

If you think it will be fine them I'm all for that!!! I have our LND case number the NVC sent me a letter four times! lol Don't know why they sent it so many times.

The only thing I wonder about is if the Embassy gets our packet back will they freak out when they get the forms? I'm still going to do this though! Thanks!!!

Stephanie

I'd call DOS today and let them know. I assume they would just get the packet back at the Embassy and resend it when you tell them where.

It's going to have to wait until Monday unfortunatly. They're not open after 5 pm.

And thanks! I'm glad they won't totally disregard our case! I'm sure this has happened before. Thanks Kim and Nich!!

Steph--Looking at your timeline, I would guess that P3 could arrive anytime now so probably too late for address change to be effective to re-route the P3. You should put the new address on everything you are mailing to the embassy. They will be sending out your appointment letter and you want it to go to the sister's house. Also the SMS courier will need the address where the visa/passport is to be delivered and signed for, but you fill that out after the interview. DOS can tell you if P3 has been mailed and P4 too and when your visa is printed.

Thanks so much!

BUT we have ran into a small bump in the road. Gareth went to his friend's house yesterday, and it seems he has moved!!! I have no clue what to do now. Surely it's just a small bump and can be fixed with a simple call to DOS. Do ya'll think? When I call DOS I need to tell them this situation and hopefully they can find our packet three and re send it? Or is this going to cause any MAJOR problems? I am ok with a slight delay...I jsut don't want to have to start over! I'm probably over reacting...we just didn't expect his friend to move!!

What would happen if the packet was returned to sender?

Thanks for all your help guys! You're helping me through this!! I just wanna have everything straight when I call DOS Monday! Thanks again!

Stephanie

(202) 663-1225 Press 1, then Press 0

No idea about London and no clue about how long it takes. I assume once they enter it into the system it's done but who knows.

Yes, I'd put the new address considering that's what you're changing it to.

I have seen others have issues with address changes but contacting DOS is your best option. They deal with the Embassy directly.

Do still make sure where he lived previously keeps an eye out for anything addressed to your fiance.

Thanks! I will do!

Stephanie, you need to call DOS to let them know of the address change and I would also contact the Embassy (even tho that's what dos sould do) to let them know.

Thanks Kim! Do you know the number to DOS? And I suppose email is the best way to contact London. Also do you have any idea about how long it will take?

Also if I call like today, when Gareth fills out his forms, he should put in the new address correct?

Thanks!! I just want this to go as quickly and smoothly as possible, as I'm sure everyone else does!

Stephanie

Ok! Another question!

So Gareth was living with a friend when our K1 started. His sister wanted him to come stay with her, and it is better iving for him there so he's kind of permanent there now. He's still friends with the guy who's home the Packet 3 is going to, and I'm sure he can get it, but what do we need to do from this point to get his address changed. Surely it won't delay it too long? Should we just put the new address in all the places where it says current address? And maybe send a note with the forms saying "Please be aware of the address change."? Or do we need to do something different? I would just feel so much better with his stuff coming to his sister's instead of him going back and forth to check if things got there.

Also you know how people are sometimes, his friend might lose it or chunk it or something! Goodness I don't wanna think about that...but if it does happen what would we have to do to get them to send another packet three to his new address? This is probably not gonna happen, but just wanna be prepared if it does.

Hopefully just sending a note with the packet will be enough...but I thought I'd ask all of you cause ya'll are good like that! Thanks!

Stephanie

Congrats Suzy!!!

Thanks Kim & Mama Nich!

Congrats Brian

I didn't get any touches today, I checked like a lunatic today for an approval, but nada...

Oh well, hoping to hear something soon. Luis is trying to get his birth certificate fixed in the meantime , so I mean, no rush... LOL Everything is so backwards over there when it comes to stuff like that. I feel bad for him, he was running around in Lima all day, missed a whole day of work to file a couple of forms. Poor baby.

I hope for better luck tomorrow. Then I'll just start freaking out after my approval about my interview. LOL

Chau guys,

Suz

Yes a lot of freaking has been done on my part. I'm pretty good now though. But I keep asking Gareth things, like did it come yet...you have this and that...you're sister has a scanner you can use. Blah blah...he goes...you're really worried about this aren't you? LoL...yuhh I just want my baby back! He's so calm about it and he's the one having to do all the stuff. I guess it's just cause I'm not there and can't be there hands on. It all works out in the end though! Hope you're approved soon Suzy! And anyone else who hasn't been approved!!

Stephanie

Ok I've been looking over documents and I'm sorta freaking out.

It says he needs to have evidence of support for the interview AND he has to send in evidence of support as well...with the four forms he has to fill out. I only sent with him one copy of the evidence. I didn't know this until now. Will copies be ok to send in with the forms or should I send him another original? Thanks!!

And also the forms require evidence of engagement. Is that just the evidence of our ongoing relationship...or does he need like a receipt for a ring or something...cause we don't have that! My mom gave him her diamond reset in white gold to give to me (which I thought was soo sweet and a total surprise to me!) Thanks for your help guys! I just wanna do it all right the first time.

Stephanie

Stephanie--- Recent successful experience with London speaking here--->Mama Nich. No stressing needed. London is easy.

He DOES NOT have to provide any of his financial evidence if you are providing I-134 alone or with a co-sponsor. NO, NO, NO. Page nine list four types of evidence of your income and says pick two or any others that will prove your point.

NO proof of engagement to London. We have no ring or plans to ever get one. We passed. It's not in London's P3.

NO proof of an ongoing relationship is asked for at the interview.

You don't have to send more copies of your support evidence. It's a COPY. Can't he find a Xerox machine in the UK like at work, school, the library, Staples? He just makes a copy of what you sent. It's not two originals.

Mail in to Embassy:

• The four DS forms as outlined on the first page of P3. Pay attention to what is says to send two of and what it says to not sign. It's on the page.
• The IV15 checklist (it's four pages) if you have everything on it. The checklist is his way of saying, "I've got all this stuff and I'm ready to interview."

Mail the four DS forms immediately. You can mail the checklist later, but sending everything together is most efficient. Include a cover letter. I can send you mine to modify if you have Word. Change the names and good to go.

Take in hand to interview:

• The appointment letter they mail him. It's the ticket in the door.
• His passport
• His original birth certificate. Must show parent's names. (and a copy so they can keep the copy and give his original back)
• Originals of any divorce decree if he is divorced (and a copy so they can give original back)
• ACPO police certificate (and a copy)
• Court or military records if he has any (and a copy)
• I-134 from you which is notarized plus at least two forms of evidence of your income. (and a copy) We provided 2007 tax return and letter of employment.

• 2 US sized passport photos. The third they mention is really for the medical. Only two for the embassy appointment.

Click my timeline over on the left and way at the bottom if you want to read our interview experience play by play. Very detailed and probably too long. Don't stress. It's not as hard as it seems.

Thanks so much! You've been a great help to me. I guess I was confused because this is on the DS-156K form:

So I thought he had to attach originals of all that stuff with the forms. But if you guys didn't do that and ya'll have Visa in hand...then I'm good. I'll go by what you said in your post. He can make copies I'm sure, even though he's not as big of a computer junkie as I am.

And if you don't mind sending the cover letter, I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks again for all your help!

Stephanie