Kim and Nath

Hi everyone,

I was curious if anyone had an estimate of how long until you receive your GC from the time it was transferred to CSC, and you did not have an interview?

Thanks!

The issue is that USCIS website states we have to re-submit the form, plus the $340!!! to get a new one. Is this true? Anyone have something similar happen?

That is supposed to be true, yes - It might be worth while to make an infopass appointment to see if they could change it for you and order a new card.

'

Hey Thanks. Whats an infopass appointment?

Hi All,

Nathan got his EAD card in the mail on Saturday. It has the wrong DOB on it. After looking at the forms we sent, we accidentally sent my birth year instead of his ('78 instead of '79). The I-485 form has his correct birthdate on it...

The issue is that USCIS website states we have to re-submit the form, plus the $340!!! to get a new one. Is this true? Anyone have something similar happen?

Thanks,

Kim

Hello,

Quick question.

What can we send copies of and not the originals? We're not too keen to submit originals of the vaccination report, I-94, or NOA2 from the K1 visa in the case that it could go missing. At the same time, we don't want to delay things with an RFE for the originals.

Any advice?

Thanks!!

Hi Everyone!

Nath flies out here tomorrow (FINALLY!!!), and just had a question about the x-rays. He has his K1 visa in his passport, and the sealed envelope, but does he need his x-rays as well or can he just chuck them in his luggage? Apparently they're bulky and he'd rather not bother with them in his carry-on.

I looked through POE interviews, and only one of the 54 reviews for Newark mentioned having their x-rays. Any advice on this?

Thanks!!

I haven't made the move yet but I have spent many months there.

The UK seems to have a big safety cushion that the US doesn't.

Work ethic is the main one, I think. In the UK, people *generally* don't care about their jobs (though this depends on where you are).. it's something that brings the money in of course and it's still important to enjoy your job, but it's not the end of the world if you lose your position, and you can always fall back on the vacation time and/or other jobs nearby if you've had enough. In the US, it seems that everyone puts 100% into their jobs, even when it comes to their attitudes and presentation. They work damn hard in comparison for little benefit, and I think that's the biggest culture shock I'll experience.

It's the same with colleges; in the UK, there are so many restrictions on when you can start paying back your loan, though in the US, you must get a job and pay it back, or they'll come down on you like a ton of bricks. That's the impression I've gotten, and I've heard the same thing from people too. You also MUST get a job while in college to get by, but in the UK, it's easier to go through three years of university without having a job.

I find it MUCH more friendly over there. If you started chatting to someone in the UK, they would think you're a complete #### I reckon, but in the US, it seems normal for people to ask how you are, etc. BUT I also find that a little uncomfortable in some situations where the other person is selling something. It's one thing being polite because you want to be polite to someone, and I love when that happens, but it makes me feel *off* when waitresses are nice in an obvious-fake way because they want to get a decent tip.

I too sometimes feel uncomfortable speaking because people turn to look at me, but Bill tells me that they're just surprised and actually like the English accent. I also get a bit tired of having to repeat things; not because they can't understand me with an accent (everyone has said that it's clear and pretty much a generic English accent) but because they spend the first time concentrating on the fact that I have an accent, if that makes sense, so lose concentration.

The driving thing, obviously. I'm used to taking the bus and train everywhere, so I'm learning to drive straight away because I have to.

Whenever I was over in Scotland, I found that people were ok friendly - though come to think of it, it was mostly old people waiting for the bus who were chatting to me.

I live on the east coast, and even though Nath is from Edinburgh (which I think has one of the nicer Scottish accents), when he's first over here visiting, people have a hard time understanding him. I had to order for him when he visited last May, after he repeated himself twice and finally the waitress asked me what he said. I think it may also do with his shyness, and he speaks low.

I personally think he could use his accent to his advantage in terms of getting a job. Americans are suckers for that.

Forget the baking after over 3 years here i've come to realise not only is the food you can buy limited but its almost impossible to buy the ingredients to make the things your used to in UK so you have to just get used to whats here.

No more

Meat Pies

Decent Bread or butter

Curry

Chinese food

Chocolate

and many many many other things

Just get used to Ribs, barbecue sauce and Chicken wings and you won't be to dissapointed

I've promised Nath (and his mother gave me Maw Broon's cookbook for Christmas) that I'll learn how to make Scotch pies. I really enjoy them as well. I'm the American, but I'm having a hard time not visiting for a good chippy. I actually bought some chippy sauce, which is a HUGE difference from HP, which is all you can get in the states.

Advance Parole (travel documents) came for Nick in 59 days after filing AOS. Lots were getting them in that timeframe, but others seemed to get hung up because they didn't get a biometrics appointment or got an RFE, most often about the Affidavit of Support for AOS. Just from reading AOS threads, it seems like the K1s in general fare better in getting it right the first time. I think those adjusting from student or work visas or VWP, haven't been on VJ learning what to do maybe. So all this time you're having to wait, you're learning some good paper filing techniques, patience, and tricks of the trade.

On the plane when they pass out landing cards, pick the white one.

Ah ok. I think we're pretty ok with the biometrics, and we'll probably prepare the AOS Affidavit of Support rather easily. It's good that he'll have the ability to travel, though I doubt we will.

Thanks for all the advice! Nath booked a round trip flight because it was cheapest. Soon enough he'll be here and never have to leave (unless we want to go on vacation together)!

A return ticket will be your best deal. And a tip: When booking your return, go for the cheapest, day and time of year you can get since you aren't going to use it anyway. Like don't book a weekend return for summer, if a Wednesday in Feb. would be lots cheaper. Find the cheapest scenario.

They don't ask about return tickets at POE. You show them the visa and brown envelope and go get processed. That's it. It's not like when you are presenting a VWP form I-94W. This time you have a K1 visa and a I-94 form, so no questions about if you are going home and ties to UK.

Nick came in Sept and booked the return for March, so he actually could use it now that he has AP to travel. But then how does he get back here without doing another weird return ticket from London. We haven't worked that out yet. Maybe they could apply the unused ticket toward a new ticket. Or maybe we just forget it.

Hey, How long did it take for you to get approval to travel? We're wanting to file that asap, just in case there's any issue with his family over in Scotland, we don't want him to be stuck in the US.

Also, when you go over you have to fill out an I-94 form, even though you have your K1 visa?

Thanks!

Hey everyone,

Good news that Nath has his visa. He's found a snag with booking his flight.

Its £280-350 for a two-way flight, but £480 for a one-way flight.

At this rate, it's cheaper for him to book a 2-way flight, but would people at the POE give him issue with this? He's not going to use it, obviously, but we don't want issues when he arrives.

Has anyone done this? Thanks!

Yay! Nath's visa just arrived! The courier just dropped it off. I can feel a larger package inside, as well as his passport. So glad this wait is over!!

Hi all! Sorry it's taken such a long time to report back, I've been quite ill. ####### way to spend my time over here with Nath, but what can you do?

Anyway - we're approved! Nath left for the embassy from our little hotel and got there about 7:30am. He was surprised at the length of the line, but got through efficiently. His number was 5001.

He got called up to submit his paperwork after a slight wait, and the guy was very friendly and chatty. He even told Nath, "I don't decide these things, but I hope you get your visa."

Nath had to go for another wait, then got called up to the window next to the previous one. He said the man asked him a few basic questions - how did we meet, etc., and then told him to go to the courier window. Nath asked if that was it, and the man just said, "you're done." He wasn't rude or anything, but the whole matter was very anti-climatic. Nath was back at the hotel by 9:50am, and that was with a stop off at a shop to pick up something for me as well.

Nath paid an extra fiver to have it delivered before noon. It's supposed to arrive today! He's at work, and I'm currently waiting to hear a knock at the door. It will feel so good to have it and not worry! His approval was a great birthday present, and getting the actual visa will be a wonderful Christmas present!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Welp I'm back in Scotland after a hellish flight.

Either way we're happy as clams that we're back together after 4 months apart. We leave for London Thursday morning, and Nathan's interview is 8am on Friday!

I had a quick question though - what did you take to the interview? Nath has his list from the packet 4, but it doesn't say anything about your copy of the petition, NOA1, or NOA2 or anything like that.

I think I've read that the consulate takes your copy of the petition and checks to make sure it's identical to the one they received? Just a bit confused. Thanks for any help!

My parents recently asked if British citizens have some sort of health insurance while they're over in the US. The US has the worst health care system, and I'm worried about Nathan going without health insurance for too long. Is there any truth that somehow the NHS still takes care of Brits when they're abroad? I have no clue about this.

Thanks!

You can add Nathan's interview date! He got it today. It's on December 19th, at 8am. That day also happens to be my birthday, and I'll be over there to join him. Sounds like a good birthday present to me!

Congratulations on the interview date. Perfect timing too with your birthday and you being there. Very best of luck to you both

Stuart

Thanks! It's quite a relief! Looks like you'll be coming over here just before I leave for Scotland!

Take care!

You can add Nathan's interview date! He got it today. It's on December 19th, at 8am. That day also happens to be my birthday, and I'll be over there to join him. Sounds like a good birthday present to me!

Nathan had his medical this past Wednesday. He said the whole process was really quick! If I remember correctly they did the chest x-ray while he was waiting to be seen by the doctor. A woman gave him his evaluation which he said lasted about 5-10 minutes tops. All he needed was a tetanus booster, and he was on his way. I think it was £205 total.

Now we just wait for the interview date.

January 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:

Malia & Tom (Tom_g), jmrb, Dazzler, walkies_a, julez & Griff, English Muffin, Stephen & Amber, Chris & Amy, Shorty & Nilz, NikkisPrecious, Randy & Maggie(Mustang-sally), ddkm, Gwen666, Teachmehistory, Jeff & Bev (Wellywench), Shadow42 (Andrew & Robin), Chelsea & Ed (edchels), DD2004, Barrel_roll

February 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:

C and J (Cheryl & Josh), Tinkerbelle, weedebz, nacampbell (Neil & Annie), kdancer, GlenandLisa, Lil-Lost-Girl, lostpup, jodinjames, Janaus, Courtney, Gareth's Girl, ericdraven

March 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:

Bforbarree, StillthePrettiest, toshtishtash, londonuk, pkscotus, lisalu100, Darren&Laura, tomsandi, DonnaB, ladyynara, babblesgirl, zoobuffalo and KJC.

April 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:

Geordielover, ajeanne, jeraly, minnietheminx, Poiteen, thejoz/thesquozenone, Chorely80, brooksmc, smallz, greeneyedgirlfl, lilysintrigue, AtlantiCat, sam and nic, NickyMcMillan

May 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:

Damian & Kelly, Coatsy, Saffyre, Robyn-n-Kris, Chris JennTX, Sal and Jay, ric

June 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:

Glyn & Kathy, bbpatel, Roselinda, Darren & Cristina, Jennifer & Jack, Stephen & Stacie, P & P, Carly & Andrew, K & L

July 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:

celtic59, Charles & Sonya, Robbie & Sarah, Barry & Debbie, valerie & andy, Verity & Neil, D & N, SMB x2, Bex & Alan, Rebecca & Dominick, Eggnut, me!, L & P, Thomas F, Gerry & Karen, Mark and Hannah, Pattilou47, Nick & Nich

August 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:

The Red Baron

September 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:

Nicoxcx, Welshcookie, Boobah, Thebigyard, Amy and John, SusieK, Roca, Guinness1969, sassasdave

October 2008 Graduates of the US Embassy in London:

Barry and Jackie, BMJ, saraswaiti007,sunnybear, Damian P, Bexxie, cca, gingerblue, KYLady, Wifetobe, Scarlett, fickmoley

November 2008 Interviews:

andiste08........................K1.................................11/10/2008 APPROVED!!!!!

Stuart n Courtney............K1.................................11/10/2008 APPROVED!!!!!

FeeandJosh.....................K1.................................11/17/2008 APPROVED!!!!!

December 2008 Interviews

desilu............................CR1.................................12/11/2008

Isma.............................CR1..................................12/17/2008

Still waiting:

Sad Eyes..........................................02/25/2008 – Still stuck in AP?

stevi1123..........................................10/16/2008 - Approved pending additional documentation

I can't wait until we're on the list! Nath's packet 3 was received by the Embassy on Nov. 13th, had his medical on the 19th, and now we're just waiting for our interview date! We're hoping sometime while I'm over during Dec-Jan so we can both fly down together.

Thank you very much guys for all the congratulations. It puts a big smile on my face reading them. I can't wait for the knock at the door and for it to be the courier with the 'brown evelope' and my passport. December 13th can't come quick enough now!!

Very best of luck to all those still waiting, your time will come and when it does it's definitely worth the stress, hassle and wait.

Stuart

Congrats Stuart! It's been a crazy week so I've just read this now. You both must be so pleased! I'm happy for you both!

Take care, God speed, and have a safe flight in December!

I have a question regarding the ds156 form, question #36. It says:

Has anyone ever filed an immigrant visa on your behalf?

This is confusing b/c some people think of a K1 visa as a non-immigrant visa. In this case, no one has, but if you consider a K1 visa an immigrant visa, then the answer is yes.

Any help would be great. Thanks!

Just a quick update. Turns out our case left NVC on October 10th. We hadn't heard anything, so Nath called the London Consulate yesterday. They said our package had arrived, and Packet 3 was shipped out on the 29th. Hopefully he'll get it on Monday and get this ball rollin again!!

It's been great to read all the approvals! Congrats!

Yay! After mailing the Embassy on Thursday, I think it was (or it mighta been Wednesday), they finally sent the Packet 3 I was meant to get. =D Thank you to everyone who helped both me and Knight while I was panicking.

=D now to get cracking on those papers!

Magpie.

How long in all did it take? Our case left for London on the 10th, but Nathan has yet to receive the Packet 3.

Hooray so happy! He did pay for quicker posting as he works all next week so no one would be home to sign for it. It arrived this morning and he laughed at whoever opens the envelope as he said it says on it in huge writing "Not to be Opened" haha...

So yup we are good to go!!!! Plane ticket is all bought and he should be arriving on the 28th!!! 10 more sleeps YAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!

Thank you again for all your support here this place has just been amazing!

Congratulations!

It's so cute, b/c Nath does the "x more sleeps" when we get nearer to when we'll see each other.

Congrats again - it's always nice to hear when people get their visas.

Hiya

That damn question on the form is the bain of our lives, but I had my interview today and everything went swimmingly, so I guess my answer to that question on the form was the right one for the London embassy (where you're b/f will presumably be going, coming from Scotland and all).

BOTH you and the co-sponsor have to tick the 'YES' box, and then simply write "assistance with K1 visa" - simple as that, no need to go into specifics. They'll glean all the financial info they need from the supporting documentation submitted by your mum.

Thanks! Sounds about right.

And congratulations on your successful interview!!