aoifee

ok, I know a lot has been written about RFE's for medical but i'm a little confused . If anyone can clarify I'd be totally grateful....

I had my medical done in UK and submitted DS3025. It was out of date when I submitted so I knew I was taking a risk...

The civil surgeons I have contacted in Houston are quoting $125 for physical which includes TB skin test. I had a BCG as a kid so that will come back positive. I will then be referred for a chest xray at $65. This also involves taking 3 mornings off work (a job I just started so far from ideal). I have asked if it's possible to get the blood work done instead of the TB test. One doctor says no, USCIS won't accept this and another says yes no problem but additional cost of approx $100.

So, my questions are

1) can i just get blood work done instead of skin test?

2) will this then nullify the requirement for a chest xray

3) is it possible to just transcribe my UK medical (as I say it is out of date so I'm guessing not...)

Thanks!

A.

hi guys,

Got my EAD finally and have a great job lined up to start asap. can i go ahead and start with the EAD and initial SSN (the one that says "not valid for employment" or sth like that) or do i need to get SSN card updated before starting? Hope someone can help.

Glad to see everyone is settling in

Nick did the TX driver's license and SS update using his EAD card, both in Angleton if you're familiar with that town. I'm thinking they will want to see a card, but that may be awhile if you've read the card production delay posts. You could always go in with what you have, but I think at the DPS they are wanting to see something with a date showing you have at least 6 moths validity in the US or a real card. At the DPS, even with an EAD card they give a temporary visitor license (alien license) with a portrait orientation rather than the regular landscape orientation one. He went back with the GC and had to pay more money to get a normal license. If you make an infopass appointment they are supposed to give you that stamp to show GC status (I-551?) since they are experiencing card delays due to changing the system. That stamp should work.

Hi all,

I've been in the country for just over a week now and need to get the ball rolling....I'm applying for SSN and marriage license tail end of this week and a few other bits and pieces.

Like Rocks I do not have an overseas driving license and I'm really really really struggling without. As I'm sure you all know the DMV identification criteria require a visa with 12 month expiration (which as K1 I don't have) so according to them I'll have to wait for greencard (eeeeek!!!). Sooooo Nich Nick when I read your post above I got real excited. Are you saying that with EAD I can apply for temp driving license which needs to be updated once g/c received and is this common practise or will I need to jump through all sorts of hoops to pull it off? I'm based in Houston.

PS does anyone know if I have to complete an ESTA application before travelling? Thx, A.

That's for the visa waiver program isn't it? You're traveling on a visa.

Thanks! That's what I thought...just wanted to be sure.

Congrats Ellie!!! and John & Mary!!

Things are frantic at my end. I leave Friday

It's taken me until yesterday to get into gear. I am finished work and I have packed everything, collected by courier this morning at the ungodly hour of 6.45am. I very very stupidly packed by birth cert with all the stuff being freighted so won't have it for weeks and weeks (I know, I know... ). I will need it for AOS so i'm gonna have to do something about that.

Anyway, best of luck to everyone ...and I hope to see you all on the other side

PS does anyone know if I have to complete an ESTA application before travelling? Thx, A.

Thanks Ellie, hopefully it all goes well! I also have a question, when it comes to the interview, does the visa automatically get sent to the address that packet 3 and 4 are sent to, or can you request for it to be sent to a different address?? Do you fill out the envelope that the visa gets sent in? Thanks in advance x

You can have it sent to any address but you have to be at the address with proof of your identity to sign for the package. They accept bank card as proof of ID.

A.

'kay. : )

i feel better now. i made a file folder and labeled it neatly as 'AOS'. <nod>

LOL - that's exactly what I did!!

I got it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow - I'm blown away, absolutely over the moon. Flying out on 26th June. Only 11 days away!!!!!!!!!!

I was really expecting approval with pending docs but we had no problems at all.

Interview lasted about 45 seconds. Only two questions asked:

Where did you meet?

When did fiance move to US

That's it, your application is all in order. Congratulations. You can expect your visa in 3 - 5 days.

My jaw dropped. I stared at him in disbelief for several seconds and then said That's it? I'm approved? and that was that.

I am totally shellshocked. 18 months waiting and over in 45 seconds. I can't believe it!!!!

Guys - thanks for being such a fountain of wisdom and understanding.

Aoife.

WOW!! That's excellent news!

Thanks primaandjay - I would never have even considered looking into a tax rebate.

Aoife.

Fingers crossed for you too!

Why do you expect a blue slip?

Thanks!

Fiance was US born but lived in Europe all his life. Just moved to US last year and didn't get a job for ages. Only managed to work 4 months in the year and so didn't hit the povery limit 2008. We think they may ask for a co-sponsor as a result.

Think Pink!!!

Interview in 10 hours and counting!!!

EEEEEEEK!!!

V Stressed out. Fingers crossed (in fact everything crossed) that I walk out of there with a pink slip.

I'm kind of expecting a blue slip but really hoping they just give me PINK.

Will touch base tomorrow afterwards and let you all know what happened.

this is a bit of a gripe, but does anyone else just get tired of explaining how stressful this is to people???? I know that I have just stop explaining why I'm tired or why I just dont want to socialise that much. :angry: :angry: I mean, i'm immigrating, moving and getting married. there are times when you just want to break down in floods of tears or other times when you just zone out and go quiet, stare into space. I have weeks and months of restless sleep because my mind wont stop working even though my body is tired. I stood in Safeway/Somerfields on Thursday night completley confused and wanting to cry because I couldnt find the Turkey Kabanos!!lol seriously.

I often try to break down how it feels to folk to be leaving here to go there, but they dont get it. Either they think I will miss England ( which in all honesty I wont) or they think its a financial issue, or wonder if i'm making the right decision considering that I havent spent 10 years dating the guy before marrying him. :blink: :blink: It all just makes me wanna go ....AAAAAAAAAArgh. I understand how this process is hard to understand if you have never done it, but seriously if they knew how difficult this was do they think we would do this on a whim.

I'm a strong person, I can handle all of this, its just a little frustrating.

Can anyone share what they have experienced when telling friends about the process, or have you just given up???? Anyone got a solution to it?

Please take time to share it could help someone.

thanks

primaandjay

Honestly primaandjay i figure it's not even worth the effort.

For understanding and empathy I log on and touch base with fellow VJers. Otherwise unburden to fiance.

My family kind of get it (mostly my mom) but my friends don't have a clue.

The more you talk about how stressed I was to people who don't get it the more stressed out i got. So I just stopped.

Anyway - I get it!

Hit us with that big sparkly star please Marm....

We

are

APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was (as many have said) a strange experience. I felt like I was sat in a school canteen / argos / post office.

I was number 5003 - seen firstly at 9am and then again at 10:30 - out by 10:40! I recommend getting there early. People who arrived only 20 mins after me were in for one heck of a wait!

I got a bit of a hard ####, who was very matter of fact in her questions, and obviously trying to catch me out. Had a heart jolting moment where she couldn't find proof of david's divorce.....but then she found it!!!

Pink slip issued, courier paid for a before 12 delivery....

SHAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZAM! DONE! I only walked in the door 15 mins ago, so I am overwhelmed and in need of a shower! I have a glass of wine, but because they took my passport, and I have no other ID, I had to have my little sister go and buy me a bottle

Thanks everyone....so looking forward to that visa arriving!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

YAAAY!!! Congrats Ellie & David....really pleased for you.

This is Lisbette's post interview checklist. The stuff on the columns to the right are all the things they brought. The pink dots to the left and the pink notes were what they found they ACTUALLY needed on the day of.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry2864710 MARM found this, I'm just digging up her link.

Our experiences concur with the Pink dots/notes, but she has a more nicely laid out version.

-H

Wicked!! That's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Heather and Marm and anyone else involved...

Aoife.

Thank you Thank you Thank you to both of you.

Looks like the bus is even quicker than the tube would have been!!! I can go back to sleep now

Hey Ellie and David - how are you holding up?

Tube strike ends on Thursday evening and all services should be running normally on Friday morning. Better have a walking route planned from hotel to embassy.....Also, if you are travelling during rush hour on Thursday be aware buses will be very full.

On another note I know I saw a checklist on this thread some while back but for the life of me I can't find it. Does anyone know what page it's on?

Thanks,

Aoife.

January 2009 Graduates of the US Embassy, London

Jason&Sarah, Hannah+Vito, Mrssmith, ShannonNick, adrianandlinsay, Marmite Lovers!

February 2009 Graduates of the US Embassy, London

Rob&Dawn, Zoe and Hal, Terri and Seb, Talyss, TeeKol

March 2009 Graduates of the US Embassy, London

Stinky Monkey, skparker, Laurence+Lauren, pothergavel, paumanda, texpat cymru, obbynox, jhonscotland, Caminic, Furious Biscuit, ahlpo, jojo_gee

April 2009 Graduates of the US Embassy, London

DairyFarmer, skeez&titanic, SwanTiger, miss g, LondonLad, niniel71, mr and mrs, Stinkerpotsam, Marty J, Helen&Dougie, KAT&Allie, KnightAndMagpie, paul., Kirsten UK, Colinjess, Alixhilary

May 2009 Graduates of the US Embassy, London

Graziumphry, emma77, Monkey Juice, Gemmie, mrs_sdp, H&V, RBAL_TN, laura819, JM&Vid, Brookeluvsadam, Bob and Patricia

June 2009 Interviews

1st June 2009....JimandChristy................K-1

1st June 2009....krystiandjon...................K-1

4th June 2009....Nik+Heather..................K-1

8th June 2009....John and Camie.............K-1

12th June 2009...Ellie-and-David..............K-1

15th June 2009...aoifee...........................K-1

23rd June 2009...John & Mary..................K-1

29th June 2009....karenandtrev...............K-1

30th June 2009...grapeeyes...................CR-1

July 2009 Interviews

31st July 2009....Gary_UK........................K-1

Still waiting for approval

stevi1123..........16th October 2008 - Approved pending additional documentation

Dave and Jess..10th March 2009 ?

The Dip Sticks..25th March 2009 ?

prima and jay...24th April 2009 - Approved pending additional documentation

MARM..............12th May 2009 - Approved pending passport

PB&JAM............22nd May 2009 - Denied, to file waiver

= APPROVED

Updates/New entries/changes highlighted in blue - will go to normal color in the next update.

Please let us know if you have an Interview Date to add to the list, updated information or corrections.

Thank you Marm!!!

It's just a little bit scary and a little bit scrumptious to see my name up there in lights!!!

OMG!!! Interview one week today. I'm dying with nerves. Can't concentrate on anything!!!

I am sooooooooo worried that I'll be asked for paperwork I don't have or that my fiance's affidavit of support won't be accepted and we'll be asked for a co-sponsor.

I'm having nightmares guys!! I mean really - my overactive imagination is getting totally out of hand. I'm a nervous wreck.

On a more positive note, congrats John & Camie. Looking forward to hearing some details...

aoifee,

It looks like London is not very consistent with the income requirements. Jon just had his interview on Monday and we were approved using only my income. I make well above the poverty level, but I've only been in this job since October 08 and before was traveling and/or in university. My 2008 tax return was for 14 grand and they didn't even ask me for an employee letter/pay stubs. I was present for the interview. Also, I have a professional job with the state government so maybe the job itself affects their decision making.

My advice is to make sure you have a backup co sponsor.

Best of luck!

ok well here's the thing hope and pray that you dont get this blonde woman , apparently she has reddish blonde hair, whatever she has she is a stickler where others arent. there was absolutely no need to pass me on to get a co sponsor, his employer letter states that he earns over the amount, anyway its over with. got the first part of the co sponsors papers today, just waiting now on his birth cert. It should be ok to use a copy of it right???

Yes - copy of birth cert is fine for co-sponsor.

Nearly there now. The countdown starts again, eh!

Fingers crossed I won't get Blondie.

Best of luck.

Aoife.

aoifee,

It looks like London is not very consistent with the income requirements. Jon just had his interview on Monday and we were approved using only my income. I make well above the poverty level, but I've only been in this job since October 08 and before was traveling and/or in university. My 2008 tax return was for 14 grand and they didn't even ask me for an employee letter/pay stubs. I was present for the interview. Also, I have a professional job with the state government so maybe the job itself affects their decision making.

My advice is to make sure you have a backup co sponsor.

Best of luck!

I really really really hope it works out on the day..... I'm so stressed. My heart keeps flip flopping in my chest when I think about the interview.

Thanks for your feedback!

Aoife.

Hi Prima and Jay

I am panicked that we will be asked for a co-sponsor at the interview too. Can I ask why specifically the CO turned you down?

From what I have read if this happens the delay will be 2 weeks from the day the consulate courier collects signed forms from co-sponsor...am i right?

Sorry things weren't smooth sailing for you.

Aoife.

his gross on the tax return was just below poverty level, recently changed jobs. she didn t accept employer letter all they are conerned about is the tax return

That's exactly the situation I am in. *eeek* I hope we aren't turned down based on same. I don't think I could stand to wait another minute. We had a massive delay already with the process so this has been ongoing now for 18 months!!!

I can arrange a co-sponsor for I-864 but we thought we would be okay (with payslips / letter from employer / my bank statement) until very recently and there is no way I will be able to arrange someone at this late stage for my interview on June 15

I was advised that London sometimes allow self sponsorship and that the amount of money they would like to see in your account varies massively from about $3000 up to $50000 (equiv GBP). I don't suppose you discussed this with CO as an option?

Aoife.

Hi Prima and Jay

I am panicked that we will be asked for a co-sponsor at the interview too. Can I ask why specifically the CO turned you down?

From what I have read if this happens the delay will be 2 weeks from the day the consulate courier collects signed forms from co-sponsor...am i right?

Sorry things weren't smooth sailing for you.

Aoife.

Can anyone tell me how long the delay might be if paperwork is missing on the day of the interview?

I'm not 100% sure we have everythin in order on the sponsorship side of things and we may need co-sponsor. We won't be able to get it sorted before the interview though.

If they ask for co-sponsor on the day and mark my petition as pending how long might I be waiting (subject to my having paperwork ready for them within say 1 week)

To directly answer your question, yes.

As others have said if you do not have the documentation they will give you the opportunity to supply it.

Why not self sponsor?

I understood I needed loads of money to self sponsor (which sadly I just don't have). Had I been aware of the self sponsorship option a few months ago it wouldn't have been much of a problem but I was unemployed for a few months at the start of this year (as was my fiance) so we burned through the nest egg.

Do you know how much money I would need? Am I right in thinking that if I did self sponsor I would not need to complete any forms - just prove I have sufficient money?

Does anyone know someone who was actually refused at London Embassy because of I-134 and insufficient proof of earnings?

Generally speaking, do you think this could be make or break for us or do you think we'll be okay.

Should I speak to a solicitor and get a professional opinion?

I'm totally freaking out here. I have the interview on 15th June and being very aware of how expensive flights are getting I went ahead and booked mine for 26 June (perhaps a little too optimistic on my part)

1. Probably not. If he can document current income you should be OK

2. I would say file a tax return for 2008 and bring a copy to the interview. Why not? I cannot take more than a couple hours and you need to do it anyway for the AOS. do it now and bring it to the interview.

Thank you so much for your reply - hugely appreciated. I am in the middle of totally freaking out here!

The problem with 2008 tax return is that he was unemployed for most of the year and his income definately falls under the poverty guideline. Would it be detrimental to our case?

Hi all,

My fiance was unemployed several months last year and early this year. He now has a job paying over 125% poverty limit.

He has sent me payslips and letter from employer as supporting documents for the Affidavit of Support.

I have two questions:

1) Will we need a co-sponsor due to recent unemployment? We don't have anyone we can ask to co-sponsor so this would be a big issue for us.

2) We don't have any tax returns as yet (He is USC that only recently moved to the country. Dual citizenship. Never realised he should have filed tax returns over the years and as yet has not filed anything). I think the letter from employer and payslips will be sufficient at this stage. We will obviously need the tax returns for the I-864 (or whatever it's called) at the AOS stage. Are we right in thinking this?

Any advice or previous experience with similar situation would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Aoife.