London 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread

[UK_K1 0]

You choose the delivery address when you fill out the courier form. It has nothing to do with what is on your visa forms. The embassy turns it over to the courier and the courier uses the info you give them to address it.

I recall one person who got to pick theirs up, but that was a case of an embassy error and they were trying to make it up to him/her because she had to catch a flight. I think they had made an actual error or typo on the visa and it had to be re-done at the last minute when the person noticed it.

Does anyone know if I can keep hold of my passport if i'm approved and ask to send it in in the new year? This way, I'd be able to fly on VWP, have a party with my friends and family, return to the UK in the new year and get my visa, then return on the K1 and sign the marriage paperwork etc.

I'm getting really nervous that I'll hand the passport over, not get it back in time and end up stuck in the UK while all of my friends and family are in the USA, having flown from the UK, Australia and all over the USA.

[LeftCoastLady 441]

Does anyone know if I can keep hold of my passport if i'm approved and ask to send it in in the new year? This way, I'd be able to fly on VWP, have a party with my friends and family, return to the UK in the new year and get my visa, then return on the K1 and sign the marriage paperwork etc.

I'm getting really nervous that I'll hand the passport over, not get it back in time and end up stuck in the UK while all of my friends and family are in the USA, having flown from the UK, Australia and all over the USA.

Doubtful. You shouldn't plan on leaving the UK until you have the passport and visa back in your hand. From there, you'll be in the US until the adjustment of status paperwork is filed along with the advanced parole request.

Given the holidays, you may not have your passport back until early January unless the embassy rushes to get everything done before Xmas.

Edited December 16, 2012 by LeftCoastLady

[UK_K1 0]

Doubtful. You shouldn't plan on leaving the UK until you have the passport and visa back in your hand. From there, you'll be in the US until the adjustment of status paperwork is filed along with the advanced parole request.

Given the holidays, you may not have your passport back until early January unless the embassy rushes to get everything done before Xmas.

I know this, however I have a need to travel by the end of the year. If it looks as though they can't get the passport back in time, surely they must have processes for letting you send in the passport at a later date (as they do with people who get asked (at the interview) to send in correct paperwork before they can be approved)? What if, for example, someone had a need to travel (not necessarily to the USA) shortly after their interview? Is the "correct" procedure to delay the interview, rather than attend it and ask to send in the passport upon your return from travel?

[LeftCoastLady 441]

I know this, however I have a need to travel by the end of the year. If it looks as though they can't get the passport back in time, surely they must have processes for letting you send in the passport at a later date (as they do with people who get asked (at the interview) to send in correct paperwork before they can be approved)? What if, for example, someone had a need to travel (not necessarily to the USA) shortly after their interview? Is the "correct" procedure to delay the interview, rather than attend it and ask to send in the passport upon your return from travel?

As has been noted in the other thread you started, the typical process is to turn in your passport upon approval at the interview. Given that you want to travel to the US specifically, I doubt they will return it to you. Your making seemingly concrete plans before having been approved for a visa is not the embassy's problem. Even if you were to delay the interview at this point, there is still the likelihood of not being able to enter the U.S.

[UK_K1 0]

As has been noted in the other thread you started, the typical process is to turn in your passport upon approval at the interview. Given that you want to travel to the US specifically, I doubt they will return it to you. Your making seemingly concrete plans before having been approved for a visa is not the embassy's problem. Even if you were to delay the interview at this point, there is still the likelihood of not being able to enter the U.S.

I'm well aware that "concrete plans" shouldn't be made until the visa is in hand, but thanks for the "school ma'am" tone. I hope everyone was so kind and supportive towards you as you went through this process

Edited to add - there is actually NO reason why I shouldn't be admitted to the USA while awaiting a K1 visa - as many people do it. I have even been over for 3 months while we were waiting, earlier this year. The key point is whether you have intent to stay (ie not return to your home country within 90 days of entry on VWP). I can truthfully say I wouldn't have intent to stay (as I haven't the previous 10 or so times I've been on VWP).

Edited December 17, 2012 by UK_K1

[LeftCoastLady 441]

I'm well aware of all of this, but thanks for the "school ma'am" tone. I hope everyone was so kind and supportive towards you as you went through this process

If you're well aware, then why are you asking? Unfortunately for you, you're looking for someone to tell you "yes, you can go ahead and do that!" and that you aren't receiving said affirmation, you're getting upset. Like many others, when I entered this process, I was well aware that I was giving up control of a huge fraction of my life for a period of time to the US government, and thus, knowingly didn't make plans that couldn't be changed.

This process is far from over, so be prepared for the future! Good luck to you.

[UK_K1 0]

If you're well aware, then why are you asking? Unfortunately for you, you're looking for someone to tell you "yes, you can go ahead and do that!" and that you aren't receiving said affirmation, you're getting upset. Like many others, when I entered this process, I was well aware that I was giving up control of a huge fraction of my life for a period of time to the US government, and thus, knowingly didn't make plans that couldn't be changed.

This process is far from over, so be prepared for the future! Good luck to you.

As you'll see I edited my post to clarify what I was aware of

Actually, what I was looking for was advice from someone with some real experience who could make an educated guess or offer advice based on what they'd seen in the past, not for someone to guess at what they may or may not do and suggest that there would be reason for me to not be admitted under the VWP (although there is obviously never any guarantee of entry).

EDIT - My bad, I apologise - I hadn't considered the implications of an approval on VWP eligibility.. guess I'll look that up now!!.. sigh.

Anyway, thanks for your input and well wishes and congratulations on your recent approval

Edited December 17, 2012 by UK_K1

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Does anyone know if I can keep hold of my passport if i'm approved and ask to send it in in the new year? This way, I'd be able to fly on VWP, have a party with my friends and family, return to the UK in the new year and get my visa, then return on the K1 and sign the marriage paperwork etc.

I'm getting really nervous that I'll hand the passport over, not get it back in time and end up stuck in the UK while all of my friends and family are in the USA, having flown from the UK, Australia and all over the USA.

Yes, you should be able to do that. Then you call the courier to pick up your passport and pay a two-way fare...to the embassy and then back to you. People have done that that flew to London from a long distance for their interview, but needed their passport for their return flight back home. I remember various threads on the subject and which airlines would let you fly without your passport or how you would get home without it. The solution for some was what I said. That was the embassy's answer. Just tell them you don't want to miss Christmas with the fiancé. However if you already told them you have a wedding to get to, you may have tipped your hand. So what will you answer when they say "you know you can't get married or you won't be issued this visa?"

Edited December 17, 2012 by Nich-Nick

[UK_K1 0]

Yes, you should be able to do that. Then you call the courier to pick up your passport and pay a two wayfare...to the embassy and then back to you. People have done that that flew to London from a long distance for their interview, but needed their passport for their return flight back home. I remember various threads on the subject and which airlines would let you fly without your passport or how you would get home without it. The solution for some was what I said. That was the embassy's answer. Just tell them you don't want to miss Christmas with the fiancé. However if you already told them you have a wedding to get to, you may have tipped your hand. So what will you answer when they say "you know you can't get married or you won't be issued this visa?"

I would tell them the truth - that as we have friends flying over, we want to spend christmas/new year with each other and them, even if we can't have the wedding and will postpone the actual marriage until the visa is issued.

Edited December 17, 2012 by UK_K1

[MmmBlondie 8]

You can, it's been done, but I would check with NVC to ask the date it went to London. There have been times that files have been held up at NVC for 30 days instead of 3. NVC 603-334-0700

Then I would call DOS and ask if the case has been logged in at London. If so, mail away. If not I would wait until they confirm, or mail on your medical date since you are going away and want to get it in before your holiday. DOS 202-663-1225 press 1, then 0

I would pay after you get the interview appointment letter. Paying early doesn't speed up getting an interview. Just pay before the interview so you have the emailed receipt to present on the day.

I'm sending all the forms today but just realized I haven't signed Form DS-157 as there is no place to sign...do I just sign at the bottom "/

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I'm sending all the forms today but just realized I haven't signed Form DS-157 as there is no place to sign...do I just sign at the bottom "/

No signature required. Don't sign the one with the oath at the bottom either. DS-156K? (sorry, need my coffee). It is signed in front of the officer at the interview. Did you read the ones that you must send two of? And make photocopies of all just for your records and in case they should lose them?

Edited December 17, 2012 by Nich-Nick

[MmmBlondie 8]

No signature required. Don't sign the one with the oath at the bottom either. DS-156K? (sorry, need my coffee). It is signed in front of the officer at the interview. Did you read the ones that you must send two of? And make photocopies of all just for your records and in case they should lose them?

Just checking, thought it was a bit strange. I havent signed the DS-156K either.

I will be making copies before I head downstairs to dispatch but I have:

• Cover Letter
  
• DS-2001
  
• DS-230
  
• DS-156 x2
  
• DS-157 x2
  
• DS-156K
  

The only thing im worried about is, I still haven't received anything from the London Embassy. I have spoken to the DoS and they have confirmed it was sent to London and that they received the electronic copy but not the hard copy. I wanted to send it all first class and the guy who works in dispatch said I should send it pretty soon with all the Christmas post etc but is today too soon I just want to send it all off so after my medical they can start looking over things while im on vacation! Saying that...do I even know the address to send it to lol...

Is it the 5 Upper Grosvenor Street one??

Edited December 17, 2012 by MmmBlondie

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

The only thing im worried about is, I still haven't received anything from the London Embassy. I have spoken to the DoS and they have confirmed it was sent to London and that they received the electronic copy but not the hard copy. I wanted to send it all first class and the guy who works in dispatch said I should send it pretty soon with all the Christmas post etc but is today too soon I just want to send it all off so after my medical they can start looking over things while im on vacation! Saying that...do I even know the address to send it to lol...

Is it the 5 Upper Grosvenor Street one??

Immigrant Visa Unit

5 Upper Grosvenor Street

London W1A 2JB

It will be fine. They just collect things and when applications, DS-2001, and medical results are all accounted for, you get in the queue for interview assignment. Nobody looks them over or evaluates them til it's in the interviewer's hands on THE day. Mail them and get in the queue rather than delaying things until your return. Your medical is going to arrive perhaps before you hear from London, so might as well send the forms and hope an interview letter will arrive around the time you return.

[Myke + Kerry 0]

Got a text today saying that my passport and visa will be delivered tomorrow!

I am slightly worried about the brown envelope that I have to hand in to customs at my POE. The only thing I have is a folded over, white A4 envelope with my name and LND number scribbled on it in sharpie. It's open, and not sealed, with a busted staple through the top.

I was under the impression that this should NOT be opened under any circumstance?

[UK_K1 0]

Got a text today saying that my passport and visa will be delivered tomorrow!

I am slightly worried about the brown envelope that I have to hand in to customs at my POE. The only thing I have is a folded over, white A4 envelope with my name and LND number scribbled on it in sharpie. It's open, and not sealed, with a busted staple through the top.

I was under the impression that this should NOT be opened under any circumstance?

Wow - 4 working days from interview to delivery. Congratulations!

I hope the envelope isn't a problem for you - I'm sure those more knowledgeable will be able to advise!