starting immigration for spouse while still in his country.

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

Hiya...Ok so the 29th of April is our big day to be married!! WOOHOOOOO...We are going to start the K-3 while I am still in the UK..(I being the USC). We know that we can start the process while I am still in the UK, but my future husband and I were wondering if it is possible if I stay here during the whole process. My visa certainly gives me the time to do it, but not sure how it will work in regards to getting NOA1 and NOA2 along with anything else that may be sent to us. I realise that we have to show that I have residence in America which I do have. Just need to know how it would work if I continue to stay here during the K-3 process. Also, I have read that you have to pay for the application in US currency. Does anyone know how or where we can go to get that from over here? I know that it can be done. Thank you for the help. I know that I have more questions, just can't think of them all right now...lol.

Kindest Regards,

Laura and Ian

[meddykomp 0]

You have a couple options.

1. Have a lawyer or a caseworker doing the filing for you in the US and then sending things to you in the UK.

2. Have your address in the US listed as the address of a trusted family member/friend who will forward the information to you.

There may be others but these are the ones I know of.

There may be delays in getting some steps completed because of mail, however if you are together, then I dont think these will be quite so bad.

Angel

[nomanches 0]

Also, I have read that you have to pay for the application in US currency. Does anyone know how or where we can go to get that from over here? I know that it can be done.

I would imagine you could exchange pounds to dollars in almost any big bank. If you cant find a bank, then I would be almost 100% positive that you could do it in an airport. They always have currencies exchange places.

[Euro 3]

Hiya...Ok so the 29th of April is our big day to be married!! WOOHOOOOO...We are going to start the K-3 while I am still in the UK..(I being the USC). We know that we can start the process while I am still in the UK, but my future husband and I were wondering if it is possible if I stay here during the whole process. My visa certainly gives me the time to do it, but not sure how it will work in regards to getting NOA1 and NOA2 along with anything else that may be sent to us. I realise that we have to show that I have residence in America which I do have. Just need to know how it would work if I continue to stay here during the K-3 process. Also, I have read that you have to pay for the application in US currency. Does anyone know how or where we can go to get that from over here? I know that it can be done. Thank you for the help. I know that I have more questions, just can't think of them all right now...lol.

Kindest Regards,

Laura and Ian

All your mail will go to the US address, so who ever lives at that address will have to forward the mail to you, all fee;s have to be payed in money orders in Dollars!!

[athomp 0]

Have already began the process ? If not you should be able to do it all at the embassy. It would be a DCF filing which from what I hear is a lot faster.If you have began have a relative forward you the information.You can exchange currency at any bank or financial instituition Good luck

Edited April 23, 2006 by athomp

[sadie33138 0]

Have already began the process ? If not you should be able to do it all at the embassy. It would be a DCF filing which from what I hear is a lot faster.If you have began have a relative forward you the information.You can exchange currency at any bank or financial instituition Good luck

What kind of visa do you have that will allow you to stay in the UK while you file your petition for your husband's visa?

My understanding is that in the UK, you cannot file DCF unless you are a "resident" there, if you are on a visitors visa (VWP) you would have to file in the US. I'm sure someone will correct me if that is wrong.

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

Thanks for that! I am currently on my visitor for marriage visa which allows me multiple entry in the UK. I was advised that if I wanted to stay longer, it would be no problem seeing as to how we will be able to prove that my soon to be husband and I are intending on moving to the States..I just have to go to the Embassy in London to file some kind of form.

Also, for those of you whom seem to advise DCF, although I appreciate the advice, but may I just ask that you please please make sure that that is a possible option before you give that kind of advice out? People seem to be so loose in giving that option out when in fact, it isn't so ealily attainable. You have to have some kind of residency / or the USC has to be in the military and stationed over in the UK to be able to file that way. I am not trying to knock anyone down or make it seem like there is any ill will, but if you tell the wrong ppl that, it can really waste a lot of time and only make an already frustrating process even more frustrating. I have a 25£ phone bill from calling the embassy only to find out that no you can't just file for DCF. Please, no offense to anyone, I do appreciate all input. Just trying to save frustration for the next couple that is given that advice.

Thanks again everyone

Laura and Ian

[Rebster 0]

Thanks for that! I am currently on my visitor for marriage visa which allows me multiple entry in the UK. I was advised that if I wanted to stay longer, it would be no problem seeing as to how we will be able to prove that my soon to be husband and I are intending on moving to the States..I just have to go to the Embassy in London to file some kind of form.

Also, for those of you whom seem to advise DCF, although I appreciate the advice, but may I just ask that you please please make sure that that is a possible option before you give that kind of advice out? People seem to be so loose in giving that option out when in fact, it isn't so ealily attainable. You have to have some kind of residency / or the USC has to be in the military and stationed over in the UK to be able to file that way. I am not trying to knock anyone down or make it seem like there is any ill will, but if you tell the wrong ppl that, it can really waste a lot of time and only make an already frustrating process even more frustrating. I have a 25£ phone bill from calling the embassy only to find out that no you can't just file for DCF. Please, no offense to anyone, I do appreciate all input. Just trying to save frustration for the next couple that is given that advice.

Thanks again everyone

Laura and Ian

Yes, you can certainly stay in the UK whilst the Visa process is underway. After your marriage (congratulations by the way!) you will need to apply for a Limited Leave to Remain from the Home Office in Croydon if you plan to be here for very long. It is a very straightforward process and it only takes a couple of weeks (oh, if only the US government was as organized!!!). I can't remember the cost but it is not very much. The Home Office will then add a stamp page to your passport that gives you the ability to stay in the UK for 2 years with multiple entries. That will give you more than enough time for your husband's Visa to be processed. Follow this link: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk

I came on an fiancee entry clearance visa myself, so I know it is only good for 6 months after entry. If they have a way to extend it that is different to the LLR, I do not know of it. However, the Home Office would be the place to get that answer. The LLR is good to have anyway as it will allow you to come back for visits without needing to apply for a new visa. If you leave the UK without the LLR, you will need to apply for it before you come back for any long-term stays.

BTW, I fully appreciate your comments regarding people giving advice too freely...we had a delay of approximately 6 weeks because we attempted DCF based on other people's advice. It was denied and then we had to start from scratch with the USCIS office instead. It was very frustrating and I wouldn't want anyone else to have to go through the same ordeal!

We have now filed for the CR1 and the K3 and will take whatever comes first to get us to the US!!! I have used a friend's address for the "US domicile" on the forms & she has been emailing us the receipts as they come to her address.

Good luck!

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

thank you for that...i wasn't trying to be mean or anything, i just think that by throwing out DCF can be very misleading. I applied for the wrong visa type the first time as well and it kept me from being able to work while i am over here. i know that ppl have good intentions, but sometimes we can something without thinking and it can really do more harm than good. If it weren't for my soon to be husband getting a settlement from a bike accident, financially we would be really strapped right now. Anyhow, thanks for that advice..its much appreciated.

Laura and Ian