Still no Packet 4 and contacting US Consular difficulties...

[KnightAndMagpie 7]

Heya, guys--

I'm a bit worried about my Packet 4's absence even though I checked last week ((202) 663-1225 was the number I called) and they said they had all my documents, but didn't say anything about the Packet 4. Can anyone tell me what the timezone is for that number? I checked all over the embassy website and I couldn't find anything even hinting at the location. I can't call the US Consular here because I use Skype as my landline and now it doesn't allow me to call premium numbers due to (and I quote) "technical difficulties". I did send an email, but there's been no response yet.

You can imagine I'm getting pretty anxious 'cause I'm wondering why it's taking this long...

Magpie.

[Laura+Tom 2]

This is the number for the switchboard (0)20 7499-9000 which is a London number due to the 020.

There are also other numbers listed here http://london.usembassy.gov/ukaddres.html from this link I would assume you would need to call the Operator Assisted Visa Information line (cos it starts with 090 that's probably the premium line you can't get through to).

Edited January 12, 2009 by Laura+Tom

[Laura+Tom 2]

I just had a thought, what if you rang the switchboard and asked to be transferred to the Visa line? Wouldn't that be charged as a local call?

[william_wallace 8]

Heya, guys--

I'm a bit worried about my Packet 4's absence even though I checked last week ((202) 663-1225 was the number I called) and they said they had all my documents, but didn't say anything about the Packet 4. Can anyone tell me what the timezone is for that number? I checked all over the embassy website and I couldn't find anything even hinting at the location. I can't call the US Consular here because I use Skype as my landline and now it doesn't allow me to call premium numbers due to (and I quote) "technical difficulties". I did send an email, but there's been no response yet.

You can imagine I'm getting pretty anxious 'cause I'm wondering why it's taking this long...

Magpie.

Maybe as there probebly only getting into the swing of things with the xmas period just over. I see by your timeline you sent packet 3 on the 18th Dec. I wouldn't too much.

[KnightAndMagpie 7]

I just had a thought, what if you rang the switchboard and asked to be transferred to the Visa line? Wouldn't that be charged as a local call?

Nupe. They just give you the number and tell you to call it yourself. I don't get why it's a premium number, though...it costs an arm and a leg a minute, and it's cheaper to just call the US number.

Maybe as there probebly only getting into the swing of things with the xmas period just over. I see by your timeline you sent packet 3 on the 18th Dec. I wouldn't too much.

That's true...I just get anxious when I don't have a clear idea of when these things are going to happen. Thanks guys =D.

Magpie.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

The number is for the Department of State in Washington, DC--visa line. It's Eastern Time.

http://www.state.gov/aboutstatedepartment/

Some FYI from Mama Nich (reading optional)

Here's some of the US government parts (and subordinate agencies) of the Executive Branch that have a say in your visa

DEPARTMENT OF STATE (Hillary Clinton nominated to head this under the Obama administration)

--Embassy (approves and issues visas)

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

--USCIS (approves visa petitons, but not the visa)

--Customs and Border Protection (meet and greet you at the airport)

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

--Center for Disease Control/CDC (makes up the immunization rules)

--Also sets the annual poverty levels.

So if you get frustrated with the hoops you jump through, it's partly because an agency adopts rules (or vaccinations) that affect your immigration. Then the other agencies have to modify their procedures or forms to accomodate the adopted rules.

Edited January 12, 2009 by Nich-Nick

[DairyFarmer 1]

We are in the exact same situation. I've asked some of those going for an interview in the next few days to find out what days they were actually shut down. I'm a little anxious too. I'm giving them another week or two till I lose it. It has taken some others up to 7 weeks to get the date of their interview after submission of pkt 3, so really I should relax, to hell with that.

Honestly I'm sure it is all good.

[KnightAndMagpie 7]

So if you get frustrated with the hoops you jump through, it's partly because an agency adopts rules (or vaccinations) that affect your immigration. Then the other agencies have to modify their procedures or forms to accomodate the adopted rules.

Thankums Nich -- could be why they're delayed...

We are in the exact same situation. I've asked some of those going for an interview in the next few days to find out what days they were actually shut down. I'm a little anxious too. I'm giving them another week or two till I lose it. It has taken some others up to 7 weeks to get the date of their interview after submission of pkt 3, so really I should relax, to hell with that.

Honestly I'm sure it is all good.

Well, I gave 'em a call just a few minutes ago, and the person on the other end curtly said there were no problems and my thing was still processing. I liked the person I talked to last week better, she was a lot more reassuring and helpful. The lady I spoke to today just told me to call back toward the end of the week if I still didn't have my Packet 4. I'm in no rush really as I requested an interview in February or March (as I won't be able to travel until the end of May/early June), but knowing when my interview date would make planning so much better.

Magpie.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

It took 3 weeks to get our P4. DOS had no info until the day before because I called alot. The guy even said, "Oh great timing, they just scheduled your interview yesterday." It seems like when they get around to doing your file, they schedule the interview, print the letter and mail it that day.

If you asked for a later interview, then maybe they are processing the eager-beavers and laid yours aside Magpie.

Everybody calm down a little. It's going to happen when it happens, and no sense in being mentally insane by the time it does.

[KnightAndMagpie 7]

It took 3 weeks to get our P4. DOS had no info until the day before because I called alot. The guy even said, "Oh great timing, they just scheduled your interview yesterday." It seems like when they get around to doing your file, they schedule the interview, print the letter and mail it that day.

If you asked for a later interview, then maybe they are processing the eager-beavers and laid yours aside Magpie.

Everybody calm down a little. It's going to happen when it happens, and no sense in being mentally insane by the time it does.

:: Runs in circles :: Calm down?! What's that?!

...No, really -- you're right. I'd just like to have an idea of when my interview day will be because my studies are crucial, it being my third year, and if I have to miss classes that day, at least I can prepare for them beforehand or ask a friend to keep copies of notes for me. I've got workshops that run in conjunction with my lectures and I'll have to warn them well in advance if I'm going to be taking any absences, otherwise the department may put in disciplinary notices against me.

Also, since most of my assignments are due in March, and I have April off to study for my exams in May, I need to start planning my move now so I'm not panicking closer to the date. Sadly, because the university system is so rigid here, I can't afford to make any mistakes or do any less than my best so ensure I get my degree.

=D Thankums -- you've been a wonderful help and support, as always. :: hugs ::

Magpie.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Magpie, you crack me up.

You were the one PMing me for advice on how to s l o w down the process back in the fall. Now you're running in circles.

I understand. I was the same way. I want certainty all the time and the waiting around just doesn't sit right with me.

[KnightAndMagpie 7]

Magpie, you crack me up.

You were the one PMing me for advice on how to s l o w down the process back in the fall. Now you're running in circles.

I understand. I was the same way. I want certainty all the time and the waiting around just doesn't sit right with me.

=D I know. I'm still good with the time padding, but like you said, certainty is good. It doesn't help not knowing when I have assignments and group members that know how to bite if I suddenly cancel on a group meeting due to such-and-such. They have TEETH. Evil, evil teeth!

Magpie.

[Rob&Dawn 1]

Heya, guys--

I'm a bit worried about my Packet 4's absence even though I checked last week ((202) 663-1225 was the number I called) and they said they had all my documents, but didn't say anything about the Packet 4. Can anyone tell me what the timezone is for that number? I checked all over the embassy website and I couldn't find anything even hinting at the location. I can't call the US Consular here because I use Skype as my landline and now it doesn't allow me to call premium numbers due to (and I quote) "technical difficulties". I did send an email, but there's been no response yet.

You can imagine I'm getting pretty anxious 'cause I'm wondering why it's taking this long...

Magpie.

Magpie

I returned my pkt3 on the 17th Dec. It was only approved & loaded on the system 5th Jan.

I was on the phone to the Embassy today as no pkt4, no interview date has been set as yet. I was advised to wait another 2weeks and i should have seen something within that time.

I know it's frustrating, but think they are just a little behind with the Christmas slow down.

Hope you hear something soon.

[KnightAndMagpie 7]

Magpie

I returned my pkt3 on the 17th Dec. It was only approved & loaded on the system 5th Jan.

I was on the phone to the Embassy today as no pkt4, no interview date has been set as yet. I was advised to wait another 2weeks and i should have seen something within that time.

I know it's frustrating, but think they are just a little behind with the Christmas slow down.

Hope you hear something soon.

Thankums -- seems like there's a few of us waiting on interview dates. Hope you hear something soon, too =D.

Magpie.