UK Wiki updates needed and bonus Tips to include

[Nik+Heather 121]

So, after thinking about the other thread where this discussion got started, I thought this topic sort of warranted its own...topic.

Forums are a great way to have current multi-party conversations over the net, cover individual unique problems, and let groups support each other through the difficult, frustrating and otherwise trying, stressful, awful LONELY period of separation from our SOs - but REALLY poor at long term information keeping/organizing.

Some people have said they'd like to get into the wiki page for the London embassy and get this info gathered to get that updated. I've done some wiki things for the wiki they've started up for work stuff, so I might sign up for editing and (help) take a crack at it. I hope all who are also thinking of editing the wiki page can get together to make sure we aren't stepping on each others' toes!! Maybe others have noticed different deficiencies, as well and are not as gung-ho about diving into wiki editing. I've never tried to run a project like this, especially not over some internet forums, so if there's someone else more willing to lead the effort, please just use this thread as you like! I'm not sure that my interest in VJ won't fizzle once I have my hunny in the same time zone - obsession level will go WAAAY down, so not sure of my actual long term commitment here.

Subject for debate: To repeat or simply link embassy info page (w/pkt 3 link, contact info, etc).

My feeling is that space is mostly free. If it gets repeated, then that means if someone looks at one place first and another place second (or third, or fourth, or they can't find it somehow), they get the info the first time. Down side is that if anything ever changes, there are more places to have to change that info...could be annoying.

Anyway, here's the beginning of a list of things that could be added to the wiki (I am not stuck on any of these, just sort of thinking out loud here, fire at will!!):

- Link to Portal Page

- Link to Embassy Information Page http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/inde...&cty=London

--- Actually, can users like me clean this up? Looks like a lot of good info (some outdated), but really hard to read! Lots of ideas for expansion in the wiki, maybe?

- Link to Embassy Reviews Page http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.p...nited%20Kingdom

- Link to packet 3 (repeat from Embassy page)

--- Packet 3 forms (w/uscis.gov links) and checklist

----- Tips (by form)

------- We already know about travel dates for the checklist...LOL

------- Londoners' experience with "intend vs. do not intend" to supply specific support

------- Affidavits of Support (Ex. "I only used income, and left all others blank and it was OK!") which have passed inspection

------- Other tricky fields?

- List of items others have taken for evidence of ongoing relationship

- Link to these spreadsheets that some people are keeping - some other timing data that is NOT captured by VJ time lines, like how long from checklist (not just pkt 3) return until pkt 4...

- Updates to any links to other threads (These are outdated, we have 2009 versions now!!)

[mr and mrs 187]

i do think that this information could be organized and published in such a way to make it more clear and more available to interested parties. though this may mostly benefit posterity, i think it is a good idea to capture knowledge gained going through all of this and pass it on.

if it is available in several places, yes, it will take more updating. i think its a good idea to 'stamp' updates with a date so when know the age of the advice.

i started a google spreadsheet, just to keep myself occupied. (i dont know if youve heard but im home sick in bed and BORED.) though i havent put anything in to it yet, i liked the idea of using different sheets (tabs along the top of the published document) for dividing up the information. it still needs to be formatted and have information added, but i think it could another good resource.

here is the link: UK Process & London Embassy Guide

im up for any suggestions. i know its not great, but i guess its a start.

thanks, nik and heather for getting things in motion. updating the wiki stuff is a great first step!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Thanks to everyone who wants to get involved in this process. I will try to get involved with the DCF-specific stuff; if there is also a CR1/IR1 person who went through the NVC and not through the Embassy that would be fantastic. Us already married folk are far fewer in number than the K1s, and there are some real differences in what forms need to be completed and where they get sent.

[Talyss 0]

Thank you Nik+Heather and Nich-Nik for offering to help with getting the wiki page going - here is my twopennithworth

Perhaps a section marked

things you don't need to send to the UK for the interview - what comes to mind is NOA2, USC birth certificate etc

Also a list of original documents that have to be sent with signatures and a list of what can be scanned and e-mailed or faxed as only copies are needed

I think it should go beyond a link to packet 3 and actually cut and paste the packet 3 info with a link underneath to check for changes and that should be quite near the beginning as most of the info people need is actually there and a lot of the questions and anxieties that are in threads are caused by misinformation posted by someone else

oh and a note about AP at the NVC - I know it only happens to a small number of us , but if it is highlighted as a possibility it helps peoples expectations

and maybe the people who know more about it could put in something about AP after the interview also

Edited April 14, 2009 by Talyss