Getting MPs involved in the process

[JulianMelissa 52]

Elmcitymaven, I have a very special and very old bottle of Glenfiddich which I've set aside especially for your visit.

And thank you welshcookie.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Elmcitymaven, I have a very special and very old bottle of Glenfiddich which I've set aside especially for your visit.

And thank you welshcookie.

Again, Julian, once you get your 2-year GC, if you suddenly find you prefer older women... I happen to specialise in English men. I'm just sayin'.

We'll have a drop of that Glenfiddich when you get to SoCal. I promise not to bite.

[JulianMelissa 52]

The Glenfiddich stays in dear Old Blighty I'm sorry to say. Don't want to risk another bored civil servant at poe confiscating a bottle worth more than he makes in a month, just to pour down his own gob. But I'm sure we can find something comparable after my arrival.

[MelissaJulian 30]

I just tried to book a long weekend off so I could be at the Embassy, but I can't.

Guess I better book that second fitting for the dress, and start getting the bridesmaid dresses organized... And the cake... And another meeting with the florist... And meet AGAIN with my wedding planner...

[JulianMelissa 52]

See if you can do mid-October, I'm working on that.

In the meantime I'll trot off to be fitted for a much lighter wallet, what with the mounting costs of this wedding...

[MelissaJulian 30]

See if you can do mid-October, I'm working on that.

In the meantime I'll trot off to be fitted for a much lighter wallet, what with the mounting costs of this wedding...

[CBM 14]

See if you can do mid-October, I'm working on that.

In the meantime I'll trot off to be fitted for a much lighter wallet, what with the mounting costs of this wedding...

I must say, I've been watching this thread for some time, and watching the ridiculousness of it all unfold..... but I have to admit, that was fairly witty, Julian. Maybe my fiance and I will join you for that drink when I finally get to SoCal for good

Pasadena area, correct? My fiance and I aren't far from that, he works in Diamond Bar, if either you or Melissa are familiar.

Anywho, I don't know if your MP helped, and to be honest, I really really REALLY don't care if he helped, but I'm happy you guys have your interview date, and congratulations to you both!

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

I just tried to book a long weekend off so I could be at the Embassy, but I can't.

Guess I better book that second fitting for the dress, and start getting the bridesmaid dresses organized... And the cake... And another meeting with the florist... And meet AGAIN with my wedding planner...

Just because the interview is scheduled doesn't mean the visa is immediately forthcoming.

AP is always a possibility, you know.

Just saying.

[Welshcookie 17]

Just because the interview is scheduled doesn't mean the visa is immediately forthcoming.

AP is always a possibility, you know.

Why would AP be a possibility? Have I missed something?

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Not sure either, although there has been one mysterious AP case (no obvious red flags) this year. I *think* their wedding is scheduled for late December, so they theoretically should be okay.

[Asila 10]

Yar, we're running the safe ground and not scheduling anything until he has his visa in hand; then again, our formal wedding isn't until next year, when his family can make it.

And like what was said before I WANT SOME BLOODY GLENFIDDICH I mean, regardless of how it happened, congrats on the interview date

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

Why would AP be a possibility? Have I missed something?

Back in the day, AP was unheard of at London.

A lot has changed regarding the way background checks are processed since I first began studying all this rigamarole. Police certificates used to come from the "local"; now they come from APCO. The thumb and forefinger of the visa applicant used to be the only digits scanned at interview; now the whole hand is taken. And AP used to be unheard of. When we see it now it is still rare and is usually cleared up in less than a month. There is a case pending right now on VJ that is several months old; the member name is treehugger.

Persons who fly frequently have always been subject to more scrutiny than others. Also certain lines of work cause security hits. As far as I am aware, it has never been disclosed what Julian's family business actually "is". The lifestyle also suggests frequent travel.

A few years ago most visa applicants at London bought their tickets to the US prior to interview. Personally, I wouldn't do that in today's atmosphere. At the very least I would not purchase travel very close in to the interview date. Passing through the London embassy is still a cake walk compared to other consulates. But there are more hiccups than there used to be.

Edited September 16, 2010 by JohnnyQuest

[JulianMelissa 52]

Just because the interview is scheduled doesn't mean the visa is immediately forthcoming.

AP is always a possibility, you know.

Just saying.

You'd enjoy that wouldn't you? Not going to happen I'm afraid, sorry.

But welcome back Johnny boy, you've been missed.

[Gemmie 142]

While I don't believe your MP call had anything to do with it (as I predicted it would be a few days), congratulations Melissa and Julian.

How are you feeling about the interview, Julian?

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

You'd enjoy that wouldn't you? Not going to happen I'm afraid, sorry.

But welcome back Johnny boy, you've been missed.

Julian, you would be well served to take what I have just told you with a bit of consideration, rather than with a chip on your shoulder.

All I am saying to you is an interview is NOT a guarantee of immediate visa issuance. I did not make the comment with any ill intent. Rather I made the comment as a caution. You and Melissa have proven to be less than perfectly informed about this process.

Your choice as to whether or not you care to listen.