Near receiving NOA2 -- tips for what is next?

[loveamy 0]

Hi, everybody!

VSC is moving a lot faster than expected and, if timelines are to be trusted (ha!), we're expecting to receive our NOA 2 in the next month or two. Is there anything I or the beneficiary (UK citizen) can start doing now? Should I have him start getting a police certificate requested? Are there forms I need to start filling out? What can I be doing to be prepared ahead?

Thanks in advance, you guys.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hi, everybody!

VSC is moving a lot faster than expected and, if timelines are to be trusted (ha!), we're expecting to receive our NOA 2 in the next month or two. Is there anything I or the beneficiary (UK citizen) can start doing now? Should I have him start getting a police certificate requested? Are there forms I need to start filling out? What can I be doing to be prepared ahead?

Thanks in advance, you guys.

My standard list when people ask this question:

Advance preparation for the London part of the K1 process

When your NOA2 is near, it’s a good time to start your preparation.

Petitioner:

1. Order your tax transcripts. Only the most recent tax return is required, but you can order three years at a time for free from the IRS. Tax transcripts are summaries of your whole tax return provided free by the IRS. They can't be faked because it's a copy/summary of your whole tax return picture, basically certified by the IRS because it's issued by them. That's why you don't have to include any 1040, Schedules, W2s or 1099s if you send a transcript. They are free from the IRS. Transcripts take the place of sending a complete tax return.
   If you call 1-800-908-9946 (the transcript line) , there is an automated system for ordering transcripts. You'll have to enter your Social Security number and the numbers of your street address. It will generate an automated request to mail your transcripts. You can also order online on the IRS website http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=232168,00.html
   
2. Start filling out the I-134 Affidavit of Support. It will have to be signed and mailed to the UK the slow way. Get familiar with the form. When the NOA2 is received is a good time to finalize it with the supporting documents and get it in the mail.
   

UK beneficiary:

1. Get some passport photos taken. You will eventually need
   2 US sized for the Embassy
   1 UK sized for the police certificate
   1 either size for the visa medical exam.
   (and for AOS in the US, 6 more US sized photos)
   
2. Go to your NHS doctor and get the immunizations you will need for Adjustment of Status. You can get a K1 visa without having any shots, but you will need them before AOS. It’s really wise to take care of it before getting to the US. Many NHS doctors will do them for free, but they are not obligated to do so for immigration purposes. If you had theses shots as a child, Tdap/Td must be no longer than 10 years ago or you have to do them again. Get the shots documented by your doctor to take to your visa medical exam. Here’s the shots needed for 19 through 59 years of age:
   Td or Tdap - Maybe not available in the UK, so get DT, DTP or DtaP and it will be accepted for AOS
   MMR (if born in 1957 or later) Get a second shot 4 wks later if you have time
   Varicella – Not routinely given in the UK ; a history of having chickenpox excuses you from the shot. They take your word for it at the visa medical exam.
   Influenza - During flu season only, October 1 through March 31. This was a new recommendation dated November 2010 for all ages over 6 months. Older lists will say flu shots for over age 50. It changed.
   
3. Order your police certificate. It takes some preparation because you need a passport photo signed off on by somebody officialish who’s known you two years. Here’s the application. Read the instructions. A police certificate is good for 12 months. Must take it to medical exam. http://www.acpo.police.uk/documents/Application_Form.pdf
   
4. Look at your passport and make sure it will have 8 months remaining after visa issuance. If not get it renewed now. If you've damaged it or gotten it wet, it will need to be renewed.
   
5. Study the list of original documents London wants you to bring to the embassy and get those in hand or ordered. http://london.usembassy.gov/application_documents.html And here's another one http://london.usembassy.gov/document_checklist.html[/color]

You will not get a "packet". You'll get a letter saying to follow instructions on their website.

Here's where to start but click all the links left and right to learn more stuff. http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html

Do NOT follow procedures for other consulates offered by K1 buddies. Your procedure will be London specific so stick with the London website.

[cathy2904 97]

Nich-Nick, I don't know if things have changed but I didn't need an additional photo at the medical. Just the police certificate with the photo on it and my passport.

Edited January 30, 2012 by cathy2904

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Nich-Nick, I don't know if things have changed but I didn't need an additional photo at the medical. Just the police certificate with the photo on it and my passport.

I don't know either. They normally attach the photo to a place on the medical report.

Embassy still has this medical link saying passport photo (page 1) http://photos.state.gov/libraries/unitedkingdom/164203/cons-visa/IV018a%20_IV%20medical%20letter_%20Aug%202011%20_1_.pdf

Knightsbridge website still lists passport photo http://www.visamedicals.info/us-bring.asp

[loveamy 0]

You guys are SO helpful. Thank you SO much.

Two questions --

1. Can we go ahead and do things in advance, even though we don't have the NOA 2 yet? Specifically, can he go ahead and get the medical done in London or does that need to wait until we have the NOA in hand?

2. How would he get passport photos that are US sized and UK sized? Where's the best place to send him for that? (He lives in Tenterden, Kent, if that's helpful at all.)

[loveamy 0]

Also, one more question:

1. What is the amount I needed to make the last few years to do this without a co-sponsor? I ask because, when I file my 2011 tax documents in a few days, it will be with +$10,000 more than I made in 2010. Does anyone know the amount the US citizen has to have made?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

1. Can we go ahead and do things in advance, even though we don't have the NOA 2 yet? Specifically, can he go ahead and get the medical done in London or does that need to wait until we have the NOA in hand?

He can make the appointment after he knows his LND number which is assigned by NVC. London needs his case file before receiving things from him like application forms and medical results. Get it all ready (forms) and the day the letter comes from London...BAM!....put it in the mail.

2. How would he get passport photos that are US sized and UK sized? Where's the best place to send him for that? (He lives in Tenterden, Kent, if that's helpful at all.)

He could take his own using this Dept of State uploader tool. (Scroll down the page halfway) http://travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotoreq/pptphotoreq_5333.html We just used this and printed at home for his citizenship application and my passport renewal.

Or when he goes to London for the medical or interview, there are photo places near the Bond St tube station on Oxford St that do US passport photos. He doesn't need them until the day of the medical or interview.

Also Snappy Snaps is in many cities.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Also, one more question:

1. What is the amount I needed to make the last few years to do this without a co-sponsor? I ask because, when I file my 2011 tax documents in a few days, it will be with +$10,000 more than I made in 2010. Does anyone know the amount the US citizen has to have made?

The guidelines are here http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf but 2012 numbers will be in effect shortly.

It is based on your current income not previous tax returns. London will approve an I-134 with NO tax return as long as you have good proof of current income like an employer letter or pay slips.

Edited January 30, 2012 by Nich-Nick

[Brando M 1]

I don't know either. They normally attach the photo to a place on the medical report.

Embassy still has this medical link saying passport photo (page 1) http://photos.state.gov/libraries/unitedkingdom/164203/cons-visa/IV018a%20_IV%20medical%20letter_%20Aug%202011%20_1_.pdf

Knightsbridge website still lists passport photo http://www.visamedicals.info/us-bring.asp

They do still ask for a photo, so yep, keep on taking 'em!

You have to sign over the top of the actual photo, that is attached to the medical report.

[wee carrington 33]

Good luck!

[cathy2904 97]

They do still ask for a photo, so yep, keep on taking 'em!

You have to sign over the top of the actual photo, that is attached to the medical report.

Fair enough. Maybe it's just different for the IR1 because I know that I just had my police certificate and they copied that.