Olympics causing London slow down ??

[Stu4Lee 66]

Have read this in a few posts on here.

How would the Olympics in London have any effect on US embassy timescales?

[orangedesk 27]

Have read this in a few posts on here.

How would the Olympics in London have any effect on US embassy timescales?

I was annoyed when I first read this too, especially since it's just another U.S. embassy that happens to be located in London. I would think UK governments would experience delays in their regular work, not the United States, right? I have a few theories why this is:

I live in Chicago and we just had some NATO meetings held here. A lot of companies downtown closed for a few days or let people work from home because of all the congestion, threats of safety, protests, etc. Basically, people didn't want to deal with all the hassle of being downtown for such a worldwide event. Or, maybe people are taking time off to attend events lol.

Or, perhaps the U.S. embassy has to assist Olympic competitors from the United States who are coming to the UK. I'm sure they have more specialized needs than a regular traveler, right? Security? Places to stay? etc.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

It's because there will be transportation issues for people who work at the Embassy - most offices in Central London will be affected

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I would think UK governments would experience delays in their regular work, not the United States, right?

The people that work at the embassy live in the UK so if trains and coaches and the tube are impacted it's just going to slow down getting around more than an average week. If employees schedule holiday during that time, then there's less people to sort the mail, send out the P3 letters, file the medical results, assign interview dates, print visas, etc. So a natural slowdown because staff could be a little thinner. Same thing happens around Christmas.

If one's interview happens to be during the Olympics, then it may be more difficult to get about. The events are all over the UK however, not just central London. If one's file arrives mid Olympics, then it might sit a tad longer if some of the staff decided it was a good time to take their holiday.

[Stu4Lee 66]

I did actually read about there being a slow-down right now, even with still 6 weeks to the games.

How lame an excuse, London won't be coming to a standstill.

Leave for work earlier then if you are affected by transport issues.

These folk have got it easy or what?

Or maybe I just used to work for a dictator

[LeedsUK 4]

I did actually read about there being a slow-down right now, even with still 6 weeks to the games.

How lame an excuse, London won't be coming to a standstill.

Leave for work earlier then if you are affected by transport issues.

These folk have got it easy or what?

Or maybe I just used to work for a dictator

Hi everyone,

I am new here. This forum has helped me so much since we filed in January. I just received our NOA2 on the 9th & called the NVC on Monday, after a long hold, a kind lady said our application had been sent to the embassy in London via DHL on the 18th & gave me our new case number. She said that she obviously couldn't comment on the time scales for the embassy & that I should just wait to hear from them. So now I am just waiting for my packet 3...I have been reading all your posts & naturally stressing about the time scales at the embassy. I just wanted to know if it was definitely confirmed that there will be delays? Has an official statement been posted by the embassy apologising for the delays etc? My fiance came to visit on the 4th & left on Friday. I naturally didn't go back with him for another visit (this would be my 3rd) as last time I went over (April 18th) the immigration officer in Chicago was lovely but advised me that while our case is pending, any more than 2 visits can be flagged & an FBI background check can be done which just slows down the whole process so he said not to take the risk & visit again. Also I know that hopefully I could get my packet 3 anyway so visiting now would be foolish. I know a lot of you can sympathise with the heartbreak of being separated from the one you love for months on end...I just hate the waiting.

I'd appreciate any your words of advice or encouragement.

[LeftCoastLady 441]

There's the memo that was posted on the embassy's site: http://london.usembassy.gov/visanews014.html

Also, one of my senator's immigration staffer told me something similar a few weeks ago: "As I am sure you know, London will be hosting the 2012 Olympic Games in a couple more weeks. Due to the presence of the Olympics, visa operations at the U.S. Embassy in London will not be at full capacity during July and August. Unfortunately, since visa officers will be diverted to other duties during the Olympics you might experience a delay in the scheduling of your fiancé’s K-1 visa interview."

Hi everyone,

I am new here. This forum has helped me so much since we filed in January. I just received our NOA2 on the 9th & called the NVC on Monday, after a long hold, a kind lady said our application had been sent to the embassy in London via DHL on the 18th & gave me our new case number. She said that she obviously couldn't comment on the time scales for the embassy & that I should just wait to hear from them. So now I am just waiting for my packet 3...I have been reading all your posts & naturally stressing about the time scales at the embassy. I just wanted to know if it was definitely confirmed that there will be delays? Has an official statement been posted by the embassy apologising for the delays etc? My fiance came to visit on the 4th & left on Friday. I naturally didn't go back with him for another visit (this would be my 3rd) as last time I went over (April 18th) the immigration officer in Chicago was lovely but advised me that while our case is pending, any more than 2 visits can be flagged & an FBI background check can be done which just slows down the whole process so he said not to take the risk & visit again. Also I know that hopefully I could get my packet 3 anyway so visiting now would be foolish. I know a lot of you can sympathise with the heartbreak of being separated from the one you love for months on end...I just hate the waiting.

I'd appreciate any your words of advice or encouragement.

Edited July 26, 2012 by LeftCoastLady

[LeedsUK 4]

There's the memo that was posted on the embassy's site: http://london.usemba...isanews014.html

Also, one of my senator's immigration staffer told me something similar a few weeks ago: "As I am sure you know, London will be hosting the 2012 Olympic Games in a couple more weeks. Due to the presence of the Olympics, visa operations at the U.S. Embassy in London will not be at full capacity during July and August. Unfortunately, since visa officers will be diverted to other duties during the Olympics you might experience a delay in the scheduling of your fiancé’s K-1 visa interview."

Hi there,

Thanks for the info. This is very disheartening but I guess it's out of our control :/

[Stu4Lee 66]

Hi there,

Thanks for the info. This is very disheartening but I guess it's out of our control :/

Every case is different, I wouldn't worry about it having "that" much of an effect.

If you are smart you can still save some time, suggest reading this thread http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/350185-london-2012-k1s-from-noa2-to-interview-thread/

[LeftCoastLady 441]

Considering the games officially start tomorrow, any impact of the expected slowdown will be in effect soon.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Considering the games officially start tomorrow, any impact of the expected slowdown will be in effect soon.

My 2-cent worth is that little will get done during the Olympics. Consider that traffic will most likely get worse and getting in and out of Mayfair will be even harder, by car, tube, bus, etc. In addition there is the heightened security in/around all the Mayfair / Belgravia area. Is it not uncommon that Embassy and Consulate personnel be invited for parties, and other events related to the Olympics.

[LeftCoastLady 441]

My 2-cent worth is that little will get done during the Olympics. Consider that traffic will most likely get worse and getting in and out of Mayfair will be even harder, by car, tube, bus, etc. In addition there is the heightened security in/around all the Mayfair / Belgravia area. Is it not uncommon that Embassy and Consulate personnel be invited for parties, and other events related to the Olympics.

Agree.

My fiancé won't go for the medical exam until after the games have wrapped. He hates crowds as it is.

[Stu4Lee 66]

Considering that just 2 days ago they allocated an interview for Monday July 30th, during the games, I would say it has no effect on my case.

[LeedsUK 4]

Every case is different, I wouldn't worry about it having "that" much of an effect.

If you are smart you can still save some time, suggest reading this thread http://www.visajourn...terview-thread/

Many thanks for that link, it's really helpful. I have already been filling out the overwhelming form DS-230 & will be ordering my police report & getting vaccines done shortly...I just wanted to ask about the I-134? My fiance was going to submit all his recent pay cheques, he earns over 6 figures & until I can work in the US, I will be living off savings & his support. Are his pay cheques enough evidence as I keep reading differing answers & now see that a tax return copy would also be beneficial?

Thanks

[LeedsUK 4]

Agree.

My fiancé won't go for the medical exam until after the games have wrapped. He hates crowds as it is.

Yeah London will just be a nightmare for commuters right now...