Got NOA2, have many questions? xD

[otter~ 17]

Got my NOA2! I understand that our case goes to NVC first and then it gets sent to London. I have a quite a few questions, however!

-Addafit of support! I looked at the form and it says it expires at the end of this year (in the top right corner)? So does that mean if my fiancé/our co sponsor (his parents) fill it out now, then by the time of my interview, it won't be accepted? Or does it not matter?

-Am I correct in thinking London is a little more relaxed on the financial requirements? what supporting evidence does my fiancé need to send me /I need to bring to accompany the addafit of support forms, a tax return and paystubs be enough? Are there some things mentioned in the guide that London doesn't really need/look at?

-Will London will contact me first, like send me forms to fill out (like it says on the K1 flowchart? i understand they replaced previous forms recently?)

-The application for the police certificate asks for a photocopy of passport...does this mean a photocopy of my entire passport, like every page? Or just the identity page/the one with my picture birthday nationality etc?

-If I go to my GP about the vaccinations for the medical, did you guys have to pay for yours? If so, can you remember how much It cost?

-And finally, how am I contacted after it goes to London? Or will they contact my fiancé?

I am so so sorry for all the questions xD I just thought that alot of this is London specific so I thought it was worth posting it in this area. If I'm wrong then I'm sorry ^^;

If anyone could help me out it would be really really appreciated thanks so much!

[Jackie79 1]

Hi,

I wouldn't worry too much about all the details for your interview just yet, you have a long way to go before then. I had my NOA2 from CSC on the 24th October and the NVC haven't even had it yet, let alone sent it to London. The delay is around 6-8 weeks, possibly 90 days. I'm not being a Debbie downer but I too was very excited when I got my NOA2 and then totally demoralised today when I found out NVC haven't even had the petition yet.

The passport is the photo page only that's needs photocopying. I'm doing mine at the moment. You should get a letter from the embassy sent to you, with your first packet to complete.

Lots of luck. Most people from CSC are coming through within 6 weeks so fingers crossed you'll have yours sent to the Embassy by Jan.

Good Luck

[Sharkano 13]

Here are what I consider the basics, but just my views:

1. Keep checking with State Department to see if you have a case number. Their phone is 202-485-7600, then 1, 0 You will need both your birthdates.

2. Once you have a case number check the CEAC website (for immigrant visa) at https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx? Should say "In Transit" when they are sending to the embassy.

3. Make your medical appointment like 1-2 weeks from transit date out so there is time for your file to get opened in London.

4. Do the DS 160 form (all info here: http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html)

5. At end of 160 application they give you a receipt with a number. Use that number to submit London's on-line "I am ready" form (here: http://london.usemba...iness_form.html)

6. Make sure you have all your documents.

7. Check CEAC site daily after medical and form submittal for any date change on the updated line -- if there is a date change call State Dept. number above and ask if you have interview date. Also do this call once a week anyway, as some notice letters never make it to you.

Good luck!

Edited November 20, 2013 by Sharkano

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I just answered one of your questions to somebody else. It hasn't been asked here in the UK forum so I'll re-post it for the benefit of everybody. It is concerning the form I-134.

-----------

The form dated 12/17/2012 is the most recent form. The date is shown in the bottom right corner.

(Also, see the Y following the date. It mean Yes previous versions are accepted. If that was 12/17/2012 N, then it would mean No to previous versions. That's just some trivia info for you. )

The top date is the OMB date. (Office of Management and Budget)

All federal forms must be reviewed periodically by the OMB to comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act. So the date at the top is when the next review is due. Sometimes they don't make the date. There is always a public comment period before the review. Sometimes they go for another round of comments. They have to publish each thing in the Federal Register....invite to comment, extend comment period, publish comments, make recommendations for changes. Here's an example for this form. (Middle column) http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-07-23/pdf/2013-17572.pdf published in July.

Sometimes they don't change the form when they review, but it gets it's next review date at the top.

It would also get a Y after the bottom date if there were no drastic changes. There is always a transition period even if it gets a N where this form and a new changed form would both be okay for a several month span.

So that's a lot of talk to show you that you have no worries with the form you have.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

-Am I correct in thinking London is a little more relaxed on the financial requirements? what supporting evidence does my fiancé need to send me /I need to bring to accompany the addafit of support forms, a tax return and paystubs be enough? Are there some things mentioned in the guide that London doesn't really need/look at?

There is a lot in the Visa Journey guide London doesn't ask for. VJ writes for the worst case, most fraudulent and hard nosed consulates where fiance's have met one time and don't speak the same language.

London wants one sponsor. Whoever has the money, fills out form I-134. They will accept any good proof of income. It doesn't have to include a tax return, but that is a good choice. Employer letter, pay stubs, pension statements, social security retirement statements, a bunch of cash in investments would all serve as proof. Pick two and don't worry about proving income four ways.

-Will London will contact me first, like send me forms to fill out (like it says on the K1 flowchart? i understand they replaced previous forms recently?)

The petitioner will be contacted by NVC when they have sent the file to London. It will have the new case number.

London will send a letter to the beneficiary when they are ready for the next step...apply for a visa. The forms and instructions are on the website, not in the letter. They tell you to get everything from the web. You were given the link by Sharkano. Preview the K1 instructions but don't execute the forms until London is ready for you.

-If I go to my GP about the vaccinations for the medical, did you guys have to pay for yours? If so, can you remember how much It cost?

That is doctor specific. Many do it free, but they don't have to.

-And finally, how am I contacted after it goes to London? Or will they contact my fiancé?

Answered above

I am so so sorry for all the questions xD I just thought that alot of this is London specific so I thought it was worth posting it in this area. If I'm wrong then I'm sorry ^^;

If anyone could help me out it would be really really appreciated thanks so much!

If you would just start reading the threads in this UK forum, you would pickup a lot of info. Jump in and read everyday about the trials and tribulations that are London.

[otter~ 17]

Thank you so much everyone! I feel alot more clearer on what happens now! I'm also a little relieved to know that things won't be moving too quickly, as we were prepared for a 5 month wait for the NOA2, and when it came within 2 weeks I was kind of worried that I won't have enough time to save up some money and get everything done. So I feel better knowing I'm not going to be rushed getting things done. xD

Thanks again for your answers everyone

[Bridget ~ Steven 3]

Another tip is if you can get to the embassy on short notice, let them know that! Steven lives in Cardiff and we both emailed regarding interviews and they called/emailed him the day before his to let him know he had one. Thankfully the journey (by American standards!) between Cardiff and London is pretty short.

For money stuff - it does vary *slightly* if you are self-employed vs. traditional employment. It was a bit of a pain for me to get my tax transcript, so if your sponsor is self-employed make sure they request that soon. I ended up having to request it twice online and once via snail mail.

Its interesting that the process seems to have flipped -- though we had a long NOA2 wait AND NVC part.. Calling DoS to get your case number and interview info is great advice. The wait times are generally quite short (~3 minutes) and they're friendly.. BUT be aware that some are more thorough than others. Chris was always great to talk to and would give the most up to date info. Another woman (She mmhmms a lot, I think her name is Patricia?) always starts with the oldest info. So I'd call to ask about an interview date and she'd say, "Well, they sent packet 3 on 9/11"... and then stop. So I'd have to go through every step with her about how we'd mailed it back (mmhmm.. right.. yeah.. they have those documents..) and such. She's nice, but I think she needs more coffee or maybe she's just close to retiring.