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New(ish) Member from the UK

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shippingforecast Community Regular

shippingforecast   126

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: United Kingdom
 Timeline
Posted

Hello everyone!

I'm (kind of) a new member from the Birmingham area of the UK. I've been using VJ for a while now and it's been tremendously helpful, both in terms of practical advice and for morale and support. I thought I'd just post to formally introduce myself, tell my story and say hello!

I first met my wife online in 2009, quite randomly, through social networking. We didn't really manage to sustain a conversation until 2011 (which started over a picture of a tree in my mum's patch of woods in Wales), but since then I guess it would be fair to say that we've been having the same conversation. We were supposed to meet in 2011 but things went awry, mainly due to my naivety in thinking she was interested in me in that respect, and as a result we both ended up with fairly unsuitable respective partners. After my last relationship dissolved in late 2012 she e-mailed me after a few months of drizzles of conversation here and there to tell me she was coming to Europe with her partner. I invited them to stay for the evening at my house. She was no different to me in real life than she was during all that time we had talked online - there was an instant connection and I hardened my resolve to make us work, if she were ever to become available again. Fortunately when she arrived back in America her relationship dissolved. She visited me in May 2013 and we became a couple within a few days, travelling to Belgium and Spain together for a break. She visited again in July (she landed on Independence Day), and for a month over August. I then took my first trip out to TX to meet her parents and family, who are wonderful, hospitable and loving people. On that trip whilst she was working in New Orleans, we saw the Cure play together and then decided to get married in the French Quarter... I can guess you say we eloped. Six days after I landed back in the UK she came and stayed for three more months; I then made my second visit out to her in late March of 2014. She lands again in thirteen days time! So I suppose we've done pretty well over the past year to be together as much as we have, though it doesn't make it easier when we're apart. We're also having a further celebration this year in November in the UK for all of our friends and family. I was hoping that my visa would be in the NVC or consulate stage by then, but if it isn't, we'll take each day as it comes. As I'm finding, five years isn't as long a time to wait to be with someone as the length of time I've seen for some fellow VJ posters.

So, hello to you all, thank you all for your help so far - you're all friendly, wonderful people and I can't begin to think how many people you must have helped in the past eleven years!

Now chronicling my experience in handy blog format at


http://the-shipping-forecast.tumblr.com/

AlissaCarly Explorer

AlissaCarly   44

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Netherlands
 Timeline
Posted

Hi there! Kind of welcome to the VJ forum then :P Your story is great, how awesome that you two found each other after so many years. If you love this forum already, you're going to love it even more in the near future, it's the best thing since sliced bread :) Good luck with the whole process!

Our journey so far:

27 Mar '09: Met at work in Holland and started dating.

30 Nov '13: Got engaged in Scotland!

10 Jan '14: Sent I-129F package to Dallas Lockbox.

22 Jan '14: NOA1 received.

29 Jun '14: Congressman Lobiondo inquired at TSC about our case.

16 Jul '14: Senator Menendez inquired at TSC about our case.

21 Jul '14: NOA2 approved!! (180 days)

23 Jul '14: Case sent to NVC.

01 Aug '14: Received NVC case number.

07 Aug '14: Case sent to Dutch consulate.

13 Aug '14: Packet 3 received, completed the DS-160 form.

15 Aug '14: Sent Packet 3 back to the consulate.

21 Aug '14: Packet 4 received with interview date.

02 Sep '14: Medical examination.

16 Sep '14: Interview --> APPROVED!!

20 Sep '14: Passport with visa returned.

12 Oct '14: POE, entered the USA!

14 Nov '14: Married! <3

24 Dec '14: Filed AOS/EAD.

31 Dec '14: AOS/EAD NOA1's received.

29 Jan '15: AOS RFE received for 2014 tax return.

23 Feb '15: AOS RFE response sent.

13 Mar '15: EAD RFE received for legal married name affidavit.

17 Mar '15: EAD RFE response sent.

29 Apr '15: Filed InfoPass to find out why I still didn't get biometrics appt.

06 May '15: Biometrics appointment.

14 May '15: Received EAD (finally!)

22 July '15: Interview waived.

08 Sep '15: Got my Green Card!

nZV0p1.png

shippingforecast Community Regular

shippingforecast   126

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: United Kingdom
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Hi there! Kind of welcome to the VJ forum then :P Your story is great, how awesome that you two found each other after so many years. If you love this forum already, you're going to love it even more in the near future, it's the best thing since sliced bread :) Good luck with the whole process!

Thank you! I'm just floored at how friendly everyone is.

Now chronicling my experience in handy blog format at


http://the-shipping-forecast.tumblr.com/

AlissaCarly Explorer

AlissaCarly   44

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Netherlands
 Timeline
Posted

Hehe I was too, I was very shy at first and browsed around for months before daring to post anything, but everyone is amazing about making you feel welcome and helping with questions, even tiny ones. So before you know it, you're commenting on random threads like you've been here for years ;)

Our journey so far:

27 Mar '09: Met at work in Holland and started dating.

30 Nov '13: Got engaged in Scotland!

10 Jan '14: Sent I-129F package to Dallas Lockbox.

22 Jan '14: NOA1 received.

29 Jun '14: Congressman Lobiondo inquired at TSC about our case.

16 Jul '14: Senator Menendez inquired at TSC about our case.

21 Jul '14: NOA2 approved!! (180 days)

23 Jul '14: Case sent to NVC.

01 Aug '14: Received NVC case number.

07 Aug '14: Case sent to Dutch consulate.

13 Aug '14: Packet 3 received, completed the DS-160 form.

15 Aug '14: Sent Packet 3 back to the consulate.

21 Aug '14: Packet 4 received with interview date.

02 Sep '14: Medical examination.

16 Sep '14: Interview --> APPROVED!!

20 Sep '14: Passport with visa returned.

12 Oct '14: POE, entered the USA!

14 Nov '14: Married! <3

24 Dec '14: Filed AOS/EAD.

31 Dec '14: AOS/EAD NOA1's received.

29 Jan '15: AOS RFE received for 2014 tax return.

23 Feb '15: AOS RFE response sent.

13 Mar '15: EAD RFE received for legal married name affidavit.

17 Mar '15: EAD RFE response sent.

29 Apr '15: Filed InfoPass to find out why I still didn't get biometrics appt.

06 May '15: Biometrics appointment.

14 May '15: Received EAD (finally!)

22 July '15: Interview waived.

08 Sep '15: Got my Green Card!

nZV0p1.png

TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   45,849

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
 Timeline
Posted

Great story!

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

Glyn and Kathy Rising Star

Glyn and Kathy   288

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa (DCF) Country: England
 Timeline
Posted

Welcome! What a great story! I wish you both well, and I just wanted to say, I LOVE your username! It has to be my favourite! Hubby (UKC) laughs at me because I used to fall asleep listening to BBC RADIO 4 and I miss hearing the shipping forecast in the middle of the night and first thing in the morning. He tells me I'm a dork!

10/26/03 Met in Yahoo chat room
06-2004 Glyn flies to Boston for 2 week holiday with me in White Mountains
06/07/2006- HE PROPOSES!!
12/13/2006- Glyn and Simon the best man fly in for wedding.
December 16,2006- Happiest day of my life
12/25/2006- Best and worst Christmas ever. Glyn flies back to England at 6 pm Christmas Night.
02/19/2007- UK spousal visa approved in NY after only 4 days.
March 2,2007- Reunited in England with Glyn.
01/21/2008-mailed I-130 to USCIS in London
01/24/2008-NOA1
04/13/2008-Panic. RFE received
April 17, 2008-Mailed off again.
April 22, 2008-NOA2 received dated April 21, 2008.
April 26, 2008-Packet 3 received
April 28, 2008-Mailed off DS-230
May06,2008-Packet 3 sent
May 08, 2008-Medical scheduled
May 22,2008-Packet 4 received
June 03,2008-Interview APPROVED!!!!!

June 04, 2008-Visa in hand
June 20, 2008-Shippers come for our things.
June 25, 2008-Flying to the USA
November 15, 2010-Sent off VERY late I-751 along with many prayers.
04/09/2011-10 year GC arrives in mail.
09/08/2011-Glyn leaves for UK
01/30/2012-Biometrics for UK spousal & dependent visas sent out w/ application same day
02/24/2012-UK settlement visas issued
04/16/2013-I-130 sent off-----04/19/2013 NOA1

05/15/2013-NOA2

Never received packet 3 although it was mailed to us on May 29th

07/17/2013-Sent off packet 3 after finally getting ALL our documents together

08/19/2013-Medical scheduled (there were earlier appointments but unfortunately, we couldn't get there for them due to hubby's work)

09/24/2013-Interview APPROVED

11/01/2013-POE BOSTON

01/13/2014-10 Year green card received

03/09/2019- Sent I-130 to Chicago lock box for step-son

03/20/2019- NOA 1

08/10/2019-NOA 2

shippingforecast Community Regular

shippingforecast   126

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: United Kingdom
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Welcome! What a great story! I wish you both well, and I just wanted to say, I LOVE your username! It has to be my favourite! Hubby (UKC) laughs at me because I used to fall asleep listening to BBC RADIO 4 and I miss hearing the shipping forecast in the middle of the night and first thing in the morning. He tells me I'm a dork!

Thank you! The shipping forecast is one of those stoically, innately British pieces of culture, hence I chose it. You should read a Kestrel for a Knave if you ever get a chance, there's a wonderful scene in which the protagonist reflects upon it's almost poetic quality.

Now chronicling my experience in handy blog format at


http://the-shipping-forecast.tumblr.com/

shippingforecast Community Regular

shippingforecast   126

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: United Kingdom
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Hehe I was too, I was very shy at first and browsed around for months before daring to post anything, but everyone is amazing about making you feel welcome and helping with questions, even tiny ones. So before you know it, you're commenting on random threads like you've been here for years ;)

Ha yeah! I do feel like I've been here a while now - I originally signed up over some immigration concerns relating to our second wedding ceremony here in the UK which were quelled by a member within about 15 minutes. And it's just so great in terms of morale and encouragement... the process can get a little soul-destroying at times, from what I've read.

Edited by shippingforecast

Now chronicling my experience in handy blog format at


http://the-shipping-forecast.tumblr.com/

shippingforecast Community Regular

shippingforecast   126

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: United Kingdom
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Welcome-ish to the forum!

Thanks Novembro!

Great story!

T-Dawg, thank you, "si man".

Now chronicling my experience in handy blog format at


http://the-shipping-forecast.tumblr.com/

2ndMessiah Rising Star

2ndMessiah   184

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: United Kingdom
 Timeline
Posted

Welcome! What a great story! I wish you both well, and I just wanted to say, I LOVE your username! It has to be my favourite! Hubby (UKC) laughs at me because I used to fall asleep listening to BBC RADIO 4 and I miss hearing the shipping forecast in the middle of the night and first thing in the morning. He tells me I'm a dork!

The shipping Forecast. BBC radio in general............ Hell I even miss the continuity announcers...

Thank you, goodnight and may your gods go with you",

Dave Allen.

shippingforecast Community Regular

shippingforecast   126

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: United Kingdom
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Welcome to VJ, we're a friendly lot (mostly) in the UK section :)

Thanks Hotter Otter!

Now chronicling my experience in handy blog format at


http://the-shipping-forecast.tumblr.com/

Lenny&Sanna Rising Star

Lenny&Sanna   114

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Finland
 Timeline
Posted

What a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing that with all of us, and welcome to the forums :)

I-129F Petition
Service Center: Texas Service Center
I-129F Sent: 3/17/14
I-129F NOA1: 3/24/14
Alien Registration Number Changed: 3/25/14
I-129F NOA2: 8/25/14
Sent to NVC: 8/28/14
NVC Received: 9/8/14
Case # Assigned: 9/9/14
Left NVC: 9/11/14
Consulate Received: 9/16/14
Packet 3 Received (Instructions/Checklist): 9/19/14
Packet 3 Completed: 9/23/14
Medical Scheduled: 10/15/14
Packet 4 Received (Appointment Date): 10/2/14
Interview Date (Helsinki Consulate): 10/27/14
Interview Result: APPROVED!
Visa Received: 10/31/14
POE/Baltimore (BWI): 12/9/14
Married: 1/12/15
 
Adjustment of Status I-485
Service Center: National Benefits Center
I-485 Sent: 1/24/15
Delivered to Chicago Lockbox: 1/27/15
Check Cashed by USCIS: 2/2/15
NOA 1: 1/30/15
Biometrics Appointment: 3/13/15
Biometrics Completed (USCIS Baltimore) 3/13/15
Letter from DHS Advising of Potentially no Interview Required for our Case: 6/15/15
Case Transferred to Kansas City Missouri Field Office: 1/26/16
RFE Received Wanting a New Vaccination Supplement: 2/4/16
Appointment Scheduled with Civil Surgeon: 2/15/16
Appointment Cancelled due to Weather Conditions: 2/15/16
Appointment Re-Scheduled with Civil Surgeon: 2/16/16
Civil Surgeon Completed I-693 Vaccination Supplement Needed: 2/16/16
RFE Response Sent to Kansas City Field Office via USPS: 2/16/16
Delivered to USCIS Field Office by USPS: 2/19/16
Signed Return Receipt Receipt in Mail from USCIS: 2/22/16
I-485 Notification Application APPROVED - No Interview: 2/23/16
NOA 2 Approval Notice Received Through Mail: 2/27/16
Green Card Sent Through Mail Notification: 2/26/16
Received Card in Mail: 3/2/16
 
Employment Authorization I-765
Service Center: National Benefits Center
I-765 Sent: 1/24/15
Delivered to Chicago Lockbox: 1/27/15
NOA 1: 1/30/15
Biometrics Appointment: 3/13/15
Biometrics Completed (USCIS Baltimore) 3/13/15
EAD Approved: 3/30/15
Received Card in Mail: 4/8/15
---------------------------------------------
Sent Renewal I-765 to Chicago Lockbox: 1/30/16
Delivered to Chicago Lockbox: 2/3/16
NOA 1: 2/8/16
Biometrics Appointment: 3/2/16
No need to get them done due to getting Green Card
 
Removal of Conditions on Residence I-751
Service Center: Vermont Service Center
I-751 Sent: 1/16/18
Delivered to Center: 1/19/18
 NOA 1: 1/24/18
Case Approved: 4/2/19
GC Received in Mail: 4/15/19
 
 

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