Visa approved, but I have a few questions.

[Steve and Andi 1]

1) do I buy a one way, or return plain ticket?

2) how long does it take (usually) for my visa to be ready to collect?

3)at my embassy interview they didn't take a passport photo from me.. They asked for it, then returned it to me. Is this what they normally do?

4) should I end my mobile phone contract here in the uk, then buy a new phone in America, or can I somehow use my phone over there?

There will probably be more questions as I get ready to leave...lol

Thank you in advance?

Andi

[Pheebs1201 269]

1) do I buy a one way, or return plain ticket? Whatever is cheapest, usually return, and then cancel the return portion upon arrival

2) how long does it take (usually) for my visa to be ready to collect? London Embassy says ten working days but it is usually quicker

3)at my embassy interview they didn't take a passport photo from me.. They asked for it, then returned it to me. Is this what they normally do? Hmm not sure about this one. For my J1 visa interviews they've always taken it from me. Maybe contact them and ask. Perhaps they use the DS-160 photo for your visa? Not sure.

4) should I end my mobile phone contract here in the uk, then buy a new phone in America, or can I somehow use my phone over there? I would get a new contract out there, it will be much cheaper. You can always buy skype credit to call the UK

There will probably be more questions as I get ready to leave...lol

Thank you in advance?

Andi

Hope that helps

[KASH2011 382]

Congrats!

[shell20 746]

1) do I buy a one way, or return plain ticket?

2) how long does it take (usually) for my visa to be ready to collect?

3)at my embassy interview they didn't take a passport photo from me.. They asked for it, then returned it to me. Is this what they normally do?

4) should I end my mobile phone contract here in the uk, then buy a new phone in America, or can I somehow use my phone over there?

There will probably be more questions as I get ready to leave...lol

Thank you in advance?

Andi

Congratulations on your visa! Firstly I bought a return ticket and they cancelled the return for me on it. Its cheaper that way.

Secondly, from memory it was just over a week when I got my visa and you will get an email around noon. I dont know why they send it out at noon, but the email will send you a tracking number for the courier and it always comes out at noon.

I'm not sure about the photographs I know I had one for my DS160 but I don't remember taking any (probably did) nor them being returned, but they must have been as I went home for a holiday recently and saw some photos of myself in my sons drawer.

As for the mobile phone, well I ended my contract in the UK and I went on my husbands contract, you need to put as much in joint names as possible to prove you live together. However you need to try to get on the credit ladder here, as your credit score from the UK doesnt count here and you have to start all over again! This is all a personal choice on what you decide to do though.

[Steve and Andi 1]

Thank you so much for you help and advice??

I just tried to phone the embassy, but is all automated, so I couldn't speak to a real person ?

Am I phoning the wrong number? I don't want to buy my plane ticket, then find the lack of photo delays things!

(020 7499 9000) was the number I rang.

I have no credit rating in the uk anyway, I've never borrowed money or got credit for anything...lol I'm a " can afford it, can't have it" kinda gall ?

Andi

[baron555 934]

1) do I buy a one way, or return plain ticket?

Your choice.

2) how long does it take (usually) for my visa to be ready to collect?

1 week to 1 year

3)at my embassy interview they didn't take a passport photo from me.. They asked for it, then returned it to me. Is this what they normally do?

Can't answer, I've never been to an interview.

4) should I end my mobile phone contract here in the uk, then buy a new phone in America, or can I somehow use my phone over there?

Your choice

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

3. I think they scan your photo now. And you probably included one on the DS-160 anyway. With everything going digital, the need for the actual photo is becoming a dinosaur left over from when we had four different paper forms to take, with two photos that got stapled on. I suppose not everybody successfully uploads a proper photo to the DS-160, so they have everybody bring one in case they need to use it. She wouldn't have given it back if she needed it.

4. There is a thread about phones. It's talking about getting your provider to unlock your phone before you try to end the contract. (That seems backward to my logic, but that's what those who know said). It also discusses which US providers use what technology to be compatible with your phone. Like T-Mobile would work with a new SIM card. Verizon doesn't use SIM cards so it wouldn't work. Try to find the thread with advance search. It had knowledgeable contributions well over my head. I do know T-mobile and (maybe) ATT will work if you have a nice phone you want to continue using. Maybe start a new thread only about phones so the brainiacs who know can weigh in.

[Pheebs1201 269]

You can't phone the London Embassy, you need to use the email contact form http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/visa_contact_form.html

[Steve and Andi 1]

Thank you Pheebs, I have emailed them ?

Thank you Nich-Nick, That makes sense.

I just got back from the travel agent, and just a guide price, £500 return flight, or £850 on way!!!!... I'll have to think on this one....NOT... Lol

Andi

[Pheebs1201 269]

£500 is good for a return! Usually closer to £600 to get to Oregon

[Steve and Andi 1]

I thought so too ?

[Pheebs1201 269]

Can I ask which travel agent quoted that?

[Steve and Andi 1]

It was co-op travel, flying with Delta.

Edited January 28, 2015 by Steve and Andi

[TheAndies 50]

Hey there - my fiance visited me last week from London here in NY and there was a sale with virgin atlantic online. I think for his round-trip ticket it cost about 600 pounds (sorry, American keyboard so not sure how to get the pound symbol lol!) and he bought them a week before he flew. Definitely worth checking out

[Pheebs1201 269]

It was co-op travel, flying with Delta.

Thank you!

Hey there - my fiance visited me last week from London here in NY and there was a sale with virgin atlantic online. I think for his round-trip ticket it cost about 600 pounds (sorry, American keyboard so not sure how to get the pound symbol lol!) and he bought them a week before he flew. Definitely worth checking out

I will bear this in mind