Scandinavians Part 2

[BSJ 13]

No problem

We printed 2 pages of various photos and a few facebook posts 2 of those posts showing 10 and 15 yr wedding anniversary. Not much else because we felt we have been married 20 yrs (next month) and they can't expect us to save every little thing since we got together lol. In your case maybe supply a tad bit more but 10 yrs is a long time as well so just maybe add a few more pics etc. Don't go overboard

We don't have a specific date yet as we had to wait to make sure my husband got approved and then handed in his resignation letter to his job here (which he did today) before booking anything. Due to the virus chaos though...they should not expect you to have 1 anyway because everything is not the norm and things are taking longer etc. 

 

Just go over everything 10 times before the interview and make sure all the papers are there. The medical results seem to take a week to arrive from the office to the Embassy...atleast from Oslo anyway so keep that in mind as well. 

 

[OrihimeandIchigo 216]

On 6/25/2020 at 12:50 PM, BSJ said:

No problem

We printed 2 pages of various photos and a few facebook posts 2 of those posts showing 10 and 15 yr wedding anniversary. Not much else because we felt we have been married 20 yrs (next month) and they can't expect us to save every little thing since we got together lol. In your case maybe supply a tad bit more but 10 yrs is a long time as well so just maybe add a few more pics etc. Don't go overboard

We don't have a specific date yet as we had to wait to make sure my husband got approved and then handed in his resignation letter to his job here (which he did today) before booking anything. Due to the virus chaos though...they should not expect you to have 1 anyway because everything is not the norm and things are taking longer etc. 

 

Just go over everything 10 times before the interview and make sure all the papers are there. The medical results seem to take a week to arrive from the office to the Embassy...atleast from Oslo anyway so keep that in mind as well. 

 

Thank you so very much this was very helpful. Congratulations again  

[OrihimeandIchigo 216]

So if anyone wants to know I looked at the Visa Statistics for Sweden and compared March 2019 to March 2020. And in March 2019 they issued 28 visas all together that month, and for March 2020 they issued 31 so pretty normal. 

 

So I don't think they really cancelled a lot or many visa appointments for March so that's hopeful that the backlog isn't that bad for that month. 

 

But in April 2019 they issued 36 visas compared to April 2020 where they issued 4 visas. But who knows what all visa categories they had to cancel in April and how many were the exempted categories. So I'm hopeful the backlog of cancelled appointments at least are not that bad. 

 

 

 

[OrihimeandIchigo 216]

So I did calculations and recorded 15 months of Visa Issued from Stockholm Embassy from 2019 to 2020.

 

And with a full staff of employees and "normal visa routine services" the average of ALL Visas categories issued each month from Sweden was 36 to 46.

 

And the average of whats considered now for "mission-critical" Visas once a month for 15 months was 17.6 Visas issued a month. 

 

And so since the average mission critical visas was 17.6 a month and the month of April was canceled and they scheduled interviews 1 month ahead of schedule I'm going to assume they are 17 to 20 interviews behind to catch up for April 2020. 

 

So if somehow some way if they get back to full routine and staff. They could do 36 to 46 Mission-critical visas a month. But if they go to lets say even half staff maybe they can do 17.6 Visas a month. 

 

 

Edited June 26, 2020 by OrihimeandIchigo

[LilyJ 1,258]

We got word on email this week that the embassy is ready again to reschedule our interview once we've collected all our papers again! How is the situation over there for those who have recently been to the embassy/Stockholm in general? Are people wearing masks on the buses/social distancing, if the buses are running much at all? Particularly for anyone who had to fly in from out of Sweden, which airport do you recommend flying in to and did you take rental car/bus/taxi/something else to and from the airport? We are trying to feel out the situation and transportation options to minimize my husband's contact with other people when he goes without spending too much on transportation since we are tight on money with this unexpected COVID and an almost 3 months delay on the interview..

[OrihimeandIchigo 216]

8 hours ago, LilyJ said:

We got word on email this week that the embassy is ready again to reschedule our interview once we've collected all our papers again! How is the situation over there for those who have recently been to the embassy/Stockholm in general? Are people wearing masks on the buses/social distancing, if the buses are running much at all? Particularly for anyone who had to fly in from out of Sweden, which airport do you recommend flying in to and did you take rental car/bus/taxi/something else to and from the airport? We are trying to feel out the situation and transportation options to minimize my husband's contact with other people when he goes without spending too much on transportation since we are tight on money with this unexpected COVID and an almost 3 months delay on the interview..

This is wonderful news congratulations, how exciting  

 

Your previous interview date was April 1st right, do they know what date they would reschedule you for yet? I would truly be greatful if it was at all possible if you would keep us updated on when you new interview date was please 😊, then we might all have a starting date for when they will start mission critical visa processing. 

 

What all papers do you have to collect again if I may ask? I'm wondering myself if my husband will have to collect another police report maybe just in case. 

 

If I understand right Denmark and Norway both go to the Stockholm Embassy for Visa Processing yes? 

 

I know @BSJ husband was approved recently, she described that the staff and personal was very nice but I don't know about the traveling information and @Jon & Ygritte  were also approved recently so she might also give more information. I do know from living in my part of Sweden. People are not wearing masks and are not very good at staying 6 feet apart (which is annoying) so if your wanting to have extra protection don't count on others wearing masks you'll have to bring your own. Also previously awhile ago they put in rules for the bus for precautions but I have no idea if its working, people are abiding by it and so on since I do not use the bus, I'm sorry. But here's a link for more information about it. https://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=2054&artikel=7431519

 

Best of Luck in everything and please keep us updated in how everything goes *sending you hugs*  

Edited June 27, 2020 by OrihimeandIchigo

[BSJ 13]

8 hours ago, LilyJ said:

We got word on email this week that the embassy is ready again to reschedule our interview once we've collected all our papers again! How is the situation over there for those who have recently been to the embassy/Stockholm in general? Are people wearing masks on the buses/social distancing, if the buses are running much at all? Particularly for anyone who had to fly in from out of Sweden, which airport do you recommend flying in to and did you take rental car/bus/taxi/something else to and from the airport? We are trying to feel out the situation and transportation options to minimize my husband's contact with other people when he goes without spending too much on transportation since we are tight on money with this unexpected COVID and an almost 3 months delay on the interview..

My husband, who was there last week said not many are wearing masks at all. 

He flew into Arlanda the day before just to be on the safe side in case of any flight delays. He took the train from the airport (hardly any people on it), stayed at the First Hotel right next to the central train station. I booked it through booking.com as they had the best rates for it. The hotel will hold your luggage so no worries about where you will need to store it for the interview. He walked to the Embassy from there...35 min walk roughly. The Embassy employees did not have masks on nor did they have any hand sanitizer out so make sure you bring plenty of that on your trip. 

[LilyJ 1,258]

19 hours ago, BSJ said:

My husband, who was there last week said not many are wearing masks at all. 

He flew into Arlanda the day before just to be on the safe side in case of any flight delays. He took the train from the airport (hardly any people on it), stayed at the First Hotel right next to the central train station. I booked it through booking.com as they had the best rates for it. The hotel will hold your luggage so no worries about where you will need to store it for the interview. He walked to the Embassy from there...35 min walk roughly. The Embassy employees did not have masks on nor did they have any hand sanitizer out so make sure you bring plenty of that on your trip. 

Thank you so much for this!! This is super helpful. The train definitely seems like the best choice then to avoid close transport with other people, we'll definitely take a look at that and at the First Hotel. It seems so crazy to me that the employees aren't wearing masks at the embassy! But he will definitely be bringing his own mask + hand sanitizer. Did your husband wear a mask into the embassy or are they not allowing them? Out of curiosity how was it like flying on the planes as well? I'm unsure how airlines are really going about this whole virus. Unrelated but did they also ask for the DS5540?

 

19 hours ago, OrihimeandIchigo said:

This is wonderful news congratulations, how exciting  

 

Your previous interview date was April 1st right, do they know what date they would reschedule you for yet? I would truly be greatful if it was at all possible if you would keep us updated on when you new interview date was please 😊, then we might all have a starting date for when they will start mission critical visa processing. 

 

What all papers do you have to collect again if I may ask? I'm wondering myself if my husband will have to collect another police report maybe just in case. 

 

If I understand right Denmark and Norway both go to the Stockholm Embassy for Visa Processing yes? 

 

I know @BSJ husband was approved recently, she described that the staff and personal was very nice but I don't know about the traveling information and @Jon & Ygritte  were also approved recently so she might also give more information. I do know from living in my part of Sweden. People are not wearing masks and are not very good at staying 6 feet apart (which is annoying) so if your wanting to have extra protection don't count on others wearing masks you'll have to bring your own. Also previously awhile ago they put in rules for the bus for precautions but I have no idea if its working, people are abiding by it and so on since I do not use the bus, I'm sorry. But here's a link for more information about it. https://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=2054&artikel=7431519

 

Best of Luck in everything and please keep us updated in how everything goes *sending you hugs*  

Thank you! Yes our previous one was scheduled for April 1 and cancelled on May 17, we haven't contacted them back yet so I'm not exactly sure when they have for open slots, but I will definitely update when we get our new appointment day! Really the most of it is we just have to redo our sponsorship papers, since our old ones were of course prepared using the 2018 tax year, and now 2019 is required, so we've got to update for that. Yes Stockholm does all immigrant visa processing for Norway and Denmark as well  So my husband will be having to fly from DK to Stockholm for his interview. Thank you I will definitely make sure to check that out and we'll make sure he has a mask with him! I'll definitely make sure to update, thank you and good luck to you too!!

[Jon & Ygritte 178]

My interview was on May 28th. The embassy required me to wear a mask (they informed me of this in the email with instructions from them) and everyone at the embassy was wearing one as well, some were wearing surgical masks and some just scarves.

I took the SJ train from the south of Sweden. I was the only one wearing a mask on the train. The seat next to you is not available for sale. I did go in first class as I find there are fewer people traveling first class and you sit further away from each other. From the Central station in Stockholm I walked to Villa Källhagen, a hotel 3 minutes walk from the embassy. It was very nice to be that close. I walked up to the embassy area the night before to check it out, and then when I went there the next morning the guard told me to come back later as I was too early. I sat by the water waiting. The embassy staff was incredibly nice and supportive, especially the guy interviewing me. He didn't introduce himself, so at first I didn't realize the interview had started! The Swedish women who first asked for my documents before the interview was a bit more stern and to the point, but she was helpful too.

 

At Villa Källhagen you can get room service for 150 SEK so you don't have to go to the hotel restaurant.

There weren't many people wearing masks in Stockholm other than at the embassy.

Edited June 28, 2020 by Jon & Ygritte

[OrihimeandIchigo 216]

7 hours ago, LilyJ said:

Thank you so much for this!! This is super helpful. The train definitely seems like the best choice then to avoid close transport with other people, we'll definitely take a look at that and at the First Hotel. It seems so crazy to me that the employees aren't wearing masks at the embassy! But he will definitely be bringing his own mask + hand sanitizer. Did your husband wear a mask into the embassy or are they not allowing them? Out of curiosity how was it like flying on the planes as well? I'm unsure how airlines are really going about this whole virus. Unrelated but did they also ask for the DS5540?

 

Thank you! Yes our previous one was scheduled for April 1 and cancelled on May 17, we haven't contacted them back yet so I'm not exactly sure when they have for open slots, but I will definitely update when we get our new appointment day! Really the most of it is we just have to redo our sponsorship papers, since our old ones were of course prepared using the 2018 tax year, and now 2019 is required, so we've got to update for that. Yes Stockholm does all immigrant visa processing for Norway and Denmark as well  So my husband will be having to fly from DK to Stockholm for his interview. Thank you I will definitely make sure to check that out and we'll make sure he has a mask with him! I'll definitely make sure to update, thank you and good luck to you too!!

Oh my goodness thank you so very much for replying. I'm so thankful and appreciative especially because like you my I-864 was also filled out for 2018 and not 2019 so that is great information to know. I'll definitely be working on my 2019 paperwork now. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

 

Your a sweetheart, thank you for keeping us informed and that is a great question you asked earlier about the DS-5540 I didn't think of that I wonder now if Stockholm asks for it too. 

[Jon & Ygritte 178]

1 hour ago, OrihimeandIchigo said:

Your a sweetheart, thank you for keeping us informed and that is a great question you asked earlier about the DS-5540 I didn't think of that I wonder now if Stockholm asks for it too. 

The Stockholm embassy did ask for DS-5540, so we had to fill it in and bring supporting documents. Once there, they didn't show much interest in it and commented that my husband earns well above the required threshold so it was more a formality.

[OrihimeandIchigo 216]

4 hours ago, Jon & Ygritte said:

The Stockholm embassy did ask for DS-5540, so we had to fill it in and bring supporting documents. Once there, they didn't show much interest in it and commented that my husband earns well above the required threshold so it was more a formality.

Thank you so much for answering I appreciate it very much 😊

 

I figured they would need it so my husband will need to bring it but its nerve wrecking the thought at having to figure out what type of plan is best for incoming immigrants. Do you have any recommendations for insurance companies or coverages btw? 

[Jon & Ygritte 178]

15 hours ago, OrihimeandIchigo said:

Thank you so much for answering I appreciate it very much 😊

 

I figured they would need it so my husband will need to bring it but its nerve wrecking the thought at having to figure out what type of plan is best for incoming immigrants. Do you have any recommendations for insurance companies or coverages btw? 

My husband is self-employed so he enrolled me at Marketplace with the same insurance he has himself: Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative, Envision - Bronze. It's not cheap, but he had no problem enrolling me.

[OrihimeandIchigo 216]

2 hours ago, Jon & Ygritte said:

My husband is self-employed so he enrolled me at Marketplace with the same insurance he has himself: Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative, Envision - Bronze. It's not cheap, but he had no problem enrolling me.

Thank you so very much for replying. It was very nice of you I appreciate it. This helps me out a lot  

 

Off Topic to anyone that wants to know: US Embassy in Stockholm has updated their website for Update #20. Nothing new other than they are processing passports faster and saying: 

 

 In response to significant worldwide challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State continues to temporarily suspend routine visa services at all U.S. embassies and consulates around the world, including the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm.  We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time.  For more information about non-immigrant visas, please contact the Visa Call Center.  For immigrant visa questions, please contact us at: STKivinfo@state.gov.

 

[emma24 161]

Thank you for keeping us updated @OrihimeandIchigo !!