UK beneficiaries :)

[Ashley Scott 180]

1 hour ago, bcking said:

My wife is from Salisbury, and is moving to Houston, Texas (where I currently live). We met in Thailand while on vacation, and most of our relationship was between London/Reading and New York City. We were married in Somerset in April last year, and applied right afterwards.

 

Interview April 5th, so it will be just about a year process for us.

 

Hardest thing for her is probably going to be the guns and driving. She isn't happy about Texas, but she's a petroleum geologist so we are here for her job.

So are you a cr-1 visa? I've heard that is much more lengthy than the k-1. I am happy to hear you all are coming to your interview date! How exciting! The wait is awful.. couldn't imagine a year waiting! Best of luck for the interview and hope you guys are together for good soon!! 

[Ashley Scott 180]

9 hours ago, glmg21 said:

Thank you! Yes, journey going smoothly so far..filed in the last week of January, so getting closer day-by-day!

Awesome! We filed December 21 and are awaiting our NOA2. It's such a hard wait but at least we can see the end in sight! 

[bcking 3,157]

2 minutes ago, Ashley Scott said:

So are you a cr-1 visa? I've heard that is much more lengthy than the k-1. I am happy to hear you all are coming to your interview date! How exciting! The wait is awful.. couldn't imagine a year waiting! Best of luck for the interview and hope you guys are together for good soon!! 

Ya it takes longer, though as soon as she is here she can work instead or waiting after the wedding and then after adjusting.

 

We went that route because at the time she had a good job, and a CoE wedding was important to her. More important than any particular church or location was for me.

[GazLisa 1,168]

9 hours ago, Ashley Scott said:

Don't stress it. There are a few things I am thinking we may get an RFE for but if we do... I at least know they are working our case and it will be an easy fix!  and it's pretty quick from RFE to approve so that's always a positive! 

I had the foresight to fill out another g-325a before I left USA and came home lol ?,yesterday both me and my partner had a major panic attack she couldn't remember if for sponsoring me her tax earnings was before or after deductions,luckily she contacted Uscis and it's before so we are good ? she clears the 125% easily ??

[GazLisa 1,168]

10 hours ago, Shokra said:

Oh... congrats!  Now your wait  begins.  Be patient it is a very lengthy journey!  2 - 6+ months it will feel like FOREVER though!

Good Luck!

Feels like forever already lol ??

[GazLisa 1,168]

Just a quick question ? Do you first fill in your ds-160,then your notification of readiness before your medical interview in London,or is it notification of readiness after medical is complete 

[Wuozopo 4,293]

40 minutes ago, Gary JT said:

Just a quick question ? Do you first fill in your ds-160,then your notification of readiness before your medical interview in London,or is it notification of readiness after medical is complete 

The embassy gives you the steps in order right here https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/fiancee-2/applying-for-the-visa/

 

Notice #3 says schedule a medical (call for an appointment).  It does not say attend the medical before going on to step #4.

[GazLisa 1,168]

7 minutes ago, Wuozopo said:

The embassy gives you the steps in order right here https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/fiancee-2/applying-for-the-visa/

 

Notice #3 says schedule a medical (call for an appointment).  It does not say attend the medical before going on to step #4.

Ok thanks so much for your help ☺️?

[Ashley Scott 180]

On ‎3‎/‎21‎/‎2017 at 7:27 AM, Wuozopo said:

The embassy gives you the steps in order right here https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/fiancee-2/applying-for-the-visa/

 

Notice #3 says schedule a medical (call for an appointment).  It does not say attend the medical before going on to step #4.

Thanks for sharing that link.  This is the first time I have seen that one and it makes it pretty straight forward.  We are still waiting for our NOA2 but hope to get it soon!  It is coming up to them working our received date from what we have seen.   Just trying to get everything prepared no for the next steps.  I think we have done just about everything we can do at this point without receiving the letter.  The waiting is killing us but at least we are starting to see the end in site!

 

Does anyone who has been through the (NOA2 through interview) process have any advice that you wish you would have known to share with us that are starting that soon?  We are trying to read everyone's experiences and prepare for every scenario.  Luckily it looks like London seems to be fairly simple which is always reassuring. 

[Ashley Scott 180]

Also, for those that have been through this.  Could you help us with the fees we should expect from this point forward?  Here are the ones I know of but not sure of the exact amounts.

 

DS-160 filing fee: $265

Medical: 290 (not sure if this is pounds or dollars)

Registration fee for interview: ??

Courier fee: ??

 

Does anyone know the amounts for the ones we are missing and/or if there are any other fees that will be paid before the interview?  Thanks in advance!!

[Limey 551]

1 hour ago, Ashley Scott said:

Also, for those that have been through this.  Could you help us with the fees we should expect from this point forward?  Here are the ones I know of but not sure of the exact amounts.

 

DS-160 filing fee: $265

Medical: 290 (not sure if this is pounds or dollars)

Registration fee for interview: ??

Courier fee: ??

 

Does anyone know the amounts for the ones we are missing and/or if there are any other fees that will be paid before the interview?  Thanks in advance!!

I don't recall there being a fee for interview, but can't be sure.

Courier fee was around 30 pounds I think. And medical is in pounds.

 

The London interview shouldn't be too scary. I quite enjoyed the experience. If you're that that stage, you're probably not going to have any problems.

 

If money is an issue bear in mind that you will have fees once you get to US, marry and file for AOS.

 

Assuming you've got all your docs together for interview eg police certificate(s), US partners financial docs - then not a bad idea to start thinking about what you'll need in the US. Eg to get a drivers license in each state varies. Find out about your destination, what docs you need, what is involved in the test etc. Life is no fun in the US without a drivers license unless you're in a major city with public transport.

 

Find out about how to get a bank account - if you need a social security number (required for most things like drivers license etc) then find out about what you need to do to get that, and at what point you can do it. Try and write a check list of the things you need to do after getting married. Also check what you need to get married... you'll probably need a marriage license, so find out how to get that, how long it takes etc.

 

Think about mobile phones too. If you have a UK one get it unlocked (contact your phone company, else look online for phone unlocking). It will be GSM so will work with AT&T and T Mobile sim cards. Find out about packages available. I found AT&T good as I could pay monthly without having a credit rating (which you won't have until you get a credit card for a few months). As with drivers license, life is hard if you don't have a mobile phone.

Edited March 22, 2017 by Limey

[bcking 3,157]

On the topic of mobile phones -

 

T-mobile coverage has gotten a lot better recently and they are growing. Their plans include international texting and limited internet, which is incredibly useful. Since I imagine everyone plans to go back to England from time to time to visit family, it's something worth thinking about. My wife isn't even here yet and she has a T-mobile phone on my plan because in the UK she can still text for free and use the internet for directions etc...

[Ashley Scott 180]

1 hour ago, Limey said:

I don't recall there being a fee for interview, but can't be sure.

Courier fee was around 30 pounds I think. And medical is in pounds.

 

The London interview shouldn't be too scary. I quite enjoyed the experience. If you're that that stage, you're probably not going to have any problems.

 

If money is an issue bear in mind that you will have fees once you get to US, marry and file for AOS.

 

Assuming you've got all your docs together for interview eg police certificate(s), US partners financial docs - then not a bad idea to start thinking about what you'll need in the US. Eg to get a drivers license in each state varies. Find out about your destination, what docs you need, what is involved in the test etc. Life is no fun in the US without a drivers license unless you're in a major city with public transport.

 

Find out about how to get a bank account - if you need a social security number (required for most things like drivers license etc) then find out about what you need to do to get that, and at what point you can do it. Try and write a check list of the things you need to do after getting married. Also check what you need to get married... you'll probably need a marriage license, so find out how to get that, how long it takes etc.

 

Think about mobile phones too. If you have a UK one get it unlocked (contact your phone company, else look online for phone unlocking). It will be GSM so will work with AT&T and T Mobile sim cards. Find out about packages available. I found AT&T good as I could pay monthly without having a credit rating (which you won't have until you get a credit card for a few months). As with drivers license, life is hard if you don't have a mobile phone.

Thank you for the advice.   I am actually the USC.  Just trying to be as prepared as possible so we don't face many hiccups along the way.  Money isn't an issue (well, as in we are prepared to pay all of the fees and costs incurred with the process...), just want to be able to pass on to my fiancé what we should expect to pay in England and when.  And so I can add it to my budgets and lists because I am OCD about stuff like that.  Haha.

 

We have started researching everything for when he gets here.  We plan to go apply for his SS number shortly after he arrives and then for our marriage certificate at that time too. 

 

Good advice on the phone.  that's one we are still looking in to.  Most likely he will be added to my current plan and will be getting a new phone.  Not that he will complain about that... he's had his eye on an upgrade.  Haha.  I do not believe that my current carrier (Verizon) will work with his current phone.

 

We have about 95% of the documents ready.  He is getting some immunizations on Friday and then we will have an updated immunization record.  We got his police certificate in the post today.  And I have all of my documents ready to send to him for the interview.  Just waiting on the NOA2 now.  Which will hopefully come any day now.  Here's to hopeful thinking!!  

 

Thank you again for the advice and the answers!

[Ashley Scott 180]

7 minutes ago, bcking said:

On the topic of mobile phones -

 

T-mobile coverage has gotten a lot better recently and they are growing. Their plans include international texting and limited internet, which is incredibly useful. Since I imagine everyone plans to go back to England from time to time to visit family, it's something worth thinking about. My wife isn't even here yet and she has a T-mobile phone on my plan because in the UK she can still text for free and use the internet for directions etc...

That is good to know, thanks. We will have to look into that for the future.  Verizon is terrible when it comes to price and international options. 

[Wuozopo 4,293]

For AshleyScott. Taken from Nich-Nick's post with some updated info.

 

Pre NOA2 Preparation

US Petitioner

1. Order your IRS Tax Transcript - Tax transcripts are an excellent source of evidence for your I-134 Affidavit of Support. They're certified by the IRS. You only need the most recent one.
2. Start getting the I-134 ready with the supporting documents [e.g. proof of income].London will accept any proof on an I-134 that clearly shows income. Some ways besides a tax return/transcript are employer letter, pay stubs, pension letter, or banks statements showing direct deposits. Pick two. You don’t need to prove income five different ways. If you have a new job or earn more income since your tax return, then an employer letter and recent pay stubs are a better choice than a weak tax return. This one should be sent the old-fashioned way with a “wet” signature on it, but your proof of income can be scans or photocopies.
3. London does not typically want to see relationship evidence. In the majority of cases they haven't asked for it. If it gives you peace of mind, get some photos printed but don't panic over it at all. Nor do they want to see your NOA2 or a photocopy of the I-129F packet.

UK Beneficiary

1. Go get your photos done. You're going to need 4 UK or US size for the medical (either size okay). And 1x US size for the interview.  Also UK size for your Police Certificate.
2. Go to your NHS doctor and get the immunizations you will need for Adjustment of Status. You can get a K1 visa without having any shots, but you will need them before AOS. It’s extremely wise to take care of it before getting to the US so you can avoid civil surgeon hassles and $$$. Many NHS doctors will do them for free, but they are not obligated to do so for immigration purposes. Get the shots documented by your doctor to take to your visa medical exam. If your doctor should say you don’t need something on this list, remember you have to go by US rules and that differs from UK standards. Here are the shots needed for 19 through 59 years of age:

• Td or Tdap - Tetanus/diptheria/pertussis or get DT, DTP or DtaP and it will be accepted for AOS also. The latest shot must be no longer than 10 years ago or you need a booster. If you have a record of receiving pertussis, then the Td is okay for the booster.
• MMR - (if born in 1957 or later)-Mumps/measles/rubella. It's two doses in your life, but if you get the first dose, and 4 weeks haven't passed by your medical, they will waive the second dose for "insufficient time interval". If you only had one dose as a child, get a second one before the medical.
• Varicella - Not routinely given in the UK . A history of having chickenpox excuses you from the shot. They take your word for it at the visa medical exam.
• Influenza – Required during flu season only, October 1 through March 31. This was a new recommendation dated November 2010 for all ages over 6 months. Older lists will say flu shots for over age 50. It changed. 

3. Get all your documents together. You will find a list in the Fiancé visa instructions . Read ALL THE LINKS. https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/fiancee-2/applying-for-the-visa/

4. Finally, make sure your passport is in order – You need to make sure you have at least 8 months until the expiry date on it, preferably more. If you've damaged it or gotten it wet, or the edges are super wrinkled, it will need to be renewed.