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London K-1 Interview

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Our visa journey!

So, the 29th May was our big day. One we had waited for since we decided in September 06, when Dannie came to the UK while she studied at university with me, that come July 07 we didn't want to part ways after living together for 2 years. We were lucky enough to be able to file at Vermont, not knowing at first it was quicker than the others and was pleasantly surprised to see all these quick NOA2's from them!

I had already applied for the Police certificate, and we had all the paper work for the interview sorted before packet 3 arrived and as soon as it did, I booked my medical and I made sure was all right and turned it right back to them with everything they needed.

The Police Certificate took exactly 39 days to arrive and got it a few days before the medical. By this time I had my interview date with packet 4. I have to say I was most nervous about the medical for some reason. I knew I wouldn't have anything wrong with me, but I was always afraid of some sort of illness not allowing us to be together. Throughout this whole journey I hated the fact that someone else could control your future... That thought always scared me. Anyway, the medical was easy, didn't need any injections, the x-ray was as simple as standing there, and the actual medical was fairly painless, apart from being poked and prodded. The blood taking was ok however, but we had troubles with my right arm which left me with a massive bruise for over a week! After the medical I kept my phone on me at all times, paranoid that someone would call and tell me there was a problem, but, nope :)

Next was the interview. We made an exact replica of the original petition, got some new photos printed, got some more evidence of continued relationship, such as mail, transcripts from our uni, rent payments for our place etc. I made copies of all the paper work I sent with packet 3, and got all the evidence of support together, along with the police certificate and copies, plus birth certificate and copies.

The evidence of support was interesting. Dannie's parents would be our co-sponsors as Dannie is currently not on a wage due to being a full time student. Regardless, she filled out the I-134 with the word that she could get it notarized at the embassy. She got copies of her bank statements, her transcripts for university and her last 3 tax returns. Her parents both filled out the I-134 and got it notarized, so essentially we had two co-sponsors. Her mother and father supplied us with a copy of shared bank statements, house deeds, property tax, 41k financial details and shared tax returns. Her father also supplied wage slips, a letter from his employer, while her mother, who runs her own business, supplied tax returns from the business plus business bank statements. All that was complete, and we hoped it would be enough.

So the day of the interview arrives. Luckily as Dannie was with me, we went together which made me feel much less nervous than I think I would have been. My brother lives in London, so we were lucky enough to have accommodation and we stayed for the long weekend where it rained constantly :( The appointment was at 10.30 and we arrived at 9 so we could get Dannie's I-134 notarized. As she is a USC, she walked right in only to find the notary office was closed till 2! Panic! We began to get a little nervous now, however, I had read in the reviews section of people not even bringing the I-134 in and still had the interview but just had to send it in at a later date. We said this would be worst case scenario, infront of being denied of course!

With this is mind, we nervously queued up at 9.45 to be around 14th in line. We were given a bag to put our wallets, money, belts etc in. There was the 10.am line already filled with plenty of people all quiet and keeping themselves to themselves. By 10.30 there was still around 20 people from 10.am being let in and they only began letting us 10.30'ers in at 11.10! We presented the interview letter, my UK passport and Dannie's US passport and we left our cell phones with security. We got through security and went to the front desk in the embassy and handed over our letter and was given a number for 'immigrant' which was number 18. We went and took a seat and both were still fairly on edge, ready to get this done with. I personally am very nervous in these situations even though this was my third time at the US embassy (2 prior J1's).

We were called up within 10 minutes of entering to desk number 14 where we met this really nice guy who joked with us a little bit and talked about the process. He asked for my birth certificate and copy, my police certificate and copy. Then he took my passport and 2 photos. Then came the affidavit of support....

I came out and said, "as Dannie is a student we have a co-sponsor" and handed him both her mum and dad's I-134's. Dannie then said "I have also filled out the I-134, but I could not get it notarized today" but he said, "it's ok, we don't need it if you have a co-sponsor." JOY! We both smiled and felt relaxed for the first time in the day. He then looked over the I-134's and asked for any supporting evidence we had. I handed over the letter from the employer and 3 pay stubs, and he said thats all they would need. He took the copies and gave me back the originals. I had a whole case of bank statements, tax records etc! Ah well :) He then asked when I intended on leaving the UK and I said July.

I paid the fee (£53.34 (thank you exchange rate)), did the finger prints thing, and he said good luck and told us we would be called for the interview in 30 mins or so. He also mentioned Dannie could come to the window but may not be allowed to speak.

As soon as we sat down, thats when the fun started. A loud alarm went off, and everyone looked confused, especially the ones behind the desks. Then a voice came over the tannoy:

"Everyone duck and cover, move away from the windows, this is not a drill".

Everyone looked even more confused. A few people moved, a few people got down. Most just looked like this was normal! Then all the employees got under their desks and people then began realize, this could be real. Then a security guard came in and said:

"Everybody quick, follow me into this room, this is not a drill, head down and keep down."

Everyone ran! Right into the room where there are more interview windows, but away from the main hall. Doors were closed and locked. Again over the tannoy a voice was heard saying, "this is not a drill, please stay down."

Now we were freaking out a little. As were most people. We could see right into the office where all the workers were hiding under their desks. This was pretty scary. Police cars could be heard outside so we just kept sitting and thinking what was going on!? 10 minutes later, another announcement saying all radio's are being turned off for security. Then nothing.... No one knew what was going on. Were we under a threat? Did someone have a bomb? What was going on!!!

10 minutes later, the voice returns saying, "thank you for your co-operation, this was a drill in our continuing mission to better our security."

#######! That did not help the nerves.... AT ALL!

As soon as we got back to our seats we were called right up for the interview! We both got there and were met by another really nice guy, this time American. He joked around about the drill saying he had no idea either, it was the first one they had done. :) He took my finger prints again, then I swore under oath :) HE joked around and asked how we met, when we started dating, then asked Dannie how long she has been in the UK. Then he said "great, I am happy to tell you your application is approved, congratulations." We both smiled, hugged and kissed :) He said "awww, you guys will be happy together." It was a nice thing to say as were definitely surprised with how nice they were. He then explained the AOS stage and when my visa will be delivered. He also went over the "do not open" letter and explained how he heard stories of people being sent home after opening it before the POE. He then congratulated us again and sent us to pay for the courier.

All in all, great day. We celebrated with a nice meal and relaxed in London for the rest of the day before heading home. We couldn't have been happier and both agreed the whole process wasn't as scary as we both thought it had been. We were very happy with the embassy trip and thought everyone was very nice and helpful.

When we got home, we got our invitations ready and the flights booked.

America, here we come! :)

Tony (UK) and Danielle (US) K-1 Visa journey

2007:

February, 06: Sent I-129f package to the US to be routed to Vermont

February, 09: I-129f forwarded to Vermont USCIS from US Home

February, 12: I-129f arrives VSC :) Journey really starts!

February, 13: NOA1 Reciept date

February, 16: VSC Cashes the check

March, 09: NOA2 Email. yay!

March, 11: Touched... Probably for the last time at VSC :)

March, 14: NVC Recieved package

March, 15: NVC Sent package to London

March, 20: Package recieved in London

March, 28: Packet 3 recieved!

April, 2: Packet 3 Sent back to London

April, 10: Packet 3 recieved by London Embassy

April, 17: Packet 4 recieved

May, 1: Medical

May, 29: Interview! - APPROVED

June, 1: Visa in Hand

July 18: Fly back together POE

July, 24: Legally married!

July 27: Filed for AOS

July 30: AOS recieved in Chiacgo

August 24: NOA1 for EAD, AP and AOS

September 15: Real Marriage with friends and family

September 18: Biometrics

October 3: EAD card production ordered!

October 11: EAD card in hand!

October 15: Case forwarded to California!

Nov, 08: Card production ordered! AWESOME

Nov, 15: Green Card Recieved (even though it's yellow)! AWESOME

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: United Kingdom
Timeline

Wow - what a story! Intrigue and excitement in the second act and the big, romantic finish in the 3d!

Congrats again, you two! Thanks for the write-up too - they are always helpful :)

I-129F/K1

1-12-07 mailed to CSC

1-22-07 DHS cashes the I-129F check

1-23-07 NOA1 Notice Date

1-26-07 NOA1 arrives in the post

4-25-07 Touched!

4-26-07 Touched again!

5-3-07 NOA2!!! Two approval emails received at 11:36am

5-10-07 Arrived at NVC/5-14-07 Left NVC - London-bound!

5-17-07??? London receives?

5-20-07 Packet 3 mailed

5-26-07 Packet 3 received

5-29-07 Packet 3 returned, few days later than planned due to bank holiday weekend

6-06-07 Medical in London (called to schedule on May 29)

6-11-07 "Medical in file" at Embassy

6-14-07 Resent packet 3 to Embassy after hearing nothing about first try

6-22-07 DOS says "applicant now eligible for interview," ie: they enter p3 into their system

6-25-07 DOS says interview date is August 21

6-28-07 Help from our congressional representative gives us new interview date: July 6

7-06-07 Interview at 9:00 am at the London Embassy - Approved.

7-16-07 Visa delivered after 'security checks' completed

I-129F approved in 111 days; Interview 174 days from filing

Handy numbers:

NVC: (603) 334-0700 - press 1, 5; US State Department: (202) 663-1225 - press 1, 0

*Be afraid or be informed - the choice is yours.*

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Congrats! I'm so glad it went well andy ou were approved - kinda funny about the drill! Ofcourse...after the time it happend ;-)

K-1 visa issued: 12/15/2006

107 days from mailing AOS package to receiving green card! Received 6/27/07 dated 6/20/07

Removing conditions:

mailed 5/22/2009

Recieved at CSC 5/23/2009

Check cashed 5/27/09

NOA date 5/26/09 - still not received

I-551 stamp in passport 6/19/09

Biometrics notice date 6/16/09

Biometrics received 6/20/09

Biometrics apt date 7/9/09

Biometrics cancellation notice 6/27/09

Biometrics apt notice date 6/26 recieved 7/7

Biometrics apt 7/22/09

Touch 7/22/09

Finally able to see online info 7/22/09

Card production email 8/19/09 date ordered 8/18

Recieved approval letter in mail 8/19/09 date 8/13!

Touch 8/19

Email stating approval notice sent 8/24/09

Green card in hand!! 8/24/09

Husband joined army and moved from San Diego to Ft. Benning GA! 8/30/11

Filed N400 based on 5 years of residency 9/12/12

Recieved email notifcation recieved package 9/19/12

Biometrics 10/22/12

Early Biometrics 10/04/12

In line for interview 10/8/12 for 8 days

Interview 11/20/12 PASSED!

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Congratulations

k37hm7.png

03-06-10 Mailed N-400

03-17-10 Check cashed

03-19-10 NOA received

03-22-10 Biometrics sent

04-09-10 Biometrics appointment

06-14-10 Interview Date

06-22-10 Received letter for Oath

07-02-10 Oath ceremony

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: United Kingdom
Timeline
Wow - what a story! Intrigue and excitement in the second act and the big, romantic finish in the 3d!

Congrats again, you two! Thanks for the write-up too - they are always helpful :)

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: So Hollywood!

Congrats

*presents the Oscar for best screenplay*

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: United Kingdom
Timeline

Many Many Many Congratulations!!!!!!

Feb. 12, 2007 Application for I129F Rec'd by VSC.

Feb. 13, 2007 NOA1 Sent advising check was rec'd.

Mar. 1, 2007 Email stating NOA2 was hard copy sent to me.

Mar. 7, 2007 Hard Copy NOA2 arrived safely to me!

Mar. 8, 2007 *Touched* by London Consulate

Mar. 19, 2007 Craig Rec'd Packet 3

April 13 - April 22nd joining my guy in the UK for a much needed week of R&R!

April 27, 2007 Medical was successful.

May 16, 2007 Police Certificates finally arrive safely.

May 17, 2007 Checklist mailed to Consolute in London!!

May 30, 2007 Packet 4 Rec'd.

June 21, 2007 INTERVIEW DATE

June 23, 2007 VISA IN HAND!

July 21, 2007 Arrived in USA! Together at last.

Aug. 7, 2007 MARRIED!!

Aug. 21, 2007 Mailed off AOS & EAD Application (along with a whopping 1010.00!!)

Aug. 22, 2007 Application is signed for at the Chicago Lockbox.

"Bring on the battle for AOS!"

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Whoa! A lot of drama on the big day!

Congratulations!

AOS:

02/29/2008 - Wedding Day!

03/29/2008 - Mailed AOS packet to Chicago registered mail

04/04/2008 - Delivered to Chicago Lockbox

04-10-2008 - Check cashed!

04-12-2008 - NOA1s arrive for AP & AOS

04-18-2008 - Biometrics appt letter arrives

04-29-2008 - Biometrics appointment!

04-30-2008 - AOS status shows up online

05-16-2008 - AP status shows up online - both AP & AOS are touched!

06-05-2008 - AP touched and email sent saying AP has been approved

06-12-2008 - AP arrives in the mail

07-10-2008 - Interview letter arrives - interview scheduled for 09/05/08

09-05-2008 - Interview in SF (don't bring your cellphone!) -- approved! Email sent saying card has been ordered!

09-13-2008 - Welcome to the United States letter arrives

09-15-2008 - Green card arrives in the mail! YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: England
Timeline

Congratulations guys :)

Dawn.

Dawny(UK) and Tommy(South Carolina) The Journey Begins!!

- January 17, 2007 - Sent I-129F

- January 23, 2007 - I-129F received at TSC!

- January 30, 2007 - NOA1 sent!

- February 1, 2007 - Touched!

- February 2, 2007 - Cheque cashed by CSC!

- February 5, 2007 - Tommy received NOA1 (Hard copy!) Yay!

- April 5, 2007 - Tommy is coming to me for 12 days yay!! :)

- Impatiently waiting!

- April 27, 2007 - NOA2!! :)

- April 28, 2007 - Touched, oh my!

- May 11, 2007 - NVC receives our stuffs :)

- May 15, 2007 - NVC Sends our stuffs to London, yay! :)

- May 29, 2007 - Packet 3 received.

- June 7 , 2007 - Packet 3 returned to Embassy.

- July 11, 2007 - Received Packet 4.

- August 16, 2007 - Interview at 10AM :)

- March 19, 2008 - Court allows permission to take my daughter to live in the US! :)

- March 31, 2008 - Sent Passports and documents to the Embassy. Waiting for Visas...

- April 10, 2008 - Visas in hand!!! Omgosh!!

- June 23, 2008 - Going home to my man, finally :) POE (ATL)

- 08-08-08 - Wedding :)

- 08-21-10 - 2 year Green Card received! :)

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Congrats on getting approved! :thumbs:

Anthony & Caitlin's Visa Journey

======================

Oct 2001 - Met on an internet dating website

10/21/2001 - Met in person for the first time in London!

Nov 2002 - Anthony & Caitlin get engaged in London!

03/20/2003 - Anthony & Caitlin get married in the UK :)

04/30/2005 - I-130 completed and sent off

05/03/2005 - Forgot to send it Marriage certificate, sent by post!

05/09/2005 - London Embassy notifies us of receipt of I-130

06/02/2005 - Pkt 3 received

08/02/2005 - Pkt 3 completed and sent back

09/30/2005 - Pkt 4 received - Interview date set for 4th November

09/09/2005 - First child is born! Baby girl named Brianna :)

Sept 2005 - Went to get up-to-date TD and MMR shots at local doctors

10/17/2005 - Medical exam in London

11/04/2005 - Interview at London Embassy - GOT THE VISA!!

04/30/2006 - First trip back to the States since getting visa - MRIV in passport stamped!

05/09/2006 - Flew back to the UK to complete sale of apartment

05/17/2006 - Received 'Welcome to the United States' letter

05/30/2006 - Green Card arrives in mail!! - Waiting for SSN now

07/10/2006 - The big move to Ohio!!

07/11/2006 - SSN doesn't arrive in mail, Anthony applies in person

07/18/2006 - Received SSN!!

08/22/2006 - Anthony gets his Ohio drivers license - journey is finally complete!!

Read my POE Experience in Newark

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You definitely have a 'story' now! Congrats on the visa!!

Our Visa Journey

2007

2/13 - I-129F sent to TSC

7/31 - K1 - APPROVED

8/5 - POE @ Dallas/Ft. Worth

8/11 - Wedding!!

10/15 - received Greencard

2009

Got 10-year Greencard

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