CR-1 / IR-1 Interview updates

[MattyUKtoUS 242]

2 hours ago, T3G said:

You're right, but I think Davu is also right.  I already have access to the courier page because of an earlier conversation I had with the Embassy where they told me to book my appointment (I'd emailed them and NVC at the same time, Embassy replied first, NVC subsequently replied to say wait but I'd already registered and had access assigned manually through their help email).  But from other forums I've read, the service becomes available when the case is transferred across to the embassy, which should be fairly shortly now that we've had confirmation of interview dates

Interesting - Well I tried to register and even though my case is showing in London, (is not ready for an appointment.) I guess I need to wait a few more days. 

Edited August 6, 2020 by MattyUKtoUS
forgot file

[os306 103]

1 hour ago, GringoCarioca said:

yeah, apparently if you are DCF, I've read that you wait for an LND number.

We processed through NVC so we have the number, but are just waiting for confirmation of an appointment.

CEAC still says "at NVC"

NVC filing: all supporting documentation and forms (e.g. the I-864) are vetted by the NVC and you are allocated an interview date once DQed and your case is transferred to the relevant Embassy.

DCF: you effectively bypass NVC and are required to bring all your documents to the interview itself, where they are reviewed by a Consular Officer.

 

Theoretically interviews for NVC filers should be more straightforward (as there is no document reviewing involved), so I wonder whether the Embassy is trying to clear this backlog first before sending out LND numbers to DCF filers (pure speculation).

Edited August 6, 2020 by os306

[T3G 26]

2 hours ago, MattyUKtoUS said:

Interesting - Well I tried to register and even though my case is showing in London, (is not ready for an appointment.) I guess I need to wait a few more days. 

Contact the email address listed and they'll give you access  

[Wuozopo 4,293]

3 hours ago, MattyUKtoUS said:

Interesting - Well I tried to register and even though my case is showing in London, (is not ready for an appointment.) I guess I need to wait a few more days. 

Give it a day. It happens often that the info isn’t synced up instantly. 

[Wuozopo 4,293]

2 hours ago, os306 said:

Theoretically interviews for NVC filers should be more straightforward (as there is no document reviewing involved), so I wonder whether the Embassy is trying to clear this backlog first before sending out LND numbers to DCF filers (pure speculation

Mate, they are just doing their job and knocking out interviews. I don’t think they have a plan of attack as you suggest other than working on spouse visas two days a week because they are allowed to travel. Both NVC and DCF interviews are about the same...quick and easy. They still have to look through the documents and approve. The NVC collecting and dragging it out is such a bottleneck. NVC  doesn’t approve because that is the consulate officer’s job. So they are just an overblown checkpoint to see if all the documents are turned in, which is accomplished at the embassy in about two minutes at the first window for all the K1s and DCF filers.  
 

Those NVC folks are going to keep rolling in, so there’s no clearing out going to be accomplished. Assigning a LND number is not the typical task done at the embassy because most are assigned at NVC. Maybe that person went home to quarantine. Maybe nobody wants to bother with that task. Why guess? What does that accomplish? I know it’s hard to wait but Covid messed up a somewhat loosely predictable process. Keep emailing and asking them to get on it. Eventually it will happen. 

Edited August 6, 2020 by Wuozopo

[os306 103]

42 minutes ago, Wuozopo said:

Mate, they are just doing their job and knocking out interviews. I don’t think they have a plan of attack as you suggest other than working on spouse visas two days a week because they are allowed to travel. Both NVC and DCF interviews are about the same...quick and easy. They still have to look through the documents and approve. The NVC collecting and dragging it out is such a bottleneck. NVC  doesn’t approve because that is the consulate officer’s job. So they are just an overblown checkpoint to see if all the documents are turned in, which is accomplished at the embassy in about two minutes at the first window for all the K1s and DCF filers.  
 

Those NVC folks are going to keep rolling in, so there’s no clearing out going to be accomplished. Assigning a LND number is not the typical task done at the embassy because most are assigned at NVC. Maybe that person went home to quarantine. Maybe nobody wants to bother with that task. Why guess? What does that accomplish? I know it’s hard to wait but Covid messed up a somewhat loosely predictable process. Keep emailing and asking them to get on it. Eventually it will happen. 

As I stated in my post, it's pure speculation, which (as I am sure you understand) is only natural given the circumstances. I agree with you that guessing doesn't accomplish much, but when there's nothing else to do but sit around and wait, it's difficult not to wonder.

 

In reality, I have no idea as to how, and in what order, different spousal visa cases are being processed at the US Embassy in London, and I doubt anyone on this forum knows for sure either. As you correctly say, "eventually it will happen". When? I can only hope it's soon.

 

 

Edited August 6, 2020 by os306

[Wuozopo 4,293]

2 hours ago, os306 said:

In reality, I have no idea as to how, and in what order, different spousal visa cases are being processed at the US Embassy in London, and I doubt anyone on this forum knows for sure either. As you correctly say, "eventually it will happen". When? I can only hope it's soon.

There’s obviously a disconnect with whomever is supposed to assign those case numbers at the embassy. I guess they have a slightly disrupted workplace with new protocols like everywhere else. They’ve had a week and a half, so maybe they are getting settled in and it will come together. Things slowed down and were a little uncertain when the embassy moved into the new building a few years back. An abundance of interviewees in this forum got to their interview and there was no medical file, even though enough time had been allowed. It got better with time but the first weeks/month were not smooth. 

[Kimi31 126]

8 hours ago, MattyUKtoUS said:

Interesting - Well I tried to register and even though my case is showing in London, (is not ready for an appointment.) I guess I need to wait a few more days. 

What are you registering for?

ive not really

read the email properly yet. Was giving it til next week to reach London before I tried to register for courier 

[os306 103]

5 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

There’s obviously a disconnect with whomever is supposed to assign those case numbers at the embassy. I guess they have a slightly disrupted workplace with new protocols like everywhere else. They’ve had a week and a half, so maybe they are getting settled in and it will come together. Things slowed down and were a little uncertain when the embassy moved into the new building a few years back. An abundance of interviewees in this forum got to their interview and there was no medical file, even though enough time had been allowed. It got better with time but the first weeks/month were not smooth. 

Thank you for sharing your experience and insight. It definitely helps to ease the anxiety associated with this process!

[MattyUKtoUS 242]

10 hours ago, Kimi31 said:

What are you registering for?

ive not really

read the email properly yet. Was giving it til next week to reach London before I tried to register for courier 

 

10 hours ago, Kimi31 said:

What are you registering for?

ive not really

read the email properly yet. Was giving it til next week to reach London before I tried to register for courier 

To set up the courier service. I'll update if the option unlocks. If not by Monday I will email in. 

 

When I did my K1 in 2018 It felt like there was a few days delay before I could set it up.

 

 

Matt

[Bear_and_Bunny 25]

Out of curiosity to those who have had their interviews and those waiting... what did you wear or going to wear?  Obviously not going to rock up in sweatpants or shorts, but is full suit and tie OTT. 

I was thinking "smart" jeans, Button up shirt and suit jacket? 

Remove piercings, plug gauges with flesh coloured ones, have hair back to "normal" colour.

 

Something I hadnt really thought about too much as mind is full of getting the right paperwork and double triple checking that.  

[shallot343 116]

2 minutes ago, Bear_and_Bunny said:

Out of curiosity to those who have had their interviews and those waiting... what did you wear or going to wear?  Obviously not going to rock up in sweatpants or shorts, but is full suit and tie OTT. 

I was thinking "smart" jeans, Button up shirt and suit jacket? 

Remove piercings, plug gauges with flesh coloured ones, have hair back to "normal" colour.

 

Something I hadnt really thought about too much as mind is full of getting the right paperwork and double triple checking that.  

No interview yet but my partner is planning on going "business casual"- chinos and a button up and, depending on the weather, a blazer or suit jacket.  Although he has been known to wear a suit for a plane ride so I am unsure if he is the best example to follow 😂

 

I honestly think whatever you might wear for a regular day at a desk job is more than okay.

 

 

[LondonerCat 38]

5 minutes ago, shallot343 said:

No interview yet but my partner is planning on going "business casual"- chinos and a button up and, depending on the weather, a blazer or suit jacket.  Although he has been known to wear a suit for a plane ride so I am unsure if he is the best example to follow 😂

 

I honestly think whatever you might wear for a regular day at a desk job is more than okay.

 

 

I second this! 
 

I have my interview later this month and I’m going to wear smart casual. Not black tie but certainly not casual. 
 

Good luck! 

[Bear_and_Bunny 25]

Awesome, thanks. 

 

I have mine on Monday so just going through the last minute stressing about everything lol 

[shallot343 116]

8 minutes ago, Bear_and_Bunny said:

Awesome, thanks. 

 

I have mine on Monday so just going through the last minute stressing about everything lol 

 

This whole process is so so stressful but we are really lucky to be at the Embassy in London. I've read such horror stories about the interviews in some of the "high fraud" countries but seen nothing but pleasant experiences in London. As long as you have all your documents with you I know it will go well!  Good luck!!