London CR1 / IR1 Appointment Updates

[D_Squared 11]

Hey crew, 

I was fortunate enough to lock in an interview like many of you and we're really excited!

 

DQ Sep 23 > Email Dec 15 > Interview Jan 25

 

But now we're a little worried about the new announcement around there being a tier 4 lockdown within London... https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/19/pm-announces-tier-4-covid-curbs-and-curtails-christmas-mixing-in-england

 

I know some of you mentioned in the previous national lockdown the embassy still was progressing with interviews...

 

I'm wondering does this group think that'll still be the case with this new tier 4 lockdown? 

[MzA 76]

1 minute ago, D_Squared said:

Hey crew, 

I was fortunate enough to lock in an interview like many of you and we're really excited!

 

DQ Sep 23 > Email Dec 15 > Interview Jan 25

 

But now we're a little worried about the new announcement around there being a tier 4 lockdown within London... https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/19/pm-announces-tier-4-covid-curbs-and-curtails-christmas-mixing-in-england

 

I know some of you mentioned in the previous national lockdown the embassy still was progressing with interviews...

 

I'm wondering does this group think that'll still be the case with this new tier 4 lockdown? 

Hey dear,

Congrats with your upcoming interview. I had asked on my December 14th interview and they were continuing as normal but in light of this evening's announcements, we'll have to check for new updates. Who knows what will happen.

Fingers cross for everyone getting ready for their interviews.

[Andy&Jamie 110]

Hey y'all. Never thought I'd be able to use wifi on a plane!

 

I'll and in LAX in two and a half hours, give or take. I can't express my excitement, relief and exhaustion now that all of this is finally coming to a close for realJust wanted to say another quick thank you. I can only imagine how awful this process would have been without you guys.

 

I know y'all just got some bad news about Christmas today and that absolutely sucks. But my fingers are crossed that processing remains normal with visa processing and everything still turns around fast. Stay safe everyone. 

[Jamie B 55]

Passport and visa services are permitted to stay open in Tier 4 - see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home - under the section titled 'Businesses and venues which can remain open' then the 'Public Services' section - and accessing critical public services within Tier 4 is referenced as an 'essential activity' and a reasonable excuse to leave home. Travelling into a Tier 4 area is a little vague stating 'reasons such as...' and then just quoting 4 examples of acceptable travel into Tier 4, but I'd certainly argue for myself that it's essential travel if the opportunity arises. I would guess there will be some kind of internal risk assessment by the US London Embassy done very soon. Anxious times for everyone. Hoping and praying that interviews will continue. 

[gouda92 7]

Hi everyone, we were DQd September 1, got an interview January 6. However, after filing all the documents earlier in the summer, I got a new passport as the old one was expiring. Now, I need to register the appointment at the US Department of State Visa Appointment Service, and I am wondering whether I should put in the information for the new passport or the old one? Anyone else had the same issue and has any advice?

[PBabz 137]

7 minutes ago, gouda92 said:

Hi everyone, we were DQd September 1, got an interview January 6. However, after filing all the documents earlier in the summer, I got a new passport as the old one was expiring. Now, I need to register the appointment at the US Department of State Visa Appointment Service, and I am wondering whether I should put in the information for the new passport or the old one? Anyone else had the same issue and has any advice?

Congratulations! Wishing you a smooth process January onwards.

I did the same earlier on this year as my passport was due to expire in April 2021. 

I registered my appointment in my old passport, name and number - took both my old and new passports along to my medical, explained my passport change (and name change at the time) and they were absolutely fine with it. The team made the appropriate changes on the system and these seemed to follow me over to my visa interview.

 

I didn't have any issues whatsoever. Also communicated with the embassy before I renewed my passport and made the name change. I got confirmation that this wouldn't pose an issue and process seemed easy. I hope that helps a little. 

[Wuozopo 4,293]

1 hour ago, gouda92 said:

Hi everyone, we were DQd September 1, got an interview January 6. However, after filing all the documents earlier in the summer, I got a new passport as the old one was expiring. Now, I need to register the appointment at the US Department of State Visa Appointment Service, and I am wondering whether I should put in the information for the new passport or the old one? Anyone else had the same issue and has any advice?

The one that is going to have the visa put inside it. 
And note the FAQ on the Embassy website—

I have made an error on the DS-260, what should I do?

If you have made an error when completing the DS-260 you are required to correct the error and re-transmit it if the error concerns the Background and Security questions or passport number.  Please contact us through our website as we will be required to unlock your case before you can amend the information.  If the error is in the biographic details, you may notify the consular officer on the day of your interview and take no further action

Edited December 21, 2020 by Wuozopo

[gouda92 7]

2 hours ago, PBabz said:

Congratulations! Wishing you a smooth process January onwards.

I did the same earlier on this year as my passport was due to expire in April 2021. 

I registered my appointment in my old passport, name and number - took both my old and new passports along to my medical, explained my passport change (and name change at the time) and they were absolutely fine with it. The team made the appropriate changes on the system and these seemed to follow me over to my visa interview.

 

I didn't have any issues whatsoever. Also communicated with the embassy before I renewed my passport and made the name change. I got confirmation that this wouldn't pose an issue and process seemed easy. I hope that helps a little. 

Thank you! I actually emailed the immigrant visa unit at the London Embassy earlier today and got a very quick reply: they said I can enter the old passport details but should bring both the old and the new passports to the interview. 

[PBabz 137]

1 hour ago, gouda92 said:

Thank you! I actually emailed the immigrant visa unit at the London Embassy earlier today and got a very quick reply: they said I can enter the old passport details but should bring both the old and the new passports to the interview. 

You’re very welcome!

I remember being in a state of panic but it seems a completely straightforward process. 
 

Good luck and all the best for your interview. Not long now! 😁

[TonkaUK 22]

Hey all, I-130 submitted Feb 7th 2019, DQ September 19th 2020 - medical scheduled Jan 7th and interview Jan 19th!

 

Now I'm just a little concerned about travel in the midst of coronavirus, has anybody actually been advised they can travel from a lower tier area and into London, is our reason deemed "essential"? I'm getting mixed messages... but I think it bloody is! Lol

[Mexistani 11]

3 hours ago, TonkaUK said:

Hey all, I-130 submitted Feb 7th 2019, DQ September 19th 2020 - medical scheduled Jan 7th and interview Jan 19th!

 

Now I'm just a little concerned about travel in the midst of coronavirus, has anybody actually been advised they can travel from a lower tier area and into London, is our reason deemed "essential"? I'm getting mixed messages... but I think it bloody is! Lol

Don't worry, I've had my medical examination last week, no one will stop or say anything but if they do, it would be classed as essential. Just make sure to stay safe, it's still very busy In London and alot of people still don't wear their masks.

[D_Squared 11]

Hey crew, 

 

I'm back with more questions as usaul. HA! 

 

My wife and I just finished registering with the embassy for our appointment on the 25th of Jan. and we're a little confused on whose alloud to attend? 

 

On the NVC prep site they mention the below...

 

My question - I'm the petiontier, as well as her spouse, so will I be aloud into the interview with her? We've not formally registered my information on the "ais.usvisa-info[.]com" website we appointments and delivery details are registered. We've not registered my info due to the website asking us for "applicant" info, not petionteir info... So I'm concerend they won't let me in for her interview.

 

Any thoughts or previous experience would be much appreciated!  

 

 

Quote

 

Who Must Attend the Interview

You, your spouse, and any qualified unmarried children immigrating with you, must participate in the interview. All traveling applicants required to participate will be named on the interview Appointment Letter you receive from the National Visa Center (NVC).

 

If your spouse and/or qualified unmarried children will immigrate at a later date and travel separately from you, they are not required to participate in your interview. They will be scheduled for a separate interview appointment. You should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate directly to arrange separate interviews, if needed.

 

Your sponsor/petitioner does not attend the visa interview.

 

 

[Wuozopo 4,293]

4 hours ago, D_Squared said:

My wife and I just finished registering with the embassy for our appointment on the 25th of Jan. and we're a little confused on whose alloud to attend? 

The embassy website FAQs say

I would like my U.S. citizen spouse/fiancee/child accompany me to my interview

Please provide the date of the appointment and the name of your U.S. citizen spouse or fiance(e) and arrangements will be made for them to be admitted to the Embassy.  They will be required to bring with them photo-id for presentation to Embassy personnel.  Children not applying for visas may accompany you also. If 12 or over, we will require their name and they will require photo-id. Please provide the required information through our contact form.

When completing the form,  please include your case number (e.g. LND2013XXXXXX). Failure to do so will delay our response

 

But they are limiting admissions now to aid in social distancing, so spouses  have been asked to wait in the garden area outside or some go to a nearby cafe.

[KathB 45]

Happy New Year everyone! Good luck to everyone who has their interviews this week at the embassy - hope it all goes smoothly. We are up later in the month and hoping things keep on moving along.... fingers crossed for us all!

[twobees 20]

Hello, 

We've been watching this thread for a month and finally created our own profile to add to the data and hopefully help others as you have helped us navigate this long and ambiguous process (even more so in these strange times). 

 

We DQ'd Oct 29 so hoping we might be in the next batch or two of notifications and that things keep moving in London. 

 

Good luck to all those with interviews this month! Stay safe out there.