Az21
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Interesting. When they noticed that my estimated US arrival date was April/May and that I didn't intend to leave for the US right away, that's when they said we can wait until our anniversary (in Feb) because I'd still have time before I leave. Luckily, I'm a patient guy and have a few months before I leave, but yes, sounds like inexperience. Thank you again.
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Oh! That is strange to even delay the approval, then. The officer must not have been aware. Thank you all for putting my mind at ease!
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Hello, I received my visa today, but instead of the IR1 that I expected to be printed, the visa has been printed as a CR1. We initially filed and expected for a CR1, but the officer at my interview gave me the choice to delay the approval for a few weeks - until our two-year marriage anniversary, to therefore be granted an IR1 instead. I was grateful for the option and accepted. Except after receiving it today, it has been printed as a CR1 and the extra wait was for nothing, it seems. I have looked around for what to do if there is an error printed on a visa, and about the only page I can find to use (since the FAQs don't have my answer) is this: https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/iv-contact_form/ I'll likely submit my query there, as I have to question it, but does anyone have any other info as to where else to contact or what to do if this has happened before for anybody else? Thank you!
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Great info, thank you! Really do appreciate any and all financial advice (noting I should still seek expert advice). I realise I started the thread in relation to bonds, but I'm starting to see there's more than that I need to figure out! I want to make sure I get as much done as possible before making that step on the plane!
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Appreciate the help. I have an NS&I Direct ISA but not a Direct Saver. You would recommend I open a Direct Saver and move my bond (and ISA) money to that instead? The ISA does look like it is intended for UK residents only upon further reading, and the Direct Saver may be the way to go. The stocks I will try to look into as well. I think the other financial thing I need to sort is a student loan I am paying off. In two minds as to continue paying it off while I'm in the US or just pay it off before I go.
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Thank you for the replies, everyone. I think it might be the wiser decision to take the money out of bonds and put into an account I can still access from the US. Unfortunate, but I'd rather not risk things, even if I have gone all digital for the letter communication with NS&I. The form filing is something I clearly need to look into as that's sailing right over my head at the moment. Definitely something I need to learn about. On a related note, then, I assume I would need to disclose any stocks I have invested in from the UK?
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Hello all, Looking for some advice regarding holding NSandI Premium Bonds in the UK after I have moved to the US. After searching online, I am still unsure about a definitive answer to this. I am reading in some places that the US frowns upon have Premium Bond savings, as it can be seen as a form of gambling due to the prizes you can win each month, despite it technically not being gambling since you can't lose the money invested. Does anyone have any experience and advice as to what to do? I have a big saving invested in bonds, so I would ideally like to keep them in there, withdrawing only if I need to dip into these savings in the future. Is it safe to keep them in, and if so, do I need to disclose this in some way before/after moving to the US? Any and all advice will be very helpful. Thank you!
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Brilliant. Thank you for the info! I'll stick to the initial plan
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What is best practice when carrying/storing the documents required at interview? I currently have all required docs, evidence of relationship, photocopies, etc in their own individual plastic wallets, nice and organised. But is it more advised to just carry everything as one big pile, ready to hand over if required? I don't know if I'm just going to be a nuisance getting each thing out of its wallet, or if a stacked pile is preferred. I know I'm probably overthinking things now, as it approaches my interview date, but this is now what's giving me a headache 😆
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Oh interesting! I could try that too then! Thank you
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Forgive what might be a silly question. I got some US style passport photos done at a photo booth. They are printed in a batch of four. The embassy only requires two, but I am cautious about cutting them into individual photos in case I clip a millimetre or two off an edge. How lenient are they with this? The photos are very tight together and I do worry about separating them even with scissors. Do I need to hand them over as two individuals, or can I get away with them being joined together? Thank you!
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I didn't consider that at all. That's really good to know. Thank you.
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What did you guys do for a bag/backpack at your interview? I'm staying the night before in London for an 8am interview, but there's no way I can't take a backpack with me to hold my documents and other items for staying the night. I read bags aren't permitted inside the building, with no place to store them either.
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This helps put my mind at ease. Thank you very much for the insight.
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It looks like it won't be possible to get a GP letter written in time for my medical to address the bout of anxiety I experienced last year. Granted, it was work-related stress which has long since resolved, and I was on a low form of medication (sertraline) for around 6 months, with medical notes in the care summary discussing it, and I have also been able to pick up the consultation notes written on the day I discussed the anxiety with my GP -- but I am still a tad worried not having a GP letter will be a downfall at the medical. Anyone able to ease my concern on this issue? Do I have enough paperwork for what I consider to be a minor case of anxiety that I should be okay? It didn't cross my mind originally that I should tick the box on the medical questionnaire if I have ever had a mental illness - but after reviewing my care summary, it looks like I need to do just that, so it's got my mind running a little.