sleepless in lond's US Immigration Timeline
Immigration Checklist for JJJJ & JJJJ:
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USCIS I-130 Petition:
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Dept of State IR-1/CR-1 Visa:
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USCIS I-751 Petition:
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USCIS N-400 Petition:
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IR-1/CR-1 Visa
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| Event |
Date |
| Service Center : |
Texas Service Center |
| Transferred? |
No |
| Consulate : |
London, United Kingdom |
| Marriage (if applicable): |
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| I-130 Sent : |
2013-12-02 |
| I-130 NOA1 : |
2013-12-09 |
| I-130 RFE : |
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| I-130 RFE Sent : |
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| I-130 Approved : |
2014-01-11 |
| NVC Received : |
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| Received DS-261 / AOS Bill : |
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| Pay AOS Bill : |
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| Receive I-864 Package : |
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| Send AOS Package : |
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| Submit DS-261 : |
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| Receive IV Bill : |
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| Pay IV Bill : |
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| Send IV Package : |
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| Receive Instruction and Interview appointment letter : |
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| Case Completed at NVC : |
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| NVC Left : |
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| Consulate Received : |
2014-01-11 |
| Packet 3 Received : |
2014-02-21 |
| Packet 3 Sent : |
2014-02-27 |
| Packet 4 Received : |
2014-03-25 |
| Interview Date : |
2014-03-25 |
| Interview Result : |
Approved
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Second Interview
(If Required): |
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| Second Interview Result: |
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| Visa Received : |
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| US Entry : |
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| Comments : |
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Processing
Estimates/Stats : |
Your I-130 was approved in 33 days from your NOA1 date.
Your interview took 106 days from your I-130 NOA1 date. |
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Member Reviews:
Consulate Review: London, United Kingdom
Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
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| Event |
Description |
| Review Date : |
March 27, 2014 |
| Embassy Review : |
For the record: I am married to an American- we met and married in London, before he was sent back to the US for work. As he was resident in the UK at the time we applied, our process was all conducted through London.
We applied with an i-130 in early December, and did everything as soon as possible (ie. I took the soonest possible medical appt once we received our case number and could go ahead). Our interview date was confirmed for March 25 about 4 weeks ahead of time.
I was very nervous about the interview (for no reason other than I worry about things!), so we decided to stay at a hotel close to the embassy the night before. If you can afford it, I would very much recommend that option! We got up at 6.30, and arrived outside the embassy just after 7am. We were second in line. (To the girl with bright red hair who was in front of us- we lost you at some point, I hope all went well for you!!)
Around 7.15, the embassy started to move, and staff set up a station outside. You need to bring your appointment letter and sign in with them there. I had said my partner would be coming, but he was not on the list. They called inside, and he was added without issue (but everyone coming inside must have their passport with them). Once you pass line one, you start in a new one. They then take you through security one by one (much like an airport- with x-ray machine etc). Seemingly phones are now allowed inside.
We then entered the visa hall, and were given a number starting with 'I' (I assume for immigrant). After 5ish minutes of waiting we were called to window one. The lady asked for my documents- originals and copies of:
-my passport
-my birth certificate
-our marriage certificate
-police certificates for everywhere I have lived since the age of 16 (and stayed for either 6+ months)
-1 x US style passport photograph
-Affidavit of support
She then clipped the copies into my folder, and retained the originals. She took my fingerprints, and then sent us to pay the visa fee to the cashier. We paid, and returned to her with a receipt proving payment. She then told us to sit and wait for our interview. The only thing she asked about at any length was my partner's job.
Then everything seemed to come to a stop, and it was clear that something was going on. Apparently there were a lot of kids coming to get their J1 visas for Camp America. So, the ambassador himself turned up to make a small speech and talk to people. Neat to see him, but for the most part I resented the delay! He also invited everyone to have a (terrible drip) coffee with him (he had a nice pret-ish coffee in hand!). So, after that half hour delay everything started again.
We were called to the interview window, and had the legendary pretty/friendly/lovely young African American woman. She was very nice, and asked me a little about our relationship: how we met, when we got engaged, what our wedding day was like. She then uttered the much-awaited 'your visa has been approved!' and we thanked her, and generally looked and felt hugely relieved and very happy. (We can finally make REAL plans!)
She then gave back my original documents, and told us to expect my visa + and envelope for immigration (not to be opened)to arrive via the courier (you have to pre-register and pay at least a few days before the interview) within 10 days. She also gave me a CD of my chest x-ray (that I may need to give to immigration).
We left before 10.00am, had some champagne and booked my ticket that very evening!
We were never asked to show proof of our relationship, anything from the medical, or anything other than what they list as things you must bring. (We had copies of all of our paperwork with us just in case).
I had been worried about the whole thing (like little details about the police certificates), which in hindsight I should not have been so worried about. The whole experience was very positive, and much better than anticipated.
I simply can't wait for us to be able to start our new chapter together! Good luck to anyone going through this process. It isn't fun (so much waiting without news), but when you reach the end point, all of the stress and annoyance instantly fades.
Good luck! |
| Rating : |
Very Good |
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Timeline Comments: None yet, be the first!
*Notice about estimates: The estimates are based off averages of other members recent experiences
(documented in their timelines) for the same benefit/petition/application at the same filing location.
Individual results may vary as every case is not always 'average'. Past performance does not necessarily
predict future results. The 'as early as date' may change over time based on current reported processing
times from members. There have historically been cases where a benefit/petition/application processing
briefly slows down or stops and this can not be predicted. Use these dates as reference only and do not
rely on them for planning. As always you should check the
USCIS processing times to see if your application
is past due.
** Not all cases are transfered
ver 5.0
