Any cheap ways around contacting the London Embassy

[srvman 38]

So I will be getting ready to attempt to call for my interview date, as there has been a recurring theme of London being slightly slow at sending stuff out.

I called the 202 number, to be told "we dont do that, call the 603 number", only to be told, you have to contact the embassy.

I don't fancy the 1.20 charge per minute, especially when all I am doing is checking for an interview date. I have skype so can call american lines no issue. Should I be emailing? Or has one of those numbers given me bad information.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

DOS: 202-485-7600 Press 1, then 0.

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (EST)

If they aren't telling you, and you have tried several times, then they are sick of everybody calling and are changing their policy. Exactly want question do you ask?

[srvman 38]

I asked if I was able to check the status on my case, to see if a interview date has been issued. Will try again tomorrow, and report what they say. He sounded pretty annoyed that I would even ask, it was a real "oh we dont do that anymore, go to the 603 number", 603 number was useless with a longer wait.

And yes, that number you quoted is the one I used.

Edited January 27, 2014 by srvman

[lost_at_sea 995]

603 number was useless with a longer wait.

What did the 603 number say to you? Did they redirect you, or say they couldn't know?

I've seen a lot of people saying that they're not getting useful info out of DoS lately, so I'm starting to think the same as Nich-Nick - they're fed up of getting lots of calls for info from people that haven't waited the 6 weeks they're told to wait on the readiness form.

srvman: In another thread, you said on the 23rd Jan that your GP faxed a letter to Knightsbridge? Given that, it's perfectly possible the embassy has *only just* got your results (which you seem to know) or don't even have them yet. So, the chances of your interview date being set are slim this week.

Edited January 27, 2014 by lost_at_sea

[srvman 38]

What did the 603 number say to you? Did they redirect you, or say they couldn't know?

I've seen a lot of people saying that they're not getting useful info out of DoS lately, so I'm starting to think the same as Nich-Nick - they're fed up of getting lots of calls for info from people that haven't waited the 6 weeks they're told to wait on the readiness form.

They said to just contact the embassy, and that they didn't "do that".

My readiness form was in on the start of December, so I should be fine in that regard. The whole contact system is a mess. Don't know their ####### from their elbow.

[lost_at_sea 995]

They said to just contact the embassy, and that they didn't "do that".

My readiness form was in on the start of December, so I should be fine in that regard. The whole contact system is a mess. Don't know their ####### from their elbow.

They *may* have got your medical today. It could easily be 6 weeks before you get a date.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

How many weeks since you submitted both forms and the medical arrived?

[srvman 38]

They *may* have got your medical today. It could easily be 6 weeks before you get a date.

Quite true. I'm not bothered about the date I get my date, I would just like to have the ability to ask prior to receiving snail mail. It is more the principle of the matter.

My CEAC was updated today, which was the same date Knightsbridge said London would get it, so I would imagine, that means they have my medical info now.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Quite true. I'm not bothered about the date I get my date, I would just like to have the ability to ask prior to receiving snail mail. It is more the principle of the matter.

My CEAC was updated today, which was the same date Knightsbridge said London would get it, so I would imagine, that means they have my medical info now.

Yep, most likely.

I'd give it a week or two, then swallow the cost of calling the extortion line. I'd say "wait 6 weeks" but I know you won't do that (like I didn't either ), but the chances of it being set this week are so small you may as well wait and see what comes in the mail in the next 10-14 days or so at least. Not every letter gets lost in the mail.

[srvman 38]

Yep, most likely.

I'd give it a week or two, then swallow the cost of calling the extortion line. I'd say "wait 6 weeks" but I know you won't do that (like I didn't either ), but the chances of it being set this week are so small you may as well wait and see what comes in the mail in the next 10-14 days or so at least. Not every letter gets lost in the mail.

Yup, you never know, I will try the DOS line sometime late next week before, and I will report either way. Thanks.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Yup, you never know, I will try the DOS line sometime late next week before, and I will report either way. Thanks.

Someone reported that DOS, as of Jan 27, will no longer give Information on K1 visas. Change of policy.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Someone reported that DOS, as of Jan 27, will no longer give Information on K1 visas. Change of policy.

I've had a couple DCF folks say they haven't been able to get anything out of DOS either, so I'm wondering if it's *any* enquiries about visa progress.

[Anna Grant 169]

Someone reported that DOS, as of Jan 27, will no longer give Information on K1 visas. Change of policy.

Yes - reported in this thread:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/477504-department-of-state-dos-nolonger-taking-inquiry-calls-on-k-1-visas/

[srvman 38]

To anyone that cares,

I managed to get through to the DOS today, and got on to a supervisor, he said that he was aware the NVC only handles K1 visas to a certain extent, and that it may be a better idea to contact london. So I challenged him to find me a number, ring it, and get any success. After a 25 minute call, he conceded that they should not be giving out the NVC number to K1 applicants looking for Interview dates, and said he would pass it on to management at their meeting tomorrow morning. I doubt anything will be done about it, but you never know. I got through to an agent, who was extremely rude, and I also made him aware of this, and the fact it wasn't the first time, and that perhaps he should maybe give some staff a refresh, on how to handle a call with a little bit more enthusiasm. He apologized, and that it has also been noted, and the way operators talk will also be reviewed, as it wasn't his first complaint about it. The supervisor's name was James. Nice guy. He tried to fob me off with the automated visa line, but I told him that is just an automated line. I said I will leave it with him, and just explained, that it is more than just me being affected, and he seemed to understand. So, if anyone is trying to call and asks for a supervisor, ask for James, and refuse to let them call you back, just say your will gladly wait on hold, even if it may take 10 minutes.

[srvman 38]

Called NVC option 3. Once again an incredibly rude agent. "I have listened to you, now you listen to me" was something he said, after I cut him off, because he gave me the non immigrant number to schedule an appointment. Anyway. Got through to his Team Leader, once again, Lovely lady, who was called Sylvia, she said there was no interview date scheduled for me, but they do have the information available to see when an interview is scheduled, and I asked if I call back, would I be able to check up on my status, to see if I get an interview date scheduled, and she said "Yes sir, we have that information available, and we would be able to tell you when you interview date." She also confirmed operators should be able to see the information, but perhaps not all know where to find the information just yet, but she said she would start telling her agents, as I told her she probably should since DOS are directing all their calls her way .

So there you go, NVC, Option 3, if they don't give you the information, request to talk to a team leader or supervisor, i'm sure within a few days, they will start giving out the dates and information a little more freely when their supervisors start telling them what to do.