Coming to America!

[Phoenix]

Thanks James

The blood pressure issue isn't a deal breaker, just an observation the doc did not want to ignore

The vaccines sort of make sense, they are no more than are required by most kids to attend state school, and the blood tests for HIV/AIDS or other illnesses that can be a danger to other people are an issue, so they need to highlight those

Most of my issues have come to bear due to rather slack record keeping by the NHS, the clinic all my vaccines were issued at closed years ago, and my GP only has records of the vaccines he gave me (although at some point the records should of synced up, oh well)

I'm actually on a 5 day a week vegetarian diet now, meat during the week, meat only on friday night and saturday, also no potatoes, crisps, chocolate, etc, aiming to lose 40kg asap

Still on the Diet Coke, but got myself down to 2 - 4l a week not 2l+ a day
and trying to get acquainted to the flavour of tea (green and white mainly)

[Phoenix]

Spoke to the Visa doctors again today, the doctor was happy with everything my GP sent, however the MMR was going to be an issue, so I caved and shelled for the blood screen (£150) but the results take 48h so I will have to wait till Friday to know if i need the jab or not, if I do it's another £40 but I will go up and get it straight away on Friday

That should then mean they can send my medical off on Friday and the embassy should get it a few days later, lets hope tomorrow goes well or it may all be a waste of money lol

[Phoenix]

Ok so heres the big update
I had my interview at the embassy yesterday morning, arrived at 8:30 and waited to get let in (checked twice in the line then go through metal detectors then your still only just in the embassy grounds, round a corner and passed a few more armed guards to get into the actual visa area)

It was a busy day for the visa folks, looked like camp America and CCUSA were both having interviews for all of the people wanting to go and work there on the day, got my ticket number (9) and waited patiently, whilst waiting they saw no less than 100 non immigrant visa applications in the time it took to do 9 immigrant visa applications (I guess we warrant significant more scrutiny

I went to the first window when called and handed over all my documents, she then sent me to the cashier to pay and then I waited for the second part (the second part is by a consular officer not just a member of staff), eventually I got called again and went to see a charming chap who made us both swear to tell the truth blah blah before proceeding to ask us a few questions and have me sign a few forms in front of him, unfortunately my medical results had not arrived so a definitive decision could not be made, also we were short a W2 form as our co sponsor files a joint tax return, so not everything went to plan, however the guy was pretty nice about it, it was no big deal and he explained what we needed and to just call the courier number on the form to arrange pick up, we were not denied though! and considering they have pretty much all the info they need now it looks like I will be MOVING TO THE US in the not to distant future.

Being the technophile I am I arranged for the courier to come pick up the forms tomorrow whilst jaunting down Oxford Street, THEN got in touch with Amandas mum to scan and email the W2 form, which I then printed and had ready for the courier who arrived about 11 this morning (who needs FedEx?), so that's all sent off now

Finally at about 4pm today I got through to the Visa medical place, they got my blood work back and I don't need the MMR (seems I am immune to practically everything) and they will be forwarding my stuff to the embassy on Monday

The consular officer said we were pretty much good to go once they receive the rest of the info, and I should get everything back within 5 days of receipt (although its almost always much quicker), so hopefully by next Friday I will have my passport in hand, with a visa tucked away inside

The final hurdle once I get the visa is the point of entry (POE), until I get the visa stamped and enter the country it's still just that, a visa! once it's stamped it becomes my permanent residence card (green card) and entitles me to live and work indefinitely!

On another note, my blood pressure is back down to normal, that could be the beta blockers, or it could be the removal of visa stress, I have a funny feeling its a bit of both ;)

[AJ]

Looking good mate.

BTW you do know that CF GTG5 is up to you aka Pheos leaving do????

[Phoenix]

Yup we were discussing it over beers yesterday, London is proving to be so costly though, even a crappy thistle costs 120 a night and charges 4 quid for beer, I may suggest somewhere a bit more central / cheaper like Birmingham again hehe

[tripwire45]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

(seems I am immune to practically everything)

There was a TV show back in the '70s I think, called "The Immortal" about a guy who had unique blood chemistry resulting in him really being immune to everything. Result, he would live a long, long time. Natch, the bad guys wanted to capture him to get his secret. Maybe you're destined to outlive us all.

BTW, glad to hear that most of your barriers have been cleared and you're about to become my neighbor (more or less). Cheers.

[BosonMichael]

Congrats, man!

[Phoenix]

IT ARRIVED TODAY

I now have an immigrant visa to the USA, and I'm hoping to move over by late June
the courier delivered a big ominous black plastic bag type package of stuff, the kind you would expect to find porn mags or something in

inside was my passport, with my visa stamped on page 4
a big brown envelope (known as the MBE (mysterious brown envelope) in visa circles because your not allowed to open it/tamper with it) you just give that to the immigration staff at the point of entry
a big 'welcome to the united states' err, manual that gives me some important info on tax law, selective service, medicaid and other such federal things
some papers about acquiring a SS number and basic tax reminders etc

Getting an immigrant visa to the US is one of those processes I wouldn't dream on anyone, and unfortunately it's something that no body really understands except those who have been through it, I feel for the people going through the K-1 process (fiancé visa) who have not seen their significant others for often over 200+ days, which inst much if you marry into the military, but for those who didn't its a lot of heartache fortunately as Amanda lived here we went a much quicker route (7 months instead of 18 months), and went through it together instead of apart

Now to pack up what I can, ditch what I can't and get ready to start all over again.. wowzers!

Jim, get the BBQ warmed up!

[Arroryn]

WHOOOO!!! Pheo is emigrating!

NOOOOO Pheo is emigrating

party, party, party, party, party, party, party, party, party, party

[tripwire45]

Had hamburgers last night and went out for a steak dinner the night before. Welcome to the "neighborhood".

BTW, is it too soon to start looking for a job?

[AJ]

Great news mate, I bet that's a weight off your mind.

So now we need to sort out a GTG soon

[simongrahamuk]

Its been nice knowing you Ryan!

Congrats!

[Raffaz]

Congrats mate, now whens the GTG!!

[Phoenix]

Err well if all goes to plan I have three weekends left in the country
sure your up for something that soon?

[ffreeloader]