Re: DCF London Processing
 

Hi Stu, the link you posted is for services available to US citizens within the UK (such as passport renewals etc., not spouse petitions). The following link pertains to non-US citizens in the process of applying for visas (although the title of the link says 'nonimmigrant visas' the page actually contains info regarding immigrant visas too): https://uk.usembassy.gov/information...d-19-outbreak/

Unfortunately, the webpage has not been updated since May 29, so we have to sit tight for now...

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Oh. Ok, thanks. I guess one link was as useful as the other🤣

Re: DCF London Processing
 

https://uk.usembassy.gov/information...d-19-outbreak/

They updated it today at 4pm, I can't really see much difference. I'm hoping the will be open by July 14th. It'll be interesting to see if anything happens around the 22nd June as that is when the 60 days expires for the Presidential Proclamation 10014 which restricts a lot of visas being issued. I suspect it will probably be the same as the "30 day" schengen ban though.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Thanks for the heads-up. As you say, not much has changed.

"Hurry up and stand still"......oh boy

Re: DCF London Processing
 

That is because it is a link to US Citizen Services. IE The part of the US Embassy which deals with the needs of US Citizens living in, or visiting the UK. Citizen Services doesn't deal with visas.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Yeah, that update didn't answer much, unfortunately. The London USCIS Field Office will close its doors on the 31st of July, so they are going to be in a bit of a rush to get all pending I-130 petitions adjudicated before this date. I am really hoping that they will, because if not, then any pending I-130 petitions will likely be transferred to a Field Office in the US, with an inevitable delay in processing. In their last e-mail to me, they sounded optimistic that they were going to be able to get through all petitions by July so fingers crossed.

I'm also curious to hear what the earliest available Medical appointments and visa interviews will be in the aftermath of the Embassy reopening and people being issued their long-awaited LND numbers. I can imagine there is going to be quite a backlog there.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Hope so.🤞

I agree there most likely will be a backlog of Medical and subsequent Interviews, but just to be in the position to apply for either would be very comforting.

Good luck.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Our card was finally charged today - so it looks like things are starting to get back up and running at the London USCIS Field Office!

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Great news. Lets hope the momentum continues. I had thought it may take about a week to get back in to the swing.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

New visa appointment dates available at the embassy, though this thread is the most appropiate place for it.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...11c62926e5.png

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Thanks Craig, this is very reassuring and helpful. Out of interest, have you been instructed to bring a filled out DS-5540 to your interview and/or have you figured out what you are going to do about health insurance?

Re: DCF London Processing
 

I haven't been told any about a DS-5540 form, not sure I've heard of it before. For health insurance I'm just going to pay for blue cross blue shield (or something similar) health insurance until my wife or I get a job.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

It's the new "Public Charge" questionnaire that was introduced at the end of February. Suffice to say, nobody really knows how or when it will be implemented as part of the CR1/IR1 interview process at the US Embassy in London. With regards to health insurance, it would probably be a good idea to bring along some sort of documentation showing your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan at the time of interview (this is what I'm planning to do at least).

Re: DCF London Processing
 

I definitely will, thanks for letting me know! They seemed to do that rather quietly or I wasn't paying attention, they have yet to update the guide and checklist on the site.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

This looks encouraging.

Thanks for sharing.

Good luck🙂

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Stumbled across this. It talks about Field Offices etc. It may be of interest.

Source: https://www.uscis.gov/outreach/uscis...erson-services

USCIS Offices Resume In-Person ServicesU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services invites you to participate in a webinar on the reopening of USCIS domestic offices on Thursday, June 18, from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern.

On March 18, we temporarily suspended routine in-person services at our field offices, asylum offices, and application support centers (ASCs) to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). USCIS began reopening some domestic offices and resuming non-emergency services on June 4. We are following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines to protect our workforce and the public.

During this webinar, USCIS will provide an overview of reopening procedures for field offices, asylum offices, and ASCs. We will also share guidelines for entering our facilities. We will respond to questions submitted in advance and via chat during the webinar. We will not answer case-specific questions.

To register for this engagement, please follow the steps below:

• Visit our registration page to confirm your participation
• Enter your email address and select “Submit”
• Select “Subscriber Preferences”
• Select the “Event Registration” tab
• Provide your full name and organization
• Complete the questions and select “Submit”

Once we process your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with additional details.

If you have any questions about the registration process, or if you have not received a confirmation email within three business days, please email us at [email protected].

We recommend joining 10 to 15 minutes before the webinar begins.

We encourage you to submit questions in advance by emailing [email protected] by June 10, at noon Eastern. Put “Reopening” in the subject line.

To request a disability accommodation, please write to [email protected] by noon Eastern on June 12.

Note to Media: This engagement is not for press purposes. Please contact the USCIS Press Office at 202-272-1200 for any media inquiries.

We look forward to engaging with you!

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Nothing to do with London. Nothing at all.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Correct, the piece mentions "domestic". Hence my saying "It may be of interest". Those involved in the process may be interested to learn a bit more about the wider issuses.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Fair enough. So, it may be also be of interest that USCIS is starting the process to lay off three quarters of its workforce. To avoid this will require Congressional appropriation which will require Mr. Trump’s signature. His opposition to all immigration, both legal and unlawful is well known.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Not the cheerie and positve news many are seeking but it is what it is.

Thanks for the heads-up

Stay safe🙂

Re: DCF London Processing
 

I find it ironic, considering the fact that his wife immigrated on an H1B followed by an EB1 visa, and that both his grandparents are immigrants from Germany. Similarly, our Home Secretary here in the UK has proposed a strict immigration bill that decreases the number of people eligible for immigration. Again, ironic, in view of the fact that both her newsagent parents are first-generation immigrants from Uganda who wouldn't have qualified under these new immigration laws. Without veering too far off topic, we live in strange times indeed.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Strange times indeed.

Another week gone by and no word. Bearing in mind the initial 90 days target, then deducting the 10 or so days before lockdown when we received our email, I marked up my calender showing not to expect any word till Mid July.......please let me be wrong..............

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Chin up, mate. It's frustrating, I know, but on the positive side, it looks like this week was the first week that we saw some momentum at the London USCIS Field Office (credit cards being charged, and one member on the VisaJourney forum's I-130 approval notice being sent out after she sent in more evidence after an RFE). I think everything is headed in the right direction, and you should hear soon given how long ago you filed.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

As per this link all immigrant adjustments and visa are now on hold. FYI, the government fiscal year ends on September 30th.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

I'm presuming this has no impact on anyone in this thread applying for a CR1/IR1 immigrant visa from outside of the United States, since spouses of US Citizens are one of the exception categories to Presidential Proclamation 10014?

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Thanks.

There is no mention of this to include spouses of US citizens. Didnt the previous EO give dispensation to USC spouses? Maybe its a different thing entirely (can you advise?). In what is an election year, it seems rather shortsighted to include USC spouses in this latest directive. Every USC is a vote.

Hey....it is what it is.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

lol.....you beat me to it.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

General principal - never "presume" anything. I've learned that over and over again.

Not that I really vouch for the article, it did say all immigrant categories. IR's are under "all." Also, the definition of "emergency" can be downright weird.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Yes.

The article in the link also said "......it updated a list of exemptions to the hold ....." unless the "update" specifically changes the position regarding the Spouse Visa, is there much to be concerned about at this time? Has anything actually changed?

Is there a link available to the "update"?

Will there be an impact in the issue of Green Cards? The article suggests so. Does a USC Spouse Visa Beneficiary need a Green Card and without which they cannot take employment? Dont know...........

Re: DCF London Processing
 

"Green card" is but a nickname for evidence of "admission to lawful permanent residence." It is a status known to immigration cognescenti as LPR.

If and when you are issued an immigrant visa and thereafter successfully navigate the admission process you will be an LPR. Practice these days is that the immigrant visa in the passport will be endorsed as one year evidence of LPR status.

Employment is authorized incident to status.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Thought that was the case.

Thanks for confirming.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

BTW, the actual card is form “I-551.”

It should be emphasized that the green card is evidence of status. It is not the status itself.

(Also, I’ve heard gov’t types use “lapper” orally. Not relevant to this discussion, we all use the term “ee-wee” to describe a person who sneaked across the border.)

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Just an update, I'm not sure how relevant it is but the DOS added this to their site yesterday https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/Proclamation-Suspending-Entry-of-Immigrants-Who-Present-Risk-to-the-US-labor-market.html

Here's a snippet
"Routine visas services have been suspended at U.S. posts worldwide, but as resources allow, embassies and consulates will continue to provide emergency and mission critical visa services. Mission-critical immigrant visa categories may include applicants who may be eligible for an exception under this presidential proclamation, such as: IR/CR1, IR/CR2, IR/IH-3, IR/IH-4, SQ, SI, and certain employment-based medical professionals, as well as cases involving an applicant who may age out. While embassies and consulates may process these types of cases, their ability to do so may be limited by local government restrictions and available resources. In addition, an applicant’s ability to travel may be impacted by local laws, regulations, and travel restrictions."

It seems to be good news however I would not get too excited until the emabassy itself updates their site on this url https://uk.usembassy.gov/information...d-19-outbreak/ or similar

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Any word on your approval yet?

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Hi,

Yes but its not good. RFE to be returned by Friday June 16. 😳 The documents sought are not at hand so have to get them from Panama.....the land of mañana.....and translated too.

I guess the boat has sailed and if not then right now it is pulling up the gang plank.😂

Good luck to you and yours.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Stu,

Sorry to hear about the RFE, friend, and wishing you the best of luck in terms of getting those documents. Out of interest, what is the nature of the documents they are asking for? Also, how did they contact you about the RFE? Was it a letter in today's mail?

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Some personal papers for my USC wife and an, affidavit of when we met.

Due to C-19 an email was received.

Good luck

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Good luck to you too. It seems like the London Office are moving pretty quickly to clear their backlog of pending I-130 petitions, since someone else on the VisaJourney forums received a letter yesterday.

Re: DCF London Processing
 

Aye. Things do seem to be moving with a bit of pace. Its good to hear folks getting along. You will be next I am sure.🙂

I didnt expect this. My wifes background has been researched by all sorts including the military when her Ex was a Ranger or something. Hey. It is what it is. (although I have to say I am somewhat pi$$ed at it) No point in arguing with USCIS or any other official immigration department. They say "Jump" the only response is "How high" lol

Enjoy the weekend

Re: DCF London Processing
 

We have had 2 x RFE. Looking for personal papers from 40 years ago😳

On responding to The 2nd RFE this auto email was received which seems to suggest July 2nd is a cut off. If this is accurate then it may be worthwhile contacting USCIS before that date?

Good luck.



"Thank you for your email.



The USCIS London Field Office will be permanently closing on July 31, 2020.



The last day the office is providing services to the public and responding to inquiries sent to this mailbox is June 19, 2020. The Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy London will assume responsibility for certain limited services previously provided by USCIS to individuals residing in the UK. Please refer to our office webpage for additional information on the handling of various USCIS applications and petitions previously processed by this office in order to determine where to file your application or petition.



The USCIS London Field Office will continue to work on pending cases through July 2, 2020. If you have a case that is pending with the USCIS London Field Office, you may continue to communicate with us at this mailbox through July 2, 2020. If your case is still pending when our office closes, we will send you a transfer notice to inform you which office will continue working on your case.



If you have a reentry permit to collect from the USCIS London Field Office and you have an urgent need to collect it, please review the information at our reentry permit webpage on requesting an emergency appointment.



General information about U.S. Embassy London, including information about visas, is available on the Embassy website. You may also contact the Embassy by calling 44 (0) 20 7499 9000. Below are websites for other sections at U.S. Embassy London:

· Family Immigration: https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/family-immigration/

· Nonimmigrant Visas: https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/

· ESTA and travel to the United States: https://uk.usembassy.gov/embassy-con...authorization/

· American Citizenship Services (ACS): https://uk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/



For information on USCIS immigration benefits, please visit uscis.gov. For assistance with an immigration inquiry, you may contact the USCIS Contact Center via one of the methods listed at https://www.uscis.gov/contactcenter. We suggest you use Ask Emma for more details about what you want to accomplish. Many times, you may be able to complete your task online.

Have a question about a pending application or petition? Send USCIS a secure message through your USCIS online account. Opening an account is easy. You may also send USCIS a message though your USCIS online account if you need help.

Thank you,

USCIS London