Noorah101

If you are ever asked, either on a form or in person, if you have any arrests/convictions, you must declare it.

You do not have to volunteer the information if you're never asked (either in written or verbal format).

Since you're going to arrive on a K-1 visa, you'll have AOS forms to fill out which ask about this, plus down the road your removal of conditions application, and then also if you ever want to become a US citizen, you'll be asked again. I'm sure the K-1 visa application asks about it, too, so be prepared, if you haven't filled that out yet.

Rene

technolog

Got a call from Staffordshire Police today in response to my Subject Access Request to say there was no trace of me on their local system. They said because of the low-level nature and age of the offence, it had probably been deleted.

technolog

Received a letter from my local constabulary saying there was no information on record on their system.

technolog

We placed our house up for sale yesterday. Depending on sale price, equity should be in the order of £70k-£80k. A week today will be my 50th birthday and I'll be in receipt of one of my pensions, comprising a lump sum of £14k and £70 p.w.

This brought to mind a few questions

I'll need to transfer the house equity & pension lump sum to the USA when we move. I've had a search of the forum and it seems the likes of Halo, Xoom & TorFX are recommended for the purpose. Martin Lewis's UK site, MoneySavingExpert.com appears to recommend CurrenciesDirect, HiFX & MoneyCorp for the same purpose. Am I on the right lines? Before researching, we were thinking we would need to find a US bank account based on its international transfer charges, but I'm guessing that must be more expensive.

There'll also be regular movements back and forth. Therefore I need to maintain a UK current account, I would assume, to receive my weekly pension and also payments from a couple of friends who owe me money. Would you agree? Is it possible to operate a UK current account when not resident in the country? I know I'll need to speak to the bank but thought people might be able to share their own experiences.

What is the procedure for transferring the money? I'm assuming I'd enter the US using my K1 visa then get a US bank account, then effect the transfer from my UK account to my new US account using one of the services mentioned above. Presumably this could be done within a few days of entering the US.

ian-mstm

You'll probably get better answers if you post this in the general USA forum. These questions don't really involve immigration.

Ian

technolog

Good point Ian. I'll ask the non-immigration questions in a more appropriate forum but I'll post the outcome of the resulting advice here as it forms part of my journey and may help others in the future. Apologies if I forget and do it again though as my memory is shocking.

technolog

I received a letter from the US Embassy (as described by my fiancée; I'm at work - assume it's from the Consular section ). I had assumed that the NVC would be in touch first to say they had received the case from USCIS. I've not received any communication, either electronic or written since the NoA2 letter on the 10th Jan. Should/could I have registered for electronic updates on some other system? My USCIS online case status still says 'post decision activity' with the I-129F petition approval on Jan 3rd.

Anyway, just a surprise to receive the letter, but a very nice one.

technolog

So, I have my LND case number, I have my Police Certificate. My intended date of travel to the US is no later than July 12th as the wedding is pencilled in (an informal family affair) for July 4th or 19th depending on which family members are able to attend (school holidays related). Am I all set to book my medical for as early as next week?

The Knightsbridge doctor's receptionist said it was approximately a week's lead time between calling to book and the appointment. She also said that being half-way through my two MMR vaccination injections wasn't an issue and nor was the lack of my medical records to prove vaccinations needed/received.

However I think I'll get my GP medical records now, hopefully in time to take to the medical with me and also proof of my future appointment for the second MMR vaccination injection.

ian-mstm

The visa is valid for 6 months from the date of the medical. If you have the medical too soon, you severely limit your travel options with respect to when you can fly and, subsequently, when you can enter the US.

Ian

technolog

My fiancée is adamant that the wedding will be July 4th (or July 19th if delaying will allow more of my family to travel over for it). So barring the (very) unexpected, a medical next week will work as I see it. I take your point about there not being much leeway.

Noorah101

The way I see it, having your medical so soon is cutting it a bit close. Personally, I'd wait a few more weeks at least, just in case. But that's just me.

Rene

technolog

I'm naturally impatient

What would be the consequences of not travelling before the visa expires? Go through the complete I-129F/K1 process again? Is there a point up until which I can extend the visa validity by having a new medical?

Noorah101

Just a friendly reminder that back in October 2013, you said you won't be committing to anything until the visa is in hand.

Today you're saying your fiancee is adamant that the wedding will be in July 2014, with 2 specific dates in mind. I'm not saying that can't happen, but just reminding you not to commit to those dates until the visa is in hand. Don't be disappointed if you can't stick to those dates.

Rene

Noorah101

If you don't enter the USA by the visa expiration date, you lose the visa.

Yes.

No. Once the visa is issued, it is only good up until the expiration date on the visa.

You can slow down the process yourself by postponing the medical exam, and postponing letting them know when you're ready to interview. However, don't get the medical done and then postpone letting them know you're ready to interview...because the visa will only be valid for 6 months from the date of the medical, no matter when your interview is.

So right now, the most sensible way to slow down or postpone the process is to have the medical a bit later.

Rene

technolog

LOL, you got me!