London Visa Backlog
Jun 21st 2018, 10:24 am
#91
Just Joined
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17
Re: London Visa Backlog
Good morning Kate,
Huge weight lifted - we got approved!
The interview was a breeze, they asked a couple of really simple questions of me. How long have you been doing this line of work and how many people do you employ etc.. and it was approved. They then ask my wife and kids a coupe of random questions about their ages etc and it was all done.
The lady in the original line said not to get a full set of photos done until you are told to as the ones already on the DS160 were good enough, then the lady who took our finger prints told us that was wrong (a bit abruptly!) However, we only needed one set redone for our daughter it turns out, the rest were fine. Photo booth is right next to the finger print windows, so your call how you do it!
Just waiting now for the passports to get sent back - tickets booked for 5th July to rent a house and get kids enrolled in schools.
Everyone was really nice and pleasant, especially the American IO who couldn't have made us feel more relaxed.
Good luck and happy travels
Dave
Huge weight lifted - we got approved!
The interview was a breeze, they asked a couple of really simple questions of me. How long have you been doing this line of work and how many people do you employ etc.. and it was approved. They then ask my wife and kids a coupe of random questions about their ages etc and it was all done.
The lady in the original line said not to get a full set of photos done until you are told to as the ones already on the DS160 were good enough, then the lady who took our finger prints told us that was wrong (a bit abruptly!) However, we only needed one set redone for our daughter it turns out, the rest were fine. Photo booth is right next to the finger print windows, so your call how you do it!
Just waiting now for the passports to get sent back - tickets booked for 5th July to rent a house and get kids enrolled in schools.
Everyone was really nice and pleasant, especially the American IO who couldn't have made us feel more relaxed.
Good luck and happy travels
Dave
Thanks for keeping us updated and providing some moral support during the long wait! Can’t wait to hear how you guys get on in the States 😊
To all those who are left waiting, I hope the delays aren’t too long and your applications are successful. This time next week we’ll have had our interview and will know. Fingers crossed!
Jun 21st 2018, 4:35 pm
#92
Just Joined
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17
Re: London Visa Backlog
Bit of a side question, those who have had their interview, can you take small handbag into the embassy with you or is it strict no luggage?
Jun 23rd 2018, 12:06 pm
#93
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 20
Re: London Visa Backlog
Good morning Kate,
Huge weight lifted - we got approved!
The interview was a breeze, they asked a couple of really simple questions of me. How long have you been doing this line of work and how many people do you employ etc.. and it was approved. They then ask my wife and kids a coupe of random questions about their ages etc and it was all done.
The lady in the original line said not to get a full set of photos done until you are told to as the ones already on the DS160 were good enough, then the lady who took our finger prints told us that was wrong (a bit abruptly!) However, we only needed one set redone for our daughter it turns out, the rest were fine. Photo booth is right next to the finger print windows, so your call how you do it!
Just waiting now for the passports to get sent back - tickets booked for 5th July to rent a house and get kids enrolled in schools.
Everyone was really nice and pleasant, especially the American IO who couldn't have made us feel more relaxed.
Good luck and happy travels
Dave
Huge weight lifted - we got approved!
The interview was a breeze, they asked a couple of really simple questions of me. How long have you been doing this line of work and how many people do you employ etc.. and it was approved. They then ask my wife and kids a coupe of random questions about their ages etc and it was all done.
The lady in the original line said not to get a full set of photos done until you are told to as the ones already on the DS160 were good enough, then the lady who took our finger prints told us that was wrong (a bit abruptly!) However, we only needed one set redone for our daughter it turns out, the rest were fine. Photo booth is right next to the finger print windows, so your call how you do it!
Just waiting now for the passports to get sent back - tickets booked for 5th July to rent a house and get kids enrolled in schools.
Everyone was really nice and pleasant, especially the American IO who couldn't have made us feel more relaxed.
Good luck and happy travels
Dave
Jun 26th 2018, 8:31 am
#95
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 38
Re: London Visa Backlog
Hi all
Today we received our invitation to schedule our appointments- its Day 47!
NO appointments available so called them and she said to keep checking- Im on it every 10 minutes!!!
Today we received our invitation to schedule our appointments- its Day 47!
NO appointments available so called them and she said to keep checking- Im on it every 10 minutes!!!
Jun 26th 2018, 12:11 pm
#96
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 41
Re: London Visa Backlog
Taffylola- hope you get an interview slot soon! We are on Day 16 of waiting :-(
Jun 28th 2018, 11:32 am
#97
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 38
Re: London Visa Backlog
Thanks UpNorth are you waiting for interview or for the email to invite you for interview?
Im still not able to book an interview they are all greyed out. I called the embassy interview booking line and she couldn't help either. I have to just keep checking for dates- which I am like every 2 minutes!!!
I have emailed the embassy IT help desk too so see if its a technical issue. If there still isn't a date by Monday Im calling them again.
Did anyone watch the programme "Inside the American embassy" on TV CH4 the other night? Very interesting viewing about how its the best time to invest in the USA and how they are encouraging people to move and invest there. Sounds like they need to get their visa processing in order first! Next week is about just that- how the US embassy in London process the visas.
Im still not able to book an interview they are all greyed out. I called the embassy interview booking line and she couldn't help either. I have to just keep checking for dates- which I am like every 2 minutes!!!
I have emailed the embassy IT help desk too so see if its a technical issue. If there still isn't a date by Monday Im calling them again.
Did anyone watch the programme "Inside the American embassy" on TV CH4 the other night? Very interesting viewing about how its the best time to invest in the USA and how they are encouraging people to move and invest there. Sounds like they need to get their visa processing in order first! Next week is about just that- how the US embassy in London process the visas.
Jun 28th 2018, 12:04 pm
#98
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 41
Re: London Visa Backlog
Hi Taffylola
We are waiting for the email to invite for interview. I wonder if they are already looking at the paperwork now or is that closer to the interview email?
I can't believe that there are no interview slots available. Very worrying as the holiday season is coming up, I assume the embassy will have staff taking time off?
Didn't watch the programme- will have to check it out on catch up! Sounds interesting. :-)
We are waiting for the email to invite for interview. I wonder if they are already looking at the paperwork now or is that closer to the interview email?
I can't believe that there are no interview slots available. Very worrying as the holiday season is coming up, I assume the embassy will have staff taking time off?
Didn't watch the programme- will have to check it out on catch up! Sounds interesting. :-)
Jun 29th 2018, 11:40 am
#99
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 41
Re: London Visa Backlog
Hi just out of interest how many years did you all get?
:-)
:-)
Jun 29th 2018, 11:44 am
#100
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 38
Re: London Visa Backlog
Its a 5 year visa but you can extend it and keep extending it
Jun 29th 2018, 3:14 pm
#101
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 41
Re: London Visa Backlog
Sorry, i meant how long did everyone get, some get 2 years initially some get 5 :-)
Jun 30th 2018, 7:54 am
#102
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2018
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 96
Re: London Visa Backlog
Anyone got interview dates from London embassy in June?
I am waiting for a Family based (F3) case but no news from embassy. Case was 'Documentarily completed' on 11th June. Seems like the London embassy is busier than others..
I am waiting for a Family based (F3) case but no news from embassy. Case was 'Documentarily completed' on 11th June. Seems like the London embassy is busier than others..
Jul 2nd 2018, 1:28 pm
#103
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 38
Re: London Visa Backlog
Still no appointments available- I check every 10 minutes and nothing! Called the appointment helpline and they say they cant book either as nothing showing. Rang the embassy main line and spoke to the operator sh said the dept that schedule appointments dont take phone calls and to just keep trying!
Its now a week since we had the email! This is ridiculous!!!
Dave you said that you called them and they made one available to you. Who did you call?
Its now a week since we had the email! This is ridiculous!!!
Dave you said that you called them and they made one available to you. Who did you call?
Jul 3rd 2018, 6:28 pm
#104
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 38
Re: London Visa Backlog
Hi all,
So after several days of checking on line and no dates being available I took matters into my own hands and emailed the technical support team and told them there's an error on the website and I cant book a date. Then I had someone from The Contact Desk Support Team email me and told me she had opened an appointment for me at 12pm on the 25th July and to book it straight away. Luckily I was near my computer when I got her email and went on straight away and tried to book it but it didn't show up, despite refreshing the page every few seconds. I emailed that evening but they had gone home.
I emailed again this morning and someone told me that I wasn't quick enough and that someone else must have taken it!!!
She said she was opening me up another one "shortly" for 24th July at 1 pm. I have literally been glued to my phone all afternoon (whilst also meeting a friend who luckily was understanding and didn't find me rude!) and luckily after 2 hours it came up and I got it in time and booked it!
My advice is that if you just wait and dont contact them you will be waiting a long time. If you email directly to complain then they make you an appointment specially.
My attorney was shocked they opened one up for me but I think its just whoever shouts the loadest gets sorted out! If i hadn't we still wouldn't have a date and would still be in limbo!
Now we just need to get through the interview!
So after several days of checking on line and no dates being available I took matters into my own hands and emailed the technical support team and told them there's an error on the website and I cant book a date. Then I had someone from The Contact Desk Support Team email me and told me she had opened an appointment for me at 12pm on the 25th July and to book it straight away. Luckily I was near my computer when I got her email and went on straight away and tried to book it but it didn't show up, despite refreshing the page every few seconds. I emailed that evening but they had gone home.
I emailed again this morning and someone told me that I wasn't quick enough and that someone else must have taken it!!!
She said she was opening me up another one "shortly" for 24th July at 1 pm. I have literally been glued to my phone all afternoon (whilst also meeting a friend who luckily was understanding and didn't find me rude!) and luckily after 2 hours it came up and I got it in time and booked it!My advice is that if you just wait and dont contact them you will be waiting a long time. If you email directly to complain then they make you an appointment specially.
My attorney was shocked they opened one up for me but I think its just whoever shouts the loadest gets sorted out! If i hadn't we still wouldn't have a date and would still be in limbo!
Now we just need to get through the interview!
Last edited by Taffylola; Jul 3rd 2018 at 6:30 pm. Reason: typo
Jul 10th 2018, 4:41 pm
#105
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 38
Re: London Visa Backlog
Hi
does anyone know if the 45 business days for review still stand at London? We put our application in on 28th June and they didn't even acknowledge it until 6th July. On the website it still says 30days for review and 5 calendar days for interviews but I suspect that is completely out of date. Any feedback on current times would be much appreciated
does anyone know if the 45 business days for review still stand at London? We put our application in on 28th June and they didn't even acknowledge it until 6th July. On the website it still says 30days for review and 5 calendar days for interviews but I suspect that is completely out of date. Any feedback on current times would be much appreciated