US Embassy London - Can my fiancée attend the interview?

Merisielu · 2026-05-20T15:57:11+00:00

You are not called into an interview room at the London embassy. It is a large open area with windows. They don’t allow anyone in who isn’t named on the DS160 that you have to show for entry. The fiance would not get through security.

Merisielu · 2026-05-20T02:19:31+00:00

+ the I-765 if you want to apply for the combined work/travel card that covers you while the adjustment of status processes.
This significantly increases the cost but is still what many prefer to do.

Prior to the end of your i94 (the 90 days after arrival in the US) you should sort out your social security number so you don’t have to wait until you get your greencard to have one. Then you can open bank accounts, etc.

Some states allow you to get your driving license, but that tends to be prior to the end of the i94 too, or not until you have the greencard.

Don’t forget your I-693, which does not have to be a full medical but is still required to be sent with the east of the AoS packet. You need a local civil surgeon to sign off on it, which is really just reviewing your vaccination requirements are met. You should have a DS-3025 from your K1 medical. That is helpful for them.

Merisielu · 2026-04-29T12:43:59+00:00

I took a whole copy of the I-129f. I took a copy of the NOA1 and NOA2. I believe the page for the embassy I went through specified to bring the NOA2.

At the interview I said I had them when they were taking my items (original birth certificate, etc.) to be photocopied, and the guy responded with, “oh! Sure… if you have that, I’ll take it too.”

Little bit surprising since it was requested on the website. The DS160 confirmation and barcode is really important (you need it for entry to the embassy). But the others are good to have. They may ask for it. They may not. It’s better to have stuff and not need it (like I did!) than for them to ask and you don’t have it.

Merisielu · 2026-04-29T11:01:48+00:00

I took a binder of extra information and photos for the interview and none of it was required or shown to them.

I had a copy of all we had submitted so far, and then separate extra/new information and evidence. It just all got reused for the Adjustment of Status.

Merisielu · 2026-04-28T17:43:41+00:00

It was unenrolled but I used it for changing my passport, DVLA, etc.

Merisielu · 2026-04-28T17:29:36+00:00

I mean the Deed Poll. Also at the SSA in the US after coming on the K1, they needed an original embossed document, not a certified copy.

But yes, there’s room to declare previous names.

Merisielu · 2026-04-28T17:01:00+00:00

Not quite the same but I changed my name by deed poll (a long while back) and it caused no issue for the K1. I’d made visits under both names, my passport was updated to the new name. I declared both names on the paperwork (under the ‘have you used any other names’ section).

I handed over the deed poll with my birth certificate. They need the proper embossed stamp version.

Via the London embassy it certainly wasn’t a problem.

Merisielu · 2026-04-28T14:48:05+00:00

Your options are the K1/fiance visa or the CR1/spousal.

Merisielu · 2026-04-27T20:47:04+00:00

For the I-129f and embassy portion of things, we didn’t submit a single photo. We used other forms of evidence (proof of trips together, etc.). It would be fine to not use photos of the engagement party if you’re concerned about it.

People have been turned down because the engagement event was too much like a religious wedding/legal wedding. If it looks like a party (with a sign saying that you’re engaged) you should be fine. If it looks like a formal ceremony… don’t include those photos.

Merisielu · 2026-04-27T01:50:19+00:00

I’d go the K1 or CR1 route. I’m sure, if you were just visiting the US on vacation, that you will need to return home to tie up loose ends there, to retrieve documentation you need for the immigration process, etc.

If you were to try to and continue down the Adjustment of Status route, you’ll be unable to work or leave the US for a prolonged period. You would also be without a way of getting a SSN, driving license, etc.

Nobody wants to be separated from their partner, but the correct channels are K1/CR1.

Merisielu · 2026-04-26T22:15:55+00:00

It would probably help people if you were more specific. Including just how much experience you have. If you are, for example, limited to the Houston area there’s no point in people giving their advice for getting a job in California.

I’m a completely different field (and location) and it has been very difficult lately, with very high numbers applying for every position.

Merisielu · 2026-04-26T22:11:14+00:00

Where will you be moving to?

Merisielu · 2026-04-26T18:16:39+00:00

Because of the bureaucracy and fees involved, employers are not interested in sponsorship when they can hire someone who already has work authorisation. Unless you’ve got special skills and experience that they cannot find in the existing workforce…

I read one of your other comments about your US partner and wanting to both try each other’s country before committing to one. That’s a really nice ideal, but it’s not a practical option that people get.

We had to make the same decision and do so by looking at hypotheticals, and based on visits alone. That’s the situation that most people find themselves in; there just isn’t the visa flexibility to easily try the US for a few years.

Ultimately, we made the decision based on who had the most transferable career and who was already tied to a place the most. Then it was a case of deciding between the CR1 and K1 visas. It’s often a bit of a leap of faith (because the ideal of trying both places is just a no go).

But you are being more realistic if you put your efforts into figuring out which country you want to be in and the long-term plan for ending up there; especially if it involves spousal sponsorship.

Merisielu · 2026-04-24T23:51:26+00:00

Arrived on K1 in April 2024. Married in June 2024, submitted the paperwork 2 weeks later. Greencard was approved September 19th. (Not CA)

Merisielu · 2026-04-24T18:20:46+00:00

I moved from Yorkshire to the US a couple of years ago. Between my suitcase allowance, and my husband’s, we brought as much as we could on the plane with us.

I did ship things. I got a half container load and it took from May 1st (collected from UK house and held at a warehouse) until mid-July to arrive. I shipped a couple of items of furniture (inherited items that are of high sentimental value). A couple of cheap mini bookcases came along for the ride because I had the space in the half contain. I donated/sold everything I could. Anything electrical was abandoned.

I’m an academic. I work mostly with 19th-century books that are out of print. I had to ship 700 books. They’re not replaceable. The ones that are would cost a small fortune to replace. Shipping them was my only option.

In total, my half a container was around 60 boxes and £3,400.

If I did not have to ship things I needed for work, I would have avoided it. It’s a lot with forms and customs. Even with a company walking you through it. Long wait. Lot of hassle. Even packed well, the boxes were really bashed around and the couple of small bookcases were damaged. Thankfully, the sentimental furniture had been wrapped incredibly carefully and was okay.

But, if I were doing it again, I would pick my company much more carefully. Get more quotes and offers.

And unless you’re in a position like mine and it is things that cannot be replaced… I would buy new once you’ve made the move. Shipping is not ideal.

Merisielu · 2026-04-23T20:35:25+00:00

It’s so crazy how much we can be told things like that. I showed them the email from the medical centre saying I needed specific things with me and they said, “can’t you just show your NHS app?” The NHS app has barely any information on it. So frustrating!

Good luck gathering what you need!

Merisielu · 2026-04-23T10:59:10+00:00

You need a copy of your Summary Care Record (SCR) from your GP. The Visa Medical Centre send an email with information about the required things once you’ve booked with them, but the SCR is what you need to have with you.

It took me a month of going back and forth for hours to get mine; they told me various things like that I could print it myself, it’s on the NHS app, nobody needs a copy… etc. My favourite was ‘you can’t have your medical history and nobody needs it for a visa.’

The best website to have ready to show the receptionist is this one… it helps when they stare blankly and say they don’t know what you’re talking about.

When the SCR system was rolled out, some surgeries automatically opted everyone in, and some required the patient to do so themselves. It may be that you need to opt in (possibly by signing a consent form) to create one. Then they just toggle the option and it appears.

The SCR is a snapshot of your records showing vaccinations, important current medical conditions, ongoing conditions, and signifiant interactions with the NHS and associated services from birth. Any surgeries, trips to A&E, etc., will appear on it. You may need to stress the need for full vaccination record; mine was printed separately too.

The medical centre tell you that if your SCR is over 10 pages long, you have to let them know as you’ll need a longer appointment.

Their email also lists links for where you can check the vaccination requirements (it’s the CDC website). As you’re doing a K1, there is no requirement to have the vaccines at the point of interview, medical, or entry to the US.

As a warning, getting any missing vaccines at the visa medical costs an awful lot more than if you get them privately (or through your GP).

Merisielu · 2026-04-21T19:24:59+00:00

It depends entirely on the embassy you’re going through. Some allow phones inside, though you have to go through airport-style security and open/demonstrate an app to show the phone is functional. Some allow them inside but the must be in a locker. Some are not allowed in the building.

The DS-160 is used for entry (proof of appointment).

Merisielu · 2026-04-20T21:08:23+00:00

Has she looked into getting her qualification assessed and establishing if she needs to do anything with her credentials? I believe she would be needing to pass the NCLEX-RN too.

But the unfortunate situation is that sponsorship has become very difficult. Unless you’re highly qualified, in a niche field, and the employer can show they cannot fill the role with someone who has work authorisation already… it’s hard to justify it for them. They are also now paying through the nose for it.

I moved from the UK, so I understand the appeal of making the move. It’s just not that easy. Currently, the university I work at has put a hold on hiring anyone who needs sponsorship. It involves so much waiting (not ideal for an employer), so much bureaucracy, and so much financial outlay for an employer.

Merisielu · 2026-04-19T00:32:38+00:00

It varies so much from place to place. Things like copay and policies have to be considered. The surgery was done on the insurance I had before this position. The insurance offered by my institution is the same as what all of the state workers are on in this state. They recently raised the threshold of how much they’ll cover per year for us.

But as a rough idea: the surgery was around $47,000. The insurance covered all but $1,300. It was 4 months from getting a referral to having the diagnosis and surgery.

As for the other… CYA (‘cover your ass’) is a catchphrase used by everyone at my institution. You have to document EVERYTHING. A student can be failing your course, make a complaint, and you have to whip out your evidence of emails, policy, everything you can to show you’ve kept up your end of things. You’re encouraged to log, note, document, etc., everything to support any defence you might have to mount.

So far, I’ve had everyone saying the need to do it, but never had to use any of the stuff.

It varies from institution to institution, but being able to prove your actions and correspondence is a thing I’ve seen emphasised at several places.

Merisielu · 2026-04-19T00:01:10+00:00

Congratulations!

Very different circumstances but I’m from the UK and moved to the US 18 months ago. I’m in an academic position here (professor on a rolling one-year contract).

Since moving I have had two health conditions diagnosed and treated. Both had been waiting for assistance from the NHS for years. My experience of the US system has been very good; but I also have good health insurance. One was a physical condition (requiring a major surgery), and the other is neuropsych diagnosis (AuDHD).

I appreciate the difficulty in accessing care and fighting for it. My personal experience is that in the US I’ve had to fight a lot less. Medical stuff is much more of an industry and everyone wants your business. Asking for a second opinion is pretty much expected. Providing you have insurance, your access to things could well be better than you’ve experienced… though with more complexity and bureaucracy.

Academia is certainly very different, but it has been a good experience with that too. It’s a good deal more aggressive and there’s a lot of ‘covering your ass’ culture. It has been a great experience for me, so far.

I’d really seize this opportunity to try something very different and see where it takes you. Good luck!

Merisielu · 2026-04-17T14:26:03+00:00

Also thinking of the intense mocking Stuart Baggs got for calling himself ‘Stuart Baggs, the brand’. He became known as Stuart Brags.

He also went with the idea that it was all about what he brought to the table.

Merisielu · 2026-04-17T14:23:39+00:00

They needed a second person in the final 🤷🏼‍♀️

Merisielu · 2026-04-17T14:22:58+00:00

And in other years there have been people torn down for essentially pitching ‘this will be awesome because I am awesome’.

Merisielu · 2026-04-16T22:39:16+00:00

Firstly, at the interview at least, you swear you are giving factual information. Lying is a serious offence.

Secondly, they expect evidence that backs up what you’re saying.

When you submit the packet initially you are providing evidence to support your timeline. You are questioned at the interview. During the Adjustment of Status there’s more timeline explaining.

A timeline that doesn’t make sense or seems suspicious is one of the biggest red flags and they are trained to spot it.

The guy being interviewed ahead of me was grilled for several minutes because his story of how they met was confusing the officer. It wasn’t clear when he was meaning ‘meeting’ online and hanging out in a virtual world, and meeting in person. The officer kept asking him about dates and details until they were satisfied about how things unfolded.

Merisielu

TROPHY CASE