-
US visa time-line
Right now the immigration dept is processing the I-129F, which merely evaluates if this is a valid case and if Ginger is truly a citizen. If they don’t need more information and things go smoothly, and this is processed at the current rate, we will get this approved approximately August 15 to September 1. This stage is referred to as the NOA-2. (We’ve already had the NOA-1.).
Assuming an August 15 approval, this is the timeline:
- September 1, case received by the National Visa Center. They process it and send it to the Embassy in London.
- September 15, case received by the Embassy in London.
- September 20, Receive a package of forms to fill out and lists of documents to gather. Return them to the Embassy.
- October 1, Receive information from the Embassy regarding the date for the medical exam (done in London) and date of the interview.
- November 1, approximate date of the interview.
- November 7, the approximate date I get the visa in my hand and am free to fly.
-
Shell – Spot colour.
Shell – Spot colour. Shell service station, Goldsmith Avenue, Portsmouth. Copyright © 2008 Gary Allman, all rights reserved. -
Shell (Colour)
Shell – Colour. Shell service station, Goldsmith Avenue, Portsmouth. Copyright © 2008 Gary Allman, all rights reserved. The contrast between the blue and the yellow caught my eye, but my plan when I took it was to take out all the colour except the awning. Years later I prefer the full colour version.
-
KFC at the Pompey Centre, Portsmouth
KFC at the Pompey Centre, Portsmouth. Copyright © 2008 Gary Allman, all rights reserved. This is an unusual post-processing technique for me. Though I like the original picture, it felt a bit sterile. I prefer this take on it.
-
Walgreens
Walgreens -
US Visa application submitted
Now we’re officially engaged, that puts the seal on things, and today we posted the huge pile of papers that makes up my visa application.
With current processing times we’re looking at my having my embassy interview sometime in November.
-
State Street, Chicago
State Street, Chicago. Copyright © 2008 Gary Allman, all rights reserved. One of my all-time favorite pictures.
-
Gary and Ginger get engaged
Gary and Ginger get engaged. Copyright © 2008 Gary Allman, all rights reserved. -
A special event – Gary and Ginger get engaged
Gary & Ginger get engaged at the Edward Hopper exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago Okay I admit it, this isn’t a special picture in the photographic sense, but it isn’t every day you get engaged.
A special event requires a special place, and I proposed just after we had finished seeing the Edward Hopper exhibition at The Art Institute of Chicago.
We had just left the Hopper exhibition and were taking a quick rest when Ginger said it was one of the best days. When better to pop the question? Just as well I was carrying the ring around with me waiting for the right moment. Not exactly the most romantic of locations, but one we will certainly remember. -
Hair Cut
Hair Cut Playing with the settings on my webcam and I rather liked the results.
-
Gary Allman – Self Portrait
Gary. Copyright © 2008 Gary Allman, all rights reserved. I was playing with my webcam, and I rather liked the results…
-
Gala Theatre – Durham UK
Gala Theatre, Durham UK This picture appeared as the watermark on all the theatre tickets. I’ve no idea if they are still using it.
-
Kiosk – Kings Cross Station – UK
Kiosk – Kings Cross Station. Copyright © 2008 Gary Allman, all rights reserved. -
Blue
Blue. Copyright © 2019 Gary Allman, all rights reserved. I spotted this picture while waiting for a train. I (correctly) judged I’d have just enough time to run over and get the picture before the train arrived.
-
k1 Visa
After a lot of debate, we are going to file for the K1 Visa. Essentially the immigration choices are:
- Get Married, live apart and apply for a Spousal Visa (K3), once (if) approved, enter the US and get on with our lives.
- Get engaged, apply for a Fiancé(e) Visa (K1), once (if) approved, enter the US and get married within 90 days.
If you’re interested in the differences this document: Comparison of Marriage Based US Immigration Choices (K1, K3, IR1 Visas & DCF) should help.
The first step of that is sending the 129-F form to the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services). Information and forms can be found on www.USCIS.gov. The following site also provides a lot of information Visa Journey.
Here’s what we needed to file my application:
- $455
- Original statement, signed and dated by me, certifying my intent to marry Ginger within 90 days of admission on K1 visa.
- Proof of having met and having a relationship: Copies of any or all of: boarding passes, itineraries, receipt from Piedmont House??, copies of passport stamps (if date is readable), copy of cell phone bill, copies of a few emails, screen print of gmail inbox (a few over a few dates), stamped envelope, copies of cards, etc.
- Form G-325A (all pages filled out, signed, and dated). When the question does not apply, put in N/A. If the answer is none, type “none”. This form can be filled out online for ease.
- A passport photo. White background, full frontal face, glossy, 2″x2″ with the face being 1″. Must have been taken within 30 days of application.
- Copy of divorce decree.
From the Visa Journey site …wise advice…
IMPORTANT!
Make TWO copies of the entire package before you send it in. This includes the money orders too. You want to have a perfect replica of the package you are sending in. All Forms that you submit must be originals with original signatures. Supporting Evidence that you submit may be photocopies. Retain ALL original supporting Evidence since the USCIS has the right to check them by issuing an RFE (Request For Evidence). If you receive an RFE, follow the direction exactly, and make two copies of what you sent back. During any future interviews the USCIS may also want to examine the original supporting evidence.
-
Single again
Today I received the decree absolute. Four months after my first meeting with my solicitor. Now we can apply for my visa. All I need is the list of papers I need to take with me on my next visit.
-
St. Barnabas Church, Rose Road, Southampton
St. Barnabas Church, Rose Road, Southampton. Copyright © 2008 Gary Allman, all rights reserved. -
Jubilee Church, Somers Road, Portsmouth UK
Jubilee Church, Somers Road, Portsmouth UK. Copyright © 2008 Gary Allman, all rights reserved. -
Long Haul (365:15)
A Collaborative Effort We’re in this for the long haul, while red tape binds us there are no quick returns despite their best efforts at keeping us apart we are constant companions in our hearts separated by earth and sea parted by time and sleep we work as one towards the days ahead precious time we spend together reminds us that we’re in this for the long haul.
This picture was a collaboration. I captured it, Ginger came up with the treatment and I Photoshopped it. I have changed Ginger’s title though, ‘Sex sells’ seemed far too presumptuous for me to be comfortable with.
There appear to be some horrid Photoshop artifacts in this picture I’m still working on eradicating them.
Note: picture re-edited on July 31, 2015
-
Decree absolute
Decree absolute: Unknown to me at the time, but on this day my Decree absolute was declared. I was officially single for around a week before I knew it.
