UK → US Family Visa · London Consular Process

Your guide to the United States family immigrant visa process via the U.S. Embassy, London

American Visa Guide is a community-powered resource for UK residents going through the US family immigrant visa process. Real wait times, plain-language guidance, and practical tools — all specific to the US Embassy London.

200+ community members

Real wait times & outcomes

London Embassy specific

Independent & free (coffee tips welcome)

Explore the site

The Guide

A step-by-step walkthrough of every stage — from filing the I-130 to landing in the US. Plain language, no jargon, London-specific throughout.

Data Tracker

Real wait times from 200+ community members. See how long each stage actually takes, track IL drops, and understand what outcomes look like.

Checklists & Templates

Document checklists for I-130, NVC, the medical, and your interview. Downloadable templates and worksheets to keep your paperwork organised.

Life in the US

What happens after you land — Social Security, driving licences, healthcare, banking, and settling in as a new permanent resident.

About

Who made this, how the data works, what this site is and isn't, and how to get in touch. Built by Erin — someone who went through the process herself.

What this site is

American Visa Guide exists to fill the gap between the official USCIS guidance (thorough but dense) and scattered forum posts (specific but hard to trust). It's focused entirely on the US Embassy London consular process for family-based immigrant visas.

Two things: a community data tracker showing real timelines from real applicants, and a plain-language guide to every stage of the process. Both are built on what people in the community have actually experienced.

Read the guide View the data

Not legal advice

This site is independent and volunteer-run. It is not affiliated with USCIS, the US Department of State, or the US Embassy London. Nothing here constitutes legal advice.

If your case is complex — waivers, prior removals, unusual circumstances — please consult a qualified immigration attorney. This site is most useful to people in a relatively straightforward family-based immigrant visa case applying through London.