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| Amsterdam, Netherlands |  Review on January 17, 2014: |
a.post
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
There's a lot said about the Amsterdam Consulate already. I just know from my own experience that reading someone else's review made me more confident going there myself. So here it is:
I went by train and took one early so if anything would happen I would still be on time. Despite the tram in Amsterdam getting into an accident I was still almost 30 minutes early. The guard told me I would be let in 5 minutes prior to my appointment. It was raining but I was almost first in line so I didn't mind. After 15 minutes quite the crowd had gathered and out of the consulate came an employee with sort of a party tent and put it up for people to hide from the rain. Nice gesture since I've always been treated like a number during the whole visa process.
Then out came another security guard who did the initial screening:
He checked the passport, asked if I had any electronic devises (I left them at home thanks to other reviews warning me about that), checked my bag and sent me trough to the security check inside. There I had to go trough airport-like security and was on my way to the waiting room. Now here is something I want to emphasize:
The woman in front of me (No. 1 in line) had a pair of scissors in her bag. The security guard asked her why they were in there and she replied that it wasn't her bag but she borrowed it form a friend. That's a phrase security doesn't like to hear and she was sent back outside. By the time I was done with my interview she was back inside but all I want to say is: Check what you're taking with you when you leave to go to the consulate and think about what you're saying to security!
Anyway, I was called to window #5 almost right away and the woman (speaking Dutch) asked for everything she needed. As I expected after reading previous reviews they didn't even ask about the proof of a relationship. Also, I had made two packages: 1 with original forms and papers 2 with copies. She didn't want half of the copies that I made. Not the I-134, proof of relationship, USCIS/NVC/DOS forms (NOA1,2 etc). **btw Im not saying don't bring that stuff because it's still a requirement according to the checklist they send you!
After handing her everything I had to wait 10 more minutes before being called to window #6. The guy there (speaking English) had me state that I was telling the truth about everything and then asked me some questions:
"This is your first marriage, correct?"
"Has your fiancee been married before?"
"How did you two meet?"
After answering them he told me I was approved and I would have my Visa within four days.
Kind of stunned by how fast and easy that all went down I walked out.
So, to sum up my tips:
1. Although every review tells you they don't look at the evidence of relationship, bring it with you
2. Don't forget to take with you evidence of payment to the consulate
3. Don't forget the 'Post.nl sticker voor aangetekende brief'(Envelope isn't necessary!)
4. Before leaving your home double check your bags for anything other than what is strictly needed for your appointment
5. Be on time
6. It pays to be early, rather wait outside for 30 minutes than inside for an hour
7. Don't be nervous! The consulate employees are friendly. Countless people have preceded you. You have prepared yourself at the best of your ability and knowledge and you'll be fine!
Best of luck to everyone!
(updated on January 30, 2014)
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #13653