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| Moscow, Russia |  Review on March 24, 2017: |
millefleur
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Our experience applying for a CR-1 visa (via DCF) in Moscow was fantastic. We arrived around 8:00am (the official appointment was at 8:30am) and we had to wait in line outside and go through security and registration. You'll pick up a number to be called and a laminated card for IV visas, which you need to hand in upstairs. The immigrant visa unit is upstairs following the red dots on the floor, and we saw a lot of people waiting. You don't, however, have to wait upstairs. It was very crowded there, so we went downstairs and waited there, as they have a screen where you can sit and wait for your number to be called. Downstairs is very spacious and there are many places to sit, plus they have vending machines there.
We waited about 1.5 hours and they finally called us to the first window. There was a Russian lady there who asked for the necessary documents. We gave everything and she asked a few basic biographical information questions, took my husband's fingerprints. She then told us to wait. We went back downstairs and waited around 1 hour before we were called for the interview. The IO was a young American lady, very friendly and nice, who spoke Russian fluently. She asked my husband to take the oath in Russian, then she interviewed us together in English, but mostly just asked my husband a few basic questions about his job and how we met. She also asked me (the USC) a few basic questions. Our interview lasted only about 5 minutes and she told us that once the medical exam results are in, we should expect the visa in the mail about a week later! The only original document they kept was the police certificate, all the other originals (birth certificate, military ticket and marriage certificate) were returned to us.
Very professional IO who was super friendly, the rest of the staff at the US embassy were also very helpful and efficient. The lines moved quickly and all the processes were pretty straight forward. Advice for future applicants: prepare well and it will pay off! We supplied as much evidence as possible (at the I-130 stage) and this is why we think our interview went so well.
TIP for petitioners who want to accompany their spouses/fiancées: you need to call or email before your interview to make sure your name is on the list to get in to the Embassy. This will help you avoid any hassle when you go through security.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #21580