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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on November 30, 2017: |
Paul Turner
Rating:  | Review Topic: EB-1 Visa
First I would like to start by saying THANK YOU to this site for being there for me in times of panic. You were there when I just needed to read about other peoples experiences so that I could prepare myself for EVERYTHING and not to ruin my chances of having my Visa approved. Also I have not found someone in the same position as I was, applying for my EB-1 (or E11) with a beneficiary spouse.
I really do hope this helps someone.
My appointment was at 9am. I had read that this was the busiest time at the embassy so me and my husband had prepared to be there early. We were a little too eager and ended up arriving at 8:15am. There was a blue tent with 2 queues and a random side queue running alongside the square. (it wasn't insanely busy).
In the queue by the square there were attendants helping and checking letters to tell you what to do next. This lady was VERY nice and helpful. She told us we were too early, to go for a stroll come back straight to her at 8:45am and she will let us in immediately. PERFECT.
8:40am (I couldn't stroll any longer) we returned BUT the lady wasn't there. (AHHHHH). But I walked up to the desk under the tent and just politely asked the lady. She was also very nice, I explained the situation and she said, and I quote, "Immigrant Visas never have to queue". She honestly meant that they never make immigration visas wait. I then followed up with a joke saying.. "Well I wish that was the case inside too" which she then added "IT DOES!". I was a bit shocked..
But this was very nice indeed.
With that she told us to skip all the queues and go to the security door. We went inside. The lady on reception looked us up and stuck a number on the letter and told us to head to the front of the waiting room.
I had just got my coat off when ... *Bing* our number shows up to go to the first window.
We needed .. Passport / Original Birth Certificate / Original Marriage Certificate / 2 photos each / Courier info. THATS IT. No photocopies even though I had a million.. JUST IN CASE!!
They took our finger prints and we sat back down. It was all very pleasant and just administration.
NOW THE LONG WAIT!!
*side note* The noise every time a number is called is consistent!! and it is funny to watch everyones head look up and back down every 0.5 seconds.
*20 minutes YES only 20 minutes later*
We have to go to the interview.
Our lawyer had warned us that they could possibly do this interview separately, but as we weren't told otherwise we walked up together. Thought it would be better to be told than guess.
We arrived to a very nice gentleman. He was talking to someone and apologised to us for having to wait for his conversation to finish..
We both did our finger prints..
I was expecting a James Bond Villain like interrogation.. NOPE.
All I was asked was;
1. What will you do when you get there?
2. Which projects are you talking about? ( I had mentioned 'projects' in my first answer)
3. What are you doing now?
4. Have you put an application in for this visa before (which I had..)
It was VERY conversational and we even joked about certain things I said.
He only looked at my husband and said "OK, I'm going to go ahead and approve both your visas. You should get them within 1 or 2 weeks"
I said, " I could scream"
He said jokingly, "I'd wait until you were outside to do that"
THAT WAS IT!!! From asking the lady at the tent (8:40) to leaving and ringing our parents (9:39am)!!!
59 MINUTES!!
I have to add that it is very easy for me to say now that.. THERE IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. But that is ridiculous. Of course there is. It is a very big deal.. you are going to be nervous, but the officers are human too and it is like they completely understand that.
I had 2 other FULL files of documents, pictures, emails etc. just in case and even though I really didn't need them.. I still suggest take it ALL!!
You never know.
I really wish any one that reads this GOOD LUCK!!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #22908