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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on March 27, 2018: |
HeatherJanine
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
So my interview at the US Embassy was literally the easiest part of my process so far! I was worried about a couple of things the night before- firstly, I noticed that my letter from employer document didn't have an original signature, and secondly the weather was AWFUL. I had to catch a train from Birmingham to London the next morning and it was literally blizzarding in Birmingham the night before. But luckily, it was all fine in the morning and my train ran as expected!
I got to the Embassy about 40 minutes before my interview and went to the South Pavilion entrance. I had printed off the online booking confirmation for my interview, and I showed them that and was granted entry. I had with me a small backpack (containing snacks in case I was kept waiting!), a ringbinder containing all my documents and a bottle of water. I was asked to take a sip from my bottle of water, but everything went through the airport-style luggage scanner without any issues.
I was sent up to the first floor and asked to take a seat. I was waiting only about five minutes when the number I had been given got called and I went to the first window. The gentleman behind the screen asked for my passport, birth certificate, police certificate and then asked who my sponsor was. I told them it was my fiancee's father and handed over my affidavit of support along with the supporting evidence. The supporting evidence I had was a letter from his employer (with the non-original signature!) and letters from his bank accounts confirming the amount of funds in the account and the fact that the accounts were in good standing. No tax returns, anything like that. I'd made photocopies of all my documents, but I wasn't asked for them. He just took the originals and told me to take a seat again.
I waited about twenty minutes for my number to be called again, and I went to the second window where a young woman was waiting. I'd managed to strategically seat myself next to this window while I was waiting so that I could eavesdrop on the interviews before me and hear the questions they were being asked. Everything seemed pretty chill with the two people who were called up before me, and they both got approved, which relaxed me a little.
Anyway, I got called up and the woman smiled at me and asked how I was. I said I was good thanks, and asked her how she was. She said she was fine, and then started asking me questions.
"How did you and your fiancee meet?" "On MySpace in 2007- through a Wicked the Musical fan group- then we met in person in 2008."
"And you've been there since?" "Yes- twelve times in total. And she's been here six."
"Where does your fiancee live?" "In Livermore, California."
"And who does he live with?" "She's a she, and she lives with her parents." (She looked a little surprised here, but quickly got over it!)
"So who will you be living with?" "With her parents too. It's going to be quite a full house for a while!"
"And what does she do for a living?" "She's a recent college graduate, so she's currently working as a barista in Starbucks while doing some acting work. She's seeking a career in theatre."
"Do you work in theatre too?" "Yes, I've worked in Stage Management, and I'm currently working Front of House for two theatre companies."
"And what are you planning on doing for employment when you enter the US?" "Whatever I can find, initially! (*We both laugh*) But seriously, there are a lot of theatre opportunities in San Francisco, which is less than an hour from Livermore. And I already have contacts over there, because I did an internship with a theatre company a couple of summers ago. So I'm not too worried."
"Great. You'll receive your visa in one to two weeks!"
And that was IT. I didn't get asked for my DS-160. I didn't get asked for any evidence of our relationship (I'd brought a ton with me, just in case.) I wasn't pulled up on the non-original signature. And the snow had basically melted! It was all basically as smooth as it could have been. My appointment time was at 11:30 and I was out at about 12:00. Super easy! No need to worry. (But for the record, I'd recommend making sure that all your signatures are original beforehand just to save the stress and anxiety of the night before!)
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #23524