The HMC Interview window

[CoolHand2x2y2z 0]

Just so that some of you have a heads-up about the actual interview in HCM...

That window is thick as anything. I would wager it's bullet proof. Anyway, it's like one of those bank teller's setups. There are no openings accept a slit all the way across the bottom between the glass and the counter. The opening is about 2 or 3 inches, max. They speak out through a speaker, much like a fast food drive-through. Some of the speakers are bad and if they shut it off, you can't hear a thing. For the interviewee, there is no microphone that I can recall. You sort of hope they hear you from the inside. When I went there to speak to them after our case was rejected, I had to bend down to the crack to communicate with the person inside. Now, mind you, we both speak the same language. If you add an interpreter in there and you don't bend down to the crack on the outside, forget it. That conversation is going to be tough, very tough.

The interpreter we had yelled at my wife and interpreted some really incorrect translations, as was typed out in the blue form they gave to us.

Edited March 19, 2010 by 2x2y2z

[Peter&TT 0]

Just so that some of you have a heads-up about the actual interview in HCM...

That window is thick as anything. I would wager it's bullet proof. Anyway, it's like one of those bank teller's setups. There are no openings accept a slit all the way across the bottom between the glass and the counter. The opening is about 2 or 3 inches, max. They speak out through a speaker, much like a fast food drive-through. Some of the speakers are bad and if they shut it off, you can't hear a thing. For the interviewee, there is no microphone that I can recall. You sort of hope they hear you from the inside. When I went there to speak to them after our case was rejected, I had to bend down to the crack to communicate with the person inside. Now, mind you, we both speak the same language. If you add an interpreter in there and you don't bend down to the crack on the outside, forget it. That conversation is going to be tough, very tough.

The interpreter we had yelled at my wife and interpreted some really incorrect translations, as was typed out in the blue form they gave to us.

Totally agree. The windows & microphone at the consulate are very very very bad and I can't understand why it is done that way. Are they afraid of interviewee? It's so ridiculous. Why can't they have the windows just like at banks such as Chase? No need for microphone but direct conversation. I can't understand.

Peter

[kevinbui86 0]

Totally agree. The windows & microphone at the consulate are very very very bad and I can't understand why it is done that way. Are they afraid of interviewee? It's so ridiculous. Why can't they have the windows just like at banks such as Chase? No need for microphone but direct conversation. I can't understand.

Peter

Because one time, an interviewee received a blue and threw a chair at the C.O. That's why they have the glass window now

[Anh map 2,098]

Why am I not surprised?

[luckytxn 2,264]

Always one bad apple spoils the fun for the rest of us.

[clayr1 3]

Yes I went there myself it's as if they are guarding their lives. Anyway guy gave me 30 seconds to say nothing I can do for you.

[lambchop4life 6]

Just so that some of you have a heads-up about the actual interview in HCM...

That window is thick as anything. I would wager it's bullet proof. Anyway, it's like one of those bank teller's setups. There are no openings accept a slit all the way across the bottom between the glass and the counter. The opening is about 2 or 3 inches, max. They speak out through a speaker, much like a fast food drive-through. Some of the speakers are bad and if they shut it off, you can't hear a thing. For the interviewee, there is no microphone that I can recall. You sort of hope they hear you from the inside. When I went there to speak to them after our case was rejected, I had to bend down to the crack to communicate with the person inside. Now, mind you, we both speak the same language. If you add an interpreter in there and you don't bend down to the crack on the outside, forget it. That conversation is going to be tough, very tough.

The interpreter we had yelled at my wife and interpreted some really incorrect translations, as was typed out in the blue form they gave to us.

this is a late respond but wassup with the Wife Yelling?, do they get a kick out of yelling at people's spouse?

[ScottThuy 140]

They yelled at me SO during the 75 minute initial interview. Some CO's have no issue yelling or being very confrontational.

[CoolHand2x2y2z 0]

I'd like to update my original post, because I was in there again and this time I had a better view.

First of all, my first time in there was sorted emotional, as our case was being kicked back to USCIS. I was pretty mad, to say the least. Anyway, being mad really gives a bad interpretation of that place.

This time, I was calm and tried to take it all in, the atmosphere and all.

Windows: there are 15 windows, but the first few are non-interview windows. I think the interview windows start at number seven. The speaker setups are different with the first few, and that's where I was received the first time as a citizen, at the one around the corner from window B, which had no external microphone. So, bending down to talk didn't help my state at the time.

On this visit I was received at a regular interview window, and like the other interviewing widows it had a very good speaker system. Yes, the banker-style glass window is still the standard but I got a long look at it and it's just average glass.

The CO was nice, friendly, and was actually helpful. I showed up to turn in some evidence for our case so that my wife wouldn't have to lug so much stuff with her on interview day -and to also show them that I cared enough to show up in person.

The CO told me that they all speak Vietnamese. The interpreter is just a formality of sorts.

Every day, people pack that place like a bus station. Everyone waits for the speakers to read the ticket number and the interview window, both in Vietnamese and in English. The numbers are also shown on the digital readout close to the ceiling. I would say 95% of the people, at least the ones that I saw, leave unhappy or in a worse state.

You know, it wouldn't be so bad if cases didn't take a million years to get to "that window" from when it all starts.

I don't hate that place like I used to, but it's still a bad place in my book. For me, it's similar to a jail or prison, and it's built like it, too. It's no place that I ever want to see again after our case is over and done with.

[ScottThuy 140]

I can relate.... It feels like one is going into a prison or a jail.... USC's are usually seen at the first two windows after the corner... there are a few interview rooms prior to that...

Its a very impersonal process.. herd them in... process them and get them out ASAP... How did they react to you providing evidence before hand?

[CoolHand2x2y2z 0]

How did they react to you providing evidence before hand?

The CO said they would accept evidence as long as the case is at the consulate, and he made an entry of my visit in the computer/the case. I think the visit helped a little.

For those of you who are planning to do this, use that brief window of opportunity for citizens with cases at the consulate (4pm-5pm Tuesdays & Wednesdays).

[Huong and Phung 0]

So you want to hear my experience? hahaha It's freaking funny and so NOOB of me.

so I went there to inquire about our case. After I talk to the CO then I came back outside. If you pay attention, there is a door that you can walk straight outside but for some reason the door was closed at that time. I didn't know so I walk to them thinking that it's gonna go up once I'm there. Like the prison style door you know, the officer will press a button then the door open. hahahahha So I got stuck because the metal bar only goes one way. hahahah I was stuck in that little hole until one of the petitioner came out and talk to them about it. They went outside and open the door for me to get out. hahahah It was funny and I'm such a Noob. They actually closed the EXIT door before everyone leave the embassy. Weird.

[Dai. 7]

So you want to hear my experience? hahaha It's freaking funny and so NOOB of me.

so I went there to inquire about our case. After I talk to the CO then I came back outside. If you pay attention, there is a door that you can walk straight outside but for some reason the door was closed at that time. I didn't know so I walk to them thinking that it's gonna go up once I'm there. Like the prison style door you know, the officer will press a button then the door open. hahahahha So I got stuck because the metal bar only goes one way. hahahah I was stuck in that little hole until one of the petitioner came out and talk to them about it. They went outside and open the door for me to get out. hahahah It was funny and I'm such a Noob. They actually closed the EXIT door before everyone leave the embassy. Weird.

Omg you did that?? I actually saw someone do that while I was there also... Those people need to put up a sign to that people don't do that.

[CoolHand2x2y2z 0]

So you want to hear my experience? hahaha It's freaking funny and so NOOB of me.

so I went there to inquire about our case. After I talk to the CO then I came back outside. If you pay attention, there is a door that you can walk straight outside but for some reason the door was closed at that time. I didn't know so I walk to them thinking that it's gonna go up once I'm there. Like the prison style door you know, the officer will press a button then the door open. hahahahha So I got stuck because the metal bar only goes one way. hahahah I was stuck in that little hole until one of the petitioner came out and talk to them about it. They went outside and open the door for me to get out. hahahah It was funny and I'm such a Noob. They actually closed the EXIT door before everyone leave the embassy. Weird.

You've heard of "Little Saigon" right? Well, that's the "Little Jail"! LOL

It happened to me the first time there, too! LOL

Like I said, I was pissed when I flew all the way over there just to talk to them. After bending down at the window and getting nowhere, I was fuming. And then I got stuck in the "Little Jail!" LOL I don't know how I kept quiet. I'm so glad I did! I could have easily used all kinds of expletives and be put in the REAL JAIL! LOL

Gotta love that place!

[Huong and Phung 0]

I was kinna embarrass at the moment. I didn't know that it's locked. Like I've mentioned before, I thought that they would open it once I get there. hahahahah funny. I did look like a NOOB. hahahah Hope they didn't post it on Youtube or anything.