How early should I turn up?

[tomae 1]

My interview is next Monday at 9a m. I've been offered a lift that would get me to the Embassy at 8.15 am. Would that give me enough time?

I see reports of people getting there incredibly early, but the interview letter says I wont be let in if I turn up more than half an hour before the interview time.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

My interview is next Monday at 9a m. I've been offered a lift that would get me to the Embassy at 8.15 am. Would that give me enough time?

I see reports of people getting there incredibly early, but the interview letter says I wont be let in if I turn up more than half an hour before the interview time.

It's first there, first in. However if you've got a lift, I'd go with 8:15. You either wait outside a long time or wait inside sitting in a chair. Even if the line looks long, it moves pretty fast. Most of those people are there for tourist visas and are a separate queue once inside. Don't forget to check your phone and electronic devices at Gould's first.

[JoannaV 174]

I believe they give a lot of people the interview time of "9am". Really, it means you have an interview in the morning and it is first come first served. If your transportation will arrive at 8:15 then just go with that. In fact, that is probably a good time to arrive. You might get there just before a huge line forms, or you might get there just after the huge line forms. Either way, bring a book to attempt to read once inside. And a coat in case you have to stand in line :-)