interview london ir1 experience

[lillico84 0]

Apologies to if this is in wrong place, im sure theres a spot for this sort of thing but im sure soemone will move it if required.

I just want to pass on my experience since people here have been so helpful and i hope it helps.

So our interview was in London yesterday 8.30 am. we had month between the letter of appointment arriving and the interview itself.

We drove into london hoping to tube last bit but since they were on strike we had to drive all the way in and parked beside hyde park in the mayfair NCP underground car park. £8 per hr mind!!!!

We arrived at the embassy at 7.45 and there were probably 50 people in the line.

We went down the first line showed passport and letter for interview. my wife hadnt been added to the list even though i had emailed before hand but the lady was very helpful and called through and had her added there and then.

Once through security and in the main hall we waited about 40 mins. i was then called upto window 13 and a very nice american lady went through my paperwork and requested as follows.

My passport

My birth certificate

marriage license

police certificate

courier confirmation (make sure you print and take these)

then requested my wife i-864

then asked for proof of domicile for her as no usa income passed on proof of job, proof of quitting job here, bank statement in usa

my joint sponsors i-864

joint sponsors copy of passport

joint sponsors tax return

joint w2

she asked me if id lived in anothr country?

Changed my name?

been married before?

We chatted about the living here etc...extremely pleasant

I then went to window to pay my fee.

If you pay cash its £137.00 if you pay card its whatever the rate is plus charge because it will be charged directly in USA DOLLARS.

she said it was cheaper with cash so thats what i did..very kind of her to explain that and will save you a few ££.

i went back to the first window, she handed me my xrays and asked me about my travel plans as i had to go by august.

I explained that we had flights booked for next friday due to the airline not wanting to fly the dog any later in the month due to the heat in the south which she then said she understood but that she doubted it would be done and couriered in time!!

When i explained that to my wife it didnt go down very well, but nothing we can do i will have to change flight and fly out on my own.

Anyway i returned to my seat another 30 mins went by and i was called upto another window this time my wife came along.

We had a guy in his 30's very cheery and my wife stood back. he invited her to come upto the window with me.

He had me swear an oath and then went through paper work...whilst chatting turns out he comes from where were moving to so chatted about that etc...

He asked who my sponsor was so explained it was my bro in law.

He asked why we were moving and explained we have done 5 years here, going to try there and see how we go..

We asked about the flights next week and he said we wouldnt get in time especially as we have a bank holiday on monday.

We explained the situation with the dog and he said let me go check.

He came back and asked if we had plans today, we just said we would travel home. He said well if you wait around until 2 we will do it now.....BONUS!!!!

so went had brunch, bit of shopping came back and collected it no problem. said i would need to allow a couple of hrs for processing state side with the sealed envelope etc..but that was it

I cant praise the staff there enough they are helpful and cheery, i think some people dont get that when they are off with them/dont get there way from outset.

I hope this helps, and all the best to you all and your futures

[GF1804 12]

Congratulations!

Best wishes to you adn your wife.

We are there on 12 May.

Glad they expedited your visa.

Best of luck state side.

G