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United Kingdom US Consulate Reviews
Average Rating: 4.4
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429 Review(s)
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| London, United Kingdom |  Review #33090 on April 3, 2024: |
lgomez
Rating: 
· 3 people found this review helpful
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Medical Exam (20th March at 8:50 am):
Upon receiving the appointment confirmation email from Visa Medicals, I was asked to bring the following documents:
Original Passport
4 Recent Passport Style Photos (UK or US Size)
ACRO Police Certificate
Vaccination Records
Completed medical questionnaire sent via email
Email from NVC confirming case number and visa category
Summary of medical history from GP (care summary)
Contact lenses or glasses if applicable
Report from ongoing or previous medical conditions
Since I'm originally from Spain but have been residing in London for 5 years, I needed translations of my Spanish vaccination records and a police certificate from Spain alongside the UK one. Interestingly, they didn't require a patient care summary from my doctor in Spain, as the one from the UK sufficed. It's worth noting that I brought the pictures with me, but as we submitted our I-130 online it turns out they weren't needed and they took a photo of me at the clinic with their camera. However, having physical photos might be prudent.
At the clinic, I submitted my documents at the reception desk and was asked to wait in the waiting area. Shortly after, a friendly doctor brought me into a room for questioning about my physical and mental health. This lasted about 5 minutes. Then, measurements of weight and height were taken, followed by an examination in my underwear to check for any signs of skin conditions or scars. Finally, a blood test was taken and I was asked to return to the waiting area to wait for the chest X-ray.
They called me back after 5 minutes, and the x-ray took 5 more minutes. Again, they asked me to go back to the waiting area and wait for the last part of the appointment where the nurse checks your vaccinations.
10 minutes later, I was called to reception and informed that I was done with the medical examination. When I inquired about the status of the vaccination records, they assured me that the nurse had already signed off on them as everything was in order.
Last month I visited my public health doctor in Spain and requested all necessary vaccinations, which they provided free of charge. I had missing vaccinations for Hepatitis B, Flu and Tetanus (which also covers Polio). I highly recommend arranging vaccinations with your GP ahead of time if you can, as it could spare you additional costs, especially considering the already expensive cost of the medical exam! After completing the payment for the medical exam, I received a receipt along with a form detailing my vaccinations which they said I did not need to bring to the embassy interview.
Two days after the medical exam, I realized the Easter bank holidays might delay the submission of my medical exam information to the embassy (with the bank holidays, I had a total of 7 working days for the results to get to the embassy, instead of 10). I then emailed Visa Medicals, and they reassured me that because my case was online, once the chest X-ray results and blood test were ready, the embassy would have access to them straight away. Four working days post-appointment, I received confirmation that all my information was successfully submitted.
After reading all the bad reviews on Google I was not sure what to expect there, but I have to say my experience was really straightforward and everyone at Visa Medicals was lovely!
US Embassy Appointment (3rd April 2024 at 10:00 am):
It took me 10-15 min to walk from Vauxhall station to the embassy. I arrived at 8:45 am and I approached the desk outside as I saw there was already a big queue. A helpful staff member advised me to return at 9:30, and that because of I had an immigrant visa I would need to bypass the queue. When I returned, I was taken to the front of the queue and before going in a security lady asked me to unlock my phone and show her the calendar app. When I went in, I passed a airport style security check and then went to a reception area where they asked to see my passport and DS 260. They gave me my documents back and a case number, and instructed me to go to the first floor, left and left again, where I had to wait for my case number to show up on the screens.
When I arrived to the waiting area on the 1st floor, my case number was already displayed on the screen assigned to a desk. There a gentleman asked me for my passport, birth certificate with translation, original marriage certificate, and police certificates from both the UK and Spain with translations. I informed him that I had to renew my passport recently, and he changed my passport details on his computer. After that, he asked me if my husband or I had ever been married before, if I was adopted or if I ever changed my name. Finally, he took my fingerprints and asked me to return to the waiting area for the interview.
Approximately 40 minutes later, my number was called to another desk where a friendly American official conducted a brief interview, starting with an oath for honesty. She asked how my spouse and I met and how was the proposal. The atmosphere was very relaxed, we had a laugh when I said when my husband and I met we did not want to be in any relationship and here I was three years later married at the US embassy. After this, she told me my visa was approved and that my passport would be delivered within 5-10 working days! She also gave me back all the documents I had given to the previous gentleman.
Awaiting the return of my passport, I am looking forward to reuniting with my family in Spain before embarking on our journey across the pond! I want to thank everyone who shared their experiences, offering invaluable guidance and reassurance throughout this process. Best wishes to all undergoing their interviews and transitions to the US!
| | | London, United Kingdom | Review #33078 on March 27, 2024: |
Matt4632
Rating:
· 1 person found this review helpful
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Was approved today for my IR1 at London embassy so thought I'd share my experience.
My appointment was scheduled for 9.30am. I arrived at vauxhall tube station and walked about 10 mins to the embassy. I spoke to a member of staff who was outside where lots of people were queuing. She told me that the queue was for people with a DS160 form (this was signposted) and that because I had a DS260 I could skip the queue. You can do this 30 mins before your scheduled appointment.
So at 9.00am I went straight to the desk which is outside of the embassy main doors and told them I had a DS260. They scanned the barcode, checked my passport and then let me straight through. I then skipped another queue entering security check just by showing the person on the door I had a DS260.
I went through airport style security and then across a courtyard to another entrance where there was another queue of people. Again, you can skip this queue and go to the desk marked for US citizens. They gave me a number and told me to take the lift to the 1st floor go left and left again. Once you get to the first floor its really clear where the immigrant visa waiting area is located.
As soon as I got there my number was called up to a desk. This was around 9.15am. I was asked to produce my passport, photographs and original copies of my civil documents. They took my fingerprints and also asked for the printed copy of the email confirming your courier choice for passport return.
This took about 5 minutes and then I was told.to wait again until my number was called for the interview. I waited about 35 minutes before my number was called. This time I was asked to scan my fingerprints again to check identity and then I was asked how my spouse and I met. We spoke about this and subsequent life events for about 1 minute. And then I was told I was approved and that was that! In and out in about an hour. Comfy waiting area, friendly staff and good facilities.
| | | London, United Kingdom | Review #32879 on January 12, 2024: |
rubym2020
Rating:
· 1 person found this review helpful
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
I had my interview for a spousal Visa on January 12th. I had my medical on January 4th.
This is quite an in-depth review as I find these very helpful!
I stayed at the Vauxhall Travelodge as I was traveling from the north west and had an appointment at 9:30am. The walk is short but a little complicated as there is currently a lot of road works going on, however would recommend for anyone needing an overnight stay.
I arrived at 9am for a 9:30am appointment. There is a sign for those with a DS160 but if you have a DS260 you should go to the front of the queue and tell them that. Rather than state your visa category, I would suggest mentioning the DS260 instead.
I showed them my passport and they took my name. They put a sticker on my passport and told me to join the security queue. I went through security and showed my phone unlocked. I then followed the signs for visas. I mentioned my Bluetooth headphones when they asked about other electronics but they were fine Everyone up to this point was very friendly and patient and as long as you have your passport and DS160/260 confirmation you will be fine!
I went up to the counter and gave my passport and DS260 again. They signed me in and told me to take the lift to the first floor and then go left and left again. When you first get off the lift and go left, make sure you go all the way to the end of the room before going left again. It is very spacious but quite busy!
Your number will be on a slip from the front desk so look out for it on the screens - there are no audio announcements. I got called up quickly and was asked for my passport and DS260, my birth certificate, my marriage certificate, and my police docs. I had a police check from the UK, Japan and New Zealand. The NZ check was sent straight to the embassy (I had an email confirming that just in case) and they had it already. The Japanese one was sealed and over 2 years old, but it was still valid as I have not returned since. I confirmed this at the desk just in case! I also had my finger prints scanned.
We had a quick chat about my Texan marriage cert as it's quite decorative!! The clerk mentioned he was from Missouri and his was very boring so we had a little giggle which was nice. He was very friendly, patient and made me feel like I was in good hands! I was expecting my medical to be outstanding however it had already arrived and been processed!!
I then waited for about 40-50 mins for the interview section. I saw my number come up so I want to the booth, swore an oath and gave my finger prints again. The clerk (a different one, still very friendly!) asked me how I met my wife, when we got married, when we last saw each other and what my wife does for a living. Then, I was told I was approved!!! I was a little shocked as I did not expect my medical to have been processed in time but I could not be happier!! I said thank you and was told to expect my passport back in 5-10 days. I was given back all other original documents except my passport. As I had my interview on a Friday, I imagine it will be a few days before any further action is taken.
The whole experience was very simple, efficient and good overall!! If you come prepared you will be fine. All the staff are friendly and I definitely recommend engaging them in conversation as it makes the process that little nicer.
| | | London, United Kingdom | Review #32774 on December 9, 2023: |
Janelle K
Rating:
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Husband had a very straightforward experience with his interview. They did not let me (his wife) into the building and I had to sit outside and wait. Appointment was at 9am and he had his approval by 11am.
| | | London, United Kingdom | Review #32705 on November 16, 2023: |
Snozzberry
Rating:
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Had my CR-1 interview at the US Consulate in London today.
As I walked upto the Visa entry point there was a long queue. I spoke to a nice lady who was guiding people. Told her I was there for a CR-1 immigrant interview, DS260. She said, 'follow me' and guided me to the front of the queue. The lady at the desk outside security checked my Passport and appointment letter then told me to go to the front of security.
Security was basically mini airport style. Was hard to tell whether they were just rude or trying to be very direct.
Once through security you enter the courtyard and the next building is signposted. There's two queues to join, US Citizen/Immigration which is blue and visas which is red. I joined the blue queue which was empty and again, was seen first. The guy at the desk took my passport and DS260. Affixed labels to. Kth and told me to go up the elevators, take a left, then another left and to sit at the booths were my number will appears. It's all relatively straightforward and well signposted.
I went and sat down in the area which specifically seemed for immigration specific type visas. I was called up to my first window in maybe 5 minutes. Asked for my passport, 1 passport style photograph then my original birth certificate, marriage certificate, ACRO certificate and my courier details for having my passport sent back to me. I was then asked to sit back down my number will be called again. This interaction was rather robotic.
Around 40 minutes later I was called upto a different window. A really nice American lady asked me to confirm my name and date of birth. She then asked me to raise my right hand and to affirm that everything in my application etc was true to the best of my knowledge (something along those lines). She looked at her screen, asked me a few questions like, "Where did you first meet your wife?". "Who visits who most?". 3/4 questions in all. I tried to be quite chatty and derailed as I read they seem to like that. She said all my paperwork was in order and she's happy to say that I'm approved. I'll receive my Visa back in. 1-2 weeks.
As another reviewer said, it's all rather anti-climatic!
As long as your paperwork is in order, your medical has been received and there aren't any red flags on your ACRO/general background history. It's all a relatively simple experience after the long wait!
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