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| Vancouver, Canada |  Review on July 20, 2012: |
CANbirdUSman
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
VANCOUVER: Consulate General U.S.
Very good experience, with the exception of rain. Dress appropriately. Umbrellas are okay.
*You'll be standing outside for a bit, but it's covered*
Carried items for the interview in a 'sturdy cloth shopping bag'. Personal 'legal' items carried in a small purse. (Purses 12 x 10 x 6 in. and smaller will be permitted).
10 am appt.: Arrived at 9:30 am. Thank goodness for the VJ site... kind of knew what to expect.
CHAOTIC lineup OUTSIDE. Approached security type person; explained why I was there (k1-interview @10 am) directed to 'lady-with-list' near PODIUM. "PASSPORT & sealed MEDICAL RESULTS please". Handed these over, checked in. 'B' was scribbled on my MEDICAL envelope, for K-VISA .
Directed to 'security check' 1 (still outside) Cell phones are NOT allowed, but they do have tiny lockers (post-office-box size). They give you a little wrist-band with the key. Normal checking of the purse. I can''t even remember if they looked in my bag? I'm sure they did. Watches are fine, but I didn't wear one.
Passed though that, then lined-up with the rest. They point; you go. Easy. I was moved from the BIG line to a SMALLER line, because I had a 'B' on my envelope. Then FINALLY after 1/2 - 45 mins, waved inside. They point; you go in & up the stairs on the left.
INSIDE! Once up the stairs, you are now at 'security 2'. Wait, and you'll be instructed. Mostly like security at the airport. "DO you have any other items in a sealed envelope, besides your medical?"
They asked that... don't bring other sealed envelopes, they will need to open them. Any who, they look through everything, as you can imagine. Had to take my belt off, jacket, put in wooden bins. All my interview items & bag & purse in bins too. Stuff goes through x-ray, you walk through metal detector.
Just like at the airport. Done that, directed to the elevator. GO TO THE WASHROOM if you need it!!
ELEVATOR: 20th floor... going up.... *NO WASHROOM on this floor* back down you go....
20th Floor: Meet by security. They looked at my 'B' envelope, directed to GO left, to window 'B'.
(These are booths, like when you buy a movie ticket. That's what it reminded me of). Follow the instructions posted; "flick a switch for help". Help comes to you. Hand over all your required documents for the interview. PASSPORT, sealed MEDICAL... they'll tell you what they need. No particular order really. All required documentation gathered, and put into a folder. (mine was pink)
Sealed MEDICAL was opened in front of me. Couldn't read any of the examiners notes. Given my 'K' number, and told to wait in another area around the corner. They call your number, you go to the designated booth. Fingerprint, oath, interviewer reviewed file, asked a few simple questions.
The actual interview portion took less than 10 minutes. I was NEVER asked for additional evidence.
RESULTS: "Okay then, looks like your VISA will be issued no problem. You're APPROVED" Instructed to sit again, name would be called by 'B' window person.
B Window: They explain what happens next. Email from courier, with WAYBILL #. Print receipt & pick-up Passport with VISA & BIG sealed envelope. 'DO NOT OPEN' it's just everything you've filed. When you are ready to enter the USA... hand over that VISA & BIG envelope to immigration. They open it, and will give you the GET MARRIED in '90 days' stamp. That's my interpretation.
*Off-Topic: 'B-Window' Complimented me on how organized my paperwork was. THANKS VJs !!
And the interviewer was amused that my fiance & I had met in person, and not on a 'gaming-site', like most K1 applicants. "Face-to-face meetings seem to be a rarity these days". * lol
That's ALL for now...
(updated on July 20, 2012)
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #10049