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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on March 24, 2013: |
GeorgiaPeach
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Our interview went very smoothly. Turns out we collected far too much paperwork, but hey, too much is better than not enough.
The process leading up to the interview was very stressful, but I think that was due to unnecessary stress of the unknowns and fear of something going awry. We ended up getting an RFE for a copy of the marriage license and additional affidavits attesting to the marriage, but other than that, it was smooth sailing. The whole process took us 5 months and cost roughly $2,000. Some of this was unnecessary expenditures (me traveling with hubby to medical and interview, collection of unnecessary paperwork).
At the interview, we had to queue up outside the Embassy for about 20-30 minutes before going through security (which was slightly like a joke, as the officers were just playing/joking around the whole time). Once in, we waited for our number to be called - I was allowed to accompany my hubby the whole time, which was fortunate seeing that he didn't really organize anything himself for the appt. The first officer we saw collected all the paperwork and organized it in a file. It was at this point that I realized I collected way too much, as I was left with lots of additional paperwork that was not requested. We then paid for the appointment - $230.00. After this, we were asking to sit back down and wait to be called again for go over paperwork and be asked questions.
Once we were called for the second time, my hubby was asked a variety of questions (after taking an oath to tell the truth): When/Where did you meet?, When did we start dating?, Why did hubby have a J1 visa? Who is the joint-sponsor? Very easy questions. We were then given the opportunity to ask questions about our particular scenario. The officer who we spoke with was very nice, though very serious/slightly intimidating. That said, he answered our questions with patience and provided us with detailed answers - didn't make us feel rushed or like he was frustrated by our questions.
After this, we paid to have hubby's passport couriered to us and were given directions about not opening the packet inside, etc. We paid and were on our way.
Overall, an easy experience. Hindsight - my advice to others beginning the process is read the directions to all the forms literally, do not interpret them. Collect the required paperwork - don't overload yourself. And try not to stress (so much easier said than done!).
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #11695