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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on August 9, 2013: |
catie-b
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I arrived at the embassy at 7:15 for my 8:30 appointment, after leaving my phone at the nearby Goulds Pharmacy (a 30 second walk up North Audley Street). There were already maybe 15ish people in the queue, and the folks without bags were handed clear plastic ones for things like watches, wallets etc. After having appointment letters checked we were allowed 4 at a time through the airport-style security and into the embassy. Everything is clearly signed and all staff were really polite.
Received my number from reception (I-907) and was directed through to the waiting room. It wasn't as big or as intimidating as I'd been expecting! They began calling numbers on the big screens at 8:00. By 8:25 my number was called to window 1 where I was greeted by a very friendly lady who took my appointment letter and passport, the 2 passport photos and asked for my birth certificate and police certificates with copies. She also took my fingerprints while asking me if I'd been previously married and when I planned to fly out to the US. Then she asked for the I-134, and asked if I had brought a statement from his employer. I gave her this and told her what else I'd brought (tax transcripts, bank statements, pay stubs, etc.) but she told me the employer statement would do just fine. She then gave me back my appointment letter, wished me luck and I took a seat again. I was at the window maybe 10 minutes.
Around an hour later I was called up to window 16 which is around the corner from the main waiting room (follow the sign on the wall). I was interviewed by a polite but very serious-looking American man. My fingerprints were taken again (just the one hand this time), and was asked to sign the form and print my fiance's full name. He handed back my original police and birth certificates, before I swore under oath to answer all questions honestly. I tried to remember all of the questions I was asked, but I may have forgotten one or two:
*How did you meet?
*When did things get serious?
*Where is he from?
*Do his parents still live there?
*What does he do for a living?
*Has he ever been to the UK for an extended visit?
*When do you intend to fly to the US?
*What are your plans for the wedding?
It looks like a lot of questioning, but it was more like a conversation and the whole thing took 5 minutes from start to finish. He let me know he was just going to type a few notes, then said those magic words: "Everything looks fine, I'm going to approve your visa!" He then confirmed my phone number and told me the visa would be delivered to me in 10 working days, before I thanked him and practically skipped out of the embassy.
All in all I was there around 2 and a half hours and it was MUCH less nerve-wracking than I'd expected. In fact as soon as I got to the embassy my nervousness had disappeared, maybe due to the fact that every single staff member was so friendly and helpful. I spent the rest of a lovely, sunny day in London knowing that I'll be back with my love real soon! Such a great feeling!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #12509