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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on August 11, 2013: |
Chloezilla
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Got to London euston around 6:45, jumped in a cab straight to the embassy (cost about £8.00). Felt v. overwhelmed by the massive golden eagle and flags and Ronald Reagan but was alright. Walked to Gould pharmacy (knew where it was as I went on google street view a few days before, v easy to get to!) it was closed so I got a cup of tea and wandered around the park opposite the embassy. Goulds opens at 7:30 officially but I went in about 7:20 I think and dropped in my phone and charger (£3.00).
Walked back to the embassy and joined the queue, helpful ladies went up and down the queue asking if we had our appointment letters and sending people who had electronics/keys to goulds (so if you can't find it, ask them!). Got to the front of the queue, another lady checked my passport and letter and marked me off her list. Then had my passport checked by another person and went through airport-like security scanners.
Entered embassy, got a ticket with my number on and was told to wait to be called. Walking up to the waiting room I fell up the marble stairs like a tool and still have a cracking bruise as a momento. I blame my nerves!! Haha.
Waiting room was a long room with LOADS of chairs and the interview booths were just like post office counters. Massive screen on the front wall playing extended versions of Visit America ads haha which is funny cuz we are all clearly trying to! There's a little tuck shop under the big screen too.
Sat and waited for my number to pop up on the screen, it did eventually. I went to desk 14 and a British dude checked through my paperwork. He took my finger prints. Asked why my fathers name wasn't on my birth certificate, how much money my husband makes (last year he didn't file taxes as he was studying and claiming veterans benefits). After I cleared that up he sent me back to sit down.
Waited a bit longer this time (nerves kicking in). Called up to desk 15 to a jolly American bloke who made me take an oath, asked about hubby's income again then asked me to tell him about Robert , first how we met. I was blabbering cuz I was nervous so he didn't get chance to ask me much, I just told him all sorts. He did ask a few more in-depth questions about things I was blabbing about and sooner than I thought he announced everything was in order and my visa was approved!!
He took my number and said the courier will get my visa in the next 72 hours and then call me for payment and I should have it by the end of next week!
Good experience, did not need to be half as anxious as I was. They're just doing their jobs, they are not the devil!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #12517