My fiance had her interview today at the Mumbai consulate. She was approved!! Next step is AOS filing for application of permanent residency after wedding. But at least we get a breather!!
Overall experience:
My experience with filing the I-129f was excellent as far as processing at California Service Center and National Visa Center. I received regular updates and it was processed in less time than advertised. However as soon as the Visa was transferred to the consulate in India everything was a bit shoddy at best. For example they did not mail even an interview letter to my fiance so that she would me made aware. She had to expedite it through calling repeatedly and sending e-mails. She finally received a pdf copy by email and this was all she received. Furthermore it was up to her to take the initiative to research the requirements and schedule the medical appointment. There was no direction or packets. The ones online seemed outdated and contained incorrect information. Even the help desk people were confused as to which documents need to be filed for example I-134 or I-864. Or whether to fill out the new online application launched on September 1st for all visa applicants worldwide. My fiance stated that her time at the embassy was OK. The consular officer was very kind and polite. She didn't ask anything more than the basic 10 questions as posted on the visa journey website. However the confusion with what forms were required for the K-1 continued even at the embassy. Which is hard to understand as they must process quite a few applications for K-1 and yet they are not aware? This is one of the many reasons why I had opted for the K-1 over IR-1 or spousal visa. I understood that the level of paperwork is very high for the IR-1 or spousal visa and did not want to risk being rejected no matter how miniscule the chance. At least with the K-1 I could always in the worst case scenario get married in India and file the spousal visa. Now filing in the US for a AOS/change of status after the wedding I will be able to be more proactive and be available for any interviews in person without travel or vacation issues. I am very happy about that.
Overall grade of the entire process would be a 4/5 but with the caveat that our visa was approved without any RFE, second interviews or any other issues. It was a straight shot with no red flags. But I am not sure it would be so easy for others to go through this process very easily. Which I personally think is a sad state of affairs in 2013 to say about the US immigration system.
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #12845
Review on September 23, 2013:
