So my appointment was scheduled for 9.30am and they tell you to not get there any earlier than half an hour (they really don't care about this) but I got there at around 8.15 and joined the first queue to sign in. There were around 20 people in this queue so it took about twenty minutes. You then join the second queue before you go into the security area 4 people at a time. Overall it probably took me about 40 minutes to get in. I know this is mentioned over and over again in reviews but really don't take electronics in with you! The poor girl at the check-in had to mention this about 4 million times! At one point she told everyone with electronics to step to the left (No joke at which point around 30 stepped left) and she physically walked them to the pharmacy.
So after being mildly baffled at how many people can't read instructions I entered the embassy and collected my number from the lady at the front desk.
Just a quick background on me. A few years ago I was denied a B2 visa (I do volunteer work here and wanted to be transferred over to do 6 months in the states) whilst being with my fiancé due to the fact I had quite a bit of money in savings and wished to stay with him during my trip (not strong enough ties to return to England).Due to this I was very very nervous.
I then sat down and stared at the screen where the numbers pop up. For Immigrant visas your number will begin with 'I' and these come up very few and far between. Im pretty sure only a couple of the desks process immigrant visas as we were being called to the same number each time. Therefore be prepared to feel left behind as the Non-immigrant people come and go!
Anyway after about two hours I was called to the first desk where a nice but professional man took my fingerprints, brought my file over, and checked my documents. He kept my passport, birth certificate and police certificate to give to whoever was going to conduct my interview and wished me luck before telling to sit back down and wait for my interview.
This only took around 30 minutes (I'm only guessing because I didn't have a watch) and then the nerves kick in as I realize this is the accumulation of 11 months of hard work. I walked to my fate where I was greeted by a different man who again was professional but nice. He then asked me a lot of questions!
How did we meet?
When did we last see eachother?
Why had it been so long?
When was I last in his hometown? for how long?
Why US over the UK?
Do you still have your savings?
When did you decide to get married?
How do you intend to pay for your wedding?
Possibly a few more but I cant remember. I knew I was being asked more questions than the normal interviewee due to my denied visa but I answered as openly and as honestly as I could and he seemed impressed by this.
I was extremely nervous and kept apologizing to which he was very lovely and it didn't help that he was flicking through the photos we had sent in our I-129f!
Anyway he then told me my visa had been approved and then talked about something to do with not leaving the US once Ive entered, even for a spring break in Mexico (?!!).I had completely zoned out at this point and after repeating himself a few times he then handed me a sheet with all the information on and wished me luck!
From queuing outside to being back in Starbucks took about 4 hours in total. I'm glad I had a friend meeting me as I was a zombie for about 5 hours after. I cant fault the embassy and found them helpful and understanding.
Overall a bizarre but positive experience.
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #13027
Review on October 17, 2013:
