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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on June 21, 2014: |
US/UKHubbyUKWife
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Attended Embassy on June 20th 2014. Interview letter stated an appointment time of 9AM.
We dropped off our bags a Gould's Pharmacy at about 8.15, then headed to join the queues outside the Embassy. We asked one of the staff which line to join for an IV appointment, and she immediately took us to the front checkpoint to ensure we were checked in, as apparently IV applicants need to be let in to the Embassy in good time. The check-in lady was also pleased (surprised) that my name (I'm the sponsor) had been added to the list, as she said they usually aren't. From there, it was a short wait in line to go through security and into the embassy.
Once inside, we picked up our number and went to wait in the main hall. We waited about an hour to get called to our first window, spent about 10 minutes there going through all the paperwork, paying and doing the applicants fingerprints. The lady dealing with us was super helpful, friendly and answered a few questions we had about entry deadlines etc. After that we went back to the waiting hall but we're a bit more relaxed than we were before. We then waited almost another hour to get called again, at which point we both tensed right back up again.
When we got to the 2nd window for the interview, the consular agent informed me that I was welcome to be there, but that unless he had any specific questions for me, he was just going to be talking to my wife (and i took the hint to not butt in!). After swearing the oath, and returning the original documents, he asked her how we met (here in the UK at work 9 years ago), then asked her if I was a Dual citizen (I am), when I moved to the UK. Then he moved on to ask when we were married and then noted we'd be getting a CR-01 visa as it was less than 2 years ago. Then he asked why we wanted to move to the US, then why specifically to California, and finally if she had any work arranged yet (she doesn't but he didn't seem concerned.)
Then asked me about who the joint sponsor was (my dad), what other family I have in CA besides my dad. He then made notes on the Affidavit of Support, looked at his computer, typed and remained silent for about 1 minute, during this silence, we both got an incredible fear but that was immediately broken when he looked back up and said that the application was approved and my wife's passport would be returned within 2 weeks. Cue much thanking on our part and a release of all the tension and stress.
We left the embassy by 11.20, having arrived inside by 8.30. Everyone there was helpful and friendly and given the waiting hall seating was full and some people were standing room, it's a remarkably efficient system they have in place.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #14679