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| Athens, Greece |  Review on July 17, 2014: |
B & G
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
My interview experience at the Athens embassy was relatively pleasant.
You are asked to turn your phones off and hand over all electronic devices and leave them in the security area before proceeding to the waiting room.
My advice here, bring a book or magazine because the wait is quite long. There were only 5 of us in the waiting room all in all for immigrant visas and I was there for close to 4 hours! Or even better, strike up a conversation with the nearest person, trust me it will make the time go by quicker.
Once in the waiting room I was given a number by the security guard stationed there (she was very nice) and asked me to wait and keep my eyes on the screens.
After about 25mins later my number was called, and I was asked by the embassy employee to hand over my passport then told me to go back outside and wait.
About 40 mins later my number was called again and the same lady that took my passport asked me to sit down. Our conversation was in Greek. She did ask for my registry of birth record, as I had sent my birth certificate to NVC. Thankfully and I did have a certified copy with me.
The questions she asked me were:
How did you meet your husband?
When did you see each other for the first time?
How many times has he visited Greece?
How many times have you visited the US?
What was your longest trip to the US?
Have you ever had any problems at POE in the US?
What is your husband phone number and address?
Is this your first marriage?
Do you have any children?
Is this your husband first marriage?
Does he have any children?
I was in the interview room with her for about 10 mins. And she was noting down all my answers to her questions. After she was done, she asked to wait outside again and that I would be called to booth 10 for a fingerprint scan and then I would wait for the consular officer.
I was called for the fingerprints scan after 5 mins and once that was done, I was asked to wait again.
About 2 hours later I was finally called for the interview with the consular officer. Very nice lady who proceeded to ask me the exact same questions as the previous lady. I think it was on purpose so that they can see if my answers change at all.
Interview lasted less then 10 mins. At the end she said that they have all the documents they need from me and that I will receive a call from the embassy in 10-15 days to pick up my passport.
And because I could not help myself, I did ask: Does that me I am approved?
She smiled and said yes, we will be in contact. I smiled big said thank you and I was done!
Left the waiting room at 12:15pm and on the phone with my husband at 12:20!
Additional info: Even though the embassy states that visa will be ready in 10-15 days, visa was issued and ready on July 18th, 2 days after my interview. Though as it was a Friday, I wasn't able to pick it up till Monday.
(updated on August 7, 2014)
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #14848