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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on November 13, 2014: |
S-C
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I had my interview on 12 November at 8am. I arrived at 7am to ensure I was right at the front of the queue for my visa type. there were already 6 people in the queue before me. I received the number of I-902 (second in queue for my visa type). I highly recommend you get there an hour early to ensure it all goes as quickly as possible once you are inside.
Once they started moving people inside, I was called up to the first desk outside. I handed over my appointment confirmation letter and my passport. I had forgotten to print out my DS-160 confirmation page. Save yourself the heart palpitations and do that. We were moved to the security check, which is exactly like an airport security check. Quick and easy and painless.
You will enter the embassy from the right side of the building (the right side when looking at the building while lining up). There is a front desk where you hand over your passport and appointment letter again. The people on the front desk will direct you to the waiting area, which is to the left and up some stairs.
I arrived at the waiting area at 7:45, so there was approx a 15 min wait until numbers started to get called out. I note that the announcement system worked right from the start. other reviews have stated that it wasn't working right from the start. I'm not sure if it was a good day for it or not, but it is wise to keep your eye on the board regardless.
My number was called at about 8:05am. I went to window 15. Window's 12-25 are located up a short hallway at the back of the waiting room next to window 11. Once at the window, I had to have all my fingerprints scanned in, then the man asked me for all my documents, which included:
- Passport
- Visa payment confirmation
- Courier confirmation (I am picking mine up from the depot. note you can't change your preference or address on the day)
- Birth certificate
- Divorce certificate (I was previously married, clearly don't need this if you have never been married before)
- Police certificates (both my UK and Australian one)
- I-134s (I was being cosponsored by my FSIL)
- Supporting documents for I-134s (I included a contract of employment, pay slips and W2s for 2013 for FSIL, W2s and bank statements for Chelsea)
- Passport photos
I had two copies of every document, however I was only asked for my originals. I would still suggest you take copies, as it's better to be safe than sorry. All up it took about 5 mins.
It was back to the waiting room for another 30 min wait. Always keep your eye on the board when you hear a ding, as you don't want to miss your number, as the lady sitting next to me did.
My number popped up again at approx 8:45am, telling me to head to window 16. I once again headed up the small corridor. I had an american Asian lady, who was very polite and professional, which actually made me feel calmer, as I am used to the professional demeanor.
She swore me in and asked for me to place my left hand on the scanner to take my fingerprints. This is just to confirm you are the same person attached to the file.
The questions asked were as followed:
How did you meet?
When did you see each other for the first time?
How did you know she was the one?
You were previously married?
Were you separated when you first met Chelsea?
Have you met her family?
That was the sum total of the questions asked. After 5 mins she said those magic words:
I am approving you.
I couldn't stop thanking her. She notified me that my passport with the visa will be with the courier within 7-10 business days. I will receive an e-mail once they have it and it is ready to be picked up.
All up, from when I received my waiting number to when I walked out, it was 50 mins. An hour and 50 mins if you include the wait time outside. The embassy was a far smoother and easier experience than I thought it would be. There really is no need to be worried if you are prepared.
In saying that, I know you will be. Good luck to all!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #15588