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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on February 19, 2015: |
DaveNot
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I arrived outside the consulate this morning at 7am sharp and there were two security booths, one for citizenship services the other for visa applications. Nobody was there in line and the place was empty. I asked the guard what time we'll be called and if cell phones are allowed inside and he replied "7:30am and yes." Also, I was told that visitors aren't allowed in unless "you're on the list and have an appointment", check the approval guidelines.
Anyway, within 15 minutes of arriving (7:15am), there were hordes of people standing in line now. I would estimate 50 people at 7:30am. The guards pushed out carts and separated us into two queues based on appointment time and checked your passport and appointment letter, then we went through x-ray (like airport security); belts, pocket change, bags and stuff.
I followed the signs to the embassy after security and approached a front desk (passport and appointment letter checked), and I was issued a ticket number I901. I sat in the hall waiting for around 30 minutes and had a little wander about. Tip: They have water fountains inside! How I missed those things in public places. Snake bar opens at 8am. I was inside by 7:40am, waited until 8 (my appointment time), I was called and asked to present documents and could hardly hear the person, but managed. I was asked several questions: "have you been in the military?" "What is my name?" "What is my fiancées name?" "Have you changed your name by deed poll?" I handed most of my evidence over and I was told that I don't need so much paperwork... She took my finger prints and handed me my medical results, and advised that I need to put this in my carry-on suitcase (CD and envelope).
After the last account with the friendly lady there, I was asked to sit down and wait until my number was called for my interview. I was called at around 8:40, and I approached a lovely American women who was very friendly. She took my finger prints again for verification and the interview was underway very quickly. I was being asked questions before even being organised (tip). Again with the questions: "What is your name?" "What is your fiancées name?" "What does she do for a living?" "Does she have children?" "How old are the youngest two?" "Have you been married before?" "How have you managed to sustain a relationship?" "When did you meet?" "When do you intend on getting married?" The questions as written are NOT in order, but they were asked very politely. Note: The questions that were being asked were more apart of a FRIENDLY conversation and it wasn't just a list of questions. It felt like a conversation. Suddenly, out the blue the lady said to me "I'm pleased, and I'm going to approve your application", to which I replied "huh?" with a big smile. I asked a couple of questions regarding the process, and passports supposedly take two weeks to be in receipt of. I guess that's subjective? It really did catch me out of the blue and I didn't expect it to be so simple. She said that's it and I left, bla bla bla.
My entire experience for the day was nerve wrecking, but I honestly felt much calmer once inside the embassy. It is the feeling of the unknown, but honestly, it was a very pleasant day. I was first in the door, and I was out of the embassy at 8:50am this morning! I think the entire process inside was less than one hour in total.
I left at 3am to drive into London this morning. Parking is available, but horrendously expensive and not provided by the embassy. Rush-hour in London is ridiculous after 7am and is a standstill most places. I still found it much cheaper than renting a hotel overnight. Public transport for me wasn't an option.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #16269