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| Mumbai, India |  Review on July 20, 2015: |
Niraj
Rating:  | Review Topic: F-2A Visa
Hello guys,
I got the visa approval and below is my story:
Biometrics and photographs:
At Mumbai Consulate, we need to have an additional appointment before interview for fingerpriting and biometrics. I went to the Visa Application Center for the same just a day before my visa interview. Appointment was on 11:30 am and I reached there by 10:45. There was a different line for every half an hour slot, so I stood in the 11:30 slot. I was admitted at 11:15 inside the center. First security check-they didn't allow mobile phones, any schoolbags or any kind of office bags. Only your document folder is allowed optionally with an plastic carry bag. When I went inside I was asked for DS-260, Passport, Interview Letter and 2 photographs. They issued a token and I stood for my turn. The local officer brought me to one of the counters; they took fingerprints of 8 fingers and 2 thumbs, took photographs, and I was told to go. That's it for fingerprinting appointment.
Interview:
I had an appointment of 7:30 am which is the first-most slot for the interview. I reached the center by 6:30. Around 7:00 we were asked to make a queue to go inside and we were informed that no CDs, mobile phones or any sort of electronic gadgets (pen-drives etc.), schoolbags or office-bags are allowed inside the consulate. So I was ready with my document folder inside a plastic carry bag. We were told to move in around 7:15.
Point 1: Security Check
We were told to place all the belongings (documents, wallets, watches, etc.) into a plastic tray. The plastic tray was passed inside a scanner similar to airport baggage checking. We were checked by security officers and then told to collect belongings and go inside next room.
Point 2: Division
The applicants were divided in two parts: Single applicants and Applicants with more than one person (Family Immigration etc). Single applicants were allowed first to enter the next room.
Point 3: Interview Counters
We entered the room where the interviews were conducted. At first we were escorted to a counter which issued token number after checking your passport, DS-260 and interview letter. After token is issued we were asked to be seated for our turn.
Point 4: Document check by Indian Officer
After 5 mins my token number blinked on the screen and I went to a counter where pre-check of documents was conducted. Indian officer opened the file sent to them via NVC. She confirmed my Name, DOB, Telephone number, Email address, my US address. Then she asked me following:
Who is calling you?
Me: My wife and her full name.
Did you travel to US before?
Me: No.
Did you travel to any other country?
Me: Yes, Germany.
For how long? (Because you need a PCC from other country of you stayed more than 6 months)
Me: 2 and half years.
Can you please give me PCC for India and Germany.
She asked for original and copy of Birth and Marriage certificate. Then she gave me back Birth and Marriage Certificate, but kept PCCs in originals with her. She also handed over to me copies of other extra documents submitted to NVC. She gave me a pamphlet which described what to do and whom to contact in case of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. She told me to be seated and wait for my turn.
Point 4: Final Interview
I again waited for my token number to be shown on the screen. People with language of interview other than English were given priority and the final interview was taken by Indian officer. But people with language of interview as English (like me) had to wait for another hour for final interview. English language interviews were conducted by American officers.
After some 1 hour my number blinked on the screen. The American officer greeted me and I reciprocated. Then he told to take oath that whatever I say will be truth and to best of my knowledge.
He asked me following questions:
Who is calling you?
Me: My wife and her full name.
Is you marriage arranged or love?
Me: Arranged
Who arranged your marriage?
Me: A common relative. (Don't tell him big stories.)
Did her parents attended the wedding?
Me: Yes and her brother and her wife too.
What does she do?
Me: Job in XYZ company.
How do you keep in touch?
Me: She calls me via phone.
How often?
Me: 5-6 times a day
Is It ?
Me: Yes and on Sunday we do Skype meetings.
OK, Sir, your VISA has been approved and will be available to collect within a week.
Me: Thank you very much Sir. Have a nice day. God bless you.
And I just came out of the consulate happy.
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Passport Collection:
After the interview, I got an email two days later to collect the passport. I just needed to produce a copy of passport at collection center. So please make your travel arrangements accordingly. There is no option to get passport at home for immigrant visas.
Comments:
1. The interview conducted at Point 4 is just for Document verification purpose.
2. American officer just validates during the talk that your marriage is not forged and you know your spouse properly.
3. Please give to the point answers and don't start long stories.
4. Overall, the decision of VISA is already decided from USCIS or NVC. Here at consulate it is just to see you in person and verify the details stated by you.
Points to remember:
1. Passport photographs: Remember to carry 2 passport sized (5cm x 5cm) photographs. Check if the 80% of photo covers your face. Or else you will be told to submit another one.
2. Documents: Carry all the original documents whose copy has been submitted to NVC. Take one photocopy of each document. Do not carry unnecessary documents like Adharcard, VoterId, Driving Licence etc. Nothing more than told will be asked to produce.
3. Dressing: Dress whatever is comfortable to you. No need to wear strict formals or do hell lot of make up. I have seen people coming in shorts and slippers and getting visa approved.
4. Interview: Be confident and carry a smile while replying. Don't get nervous and thing that you wont get a visa. If your spouse is in US and your documents are correct you are bound to get a visa.
5. Travel: Get down at Bandra Station, come out from East side. You will get lot of share rickshaws to Trade Center (Fingerprint center) or Consulate (Interview center) for Rs. 30.
6. Locker: There is a locker facility at Trade Center to keep your phones or small items. They charge you Rs. 100 for it. But there is no locker facility at Consulate.
7. Proof of Relationships: Please carry few 20 photographs which are mix of Marriage, Reception and Honeymoon. Don't bring that big fancy albums. It is pain to carry that all along. The total interview time is hardly 3-4 minutes so interviewer will not be interested to see your whole album. Just carry few important pics which shows Bride, Groom, Their Parents, Priests and Guest at the Wedding.
8. Misc.: No pen, paper, stationary (stapler, glue etc.) and money is required inside. Do not carry Medical Cover which has XRay CD (allowed to carry in but not required). Just bring the Medical Reports Cover which is without CD.
Sorry for being so long. But I thing most of your doubts will get clear reading this. If you need anymore info let me know, I will be happy to help you.
All the best to you all.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #17369