Our interview was scheduled for 7:30 am on Oct 1. I was able to get that date a week before when I made the payment, DS-160 etc.
We scheduled the biometrics a day before. My fiancee traveled from Chennai and checked into Trident Hotel which is really close by.
There was a long line. So she asked what their appt time was and kept moving to the front till someone said 7:30 and she got into the line.
After they let in, all the K1 applicants were asked to wait in an area. She went to a counter where the Indian officer took her papers. She returned a whole bunch of papers back. Took only one W2 copy and the I-134. She asked some basic questions.
we had our engagement album, boarding passes, chats, phone logs...they didn't even ask for it.
When her turn came, the American CO returned some more papers. He was very polite and put her at ease right away.
How did you meet? -- ours was romantic long story
Who proposed? --
What do you like about him? ---
what is his phone number ? -- she couldn't tell. he said it happens.
What does he do?
Is this first marriage ? -- both of us are divorced
He asked about her profession but this wasn't a question. It was more of a conversation as part of how we met.
The whole interview lasted only 5 or so minutes. He said the visa is approved - she was holding back tears. The CO said enjoy and handed an instruction sheet on what to expect on approval. His manners seemed to put her at ease. The CO was very intent on listening to her answers.
She mentioned about other K1 applicants. Some were turned away as they didn't do biometrics and one person didn't do medical. The other got a letter from Commissioner of police instead of letter from the passport office.
-- Point about medical -- my fiancee is a doctor in public health. She was shocked that they did HIV and STD tests and blasted the consul doctor. Whether it is US or India, it is illegal to do these tests without explicit written consent. The doctor was flustered. Have to dig into this more.
Overall - long wait due to Texas. My big advice is make sure the paperwork is spot on and the process was followed. Make sure the communication is unambiguous and the applicant is familiar with the original petition.
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #17923
Review on October 1, 2015:
