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| Dominican Republic |  Review on November 17, 2015: |
MRS1
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
My wife and I arrived at 7:15 for our 8:00 AM interview time. We needed to bring our cell phones to the Consulate to call a taxi when we were finished, but they are prohibited inside the consulate. There are folks who will hold your phone for 300 pesos or so, and it worked just fine. There is also parking a few hundred feet from the embassy.
We were both dressed well: I in a suit and tie, my wife in a dress, and probably overdressed at that, but I always try to make a fairly decent impression, especially at something as important as this. Ultimately, it wasn't necessary. Dress comfortably. People are relaxed and are dressed well, but not overdressed.
The interview consists of two parts: the first is not really an interview, but rather the time when the required documents are collected. The woman who attended to us was sweet and pleasant. We spent a total of eight or ten minutes with her. Suggestion: Have all required documents organized before you arrive. Review what is required by the embassy for your particular case carefully. Bring everything just in case. Evidence is important. Save receipts! Western Union money transaction receipts are very good. Save these. Travel receipts also. Photos are very important. Keep them organized and in a little album. We were called about forty-five minutes after we arrived. After the initial review, you wait for the interview. The seating area is comfortable and air conditioned. There are several large televisions in the middle of the waiting area. People are friendly if not a little bit nervous; and there is a woman who sells sandwiches, snacks, and drinks; coffee is also sold on the premises. Bring a book or a newspaper to occupy the time. It was great to see the moments when people were approved and the reactions to the approval. Many people hugged and kissed; others broke into tears of happiness and joy.
We waited about one hour before our number was called for the interview. Once called, you proceed to a station in the front, very similar to a bank teller, which is one of about twenty-four in the facility. You stand before the embassy representative and the questions begin. My wife was asked the following:
How and where did you meet your husband?
When did you marry?
Where was your last place of employment?
Do you have children in common?
Do you have photos?
Do you have photos of your son?
Do you have family in the United States?
For me:
How often do you travel to the Dominican Republic?
Were you married previously?
After the questions, the gentleman approved our visa, congratulated us, and informed us that our visa will be issued shortly.
Two days later my wife had her visa in hand. It was delivered to a Mail Boxes Etc.
We are grateful to the US Embassy for the swift process and the efficiency with which the process transpired. Both of us were overjoyed, overcome with pride, exceptionally happy and delighted. Am proud to be a US citizen. The consulate was gracious and excellent. Thank you! Excellent experience!
Have faith!
(updated on November 14, 2015)
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #18364