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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on March 10, 2016: |
Ian_and_Jen
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Great experience at the London embassy!
Appointment time was for 13:00, arrived at the embassy at 12:20. Joined the queue for "Immigrant Visas" outside. A woman checked my interview appointment letter and my passport, then told me to go to the front of the next queue to get through security. I had to reassure a lady who was already in the queue that I wasn't jumping the line, just doing what I was told! Can't blame her, it was freezing and she had probably been waiting a while... I believe immigrant visas are given priority over other visas, which is why we get let into the embassy first.
Went inside a security "hut" and took off jacket, watch, belt, and put all my belongings through the scanner, just like an airport. The guy in front of me had a big pair of scissors in his backpack! Needless to say the security staff were not impressed. Please treat entering the embassy like airport security - no sharp implements! Although liquids are not a problem.
Walked around the side of the building (don't be scared by the guards holding guns!) and finally got inside. Gave my passport and appointment letter to a receptionist, and she put stickers on my letter explaining that this was my number, and that I should listen/look for it on the big screen inside the hall, where I was directed to next. I was number I-908.
Inside the hall there are rows and rows of chairs, and there are lots of partitioned "booths", just like a bank or post office, with the officers behind a glass panel. I waited about 10-15 minutes until my number was called the first time, to go to desk 15. This desk was in a section around the corner from the main hall, and I was greeted by a long line of people. An officer assured me I should go straight to desk 15 - again, walking past lots of people waiting! The lady at the desk was quite businesslike. She asked for my documents and then asked me a few questions: my phone number, the date of my marriage, have I ever been divorced, have I ever worked for the military. She kept all the documents and told me to sit down and wait for my number to be called again for my interview.
I probably waited 50 minutes until my number was called again. Back to desk 15, but this time there was a young male officer. He was very friendly. I can't remember in what order he asked these questions, but this is what he asked:
- how did my husband and I meet
- where was my husband born
- what is my husband's job
- what is my father-in-law's job
He also made some friendly conversation about my husband and I living in Istanbul for a few years, did we enjoy it, did I learn Turkish, etc. Then he said "all right, you're all done here!" and my visa was approved! The interview took less than 5 minutes!
He gave me back all my documents except my passport, and explained it would be couriered to me within two weeks. I asked if the courier would email me a tracking number or anything, but the officer said since it was being sent to my home address, it would probably just show up when it did. However, I DID actually receive a tracking number via email 3 working days later! My interview was on a Wednesday, I received the courier's email the following Monday, and then my passport was delivered to my home on the Wednesday. So mine just took a week, not bad at all. Flight booked for next week to SFO!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #19085