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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on May 9, 2016: |
Abbyerin
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
My visa date was 5 May 2016 at 12.00pm
I got into London around 9.30am and had a slow walk down to the Embassy from Baker Street. Even though my appointment was 12.00, I thought it best to get my bearings.
I turned up to the embassy just after 10am and saw two lines formed. It looked like there was an immigrant line and a non-immigrant line. There was a little tent propped up with embassy staff ticking peoples names off of lists. On the other side of the tent was a line for the American citizen services which was of course a smaller line.
As I was early, I decided to walk back the way we came and just went for a coffee in the huge Marks and Spencer's on Oxford Street until it was time to return to the embassy.
My mother came with me and as it was a beautiful day she decided to sit outside of the embassy by the beautiful park that surrounds it. If it wasn't a lovely day then there are plenty of coffee shops/pubs to sit in whilst a friend or family goes for their interview.
By the time I got back to the embassy it was around 11.15am and there seemed to be only one line now and the embassy staff were pulling down the tent. From previous reviews I noticed it best just to ask an embassy staff member with a list before lining up as it's been known for people to go in the wrong line.
I Spoke to a lovely lady with a clip board and advised I've got an interview for a K1 visa and asked where to go. She said "Oh that's fine, I can sign you in here". I showed her my appointment letter and my passport. She wrote a little note on my appointment letter and directed me towards a security officer just outside the security area. He checked my appointment letter and passport again and then I was in line for security checks. I waited about 2 minutes to get into the airport style security room which you can see into from outside. I then went through security with no problems and then came out a door and turned to the right. There you go round the edge of the embassy and up some steps to the reception.
From there you give your appointment letter and they stick a few stickers on the letter with your number on it. Mine was I-905. The lady on reception then directed me up the stairs to a large waiting room. The room had a few hundred seats with a huge screen at the front that was constantly pinging numbers up. There is also many bank teller style windows around the outside of the room. This was around 11.22am.
I sat down nervously and looked at the screen for a few minutes. I could only see "N" numbers on the screen (This is for non-immigrant visas). There were a few ladies walking around answering questions if asked. I went up to a young lady and stated that I've got an "I" number and I was worried I wasn't in the correct place. She was very reassuring and approachable and told me not to worry, I'm just a bit early.
I sat back down and before I knew it I-901 was called. This put me at ease so I just started to get all my documents together whilst I waited. At 12.08 they called my number. I went to window 13 with my documents. I was greeted by a middle aged english man who was very friendly. He asked for my documents; I gave him my photo, police certificate, Birth Certificate, appointment letter, affidavit of support and proof of payment of the visa fee. I asked if he wanted my DS-160 but he said it wasn't necessary and gave me my photo back pretty soon after that. Whilst he was sorting my documents he asked when I planned on going and I replied with "12 June 2016 hopefully" He smiled back at me. He asked if I have ever been married, changed my name or have been adopted. He also asked if I was ever in the military.
He then took my finger prints like they do at immigration and then gave me a cd-rom of my chest X-Ray. He told me to keep it safe for my adjustment of status. He seemed very surprised at the amount of proof I had for the affidavit of support but I'd rather have too much than too little. He smiled and told me to go sit back down and wait for my number to be called again.
By 12.15pm I was back at my seat waiting and then at 12.42 I was called up to window 16 to have my interview. I was greeted by a tall, slim American guy. I said hello and then he said "Hey, how are you today?" I replied "I'm great thanks and you?" He replied quickly to confirm he was good and then looked at my arm and said "I like your ink" (I've got a few visible tattoos on my arms). I thanked him and then he immediately asked me to put my left fingers on the reader to check I'm the same person that gave the documents in half an hour earlier.
After this, he said "So Dean is your fiance´ correct? I confirmed this and then he asked when we met. I gave the exact date and he looked baffled at me and asked "How do you know the exact date?" I replied with "I've just got a thing for dates" He gave me quite a quirky look that was a cross between amused and just pure baffled. He was a very chirpy, happy character and certainly not what I expected from an interviewer.
He then asked me how we met. I started to explain the story and he said "woah, less detail" He then just asked me to let him know how we maintain the relationship and asked if we facetime. I replied that we skype call everyday and text. He asked if me and Dean have met each others families and I replied with "Yes of course, many times". He also asked what Dean did for a job. I thought he was going to carry on then he just stood up (from leaning on the counter) and said "That's it, you're approved". I was in shock at this point and said "really? you don't need anything else?" He just kept shooing me off saying "No, No, It's all done! Go call Dean and tell him".
At this point I was shocked and so happy. I was so thankful I got such lovely gentlemen to manage my case and make me feel at ease. As you can imagine I didn't sleep too well on the run up to it.
As I was walking out one of the lady chaperones was standing by the wall ( I think to help direct people to the exit) and she said "Wow, so you're going to America" and smiled at me. I just replied with a big "Yes" and the biggest smile I've ever given! She directed me to the exit and then I walked back round the building and out the security gate.
I walked to the window at 12.42 and I was out of the building by 12.45. It was literally minutes.
Of course I then called Dean and messaged all my families to let them know. I then walked to the nearest pub and had a lovely lunch and a well earnt beer with my mum.
It was an amazing, easy experience and all the staff I came across were lovely and seemed very understanding of our situations. They must see a lot of different emotions going through the halls daily. I looked at a lot of reviews of the U.S embassy in London to help me. I knew that it was known to be a good embassy but I was totally blown away by how fast, efficient and friendly it was.
Just waiting for my visa now. I can't wait to start the next chapter of my life with my husband to be.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #19479