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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on July 28, 2016: |
Markip1
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
My appointment was at 12pm, I arrived at around 11am. There were three people in the queue ahead of me. The queuing area isn't covered, so if it is raining (as it was yesterday)you might like to take an umbrella!
A lady checked my passport and letter from the embassy against a list, and then directed me to the security hut. My bag was scanned and I walked through a detector, just like at any airport. After that I left the hut, walked around the side of the building (it's all clearly signposted), up some steps and into a reception area.
My letter was checked again, and I was given a number. This is the number you watch for on the giant TV screen in the main waiting area. I was directed up some more stairs to the left into the main waiting area, and was told to sit near the front of the room. There is a café/area that sells refreshments in the waiting area, as well as some passport photo machines (£7) for any last minute emergency photos.
After about ten minutes my number came up on the screen alongside which window to go to. The window was around the corner from the main waiting area, and was exactly the same kind of set up as when you go to the bank. There were people queuing along the corridor but you walk past them directly to your window as they are queuing for something else. Don't join the back of this queue.
At my window an American chap wished me congratulations on our engagement, took my finger prints, and the originals of my birth certificate, police certificate, DS-160, I-134 form and tax return (didn't want pay slips, W2 or letter from employer), the print out confirming the courier had been booked, and my passport photo. All the documents were scanned and returned to me, as well as a disc containing my chest x-ray. After that I was told to go take a seat and wait for my number to be called again.
After about an hour my number appeared on the screen again alongside a different window number. This time I was greeted by a young American woman, professional, polite, but not necessarily what you would call friendly. I was asked to swear to tell the truth, my fingerprints were taken again, and I was then asked five questions:
1) Where did you meet?
2) When did you decide to get married?
3) What do you do for a living?
4) Have you ever lived abroad for more than six months before?
5) When are you going to travel?
Those questions took less than five minutes to answer. Then she said, ok you're approved and that was that! Said my passport would be returned to me when it was ready, and to have a nice day! Then she got up and walked away from the window (maybe I was delaying her lunch break!?) I wasn't given any paperwork saying the visa had been approved, so it was a little surreal and anti-climactic to walk out of the Embassy thinking this part of the process was all over!
Overall, the process was very smoothly managed, everything was clearly signposted and there were people floating around to ask questions of if you were unsure of anything at any point. The people working there were polite and professional, if not exactly friendly, but that was fine by me. All in all, one of the better days out I've had in London!
(updated on July 28, 2016)
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #20035