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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on October 4, 2016: |
THERESHI
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I hope this is the correct topic!
I arrived at the embassy at 10:30, and took time to relax in Grovsvenor Square, there is a beautiful 9/11 memorial that is certainly worth stopping to see and think on. I joined the queue at 10:45, and was asked to wait to one side in a new line which was formed for immigrant visas, as the list of people with appointments for these was not currently available. This was a very short wait, no more than 10 minutes, after which we were sent to security. Security is just like you see in an airport, and you are given a bag for phones, wallets and belts etc.
After going through security youwalk around the right side of the embassy and climb a small set of stairs to reach a desk, the person behind which you should hand your passport and DS-160 confirmation page (make sure you remember this oryou wil need to hurry for a nearby printer). They will assign you a number and direct you to the waiting room. Ensure you sit comfortably close to the big screen at the end of the room and keep an out for the your number. A very helpful lady made this clear to me as I entered the room. I was lucky, second immigration visa on the list! Numbers appear to be assigned on a first come, first serve basis so the earlier you get in the sooner you're out!
After less than 10 minutes I was called up to the window to provide required documentation. The windows are very much like those in a bank, and the atmosphere is very similar also. It is worth noting that there is a large queue for other services alongside the window but you are instructed to walk past and to your window. A polite but brusque lady asked for my passport, police certificate, birth certificate, evidence of support (form I-134 is perfect) with supporting evidence, in my case she took the letters my partner had from her Publisher and banks. There was one picture taken, scanned and returned to me, and then fingerprints were taken. All smooth so far!
I was told to return to the waiting room and wait for my number to pop up again, you really can't miss these, there's a loud ding each time one is called so don't worry about that! After perhaps another 20/30 minutes my number came up again and I made my way to be questioned. This was the most nerve wracking part, walking to the window, but once I said hello to the fellow interviewing me, that passed quickly as I was focused on his questions.
He was warm but professional, and simply asked about how we met, what does my partner do, where does she live, had I been there, does she own her place, and after a couple of minutes leafing through the documentation he said something to the effect of 'No problems there, the visa should be available with your passport within a week or two.'. And that was it, no lights or parades (other than my internal ones). All done, and time to enjoy a little stroll through london and a very happy phone call.
It is an intimidating prospect, the interview, but if you have nothing to hide, they have nothing to find but an approved visa for you. They're there to help you, just relax, be polite, and try to speak clearly. I was very impressed with how well everything went and I am highly impressed by the service I received in this most important of interviews.
Good luck folks!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #20572