Family based - Sister who is Citizen sponsored married brother.
- Reading other forum reviews, we went early 7 am - were first in line. Remember have to wait outside - so beware about weather (rain or shine or snow) and dress accordingly. 7.15 onwards people started coming. 7.30 security guard door opens. Checks passport and DS 260. One lady had phone and I thought electronics/phone not allowed (even sign said) so she would have to go to her car and leave it - but when I saw her later there is a little storage they keep it and give token to claim it after interview. Best is not to bring phones, car keys etc but if you do then do not panic. [ For wheelchair users which I am, the main entrance is not accessible -has 3 to 4 steps-so they took me in from other side of building through other "secret" entrance. First asked me if wheel chair has batteries since electronics are not allowed-mine was manual ut had some battery -they went to ask supervisor and made exception to allow me ]
Then immigrant and non immigrants are given a number and plastic sheet which lists the things to keep ready. Try sitting near to elevator and start arranging while waiting for elevator to open @ 8 am. Then go to 19th floor and wait (immigrant visa people sit separate and non-immigrant got separate queue.
Immigrant visa are called by them as a number and you go to that window. The lady now collects original documents and surprisingly are not in the order of what is listed in list given .
down stairs.
You have to do all standing so its kind of difficult to bring good binder and put stuff in sheet protectors so easy to take out.
Petitioner's original birth certificate was not in the list but was still asked.
I was luck that myself and my daughter was called at same window (so could guide her) but have heard that may be called separately.. So best is to prepare all family members. Maybe because I was on wheel chair they allowed me together or may be thats the procedure - don't know.
Gave all papers she asked - then again wait in sitting area. Since I was # 1 we were called by the consular office - who does the interview. Again it was irritating standing across a small window and giving such an important interview.
Officer (He) was nice and asked simple questions like how often I meet my sister , where she lives , her address (so memorize it) . He asked my daughter if she met her cousins (if any) she replied confidently. I had kept pictures with me of our family unions - but did not show it since not asked.
I had unique situation that we were already in the US on work visas -which the officer never dealt with earlier - so he asked for those documents - asked if ever overstayed or were denied entry to USA. He to some papers and went to supervisor to discuss and came back.
There was another unique case for him that I had filed 864W instead of regular 864 Affidavit of support. He in fact told me he cannot accept this and our heart sank. I confidently but softly pleaded that the 864W is correctly signed by me and should not be signed by petitioner. He again went to supervisor and then came back accepting it that it makes sense.
Since I need medical help morning and night, it was difficult for me to stay in hotel and wait for passport net business day (which was Monday since Friday was my interview). He asked for my medical papers and doctors note and said to check back 2 pm but cannot guarantee. Gave us a token to show at security when we came 2 pm so they allow us upstairs. We came back 2 pm went upstairs and at window 1 someone came and delivered our passports and the Do not open IV packets.
I had emailed them before whether I will be able to get the passport back sooner along with medical papers - but did not get reply so we were very stressed - but every thing went well.
So be prepared , be confident and no harm asking for special hel if necessary.
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #20692
Review on October 20, 2016:
