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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on November 4, 2016: |
EliTheWolf
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I wanted to write one of these because I found this site extremely helpful and calming. I was sooo nervous in the days before the interview but some of these reviews really helped to calm me! I'd read some horrid things about the interviews and embassy online, but I think most of them were outdated or for other visas. Turns out there was really no need to stress, it was a rather simple and pleasant experience! The staff at the embassy were so kind and friendly, and each step of the process is easy to understand.
My appointment for the K1 visa was at 12pm and I turned up just after 11am. I went straight to the tent outside on the east side; there was only one person in the queue and I was seen within a few minutes. The lady asked for my passport and the print out of the interview appointment. Security took 2 mins, they allow phones, small bags, food and drink. You enter the building on the north side, where a receptionist gave me a ticket number and sent me up some stairs to a big hall. It seemed like most people there were for non-immigrant visas; there were only two others before me with "I" numbers. To the right of the hall is a bunch of windows where you are called to speak to the employees who are behind glass. There's a big screen at the front of the room which shows the ticket numbers being called and which window to go to, and there's a loud ding whenever a number is called. You can use your phone in this hall, but there are signs saying to turn your phone off when at the windows, and absolutely no photography in the building.
I was called up to a window within 10 mins where a lovely American guy asked for my finger prints, passport, birth certificate, police record, photo, and gave me back my chest x-ray from the medical. He also specifically asked for the I-134 and my fiance's tax return. I wasn't planning on submitting the I-134 as the documentation made it sound optional (I was going to show proof that I can financially support myself), but based on what I've read from others, they seem to request it every time - Perhaps it helps to show that your fiance is willing to support you and is legally accepting responsibility for you. Thankfully I had the I-134 just in case, but I hadn't brought the tax return as the I-134 instructions suggest that it's only needed if your fiance is self employed. Based on what others have written, they seem to regularly ask for the tax return. Instead, I submitted a letter from my fiance's employer showing his salary and health benefits, which seemed to suffice.
After sitting down again, I realised that the guy from the first window had kept my form with my ticket number on it, so ***don't forget to memorise your number***!
I was called to the interview after around 15 minutes. The interview windows are down a short hallway to the right, easily sign posted. A bunch of reviews said to just ignore and walk past any queues here, but there were no queues when I was there. At the interview, a pleasant American lady asked me to take an oath of truth and then took my finger prints again. She asked a few simple questions: When and how did I meet my fiance; What does he do for work; Where does he live; How much time have we spent together; What countries have I lived in. After about a minute of chatting, she told me my visa had been approved! She kept my passport and said that I was free to leave. I was out of the building by 11:50, so the entire process took around 45-50 mins.
One thing I'd like to mention is the dress code - I presumed that most people would dress as if they were going for a job interview, but overall the dress code was casual. A few were in suits but most were in regular loungewear. I wore jeans, a suit jacket and a tie, and felt slightly overdressed, although I would wear the same if I went again (maybe without the tie). I'm not sure if it makes much difference, but I'd like to think that a smart appearance sends a good message. The staff behind the windows can only see you from the waist upwards, so it doesn't matter too much about your lower half.
Last minute advice - Keep your answers short and precise, but there's no harm in engaging in a little chat/banter if they ask some off-topic questions. Only hand over the documents they ask for - No need to give them documents they don't ask for, but still have these just in case. I would recommend having the I-134 and fiance tax return regardless of your situation. Have your documents organised so that you can present them promptly and in order. I had brought a copy of everything but they never once asked for the copies. And finally, I know that everyone says this but DON'T STRESS! If you have all the documents then you will most likely be fine! But if you are nervous, then that's totally fine. I'm sure they are used to seeing nerves. I saw so many reviews saying "don't show any signs of being nervous, they will think you are trying to hide something!" - That's absolute nonsense! Being nervous is a perfectly natural part of humanity and it just means you have a lot at stake and a lot to lose! That in itself shows the sincerity and honesty of why you deserve the visa!
GOOD LUCK! <3
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #20809