|
|
| Auckland, New Zealand |  Review on July 29, 2018: |
Raiona
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
We had our interview on a Tuesday (July 24th). The petitioner (US spouse) flew in to attend, though it wasn't necessary for her to be there. We forgot to print out our interview letter but had all our other documentation with us. Security let us in despite not having an interview letter (they just asked for the beneficiary's passport)—but they didn't seem happy about it. They keep all your things in a locker, after going through a metal detector/scanner thing. Would recommend having a (non-electronic) watch and a book or something to keep you busy as you're most likely going to be waiting for a while and there is no clock (only CNN showing the US time).
We went through into the consulate office, which is just numerous windows, and we were welcomed by B. She had our file open and asked us who we were and took the beneficiary's fingerprints and passport. B was very kind and calmed our nerves considerably. She asked for the timeframe the passport would need to be returned by for intended immigration to the US. She affirmed that this would be possible within our timeframe. We were then told to take a seat (there were about five or six other people there already). Please note: they call you up to the window over an intercom which is booming and garbled, and it is quite hard to make out the names.
We waited about two hours to be called up. They make you take an oath to tell the truth. Since we had front-loaded our I-130 petition with bona fide evidence of our relationship, they only asked us a few questions: i.e. how did you meet? what do you do for a living? (as well as some smalltalk). They didn't ask for any of the documentation we had brought with us. The official then let us know that our visa application had been approved, and what the next steps were (that the visa and passport would be mailed to the beneficiary's address). The packet arrived two days later, which was a lot quicker than we had expected.
Before the interview, we had made enquires and received emails from both 'B' and Elle. They responded in a swift and kind manner, answering our questions fully, which was greatly appreciated!
All the best to those who have interviews at the Auckland consulate! 
| |
|
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #24327