The whole interview process was quick and easy. We had front-loaded out case with photos and other evidence which might have helped in the consulate officers having little to no questions to ask.
Here is an overview of the consulate experience:
My interview was scheduled for 8:45am. I arrived at the Citigroup building at 3:28am and took the elevator to the 3rd floor.
Once you exit the elevator you are greeted by a security officer who asked me what my purpose for visiting was. I replied by letting him know I was here for a K1 visa interview. He radioed the office and then told me to go through the security line. After going through the line I was told to put any electronic devices in my bad and he placed my bag and documents through an X-ray machine. He then instructed me to go through a metal detector. Afterwards I was given a card with a number and told to give him the card back once my interview was over. He placed my bag in a locker and opened the door for me.
Once inside the consulate there were 4 people in front of me. Since this is during COVID times there were stickers on the ground to show where to stand. The wait for the first window was about 10 minutes. Once I got to the window I was greeted by B who handles the K1 visa packets for Auckland. She was super friendly and helpful which helped make the interview feel less bureaucratic and stiff. She asked for my passport and self-addressed courier bag. I was then asked to place my left hand’s four fingers on a fingerprint reader, then my right, then both thumbs. Once that was all done I was told to go to the next window.
Overall, it was a pleasant experience. Also the interview information said there wouldn’t be any lockers for personal items which maybe true for other consulates, but in Auckland there are so don’t stress about it.
Hopefully this helps people who go to the interview in the future.
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #29579
Review on May 4, 2021:
