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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on January 27, 2025: |
Tesco
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
I arrived into Paddington Railway station 2 ½ hours prior to my Embassy appointment. Once outside I then ordered an Uber, which astonishingly arrived in less than 2 minutes. Jumped in and made the 30-minute journey to Ponton Road. The first thing that really hit me was the incredibly long que, which spanned as far as the eye could see, back, (almost) to the Embassy Gardens and water feature on Nine Elms Lane.
I did notice that those in the que were grasping DS-160 Confirmation forms. I went directly to the red visa check in awning, right by the Consular Services entry doors and showed them my DS-260 and passport. Fully expecting instruction on what to do, they moved the stanchions out of the way and asked me to go straight through, (after marking me off a single page typed appointment list – remembering here that I was the best part of 2 hours early). I went through security, where someone was asking if anyone had a laptop, (no one did) and then out of the secondary door, through the small garden area to another door which this time gives entry into the Embassy proper. I gave the lady on reception my DS-260 & courier confirmation and received a ticket number and then given instructions on how to get to the Immigrant Visa area. The instructions were easy to follow and I made my way up to the first floor and eventual areas, (windows 20 to 24 from memory). My number was called after 15 minutes where I saw a very nice woman who asked for civil documents. I was then asked to take a seat and I’d then be called for the interview.
Very soon afterwards, I was called to another window for swearing in and questioning, (all nice questions that you will know the answers to). Although I was given the verbal approval that I was ok, the Consular required additional documentation, so no visa that day, (had to wait another week to receive the passport/visa back via courier).
I left the Embassy and then ordered an Uber for my trip back to Paddington Station. I only booked a single, ticket, as you have no real idea of when business for the day will be over. As soon as I got to the station, I booked a ticket there and then. I did purchase a Rail Card prior to my Visa Medical, which paid for itself twice over. Considering the Embassy Appointment too, I saved loads. Ultimately, it’s tricky to avoid ‘peak’ travel times and expensive ticket costs.
The U.S. Embassy is utterly beautiful, lovely gardens and super nice and helpful staff.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #33534