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| Panama |  Review on March 14, 2025: |
GABO507_PTY
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Hello.
Overall the experience I had at the embassy was good. The previous reviews I´ve read from this embassy were accurate, also I´ve had some friends that had been thru the IV process at this embassy and they all have had a good experience. Totally different (not good) from when you go to the interview for a non IV, tourist for example.
This time around the embassy has a new process so I first had to go to the embassy to get my documents checked. before the interview date. I went with all the documents I uploaded to the CEAC in the NVC process.
My first appointment was at 1:00PM. I arrived early. At 1:00PM approximately they let us in and went thru security checks. They gave us a number and waited to be called by my number.
Once my number was called the person that was at the cubicle asked for my birth and marriage certificate, passport, photo, fingerprints and police record. Asked me a few questions and that's it, my documents were OK. She put the documents on an envelope and sealed it and told me not to open it and that I gave it to the consular officer the day of my interview. Gave me back y passport and photo.
One week later I went with my wife to the visa interview. My appointment was at 7:00AM but we arrived at 6:00AM to avoid traffic. At 7:00PM they let us in and went thru security checks. They gave us a number and waited to be called by our number. Once my number was called it was the same person the week before at the cubicle. She asked for my documents and passport, everything OK. She told us to be seated and wait for my name to be called.
After approximately 30 minutes my name was called. I went with my wife and to our surprise the consular officer was OK with my wife been there so we began with the interview. Gave the consular officer the sealed enveloped and took an oath and took my fingerprints again. Then the consular officer began asking me several questions: When, were and how did we meet?, When we got married?, Have I lived on another country?, Have I been married before?, Kids?, Who was our joint sponsor?, What do I plan to do after I arrive to the US?, Where I´m going to live?, and a few others. 90% of the time I answered the questions and sometimes my wife added additional helpful info which the consular officer nicely received. A few checks at my documents and boom: The consular officer said: You are OK and approved.
The consular officer couldn´t print the approval document at that moment because the system took our case to "administrative processing" but she told us not to worry, that we are approved, but this was normal and we had to wait maybe 1 day or a week to receive the email with the issued visa.
The next day I checked the CEAC IV page and my visa was issued. I received an email that same day with the shipment instructions of my passport. Two days later my passport arrived to DHL and I went there for it.
The consular officer was very nice and gentle. Overall I´m pleased with the attention of the US Embassy at Panama, very good.
Hope this review help other Panameño/as as me. If you have any question or doubt you can send me a message.
Cheers.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #33599