|
|
| Switzerland |  Review on January 27, 2009: |
waachen
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Firstly a word of warning: My interview letter referred to an appointment at the US Embassy on Jubilaeumstrasse, Bern which is the old and now vacant embassy address. The correct address is Sulgeneckstrasse, Bern. Consequently I arrived at the wrong address and was 1 hour late for my interview but apparently this happens frequently with Immigrant Visas and the NVC invites.
Security:
You have to queue outside to pass through the first of two security check points. You also have to be able to carry all items (belt, wallet, coins, watch etc, ) with you in your hands between the two check points. No phones or bags allowed, but these can be left in luggage lockers at the railway station (8 mins by foot) for 5 CHF.
Once inside the main building, I queued with all the other visa applicants, but for immigrant visas this was not necessary. Upon reaching the front of the queue I was told to sit in the waiting area and I would be called shortly. Five minutes later I was called in to a private room to discuss my application which took all of ten minutes. I was then asked to return at 2pm to be interviewed by the consular officer.
At 2pm I returned, building was empty of applicants and I was interviewed shortly afterwards.
The building is new, clean and has a waiting room with some old magazines and a TV. I found the environment as stress-less as could be reasonably expected.
| |
|
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #3857