I read through the recent reviews for Newark and thought we were in for an easy ride but it was a bit tougher than anticipated!
So here's how it went... We drove into Newark about 45 minutes early for our appointment at 2.30pm and parked at a nearby parking lot (which was $11 for 2 hours). It was a 2 minute walk to the CIS Office and once we arrived, we went through security which was fine. Then we went up to the 13th floor where we were asked for ID and the appointment letter by a guard. She directed us to a room full of people and told us to go to window number 1. The lady there took the letter and directed us to another waiting room next door where there were only about 5 couples waiting. Everyone seemed to be going through quickly and coming in and out every 10 minutes or so.
I had read the reviews about everyone going in on time so expected us to be called at 2.30pm. However, we were kept waiting intil 3.00pm before a young asian lady called us in. If you have her, be warned, she doesn't smile at all and is very direct. But hey... Anyway, she took us through to her desk and asked us for ID, marriage & birth certificates. She then proceeded to ask my husband (the US citizen) a few questions about my family in England. She didnt ask for copies of the ID or certificates and no mention of bills or photographs either! Then, she said that everything's in order apart from my medical! And apparently this is because I hadn't had the skin test! So I explained to her that I'd had the full medical as instructed by the Embassy in london within 12 months and therefore it wasn't required. I had to be really persistent and went through it again 2 or 3 times before she agreed to ask her collegue for a 2nd opinion. Then we were told to wait outside for her descision. 2 minutes later she called us again and said that everything was fine and that I'd recieve my green card soon! Yay!!!! We got a tiny smirk of a smile out of her as we left and by that time everyone had gone through and left! All in all we were out at about 3.30pm. A very stressful day but well worth it in the end!
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #6909
Review on November 23, 2010:
