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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on June 10, 2011: |
ZedbraGuy
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
So today was the day of my interview, I'd heard that you can't get in if you turn up more than 30 minutes before your time, and if you arrive after your time they won't let you in. So I planned to get there half an hour early. It's a short walk from Bond Street tube.
I'd expected the embassy to be very brash and in your face with a great many flags flying. But although the building is huge and surrounded by a great many armed policeman with sub-machine guns I entirely missed it.
I soon realised the error of my ways and joined the line. I didn't go to the pharmacy as I'd left all my electrical items at home. Just had my wallet, some change for the phone, my house keys and my watch.
They checked my appointment letter and then made sure the name on it matched my passport and soon I was going through security with all my belongings in a clear plastic bag.. including my watch. But at least unlike the airport I didn't have to take off my shoes.
You walk around the outside of the embassy but inside of the fence and then go back inside on the oppsoite side of the building.
Another line to join, and then they checked my appontment letter again and I was given a number and sent upstairs.
I had taken me 20 minutes to get through security so not too bad, and I looked up at the screens to see three types of visa numbers. N for non imigrant, I for imigrant, which included my K1 visa and E which I assume is for employment visas. There were very few E numbers, loads of N visas and I was only five I numbers from the guy being processed as I entered the waiting room.
I thought (wrongly) that this meant a short wait. But it was in fact a good hour plus before I arrived at the first window. I was seen by a very quiet but entirely friendly short woman.
She took copies and originals of my police certificate and police certificate. My passport, my proof of financial support and two passport size photographs.
Just before my interview (2 days prior) I'd recieved a letter asking me to fill in the packet three forms. And at my time at the first window I discovered why, because the embassy had lost the. So as annoying as it is too take a huge binder full of every piece of evidence you can think of, it's worth it just in case; as it was for me.
She asked me a few questions about when I'd be going to America and told me some information about the visa, like the fact you have to use it on your next visit to America or it becomes invalid. She said as I had no criminal record, no prior marriage or anything like that it made my case nice and simple.
Soon I was back in the waiting area waiting for my number to be called a second time. As the numberous N visa people were called up and i saw those that arrived at the embassy before me finishing it because a little frustating, but you just have to ignore that the best you can.
AFter an hour and a half of waiting my number was finally called. I was seen by a very nice lady. She asked me a number of questions, and we had a nice calm chat after I took an outh to say all my forms and statements are true.
She asked me:
Where we first met
Where we first met in person
Where she goes to school, and what she studies
Whether I'd met her parents
What I do for a job
Why do I want to move to America
What job do I want to do when I move to America
Once she was satisifed she had me right my fiancee's name on the forms and sign below. And said 'this all seems fine' and reminded me that i need to adjust status after I get married and sent me to pay for my courier. As no courier means no visa.
I paid for the courier and was soon on my way home.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #7738