My interview was scheduled for 8:30am but like many people in this forum I attempted to get to the Embassy as soon as possible and was queued up at 7am.
At 7:30am I went through security and received my number from the reception desk (I-901).
Once I got into the Embassy the screens were still booting up and the "counters" for the Embassy staff and Consular Officers were still closed. At around 8am numbers begun to be called out (about 7 N-numbers to every 1 I-number) and I was called up quite quickly.
I was greeted by a friendly member of staff who did take issue with my passport photos I submitted to the NVC (they were on a light grey background instead of a white background) but she used them anyway. Apart from that the first desk was relatively easy, she just ticked off the documents I had submitted and we chatted about her daughter's experience so far at university, so fairly relaxed. I was then given the pink courier form and told to sit down and wait to be called for the visa interview.
About an hour later I was called up for the interview. I put my hand up and swore all the information was true, I was then asked to sign Part II of the DS-230 and then asked: How did you and your spouse meet? How did the relationship develop? Was your J-1 visa subject to the 2-year HRR? She then said "Everything seems great here so I will go ahead and approve this visa". Cue HUGE smile and many thank yous.
I then paid the courier and left at 9:05am. All in all, it was quite painless and I can honestly say all the worrying and anxiety was not warranted!
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #8457
Review on October 5, 2011:
