The morning of Wednesday 30th May arrived and I was a nervous wreck however I calmed myself down and made my way to London - as I live in London the journey was fine - I left home at 6.00am with my Dad as he drove me to the Embassy and waited in line with me to keep me company! We arrived to the Embassy at 6.45am and made our way to the Visa Queue (there was nobody there) so I was the first in line - I got the paperwork out at the ready even though this was a bit early to do this but it would give me something to do!! So I stood in line and before you knew it 10/20/30 people were queueing up behind me. I was so happy that I made my way to the Embassy early (note to anyone get there early!) I waved my Dad goodbye as he took my phone to his office (it's such a strange feeling not to have your phone with you!) anyway the lady came to the front of the queue and asked for my full name and appointment letter - I was then making my way to the front and I got asked to move forward and again wanted to see the appointment letter and now my passport. I made my way through to the security room - I got told to turn right once I reach the door and made my way down the side of the Embassy - as I was the first one I was the leader and I was hoping that I didn't make a wrong move!!
I got to the stairs with a sign saying "Visa" and I made my way up to the reception where she wanted to see the appointment letter again and the payment print out she then put some stickers on the front and said to watch out for my number (I 901) and sit down and wait. This was 7.45am - so I sat waiting and watching the screens making myself aware of the different cubicles with the numbers and making sure that when my number was called I would be heading to the right area!! So I sat there people watching and waiting patiently for my number.
A few "N" numbers were called...and then I901 came up to head to cubicle 14 - I made my way there with my paperwork all in order (I can't stress enough to make sure that all your paperwork is to hand and ready to be given over). I walked up and saw there was a guy waiting for me - he said hello and asked me a few questions like what's my name, can I have your birth certificate and your police certificate and then said he was off to get my file. Back came a pink folder with all of the paperwork the paperwork which I had sent and what Will had sent! Then he asked me to write Will's full name and then sign - I did this and then I was asked to provide my finger prints which I did so and then he was going through my paperwork and ticking a checklist and everything he was asking me to provide I had to hand. He passed over the CD with my x-rays and said that this should be kept with me to give to Immirgration once in Hawaii. He kept hold of my birth certificate and the police certificate and said that these would be handed back to me at the interview. He asked for my passport and two pictures. He also wanted the Affidvate of Support with the evidence - which I handed over and I asked whether he would like up to date pay cheques from my fiance and he said yes please. He then gave me the pink courier form and said to fill this out whilst I am waiting to be called for the interview and then said goodbye.
I walked back found the exact same seat which I was sitting on before and then started filling out the form. I opted for the 6.00-8.00am courier service (if the interview was approved) and then waited - after 10 minutes I was called to cubicle 17...
I was greeted by an american guy who said hello and then gave me back my original documents and then this is when the questions started...
Where did I meet my fiance?
Who was I with?
Why was I there in the first place?
Did we start to date straight away?
What are our interests?
What do I like about him?
I was just answering away and trying to say it with a smile! I answered away and then he said those magic words "I would like to say your approved" I said thank you and he said to go and pay at the courier desk and I will expect the Visa within 10 days!
I walked with a smile over to the courier desk opted for the earlier time and paid and then walked out of the Embassy! I rang my fiance who was sleeping and told him the great news - he is over the moon! So all in all I was in and out in 40 minutes!! I was most impressed! Everything was run in a professional manner and my only advice is be extremely organised with your paperwork...
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #9757
Review on June 1, 2012:
