My interview experience and observations

[ao_cons 1]

We got my visa without any problems. Now I'll post my interview experience and observations for others here as well.

Our interview hour was scheduled for 7:30am. We arrived about 30 minutes earlier than that. They wouldn't let my husband in but after explaining he had another purpose at the Embassy, they let us both in. Security will ask if you have a mobile phone and if so, you'll have to check that in . After that, it was straight to the Consulate area. There are signs telling you where immigrant and non-immigrant visa apps go. The interview area itself is a room with half a dozen booths in it. The windows are numbered, so you just go to your window number. During the pre-screening, they took my medical report and verified if I'd sent everything to the NVC (we did). There weren't many of us when I came in.

I waited about 45 minutes more. Several times they told my husband (who was in another area) to leave. That upset him because he wasn't even sitting beside me. He went outside of the sitting area and it looked like he was going outside. I was okay. I was more bored and tired than nervous. About 10 minutes later, I was the first to be called to the interview window. I wasn't asked a lot of questions. They didn't even ask me for proofs of relationship. I got fingerprinted and I signed the DS-230 II and then she told me when to pick up my visa. I went out and my husband was waiting outside. Turned out he'd demanded to speak with a supervisor and told them they'd better try to nuke the place to get him to leave. I guess they just wanted to get rid of him. We were done by 8:30am.

Next day, I got a call from a Thai gentleman from the Embassy and was told my visa was ready. We arrived on time. The security wouldn't let me in since the date on my pickup card was different and my name wasn't on their list that day. But I told them someone from the Embassy had called me and if my visa wasn't ready, then someone had to explain that to me. In the Consular Services area, I just handed in my card to someone in the booth. About 30 minutes later, the Thai man who'd called me was handing out the passports and paperwork. He explained he'd wanted me to come earlier in case I wanted my married name on the visa, instead of maiden name. But he assured me it won't be a problem and if I wanted my married surname added, I can contact the immigration officer in my district when in the US. He also gave us the sealed envelope and instructions for my SSN and removal of conditional status. He was very nice and courteous.

I got to chat with a couple of girls there too on our second visit. They were interviewed for about 10 minutes each. The questions weren't difficult, like "What does your husband do for a living?" or "Where did you get married?" So even if you get a longer interview, don't worry because it's not going to be tricky.

As for the guy who's supposed to be scary and unpredictable. I saw only one man and one woman in the immigrant visa windows. I didn't think either was particularly sly or offensive. These folks just want to get the job done and they aren't looking for a long story from you. In fact, it all feels very "routine." Just answer simply, and don't be nervous. It'll be OK!

My advice? Just get your SO with you if possible. Be firm when dealing with the Embassy personnel. Don't disrespect anyone, but don't let them disrespect you either. Even if you can't get to stay together for the interview (which is really simple), you can still make an impact on these people by acting like a "real" couple.

GOOD LUCK!

[daboyz 36]

Sounds like all the crazy things that have been going on at the US Embassy in Bangkok since the first of the year have gone away. Congratulations! This is good news for the people following you.

[scandal 951]

Sounds like all the crazy things that have been going on at the US Embassy in Bangkok since the first of the year have gone away. Congratulations! This is good news for the people following you.

Agreed.

Thanks ao_cons - - we have our interview coming up in BKK at the end of the month. I really appreciate your valuable intel!

[TBoneTX 45,064]

don't worry because it's not going to be tricky.

In regards to ANY consular interview, it is perilous to assume anything like this, going in! Consular personnel (and Immigrant Unit section chiefs) can be transferred in, and policies/procedures can be changed, all without warning. Expect and prepare for the VERY worst; be pleased when the worst doesn't happen.

That said, congrats on your visa, and thank you for telling your story. Your literacy is extremely refreshing to encounter here on VJ.

[L179 1]

thanks for sharing

[girarm 0]

We got my visa without any problems. Now I'll post my interview experience and observations for others here as well.

Our interview hour was scheduled for 7:30am. We arrived about 30 minutes earlier than that. They wouldn't let my husband in but after explaining he had another purpose at the Embassy, they let us both in. Security will ask if you have a mobile phone and if so, you'll have to check that in . After that, it was straight to the Consulate area. There are signs telling you where immigrant and non-immigrant visa apps go. The interview area itself is a room with half a dozen booths in it. The windows are numbered, so you just go to your window number. During the pre-screening, they took my medical report and verified if I'd sent everything to the NVC (we did). There weren't many of us when I came in.

I waited about 45 minutes more. Several times they told my husband (who was in another area) to leave. That upset him because he wasn't even sitting beside me. He went outside of the sitting area and it looked like he was going outside. I was okay. I was more bored and tired than nervous. About 10 minutes later, I was the first to be called to the interview window. I wasn't asked a lot of questions. They didn't even ask me for proofs of relationship. I got fingerprinted and I signed the DS-230 II and then she told me when to pick up my visa. I went out and my husband was waiting outside. Turned out he'd demanded to speak with a supervisor and told them they'd better try to nuke the place to get him to leave. I guess they just wanted to get rid of him. We were done by 8:30am.

Next day, I got a call from a Thai gentleman from the Embassy and was told my visa was ready. We arrived on time. The security wouldn't let me in since the date on my pickup card was different and my name wasn't on their list that day. But I told them someone from the Embassy had called me and if my visa wasn't ready, then someone had to explain that to me. In the Consular Services area, I just handed in my card to someone in the booth. About 30 minutes later, the Thai man who'd called me was handing out the passports and paperwork. He explained he'd wanted me to come earlier in case I wanted my married name on the visa, instead of maiden name. But he assured me it won't be a problem and if I wanted my married surname added, I can contact the immigration officer in my district when in the US. He also gave us the sealed envelope and instructions for my SSN and removal of conditional status. He was very nice and courteous.

I got to chat with a couple of girls there too on our second visit. They were interviewed for about 10 minutes each. The questions weren't difficult, like "What does your husband do for a living?" or "Where did you get married?" So even if you get a longer interview, don't worry because it's not going to be tricky.

As for the guy who's supposed to be scary and unpredictable. I saw only one man and one woman in the immigrant visa windows. I didn't think either was particularly sly or offensive. These folks just want to get the job done and they aren't looking for a long story from you. In fact, it all feels very "routine." Just answer simply, and don't be nervous. It'll be OK!

My advice? Just get your SO with you if possible. Be firm when dealing with the Embassy personnel. Don't disrespect anyone, but don't let them disrespect you either. Even if you can't get to stay together for the interview (which is really simple), you can still make an impact on these people by acting like a "real" couple.

GOOD LUCK!

Wow, Good News.... Thank you so much for sharing this, it is so good to hear that things are not so bad now.... I was very worried about the interview process, but really feel much better about everything. Again, thank you very much for sharing this with us.

[ao_cons 1]

Thakns everyone. Been busy packing our things.

As for expectations: Be prepared for the worst, but don't expect it. If you expect nothing but trouble, you may well get nervous and it'll show in your face and voice during the interview. We came prepared. I memorized everything, including my SO's passport, SS and bank account numbers. I even memorized things they might ask that can't be verified in the forms we filled out. We also brought about 30 sheets of email, 10 pages of chats, some phone records and about 60 pictures. Also, package receipts, movie tickets, restaurant receipts, gift stuff, etc. going back almost 9 years. We also had stuff like mails and chats with our families.

While you'd be smart to review for all kinds of possible questions, the reality is they won't have the time or inclination to ask you all of them. So don't get too nervous or excited. Easier said than done, but once you're there, you'll pick up on the general atmosphere there. BTW, the first time we went there morning. On our return, it was afternoon. Both times it was quiet and relaxed (at least to me).

[ao_cons 1]

I was going to add in the details in the embassy review section: It would help to speak English well, but the other girls there got along fine and were approved even with limited English skills. Relax and go over your file. Get your answers ready for what you think might raise an issue. Get all your docs, ID photos and med exam ready. Beyond that, there's not much else to do but wait. Good luck to all!

[limejello 0]

Expect and prepare for the VERY worst; be pleased when the worst doesn't happen.

100% agreed. Our interview was super easy (even for Juarez) and completely painless but I don't regret for one second being "too prepared" (if there is such a thing).

[OBX 51]

I was going to add in the details in the embassy review section: It would help to speak English well, but the other girls there got along fine and were approved even with limited English skills. Relax and go over your file. Get your answers ready for what you think might raise an issue. Get all your docs, ID photos and med exam ready. Beyond that, there's not much else to do but wait. Good luck to all!

Just saw your post now. Great news, congratulations All the best for a wonderful future