How late have you been to your interview (London-K1)

[srvman 38]

Just a curious question,

Has anyone ever turned up late to their interview in London? If so could you share your experiences?

I am a London virgin, and I am curious to see the level of leniency given to those travelling distances and arriving slightly late.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

There isn't a time check of when you arrive. It's a massive herd of people who get a number when they go in the door. When your number is called you go up. It is not by appointment. There is at least a hundred people in there, but most are for non-immigrant visas which go much faster.

[otter~ 17]

I was a bit concerned about being a bit late too, but like Nich-Nick said, it seems you just wait outside and get called in and get a number

If you're still a little concerned/want to be there early, is there any way you could like arrive the night before and stay nearby? That's what I was planning on doing, either that or getting a really early national express there so I'd get there a few hours ahead and find where I'm going (London is confusing haha!)

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

There is a custom made map in the pinned K1 guide to help you.

Find the post Interview Day

Edited January 15, 2014 by Nich-Nick

[MacUK 983]

Even though I only lived an hour away from London at the time I didn't want to risk being late for my 0800 appointment so stayed at hotel.

I had read somewhere that if you arrive at security more than a half hour after your appointment time then you get turned away.

But then you just end up sitting inside for hours anyway!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Even though I only lived an hour away from London at the time I didn't want to risk being late for my 0800 appointment so stayed at hotel.

I had read somewhere that if you arrive at security more than a half hour after your appointment time then you get turned away.

But then you just end up sitting inside for hours anyway!

They say you will get turned away, but they haven't done that since early in 2008. At that time, they had barricades and would form an 8:00 line, 8:30 line, etc...about 3 lines for different time slots. You had to wait for your line to be called before you could join the queue. By summer 2008 when we went, the barricades and signs that indicated times were gone. It was first come, first served.

I suppose if you showed up at 5am they might run you off for loitering.

[nobbie 105]

i got there an hour early and nothing happened. in fact I would recommend it then you have less hanging about in the embassy.

[Kiwinyc 62]

my appointment was for 8am and I got there at 7.45am and then realised I'd left my passport at home. Raced home and back again in a taxi (I only lived a few miles away) and rejoined the line at 8.30. Finally got into Embassy at 9am. Interview times are not exact, they are staggered so that people don't just all show up to join the line at the same time.

[srvman 38]

my appointment was for 8am and I got there at 7.45am and then realised I'd left my passport at home. Raced home and back again in a taxi (I only lived a few miles away) and rejoined the line at 8.30. Finally got into Embassy at 9am. Interview times are not exact, they are staggered so that people don't just all show up to join the line at the same time.

Yeah, see I reckon I could make it for about 9.30. I am just trying to weigh up if it is worth the 90 quid saved in hotels to just fly in and scoot over to the embassy as quick as possible.

[Kiwinyc 62]

i dunno... A flight (or bus or train) into London could be subject to delays etc... I'm not sure if I'd risk that, but then I don't know until what time they let people in, i.e. I think you have to be in by a certain time in order to get service that day. Even though I got in at 9am i was one of the last ones to leave at 12.45. I got the impression no further interviews or customer facing services took place past past lunchtime, leaving them the afternoon free to get on with the paperwork of everyone processed that morning. I don't know what the situation would be if you missed the hours during which they normally admit people, whether you're rescheduled as an emergency appt for the next day, or what.

Edited January 15, 2014 by Kiwinyc

[srvman 38]

i dunno... A flight (or bus or train) into London could be subject to delays etc... I'm not sure if I'd risk that, but then I don't know until what time they let people in, i.e. I think you have to be in by a certain time in order to get service that day. Even though I got in at 9am i was one of the last ones to leave at 12.45. I got the impression no further interviews or customer facing services took place past past lunchtime, leaving them the afternoon free to get on with the paperwork of everyone processed that morning. I don't know what the situation would be if you missed the hours during which they normally admit people, whether you're rescheduled as an emergency appt for the next day, or what.

Good information. I will probably end up going the night before. For the sake at 80-90 quid at this stage im not too bothered, but it is nice to have the option.