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| Malaysia |  Review on August 14, 2013: |
JP and Tee
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
HI everyone,
I thought I'd do a review on my experience at the interview Aug 1st. I thought it'd be helpful since we don't have a lot of reviews on the US Embassy KL.
REVIEW:
I stayed at GTower Hotel, which is about 10mins walk from the embassy. Got there at about 850am, the embassy seemed quiet, didn't see anyone lining up outside at all. Gave my IC to the guard, who then gave me a visitor's pass. Walked in through the door, went through security, left my blackberry and Lumia phone at the front before going in.
From what I know and based on reviews by others, I didn't bring my camera/Macbook Air, was told those would not be allowed into the embassy as well (tho im off the habit of taking them everywhere), I left them at the hotel. So if you're planning to read on your tablets while you wait, I'd suggest bring a book as your tablets would not be allowed inside.
Got in, chose a B number, mine was 411. Went to the door on the right, waiting area was FILLED with people (no wonder it was quiet outside, everyone was inside already haha), and waited. Sat from 9am, got called about 1030am. Went to room on left, to counter 10. Saw that staff had my I130 file open, he went through the document checklist and asked for the documents needed. Was not asked for the extra evidence of bona fide relationship at all (i brought more), but was told to bring it in case I'd be asked for more evidence during the interview in the afternoon.
It was then I found out my AOS form was missing page 3, and it was a copy so the staff wouldn't accept it. Almost had a heart attack, but recovered and asked if I could give him the original form later when I come back in the afternoon. He said it'd fine and to just tell the staff taking my biometrics to pass it on to him. I figured I must've left it at the hotel or something.
Paid IV fee USD230, used my US Bank credit card. They accept credit card (local/foreign) as well as cash payment in RM. I think on the day it was RM759.
Left at about 11am. Walked back to hotel, called my husband to tell him about what happened, got AOS form squared away. Rested and walked back to the embassy at about 115pm.
Got there about 130pm, again went through security. Went to room on right, waited again. Not many people, nerve-wrecking sitting there as even though there's like a glass booth in front of the counters, you can still hear the interviews going on. Esp when the interviewer used the microphone.
I was called at around 2pm, got my biometrics done by a nice Chinese lady at counter 5. She confirmed my name and the visa I was applying for. Told her I needed to pass the AOS form to the guy I saw this morning, passed it to her and waited some more.
At around 415pm, when I thought I was going to DIE from boredom (my back was killing me, sitting for long periods of time is NOT comfortable for a pregnant lady!), I got called to counter 5. Once I got into the glass booth, the interviewer asked MANY questions, most revolve around the same topic but worded differently. AMong them that I can still remember:
how long have you been married for
how did you meet each other
have you met each others families
details about visits to see each other - husband's visits to Msia, my visits to the US
what was your wedding date
what is your husband's rank, where is he stationed
when was my last visit to the US
details about wedding - who attended, who chose color scheme, where it was held
I spoke about our life after we got married and what we've achieved together - mentioned we bought a house, moved to a new base, celebrated Thanksgiving, Xmas, birthdays together as a married couple
Then after a barrage of questions (he actually asked me a lot of questions, and I think I spoke a lot more than I should've but I was nervous and that usually happen when I'm nervous haha), he stopped asking and started typing on the computer. I just stood there, not knowing wat to do. His face was unreadable, the glass window was all dusty so I couldn't see his face very well and assess what he was feeling so I was a lil nervous.
I must mention the interviewer DID NOT ask for any of the extra relationship evidence I brought with me, he just looked though our I130 packet and asked questions based on what he saw in there.
Then he said "okay, I'm going to approve your visa."
I was overjoyed, and said," OH really, that's great, thanks so much!! Now I can go home!" He smiled and told me not to go yet, since his colleague would call me back to give me instructions on where to collect my visa the next day. He then cancelled my tourist visa which I got in 2008, congratulated me and told me to wait for further instructions.
The interview only took about 10-15 minutes but it felt longer to me! I got out of the glass booth very excited, and sat for a few minutes before being called by the guy at Counter 10. He congratulated me then gave me a piece of paper, that told me to get my passport at 2pm the next day at the embassy. Wisma MCA is no longer the place to go get the passport so DON'T go there.
At about 445pm, I walked out feeling rather overjoyed. Called my husband to let him know the results.
I went back to the embassy at 2pm the next day, got my passport, was out by 330pm. Packed my bags, left for the US on the 6th.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #12545