How large is a large bag?

[Joanne and Adam 15]

I was just reading through the security proceedures for the interview at the Embassy in London, and it states:

Large bags, such as backpacks, suitcases or packages are not allowed within the Embassy grounds. Please see this PDF file for a list of Left Luggage storage facilities (PDF - 36kb).

So how large is a "large bag", exactly?
I have folders that I want to take with me that wont fit into my usual handbag... I have a bigger bag which is also a handbag, a similar size to your average carrier bag but would that be regarded as a large bag? How do you get all your folders and evidence in without containing it in a large bag? Should I take a see-through bag so that they can see what I'm carrying?

And no mobile phones either? If you've had your interview at the London Embassy, please tell me your experience and what you were carrying with you at the time.

[LeftCoastLady 441]

Plan on storing all electronics and bags at Gould's Pharmacy (for a fee) as they won't be allowed in. My now-husband used a plastic accordion file to carry in his documents. Also be sure to read the embassy reviews section on VJ for UK K-1 experiences. If you're planning on bringing a ton of documents with you, it's likely too much.

Edited May 26, 2013 by LeftCoastLady

[Joanne and Adam 15]

Oh! That's such a good idea! I actually have one of those folders I can't believe I forgot about that, thanks for reminding me!

It's really the evidence of our relationship that I'm bringing loads of... You're probably right though.. I doubt they need to see every little detail...

Plan on storing all electronics and bags at Gould's Pharmacy (for a fee) as they won't be allowed in. My now-husband used a plastic accordion file to carry in his documents. Also be sure to read the embassy reviews section on VJ for UK K-1 experiences. If you're planning on bringing a ton of documents with you, it's likely too much.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Oh! That's such a good idea! I actually have one of those folders I can't believe I forgot about that, thanks for reminding me!

It's really the evidence of our relationship that I'm bringing loads of... You're probably right though.. I doubt they need to see every little detail...

We used the same type folder. It keeps things from flying about. I went in with my fiancé. My handbag was probably12x14x4 in size. Nothing has to be clear. It all rides through the x-ray machine like at the airport.

No phones, car keys with the chip thingy inside, iPods, thumb drives, headphones...to name a few I have read people say that got rejected. Watches and lighters were passing through the machine from dumped pockets. They handed out small plastic bags for that when we were there. They told me to put my watch in my handbag to go through the machine.

You don't have to bring bunches of evidence of your relationship, your NOA2, your petition, photo albums. London doesn't want anything but what is posted on their list plus your appointment letter and payment receipt.

[Joanne and Adam 15]

Awesome thank you. I will have a read of their list again and make sure I have everything they ask for.

I've heard people say the interview is only 2 minutes, is that true? If that's the case I probably won't have time to show them everything

We used the same type folder. It keeps things from flying about. I went in with my fiancé. My handbag was probably12x14x4 in size. Nothing has to be clear. It all rides through the x-ray machine like at the airport.

No phones, car keys with the chip thingy inside, iPods, thumb drives, headphones...to name a few I have read people say that got rejected. Watches and lighters were passing through the machine from dumped pockets. They handed out small plastic bags for that when we were there. They told me to put my watch in my handbag to go through the machine.

You don't have to bring bunches of evidence of your relationship, your NOA2, your petition, photo albums. London doesn't want anything but what is posted on their list plus your appointment letter and payment receipt.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Awesome thank you. I will have a read of their list again and make sure I have everything they ask for.

I've heard people say the interview is only 2 minutes, is that true? If that's the case I probably won't have time to show them everything

Your time at the Interview window is pretty short, but more than two minutes. Fingerprint scan, take oath, sign form, answer a few easy questions.

Read the K1 reviews from London. http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=United+Kingdom&cty=&dfilter=5

Watch the video "Attending a Non-immigrant Visa Interview" found on this embassy page http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/youtube2.html. It's exactly what you will do, except the questions will be about your fiancé, not visiting or studying in the US. Notice the people in line and what size bags they take in.

[TBoneTX 45,328]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to Embassy/Consulate forum -- topic involves mechanics during a consular visit. ***