LND Review - CR1 Visa

[civilservant 42]

Scheduled Interview Time: 9.30, June 12th 2013

Arrived at the Embassy at 7.30 on the button, having left my electronics and rucksack with the hotel I stayed in the night before (Wigmore Court Hotel – good value for money by the way) and there were probably about 20 people already queued. After having my letter checked and passport verified heading through a small hut where airport style security (think luggage scans and a metal detector) is in effect. Apparently watches also need to be scanned, didn’t know that previously.

Directed around to reception, where I was given the number I-902. Only the second Immigrant applicant of the day, which I would suggest allowed for very speedy service. Was sat down in chairs waiting by 7.40, it is clear that they do not begin to see people until 8am – although the small area for snacks is already open and receiving customers.

As the numbers begin to be called, most are N numbers for the first five minutes, then I-901 is called and shortly I am called too, around 8.06. The I-visa booths are not on front next to the waiting chairs, you have to round a corner to a more private area. Met with a young-ish British man who proceeded to go through my Civil Documents cue a heart attack –

- As you may know, after my medical I needed to do have a follow up with the GP. The man asked me if I had had my medical yet, because the results were not in the package and there was nothing on the computer to say they had been received. My heart sank; I thought I wouldn’t be getting the visa today. He went away, and was gone about 10 minutes….

….. Luckily all was well, because I had had my medical in advance of the package being received, it went into a separate draw and the two had just not been married up. Phew! I don’t mind telling you that in that moment I was more than a little concerned! Everything was fine with documents however, and he didn’t even ask for the original tax returns (which I have read they have with others) I had my X-Ray CD returned to me to take upon entry and soon I was back in the chairs with the pink form to fill out for DX secure delivery.

This was about 8.25.

Before I knew it my number was being called again at 8.40. I hadn’t even had a chance to pick up the book I had brought with me to read. Soon I was in front of a young African-American who explained that she would ask some questions etc. while rifling through my paperwork. It was more formal than I have read or others, it did seem more like I was being asked to prove something rather than it being conversational.

Questions asked:

- How did you meet, and where did you meet in person for the first time?
- Explain how your relationship progressed from that initial meeting.
- Describe your wedding ceremony
- Who was there
- Was is your relationship to the Joint Sponsor
- Does your wife have any siblings
- Names and how old are they, where is your wife in the line up?

The last question I actually got wrong! I said she was the middle one, before correcting myself that she was the oldest of the three. I think the Officer understood that it was a genuine mistake, since she said in a joking way that she wouldn’t tell my wife on got it wrong…

And then came the words….. “I’ll be approving this visa, and you are free to travel to the US as soon as you have your passport back from the courier”

I thanked her for her time and for making things so painless, before going to the DX counter to pay for delivery…. I was in and out inside an hour! I am now sat in McDonalds taking advantage of the free WiFi as my train back to Somerset is not until 4pm.

Flight booked for August 21st, US here we come!

[Darnell 8,479]

Thanks for the write up !

What color was yer rucksack ?

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

My interview was on the 10th at 9.30am & your experience sounds very similar to mine lol... My number was I901 and got called a few minutes after 8am. Was quick and painless. Out of the Embassy by 8.50am...

Enjoy your burger and have a safe trip home!!

[civilservant 42]

Thanks for the write up !

What color was yer rucksack ?

Random question

Blue & Red

[claire and joe 2]

Thanks for sharing this ... Ive got mine on the 12th July ..... I shall be a nervous wreck by then so its good to have an idea on what to expect ....

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

Thanks for sharing this ... Ive got mine on the 12th July ..... I shall be a nervous wreck by then so its good to have an idea on what to expect ....

I was a nervous wreck too, but it really wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. If you've sent in all the required documentation and are well prepared on the day then you shouldn't have any problems.

Good Luck for the 12th July....Only a month to go!!

[civilservant 42]

I agree with Naddy, be confident, make eye contact with the interviewer and you'll be fine.

It was really warm in there, and I was sweating as a result, I was worried it'd be taken as a sign of lying but luckily not. I think when I dived into the answers with truck-loads of detail I think she knew it was for real

[Naddy&Mikey 2]

I agree with Naddy, be confident, make eye contact with the interviewer and you'll be fine.

It was really warm in there, and I was sweating as a result, I was worried it'd be taken as a sign of lying but luckily not. I think when I dived into the answers with truck-loads of detail I think she knew it was for real

So glad to hear that your experience of the interview was a positive one. Although when I went on Monday is was rather chilly outside so was glad to get in the warm....

I do think it's only natural to be concerned about the 'interview' especially when one has been waiting so long to get to this point.

I saw the interview as more on a chit chat than an interrogation which was just so great because I was already a bag of nerves. So to anybody that has one coming up, just be honest, open and yourself and it will be fine.