Interview 4th Nov - Q's

[Nilet699 4]

Somehow, I've managed to secure a super fast interview - sorry! - regarding medical condition with pregnant American fiancée and have luckily been given the Nov 4th interview date at 0900. Only got the date today via her calling DoS this morning after seeing CEAC update, so I've gone from plenty of time to a bit of a rush!

My questions regarding this deal with travel. I live in sunny Blackpool and its around 3 hours on virgin's speedy train to get there....Now I have 2 options;

Do i go Sunday and book a hotel nearby? If so does anyone know of any reasonably priced ones that have wifi?

Or do i get the 0530 train from Preston to Euston, gets me there at 0757, jump in a taxi and go straight to the embassy?

What time should I arrive at the embassy I suppose would be the deciding factor? Sure I've read somewhere you can't go in till an hour before, if so, do i still need to be there at 0700/0800 etc? Any help regarding this would as always be greatly appreciated!

[JoannaV 174]

Assuming the train would actually arrive at 0757, sounds like you could get there in time for your interview. BUT a lot of people will have got there before you, so you will not be first in the queue. It's basically first come first served, with a lot of people having 9am appointments So if you choose to travel in the morning then bring a book!

[lost_at_sea 995]

If you're planning to go straight to the embassy from the train, remember that you can't take *any* electronics with you into the embassy. So, you'll need to do a quick stop off at Gould's Pharmacy (right near the embassy, lets you leave electronics for a small fee) if you have a mobile phone or anything on you.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

It doesn't matter when your appointment time is--it's first in line, first served. So even if you aren't in the door by 9:00, you aren't considered "late" and they send you away. They just take everybody in the order they got in the door.

They open the security outside around 7:30 to begin letting the line in. The interview windows open at 8:00.

It's really your choice.

Here's a map marked with three hotels people have used. http://www.click2map.com/maps/nichnick/Embassy_London

[Avery Cates 1,141]

I also heard they don't let you in earlier than a half hour before your appointment, is that still correct?

[Nilet699 4]

Ok, I took the advice and booked a hotel, http://www.thezhotels.com/victoria/z-queen-victoria , 1.3 miles away, and nice late rate of £84 for the night. Can't complain when my 0630 walk will take me past Hyde park and Buckingham palace gardens on the way to the embassy. Free wifi, sky and a queen bed too, so I'm happy!

Did check out all the ones supplied thank you, just thought the above was a better option for the same price.

Think i was kidding myself that getting a train and chancing it on the day was a good idea!!! Especially with all the weather problems etc this week, worst comes to worst, i can always bully my dad to drive me Sunday etc. He'd love that! ha!

[jola83 19]

I also heard they don't let you in earlier than a half hour before your appointment, is that still correct?

No from what I've can work out even if your interview wasn't till 11am and you were first in line at 7.30am they would let you in

Congratulations on your interview date ,glad they manage to sort something out for you to get back to your pregnant fiance quicker

Edited October 29, 2013 by jola83

[kdg 24]

The interview letter does say you won't be let in more than 30 minuets before your interview not sure if that holds true but they do ask you your interview time when you get to the first check point and check you on their list.

I stayed at a travel lodge in vauxhall which was a couple of tube stops from bond street then a short walk to the embassy - £78 for a double room.

[nobbie 105]

I got there at 07:30 for 8:30 appt and had no issues with being early. People were already there so if I were you I would get there by 07:30 and get it over with asap. The worst thing that can happen is you go and have a cuppa and wait but I dont think that will happen.

[rjm_cmyk 75]

I got there at 07:30 for 8:30 appt and had no issues with being early. People were already there so if I were you I would get there by 07:30 and get it over with asap. The worst thing that can happen is you go and have a cuppa and wait but I dont think that will happen.

Well as the first appoints are 08:30 logic would suggest they would have to let you in if they are processing people out front ! Turning up at 7:30 for a let's say a midday appointment offends my British obsession with the etiquette of queuing

But hey I'm turning more into Victor Meldrew as each days passes

[Avery Cates 1,141]

She had the interview yesterday. They do seem to be a little loosey goosey with the "won't be let in 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment thing. They let her in about an hour before.

I think they say that on paper to keep everyone from showing up first thing in the morning for like 2:00 appointments with hopes to be done earlier.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

They used to do formal queues with barricades. Three lines (according to appointment time) and would announce when you could form the 8:00, 8:30, or 9:00 line. Then when the 8:00's got in, they would announce when the 9:30's could replace that line. I think the times were posted at the queues too. It was something like that, and what we were expecting based on VJ reviews. When we arrived (July 2008) the barricaded lines were no more so the change was earlier that summer. That was also the summer they quit having their own security check place to keep items not allowed inside. It took longer to process entering and exiting to store then collect your items. So they stopped doing that and Gould's figured out a need and started their service. Their letter probably retains that wording from when indeed you couldn't queue earlier than 30 minutes. And also to discourage early arrivals.

[Nilet699 4]

Urgh, well i dont know going off this and the rest of info then. My interviews at 0900 though, and i will be stood outside the embassy at around 0715. Guess we'll see what happens! Hopefully it wont be raining and more so that I get to go in ASAP!

I also do NOT have my letter of confirmation of interview from them, but i do have an email from my inquiries into a speedy interview;

Thank you for your inquiry.



Embassy records show that the appointment for your visa interview is scheduled for November 4 at 9am. Written notification of the date and time of the interview was sent to you on October 28. Please note: The address and location of the Embassy is available here.



Electronic devices such as mobile phones, Blackberries, iPods, iPads, notebook computers, PDAs, headsets, remote-entry automobile key "fobs" or anything with a power plug or battery are not allowed within the Embassy grounds. Large bags, such as backpacks, suitcases or packages are also not allowed within the Embassy grounds. Please click here for a list of left luggage storage facilities.



Sincerely,

Consular Information Unit
U.S. Embassy, London
CONS/CIU/BW

So ill just be taking that instead, printed straight from my email account

Edited November 2, 2013 by Nilet699

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Urgh, well i dont know going off this and the rest of info then. My interviews at 0900 though, and i will be stood outside the embassy at around 0715. Guess we'll see what happens! Hopefully it wont be raining and more so that I get to go in ASAP!

Do you think you will be the first person in 5+ years turned away from the queue for being too early?

The line starts getting in at 7:30. First person called to the document windows at 8:00.

I don't understand why those arriving at 6:30 am don't count that time outside as wait time. They count 8:00-9:00 and say it only took an hour. No it took from 6:30-9:00....two and a half hours.

[Nilet699 4]

Thank you all

Interview on monday went swimmingly even with a caution and warning on my police report which i was super scared about!

NOW..... changed today to ISSUED...eek, haha, but i cant remember where i have to go to pay this final ''entry fee'' or whatever it is.

Can someone possibly drop me the link please?