Help! Didn't receive Embassy contact - missed interview :(

[Blue & Q 0]

Hi All,

I've been using this site since we started our visa journey back in December 2014. Everything has gone smoothly so far - slowly, but smoothly - until yesterday when my world crumbled around me and I found out I'd missed my interview at the US embassy.

Here's my timeline:

• I submitted my notification of applicant readiness on 14th September. I put our intended wedding date as 1st January 2016.
• I had my medical on Friday 2nd October in Knightsbridge (which was not the scary experience I thought it would be - everyone there was really pleasant and friendly),
• I noted on the CEAC website the status of my case was adjusted on 8th October - when they received my medical details. (The CEAC website now says "Ready": Status Updated Date: 02-Nov-2015)

I knew it could be up to 6 weeks before I heard anything, but being impatient to be with my love (I know you all can relate...!) I called the US DoS number (001 202 485 7600) on 26th October to see if an appointment had been scheduled. The guy said it hadn't and I should just be patient and I'd hear from them when I had an appointment, and that could be up to 6 weeks after they received everything.

I called again last night - close to the 5 week mark *impatient*. The guy I spoke to said an interview had been scheduled but it had been on 2nd November. I checked to make sure he had the correct email address for me. I told him that I have never received any form of communication from the embassy - letter, email, phone call. Not even when I submitted my notification of readiness. He just said I'd need to contact the embassy and reschedule.

I have checked my junk mail right back to September 14th and there has never been anything from them.

I've now submitted the contact form on the embassy website after reading various similar threads on VJ, requesting to change my interview dates. The prospect of having to wait 5 days to even hear back is weighing my heart down. And of course I'm worried if I've never received an email in the first place, how do I know their emails are getting through? What if I miss the next appointment?

I've spoken to their switchboard a few times (mostly in tears ) and they are nice but really unhelpful and just tell me to use the contact form. The last girl I spoke to went the extra mile and gave me a physical address to write to, to explain the situation and request replies in a physical letter sent to my home address so I'll write to them today (if you guys think it's worth it).

My questions for you wise and helpful sages are:

1. Should I have received any communication from them - ie: when I submitted my notification of readiness?

2. What's their usual method of communication? Do they send physical letters or make phone calls to you?

3. Is there a better way to contact them and explain my concern - just a direct number/technical helpline I can speak to someone to explain that their emails or letters aren't getting through? I am worried that any further emails they send won't get through.

4. Should I send a physical letter to the address the girl on the switchboard gave me?

5. Any other suggestions at all to help me out and try to get this reprocessed quickly? How long do you think it will take from today to get a new interview, then get the visa?

I really appreciate your time and insight on this.

I am so, so, so gutted and have no idea what went wrong or how, all I know is I was never told I had an interview and now there's just more of this tireless waiting..

Thank you :/

Sophie. ("Blue")

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

My questions for you wise and helpful sages are:

1. Should I have received any communication from them - ie: when I submitted my notification of readiness?

2. What's their usual method of communication? Do they send physical letters or make phone calls to you?

3. Is there a better way to contact them and explain my concern - just a direct number/technical helpline I can speak to someone to explain that their emails or letters aren't getting through? I am worried that any further emails they send won't get through.

4. Should I send a physical letter to the address the girl on the switchboard gave me?

5. Any other suggestions at all to help me out and try to get this reprocessed quickly? How long do you think it will take from today to get a new interview, then get the visa?

1. No

2. A physical letter telling an appointment date.

3. No way to call and get anybody who can help. No helpline.

4. You can if you wish. The email should work and probably before 5 days.

5. Use the contact form. Don't rattle on about your dates or missed phone calls and email. Say the Dept of State told you on Nov. 9 that your interview was Nov 2, but you never received an interview letter so did not know to attend. Ask if they can please confirm that you missed your interview and if so, reschedule a new interview as soon as possible. Tell them you are devasted with worry and would be available on short notice if they could email you a date. While you wait to hear from the consulate, get your fiance to call NVC and see if they tell the same story.

NVC 603-334-0888

Hours: Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to midnight (EST)

Side note: I am really surprised you got information out of DOS, not once but twice. They quit answering questions from K1s over a year ago.

[Blue & Q 0]

Thank you so much for your response, I really appreciate it.

I'll get Q to call the NVC now, see if it's the same story.

The second guy at the DoS was great - his name was Dale. He recommended always trying to call in the morning (EST morning) to get help from the first shift workers.

Thanks!

Blue.