Scandinavians Part 2

[Scandi 4,166]

1 hour ago, EllenE1230 said:

Hey everyone.

 

I've read that you're supposed to show up for the interview in business attire. What exactly does that mean? Is it important or do I just show up in nice clothes and not necessarily business stuff? 

 

I've read you're supposed to be at the embassy an hour before your appointment. Is that nessecery? Also I've got an appointment at 8:30. Is that when I stand in front of the embassy or when I sit in the waiting room on the inside?

 

Maybe you know @Greenbaum?

 

Thanks in advance 

No special clothing, wear what you see fit and what you're comfortable in.

 

An hour before the appointment would be good, sometimes the wait times are really long before you even get to go through the security and into the embassy, but sometimes they're not. Sometimes you have to wait for a really long time inside the waiting room before someone calls your name (I sat for 2 hours myself), but sometimes your name is called immediately (the other K-1 person who was there at the same time as me was called up almost as soon as we got in). Impossible to tell how long things will take, so be there early just in case. You don't want to miss anything.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

4 hours ago, EllenE1230 said:

Hey everyone.

 

I've read that you're supposed to show up for the interview in business attire. What exactly does that mean? A nice skirt and blouse or dress is appropriate.  Is it important or do I just show up in nice clothes and not necessarily business stuff? Nice clothes are fine. First impressions go along way.

 

I've read you're supposed to be at the embassy an hour before your appointment. Is that necessary? No Also I've got an appointment at 8:30. Is that when I stand in front of the embassy or when I sit in the waiting room on the inside? You'll only need to arrive 15 to 30 min prior to your appointment time.

 

Maybe you know @Greenbaum?

 

Thanks in advance 

 

[Itsnikk 13]

On 8/1/2018 at 10:35 AM, EllenE1230 said:

Thank you for your answer!

 

I'm still confused about the second part though. Because in the email that was sent to me was a link which lead me to post specific instructions regarding arrival at the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm. And this is what it says:

Hi we got the same letter and I sent the original NOA2 to him in Sweden just in case that's what they were asking for did y'all hear anything back from the embassy in Stockholm yet?

[Itsnikk 13]

On 8/6/2018 at 8:26 AM, Paul & Mallory said:

So, Paul's case changed to "Ready to be Scheduled for Interview" the other day, about a week after his biometrics. Which was a nice surprise! Although it can still take a few months for the interview to actually BE scheduled, we hope this means no RFE (for now), so we'll take it. With that being said, and we are hoping for the EAD, at least, around November or December (based on the ever-changing estimate VJ gives you), he's started looking around at job prospects so he can be ready to start applying and potentially interviewing for things.

 

Just curious, for other Swedes/Scandinavians, how the job hunt was for you when the time came. Paul's background is cooking - that's what he went to school for and what his entire work history is based on. Did you basically translate your existing resume to English/American format and include all Swedish education/work history? Was there anything in particular that stuck out as a benefit, being bilingual or anything at all?

 

We jokingly talked about him working at Ikea here, but then actually considered it a good option lol. Not just because it's Swedish, but it's around the corner from where I work (so carpooling could happen, until he is able to get a car), and I think he'd knock it out of the park working in their restaurant, if they had any openings. So now he's kind of into the idea, but I don't think he'll have too much of a problem getting in with the food industry no matter what.

 

His only concern is not having a full degree, like at a university, since he just did culinary certification/schooling. I don't think that will be a big deal - his work experience is super sufficient, which I think holds enough weight itself. Of course, I'm thinking as an American applying for jobs, and not considering any differences for non-Americans.

Hey girl!I work in the culinary industry here too. To be honest I wouldn't be so concerned with him finding a job in a kitchen. They don't really ask for much study wise,  they're more concerned about experience which it sounds like he has plenty.  So no worries for him! I'm super positive he'll be able to find a job easily

[Paul & Mallory 1,398]

On ‎8‎/‎14‎/‎2018 at 1:04 AM, EllenE1230 said:

Hey everyone.

 

I've read that you're supposed to show up for the interview in business attire. What exactly does that mean? Is it important or do I just show up in nice clothes and not necessarily business stuff? 

 

I've read you're supposed to be at the embassy an hour before your appointment. Is that nessecery? Also I've got an appointment at 8:30. Is that when I stand in front of the embassy or when I sit in the waiting room on the inside?

 

Maybe you know @Greenbaum?

 

Thanks in advance 

I wouldn't say business attire is necessary, but I know my husband was considerate of looking nice. Not dressed up in work or church clothes - I think he wore jeans, but a nice button up shirt and shoes. In my opinion, you still want to look presentable because it is an important interview.

 

It's best to be early. My husband's appointment was for 8:30, and I believe doors open at 8am. We got there at 7:30 and were first in line, which is what he wanted. Don't think getting there closer to 8 would have been a huge deal, but I think it made him feel better to be super early and first in line.

 

Good luck!!!

 

[Paul & Mallory 1,398]

46 minutes ago, Itsnikk said:

Hey girl!I work in the culinary industry here too. To be honest I wouldn't be so concerned with him finding a job in a kitchen. They don't really ask for much study wise,  they're more concerned about experience which it sounds like he has plenty.  So no worries for him! I'm super positive he'll be able to find a job easily

Thank you!! I appreciate the response, particularly since you are in the similar field  I'm not too worried either, but I know it weighs on him more than me since it's him not working.

 

He's actually been scheduled for his interview as of Saturday! We don't know the date yet (haven't gotten the letter in the mail yet), but it definitely makes it feel super real!!

[EllenE1230 22]

1 hour ago, Itsnikk said:

Hi we got the same letter and I sent the original NOA2 to him in Sweden just in case that's what they were asking for did y'all hear anything back from the embassy in Stockholm yet?

I haven't heard anything back from them yet, but I did ask someone else about the appointment letter and she said it was something I received through e-mail when making an appointment online (which I did, so I just printed that). She also said to bring NOA1 and 2 with just in case though when she was  there they didn't ask for it. So I'm just bringing copies to be safe. 

[EllenE1230 22]

Hey everyone. If there's anyone out there who's still waiting on the interview and possibly looking for a hotel to stay the night I can really recommend the hotel just down of the road from the embassy. It's a 5 min walk away, beautiful view, great rooms, excellent service and the menu in the restaurant might be small but there's something for everyone (especially if you like seafood) 

[JennaL 151]

37 minutes ago, EllenE1230 said:

Hey everyone. If there's anyone out there who's still waiting on the interview and possibly looking for a hotel to stay the night I can really recommend the hotel just down of the road from the embassy. It's a 5 min walk away, beautiful view, great rooms, excellent service and the menu in the restaurant might be small but there's something for everyone (especially if you like seafood) 

@EllenE1230, my fiancé will have his interview on September 20. He'll be flying in the night before from Oslo - we'd appreciate the hotel info you have!

[EllenE1230 22]

2 minutes ago, JennaL said:

@EllenE1230, my fiancé will have his interview on September 20. He'll be flying in the night before from Oslo - we'd appreciate the hotel info you have!

That's awesome! I hope it goes well

I was just there earlier today. It costs a bit more compared to the other hotels in the area but you aren't paying for something you're not getting. Plus I really appreciated that there was absolutely no stress about finding the embassy or getting there on time. 

And if your fiancé feels like it, there's a 10-15 min walk to some beautiful areas and buildings in the city. 

[JennaL 151]

17 minutes ago, EllenE1230 said:

That's awesome! I hope it goes well

I was just there earlier today. It costs a bit more compared to the other hotels in the area but you aren't paying for something you're not getting. Plus I really appreciated that there was absolutely no stress about finding the embassy or getting there on time. 

And if your fiancé feels like it, there's a 10-15 min walk to some beautiful areas and buildings in the city. 

Great! What is the name of the hotel you stayed at? I hope your interview was successful  

[EllenE1230 22]

10 minutes ago, JennaL said:

Great! What is the name of the hotel you stayed at? I hope your interview was successful  

It's called Villa Källhagen, Djurgårdsbrunnsvägen 10

It went alright. My medical exam results hadn't arrived yet though. But hopefully I'll hear back from them soon enough. 

 

Maybe someone has any experience with that, who could help?

[Paul & Mallory 1,398]

We stayed at the Radisson Blu Hotel during my husband's interview - it isn't walking distance from the Embassy, it was about a 10-15 minute cab ride. We chose it because it is right next to the train station, and we had to take the train from Gothenburg and preferred to be closer to it so we didn't have to lug our bags around. We also stayed a couple of days, while we were there, and liked that area because there was a lot in walking distance, like restaurants and such. If anyone needs a hotel close to the station, I would recommend that one. They were incredibly nice and welcoming (especially to me, the non-fluent Swedish speaker ) and the room was very nice.

 

For the interview - the same thing happened to my husband, as far as his medical papers having not arrived yet. If they went ahead and took your passport, and that is all they are waiting on, you will most likely get your passport with your visa inside in the mail in about a week, week and a half.

[EllenE1230 22]

40 minutes ago, Paul & Mallory said:

We stayed at the Radisson Blu Hotel during my husband's interview - it isn't walking distance from the Embassy, it was about a 10-15 minute cab ride. We chose it because it is right next to the train station, and we had to take the train from Gothenburg and preferred to be closer to it so we didn't have to lug our bags around. We also stayed a couple of days, while we were there, and liked that area because there was a lot in walking distance, like restaurants and such. If anyone needs a hotel close to the station, I would recommend that one. They were incredibly nice and welcoming (especially to me, the non-fluent Swedish speaker ) and the room was very nice.

 

For the interview - the same thing happened to my husband, as far as his medical papers having not arrived yet. If they went ahead and took your passport, and that is all they are waiting on, you will most likely get your passport with your visa inside in the mail in about a week, week and a half.

They did take my passport! Now I can be even more excited! 

According to the medical office they sent the papers Tuesday this week. I'm hoping to hear something next week 😄

Though isn't the CEAC website supposed to change from "Ready" to something else now that I've been to the interview? I can see my case has been updated yesterday but nothing has changed?

[Paul & Mallory 1,398]

7 minutes ago, EllenE1230 said:

They did take my passport! Now I can be even more excited! 

According to the medical office they sent the papers Tuesday this week. I'm hoping to hear something next week 😄

Though isn't the CEAC website supposed to change from "Ready" to something else now that I've been to the interview? I can see my case has been updated yesterday but nothing has changed?

It won't change until they issue the visa, then it will say "Issued". It MAY change to AP/Administrative Processing, but they probably won't update it until they get what they still need (your medical papers).

 

If they sent the papers last Tuesday, they should have them now, or any day now. Since it's Friday today, I'd guess early next week for an update, unless they are slower than usual for some reason now than they were a few months ago. My husband's physical was on 2/15, his interview on 2/22, and he got his passport/visa the following Monday, I think that was March 5.