London Embassy K-1 interview review/report (30/10/18).

[DktrFaustus 38]

First, it’s a happy ending. I was approved and hope to be winging my way to Indiana by the middle of November. Yes, I’m now one of those converts to the “don’t worry about it” club, as it appears the majority of those who attend the London Embassy for their interviews join the same club after they’re done.

 

Coming down from Liverpool, I stayed in a cute little AirBnB in Wandsworth. The host was absolutely lovely, and it is a 15-minute walk from the Embassy. If anybody wants the details for their own trip I can send you my referral code. The night before I just tried to not worry myself and went off for a curry and a few pints.

 

The morning of the interview I pinged awake far earlier than I ever intended, but it felt inevitable that I would do that. After spending some time getting ready and checking my documents once again I headed off to the Embassy. My appointment was for 10:30am but I got there for 9am and decamped to the café in the nearby Waitrose for a toastie (cheese and ham on sourdough, lovely) and a cup of tea. You absolutely cannot miss the Embassy as it is HUGE and imposing, which is to be expected I suppose. The flag outside was at half-mast in respect to the murders committed at the synagogue in Pittsburgh a day or two earlier.

 

Once you hit the Embassy grounds it’s a simple matter of following the path and signage that skirts the moat (yes) that surrounds the building. In short order I came to a red tent type-of-thing manned by a guy that sounded exactly like Jay from The Inbetweeners. He asked for my DS-160 confirmation and passport. As I had arrived before 10am, I was asked to stand off to the side with a few other people and wait until the hour to be let in.

 

I went through security with no hassle (much quicker and less harried than an airport, but also less volume of course) and walked across the Embassy’s inner grounds toward the main building itself. I waited in a queue to have my DS-160 and passport looked at again, and my passport was slapped with a sticker telling me my appointment number and where to wait. I took the elevator to the first floor and found the windows I was to wait by (20 and 21). The Embassy didn’t seem busy that day, and I was only waiting for 20 minutes or so before my ticket was called.

 

Frankly, the two interviews and documentation exchanges couldn’t have been easier or more pleasant. The first person asked me for my passport, a photo, an original birth certificate, an original police certificate and the I-134. I also had my finger and thumb prints taken.

 

During this exchange, there was a security alert. A booming voice came over the PA system urging us to “DUCK AND COVER! STAY AWAY FROM THE WINDOWS!”. Well, I thought that was it really; I make it all the way to the Embassy only for ISIS to get me at the final hurdle. After ducking in my booth for about five minutes, calm resumed. It was a stray suitcase in a lobby somewhere. Still, it was quite an intense few minutes and quite nerve-wracking.

 

Turns out I had taken a LOT more documentation than I was ever asked for. I wasn’t even asked for the piece of paper you get on booking the interview that asks you to print it out to take with you (still take it though, obviously). I wasn’t asked for evidence of financial support, a letter from her employer, tax returns, pay slips, further relationship evidence or the evidence of my fiancee’s previous name change.

 

After he takes what he wants from me, I’m told to sit and wait in the same spot I was earlier and to wait for my second interview. I managed to meet with @chlosicles whose interviews were around the same time as me. I won’t speak for her as I think she will do her own review, but we chatted a little to pass the time and swapped meeting stories etc.

 

Not long after sitting down, I was called to a second window. I was met there by a woman who conducted an extremely simple and brief interview. I performed my oath, confirmed my fingerprints on her scanner and answered some easy questions.

 

How did we meet? When did we meet in person? What does she do for a living? She then remarked that I’ve been to the States a lot since we met, and that I was approved.

 

“What? Really?” I said, probably something she hears a few times a day. She nodded, smiled and then explained what the next stage was (delivery of visa and passport). Elated, I left her saying thank you and waited for @chlosicles to have her interview.

 

Shortly after I left the Embassy, phoned my parents and fiancée and…that was it. Went for lunch, few celebratory pints and then headed back North.

 

The next day I told my employer and colleagues about everything. I hadn’t mentioned it once to anybody. Although I’ve only worked there for a few months it’s a good job and I’ve formed some good friendships. My Directors couldn’t have been more pleased for me, so everything went super smoothly.

 

That’s yer lot. If anyone has any questions, I’ll happily answer as best I can.

Edited November 1, 2018 by DktrFaustus

[Wuozopo 4,293]

54 minutes ago, DktrFaustus said:

A booming voice came over the PA system urging us to “DUCK AND COVER! STAY AWAY FROM THE WINDOWS!”. Well, I thought that was it really; I make it all the way to the Embassy only for ISIS to get me at the final hurdle.

You're funny 😂 

Who knew you had such wit when you fretted for months about every single thing. 

Congratulations.

[CaptainAmerica 115]

Congratulations! This is a lovely write-up. Wishing you all the best in your final weeks living in the UK. They'll fly by! 

[theatregirl24 8]

Congrats on your approval!  

Did you happen to notice if there were any US citizens with their partners at the Embassy for their interview?  My fiancé has his interview scheduled for 10/12, I've already booked my flight over. I'd like to go with him for the interview. I know the Embassy will not allow anyone into the building without an appointment.  

[Wuozopo 4,293]

3 hours ago, theatregirl24 said:

Congrats on your approval!  

Did you happen to notice if there were any US citizens with their partners at the Embassy for their interview?  My fiancé has his interview scheduled for 10/12, I've already booked my flight over. I'd like to go with him for the interview. I know the Embassy will not allow anyone into the building without an appointment.  

 

My fiancé talked her way in and attended my interview but there is a form to request to be added to the list

 

I would like my U.S. citizen spouse/fiancee/child accompany me to my interview

Please provide the date of the appointment and the name of your U.S. citizen spouse or fiance(e) and arrangements will be made for them to be admitted to the Embassy.  They will be required to bring with them photo-id for presentation to Embassy personnel.  Children not applying for visas may accompany you also. If 12 or over, we will require their name and they will require photo-id. Please provide the required information through our contact form.

When completing the form,  please include your case number (e.g. LND2013XXXXXX). Failure to do so will delay our response.

Edited November 2, 2018 by Wuozopo