|
|
| Vancouver, Canada |  Review on November 18, 2006: |
Carlawarla
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I went by the Consulate last night, to see where I'd have to go. Got there about 9:45 a.m. today, for my 10:00 a.m. interview. The line up was incredible. But of course, I went to the head of the line, to give the security guard my Consulate interview letter. He ushered me inside. It's much like airport security. Take off your coat, empty your pockets, belt if you have one...then walk through a security screen booth. The guard was friendly, and said it's smooth sailing now, that this is the "easy part". ha
Was told to go upstairs, where a lady ushered me into an elevator and up to the 20th floor. Again, same security situation there. After passing through the security booth, I was given a K-1 visa document sheet, and told while I was waiting to put the following forms in this order for my interviewer.
I was ushered to the K visa interview area, which is really only 4 chairs (ripped vinyl) in front of teller like windows numbered 1-5 with just barely squeezing room in between. There was one lady at the counter, and another lady sitting beside me.
I organized my papers in the order stated. I waited while the other two ladies were taken care of. One didn't have all the papers? The other lady, they told her, her name/case was being "checked", and they didn't know how long that would take, and they'd contact her. Yikes...looked to me like they weren't giving out visa's today??
Then my name was called. I gave all the information to a lady, who thanked me for filling out the DS-156 on-line like I was asked to. She affixed my picture to the form, and gave it back to me with a paper with the visa fee on it, and directed me to the cashier.
Going to the cashier was an experience. I mentioned earlier about the line up's outside? Gosh, there must have been 100 people out there. Inside it was wall to wall people. People sitting, waiting, babies crying. I had to walk the gauntlet to the cashier's office. My application was marked "paid" and I was given a receipt.
Back through the gauntlet to the K visa wickets. (K visa waiting area is adjacent to the other area where all the other people are). By this time, the lady was waiting for me, returned the x-ray to me, a couple of duplicate papers I had given her, and took the "paid" application with her. I waited about 15 minutes and then a man called my name and asked for my forefinger fingerprints.
About another 10 minutes later, a man came and called my name, and while looking at my papers asked me how Gene and I had met. He seemed very interested, but in a nice conversationalist way. He asked me when I was planning to move to St. Louis, and I said ..mid to late January, and he said, oh, well, you'll be kind of rushed then, because you have to get married and use this visa in 3 months.
I said huh??? (Well, I didn't say the word huh??) I just LOOKED like I was saying huh. hehe I said, I'm SURE it's for 6 months, the visa. One entry,90 days after I enter I have to be married....he said, hmmm. I don't think so. My heart by this time was pounding. I mean I'm thinking wtf??? Have the changed the process and I didn't know about it???
He said he'd go check. I felt kind of dizzy at that point. He came back and said, when were you planning to get married? I said, the 7th of April? He said, well, you're right, it IS for six months. Just remember you have to get married before 90 days after you enter. Phewwwwwwwwwwww
He said, just let me see what time you should come back and get the visa this afternoon....when the other lady comes up and said...if you don't mind waiting, I'll do your visa up right now, and you don't have to come back. WOW!! how nice eh? So of course I said yes. With tears streaming down my face too btw.
So I waited about 15 min. and then I was called to the window again, and given my passport back with the visa inside. Oh, it looked so wonderful! I was then given the envelope I'm not supposed to open, and then the lady went on telling me about ajustment of status, advanced parole....I was just nodding at this point, don't know how much I was really hearing either. Then she said, good luck!
I should mention, they requested no additional information at all from me. I came armed with bills, hotel receipts, itineraries, boarding passes, telephone bills, engagement ring receipt, cards, letters, correspondence, and pictures of us together, with familes etc. They asked for nothing. Although I should mention we sent in some of these things with our initial package.
I followed the exit signs out to the street and rushed back to the hotel to phone Gene where he was anxiously awaiting my phone call. I was shaking so bad, I had to dial the number several times before I got it right!
We're so relieved and happy that this day has finally arrived. Our journey began 3 years ago, when we met for the first time in person after chatting for 18 months. My kindred spirit and I will finally be man and wife on April 7, 2007.
Hope any or all of this information is of benefit to others going through this journey,particularly those of you waiting for your interview in Vancouver!
| |
|
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #1034