|
|
| Guangzhou, China |  Review on September 12, 2012: |
roseisrose
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
My interview was on September 5, 2012. On the document intake day, I went about an hour early before 12.30pm. The line was bearable. There were 2 security checks before going into the consulate office. After the final security check, there was a green shirt staff sitting at the hall way distributing numbers to people. When she saw I was a K1 applicant, she stopped me from going in and asked for my DS-156 and DS-157. She asked me to glue my pictures on the forms. She also asked me to fill in certain information in Chinese characters, but since I was a non-Chinese national, I can't write Chinese and politely told her so. Besides GZ IV unit said I could write everything in English. I proceeded to an empty seat and the long wait began. My number wasn't called till 3 hours later or so. The guy at the window who collected my documents was very pleasant and since I didn't know how to write and read Chinese, he was very concerned that I couldn't deal with the Chinese EMS airway bill receipt. He asked me a few questions and all went well on Day 1.
On the interview day, I only arrived at the building 30 minutes before the designated time (7.30am). On my appointment letter was a green dot sticker with a black line, so I was in the line that entered the consulate office at 7.30am. I figured once you have your number from the day before, there's no need to be in line early. Besides, the numbers are not called in order. From my observations, family with children (applying for investment visas) and elderly people were called first. I waited for more than 3.5 hours before being called for the interview. The interviewer was very pleasant and asked me 3 questions.
1. Where did you meet your petitioner?
2. How long have you known your petitioner?
3. Are you a member of the CCP? (this isn't a funny question, but the interviewer and I laughed a little because I am a non-Chinese national)
Received my white visa approval notice immediately after javascript:emoticon(' ')
The interviewer asked me to go to the lady at Counter 30 who handles questions, EMS delivery, and payments I think. Well, I wanted to know whether I could receive my passport and visa packet by that Friday or Saturday as I had work and also needed my passport as my travel document at the airport. She said that is possible so I gave my passport to the interview and skipped away happily with my white notice.
Well, I only received all my documents 5 working days (7 days in total) after the interview date. So I was stuck in Guangzhou and missed work for more than 10 days. I was in agony and frustration. To all future non-Chinese nationals who are applying for the K1 or other filings, be prepared for such delays and be patient. I wasn't exactly patient as I made my significant other suffered from my constant whining and worries. Remember - Patience is a virtue!!!!
| |
|
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #10379