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| Frankfurt, Germany |  Review on September 22, 2012: |
walsga
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
My appointment was at 9am. We live only an hour away from the Consular, got there at 8.45am with my 3 yr old. We joined the immigrant visa (right) line, handed over our passports with the packet 4 and was given a ticket number. Went through security. I was initially worried as we had come armed with pack lunches..sandwiches, chocolate penguin, juices, oranges, the whole nine lol!!! But was told it wasn't a problem, I think they were more concerned about any electronics.
Once inside, the Info Desk Personnel asked me for my ticket, I was told to sit and wait for my number to be called on the far left side of the room. Five minutes later, was called to window 23 where a lady collected my passport. An hour later, we were called to window 21, where a Consular Personnel gave me a receipt back for my DHL label, went through all the info on Part I of the DS-230 form to ensure they were correct, then he explained the POE process (the brown envelope that is sent back along with my passport should be handed to Border Control, don't open it yourself...it's nothing interesting just a couple of forms etc). I was informed to now wait for an interview with a Consular Officer either at window 16 or 17. There are only 2 immigration officers dealing with immigrant visas, both male.
An hour, and some thirty minutes later, I was called to window 17. The Officer asked me "How are you?", I said nervous lol. He said I shouldn't be :-). He made polite conversations asking about what I do, how long have I been in Germany, and if I liked my job etc..while he was checking my records on computer. He then went through my documents page by page, handing back the originals as he went through. I was asked to clarify each document as he went through them, where were the pictures taken etc. Then I was asked - From what year was I married to my ex-husband, How did I meet my fiance, Does our daughter already have US Citizenship, Why did we choose the K1 route rather than getting married in Germany (to us the K1 was a faster option, less time spent apart as a family). Some 5 yrs ago, I did something stupid, and have a misdemeanor charge in the US. I was asked to explain what happened. He said this was the only issue they had regarding my application, and that as I was only charged and not convicted, that it was fine and I was approved. I was just relieved, this was the only issue that had me concerned throughout the process.
Overall, everyone was so nice, extremely professional and the Consular Officer really made me feel at ease. Reading some stories on here, I was afraid he might be condescending or harsh with me during the interview but he was great and we laughed at certain things throughout the interview. I was out of the Consular by 12am and I was one of the last two cases left. I have been informed my passport will be returned by next Friday (7days later). Really happy this process is over after 7 months of stress, and sleepless nights.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #10472