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| New Delhi, India |  Review on October 3, 2012: |
anant
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Our overall experience was exceptional. My fiance was under the weather that day and we were worried that we might have to reschedule, but the entire staff was very courteous and helped us beyond what I had expected.
We reached the embassy an hour before the interview; our interview was for 8:15 am . As expected it was like a fair in front of the embassy. No queues whatsoever, people who were scheduled for later interviews were also standing in the line. My Fiance and I both reviewed our paper work while we waited for time slot. Luckily it was overcast and had drizzled so the temperature was tolerable. Don't expect any sitting arrangements or amenities such water or washrooms outside the embassy. You would have to wait until you reach inside the embassy if you have to relive yourself! Although you can buy water outside but its best to bring your own water if you can.
We took our personal cab to the embassy which was a bad idea since there isn't any parking available. The driver had to circle the area in order to stay within reach if needed him. I would advise take the local cab so they can drop you and then you wouldn't have to worry about it.
At 8:15 they called for the appointees and we lined up to for security check. We had already left both our cellphones so that was a breeze. Upon entering the premises we were issued a token and then asked to move to the main building. In the main building we were directed to the second lobby and were asked to have a seat. We were waiting for my Fiance's fingerprints. We waited for about 20~30 min before we were called.
All this time my fiance was not feeling well and had to use the washrooms number of times. After the fingerprints were finished we again sat on the seats for our pre-interview meeting. It was during this time that my fiance's health deteriorated immensely. She could not stay seated and had to lie down. One of the ushers noticed this and she really obliged us and expedited our case. Our token number was J26 but she put us after J11. Even though we were put ahead of the line it still took us more than 40 minutes after the fingerprints. Had we waited it would've been upwards of 90 minutes.
The screener took our appointment letter and retrieved the file that my fiance had submitted with VFS. At this time he had her sign DS-230 and directed us to another window where we had to pay the fee. We ran into a hitch here as the demand draft that my fiance had gotten from a bank was not printed clearly. The date on the draft was not clear and he advised that we either make cash payment or come back with a new draft. Luckily that morning I kept some cash just in case. So my advise would be to carry some cash even if you have a demand draft.
After making the payment we went back to the earlier window and notified that we have paid the fee. Again we were asked to have a seat. All this time my fiance was in great discomfort and was going to the washroom time and again.
The usher who had helped us earlier came to our rescue again and asked the interviewer to accommodate us. Finally, around 11 am we were called for the interview. It was a white male who was very understanding and comforted my fiance to calm her down. He told my fiance that she may take as much time she wants to answer the question and if she doesn't understand then ask him to repeat the question. He even let me stand next to her while he questioned her.
First he asked her to take an oath by raising her right hand and then asked her how long have we known each other, how we meet, where your fiancee lives, what does he do, what you intend to do when you reach united states. While he was asking the question he was taking notes and at the end of it he handed her a welcome brochure and congratulated her on the approval.
Overall our experience was exceptional since the entire staff was very helpful and courteous.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #10542