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| Jamaica |  Review on October 15, 2012: |
SweetnessATX
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Friday, October 12, 2012
With much hope and excitement we set off for the embassy around 7:20 am. We had a pre-arranged driver who was dependable so there would be no problems. (message me if you would like a referral).
We arrived around 7:45 for our 8:00 appointment. At the drop off in front of the embassy there were Security and police and lines forming to enter. A young lady in a lime green shirt was checking papers and getting some to sit and some to the short line but most of us were directed in the main line. She viewed both of our passports, pink fee receipt, Interview Letter and took our papers (DS 156, 156K, 157) and stapled two photos to the form. We waited to be called (a few at a time) to the front door by Security and then went thru security – everything in the bins (no electronics, take off belts, etc.) and thru metal detectors, collect things and out back door to the courtyard. [Note: there are many folks outside that will watch your cell phone while you are inside for a fee but we knew ahead and left them with our driver.]
The embassy is absolutely beautiful and state of the art. On the left side of the courtyard is Non-Immigrant section (visitor visas for Jamaicans, etc.) and there are chairs lined up there and around the right side to used to stage the MANY people set to apply for those. To the right is a snack bar where the gracious lady sells coffee, cold drinks, chips, candy and even cup of noodle and a few premade sandwhiches. I was happy to have cold bokkle wata while I waited.
At the back is a HEAVY glass door for the Immigrant applicants. A Security guard is there to assist and guide you to the door. Thru the door is a counter to check in (I was allowed to this point then told to wait in the courtyard (shaded and they have a TV that played a movie!). He was given a number A130 and off he went to the interior room. One final smile of love and hope…….. [Note: to the right of this counter is the area for US Citizen business and also a REST ROOM is inside to the left….anyone waiting in the courtyard may use this restroom]
We already knew we would be getting a blue slip (more information required) due to the fact his passport was only valid thru end of Jan 2013 and the requirement is at least six months from the visa issuance. We had arrange for our driver to go on our behalf and pick up the expedited renewed passport ($7000JD for next day preparation) – we were required to send a letter giving permission for the driver to pick it up, my fiance’s ID and the receipt where he paid for processing the day before. We were told the passport would be ready by 11:30 am and it was.
We expected a long day but to my surprise, after staring at the doors and the clock. Out he came from the Non-Immigrant glass door smiling and carrying the blue slip at 11:00 (what? Only 3 hrs?). We had held our breathe knowing we were SUPER prepared and had great paperwork but anything can happen so we were on cloud nine that the only item was the passport which was on its way……
He said he was called up within the hour to surrender paper work (134, etc) and fingerprinted and Sworn Statement (hand raised). After waiting couple hours he then went to window. His officer was a white gentleman and was very nice and professional. He asked about: where we met, wedding plans, had he met my family, any travel outside JA, do we talk on the phone. They did not ask for any more documents or records. He said only about 10 minutes for this part. He said the Officer made a small joke and was completely respectful and genuinely gave him congratulations.
The blue slip said make a window appt. to bring the passport back. Thanks to the wonderful information on visajourney.com I knew to ask for a window appt. same day so we would not have to come back. The very nice young man (also lime green shirt) that was the checkin at the Non-Immigrant station took our blue slip back and arranged for a 1:30 pm appt. We thanked him and sat in the courtyard a minute to let it all sink in. We were APPROVED……in a matter of hours we will be finished with this LONG part of our journey to be together. We embraced and smiled at each other and the first thing I said was OMG! He did not know what that meant (ha) so I explained and he laughed. It was an amazing feeling and I wish it for anyone that is pursuing this dream.
We decided to wait outside for our driver to arrive and when he came and gave Mr. the renewed passport he went in to wait and attend the window interview, turn in his new passport, and GLEEFULLY pay DHL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He busted out the front doors with the biggest SMILE. We kissed and he got in and we just stared at each other in disbelief. Life had just changed for both of us forever.
I have to say the embassy is set up so well and runs efficiently. For some reason I was surprised at how comfortable everyone was made (lol). Please feel free to inquire if you have questions and best luck to anyone in process.
(updated on October 15, 2012)
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #10626