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| Switzerland |  Review on November 5, 2012: |
Isabel&Julio
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I went to Cuba to be with my fiance for his interview. On date of interview, Oct. 18, we arrived at the corner near Special Interest Section at 7 a.m. We waited about 15 minutes before names were called for the Cuban citizens to bring their carnet de identificación and receive their number in line. Julio was number 104. Then we stood in line, in number order, for over two hours. Finally, we arrived at the "gate" where the guards call out the Cuban's # and ask for U.S. Citizen's passport and sent us separately down the sidewalk to the gate into the building. We waited about 10 minutes at this gate, as they let each couple or family group in ahead of us. First we went to the Security Department, where Julio needed to leave his cell phone and I needed to take some of our photos out that were in envelopes and throw away the envelopes. I didn't have a bag, so nothing needed to be inspected. Then we went to the Department of Review/Revision of Documents. The lady who attended us was very nice, said we made a beautiful couple, and advised us not to show all our photos unless we were asked to (we had lots). We then went to a third department, with many windows with counters. They were labeled with letters. We were sent to the first window,"A", to pay our 240 CUC and receive a little laminated piece of paper that said, "7 Rojo", then to the second window for Julio to get his digital fingerprints taken, then we waited on some benches until they told us we could pass to the final building. This building had fewer windows, and each had a small glass wall blocking some of the view for privacy. Many rows of chairs faced the windows and this is where we waited for approximately one more hour. I remember it was cold from the A/C, so I'd advise taking a jacket or shawl. There were bathrooms WITH toilet paper (!), but no food, so take your own, as it could be a long wait. I was finally so cold I sat on Julio's lap, but a woman came over and told us (nicely) that we might break the chair. I thought that was funny, because the chair was quite sturdy and I weigh all of 120 lbs and Julio's not exactly heavy, either, but I know it was her polite way of telling us we shouldn't be showing such PDA (Public Display of Affection) in the waiting room. lol
Finally, "7 Rojo" was called. We both went to the window, but the woman there asked me to have a seat so she could talk to Julio first. He later told me he was asked how we met, if he knew my sons, if he knew where I lived (Minnesota) and what he'd do to survive the cold?! and what were the plans for our wedding. He was asked when he met my sons and how they felt about him, and if his parents and adult daughter would remain in Cuba. Also he was asked the year of his divorce.
When it was my turn, I was asked the same questions and she laughed that we'd both said simply "SMALL" when asked about our wedding plans. We've been through big weddings before...
The woman told us that we'd "passed" and Julio could receive the visa, but then she noticed that the medical results hadn't arrived yet, so she gave Julio a "pass" to enter the Special Interest Section to hand in the results as soon as they came.
Then we went to el Coppelia for ice cream and celebration!!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #10812