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| Ireland |  Review on December 19, 2012: |
AnnaLouise
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
What a relief to have that interview over with.
I arrived in Ballsbridge on the number 7 bus from Nassau street at 12pm. I was too early to start lining up so I took a walk around the area and tried in vain to find an internet cafe to check any last minute doubt I may have had about my paperwork. Mission failed, I grabbed a coffee and by 12.45 I was standing at the doors of the security checkpoint at the U.S. embassy.
I was invited to go through security check straight away with great ease. It was very busy in the embassy so I took my number and took a seat to wait in line.
First thing that was required was payment of the visa. Called up to the cashiers desk, I confirmed my name to a lady in the first booth and a very friendly man -in the next- took my payment of 240 dollars cash and I recieved a receipt and was asked to take a seat. About 20 minutes later, I was called up again to submit my paperwork. I submitted the following
-Police check
-Birth Certificate
-My DS 156 x2
-DS 156K
-I-134 Affadavit of Support with Pay Stubs and Tax Returns
-Passport
I will note that was unsure whether I needed to submit the tax returns and although it's not stated in stone that you have you- you should. The administrator acknowledge their inclusion enthuasiastically and complimented me on my organisation(which is all thank to visajourney!!).
The wait began for my interview. I had spotted the consulate who had interviewed me almost 2 years ago and I began to get nervous. He seemed to be really grilling people and if you weren't completely on the ball, he was sending you away. THANKFULLY, he disappeared after a while and those who were waiting in line assured me that the other consulate was far more friendly and put you at ease. I was waiting an hour and 20 mins for my interview which felt like an eternity. The numbers in the office started to dwindle and FINALLY it was my turn. The interview took five mins. I was asked 4 simple questions
-How long have we known eachother?
-When are we legally getting married?-
-What does my fiance do for employment?
- How did we meet?
The consulate was very friendly and did not intimidate me in the slightest. He took my finger print, told me to swear to tell the truth, checked all my documents and simply said that everything looked to be in order and that my packet was complete. He took my passport and stated that if there are were any issues that crept up they'd contact me but otherwise I was free to go. I did ask him if I was approved but I know that they can't confirm it until you recieve your passport. After jumping for joy and thanking him I left very happy.
Overall, it was a very positive experience. The waiting around in the office is stressful but I was among people who had been there 6 or 7 hours. Apparently, you wait around if they have to contact say your college to confirm details which was the case for a couple of people.
I would recommend that you utilise this website as much as possible when putting together your packet. It's a fantastic resource. Also make sure you have everything together and organised so you're given the administrators in the office less work on the day- which is always appreciated!
I wish anyone who reads this the best of luck in their visajourney and want to assure you that the hardest part is definitely over the minute you recieve your NOA2.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #11120