|
|
| Caracas, Venezuela |  Review on October 10, 2013: |
Yve & Mike
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
The process at the consulate went very smoothly. We arrived a little later than we planned and the line outside seemed very long, but going through the main gate and to the first staging area went very quickly. After a short speech giving us information, we could go forward to the security checkpoint where they went through our passports and things. Then we moved to a seating area where another official provided information and began dividing the group into sections. Luckily there was a small food stand here where we could buy some pastries and juice and coffee since we hadn't had breakfast!
We were directed to a door on the left up a few stairs since we had a K1 Visa application. (Most people went to the right to a long line for other visas.) Through that door was another security checkpoint where you put your belongings in a bucket that went through an xray machine as you walked though a metal detector. Then out another door to another short line, then one more security checkpoint and a waiting area. Here you waited until they called your type of visa and they let you in to a long room with stations like bank teller windows. We went to the far end where the K1 visas were handled and took a number and waited.
When the number is called, they only want the applicant at the window, so Michael stayed back while I turned in my application and papers. We had everything organized as VisaJourney's recommendations say, and we had no problems giving our application and papers. In fact, the lady smile before then for anyone. I was directed through a door to the right to pay the fees and then brought back the receipt so they could set the interview. Total time with this person about 10-15 minutes. (Much shorter than others!)
Then the longest wait happened until we were called to another window for the interview. We were a little worried because we had been seeing some disappointed people and some very long discussions at the windows, but about 2 hours later we were called to the window. The man only asked Michael where he was from and asked me how we met. I was so excited I probably told a lot more than needed, and after only about 10-15 minutes we were approved! What a huge relief! We danced a little heading out the door!  Then off to the DHL office to set up shipping the visa; they only wanted one person to go in there to keep it from being overwhelmed.
Total time at the embassy: from 7:15a to 1:30p.
Total time with officers: about 30 minutes
(updated on October 10, 2013)
| |
|
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #12985