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| Frankfurt, Germany |  Review on September 2, 2005: |
roscove
Rating:  | Review Topic: General Review
Hello,
I had my interview today for my CR1 in the consulate in Frankfurt. Here is how it went. Note my experiences are all based on Frankfurt and may be totally different in you case. Please do not take my experience as the norm.
Interview was at 7:30 so we arrived at 7:15. Already a bunch of people in line. However, the gate opened promptly and they took US citizens and appointment holders first.
First confusing point was the receptionist person told us to go to window 21 while the instructions we got with packet 4 told us to pay first and then go to window 21. I followed the instructions which appeared to be the correct method.
Tip 1: Follow instruction letter.
After paying the fee, we (my wife, the USC, still living in Germany was with me) went to window 21 where the women took the DS-230 part 2, my photo and my passport. She was happy I had the form filled in correctly. She then handed me the envelope and asked me to take it, write my German address, place the stamps on it and have a seat.
Tip 2: The embassy in Frankfurt has a photo machine and stamp machine. A lot of people either forgot the stamps or did not have the correct photo. Bring change (Euros) with you for the machines in case you need it. The cashier is not allowed to give you change!!!!! I was lucky in that I did not need it.
After waiting about 20 minutes we got called to another window. There another lady asked us in stages for our documentation. She checked each for correctness and completeness. We had enough in our own assets to not need a co-sponsor but it was very close so we had one ready just in case. She said it was not needed. Then, she explained what would happen if the visa was issued and what we would get in the mail. She then asked us to take a seat and wait for an official officer officer to call us for the interview.
Tip 3: If you are the immigrant and have lived with the USC for more than 6 months there was no problem using my assets once I had a 864A.
Tip 4: We used my address in Germany as the residence for my wife since she still lives there. Domicile in the US was never raised as a question.
Tip 5: All they wanted from the tax returns was the 1040. My wife files electronically and she had the printouts from Turbo Tax. These were accepted.
We sat again for about another 20 minutes and were called to another window. The officer asked us to swear to tell the truth. He then asked us to sign the relevant documents in front of him (DS-230 II, I-864 and I-864A). He took my fingerprints and then as he was doing all of this chatted about life in Germany, moving back to the US, etc. He got excited when I told him who I work for (popular audio company) and I explained I was fortunate to already have a job lined up in the US. We talked about where we were going to live etc. Finally, he asked abut the medical and I explained the situation (see earlier report). He said it was not a problem. They will keep the passport until they get the medical results and then send it back with the visa. With that, he wished us well.
Tip 6: The key to all of this is having all of your paperwork in order. It makes the officers happy and makes your life easier.
We left the embassy at 9:30. Exactly 2 hours.
Overall, it was an extremely pleasant experience. Both times I have been to the Frankfurt office I have found the staff pleasant, friendly, efficient and very helpful.
I hope this is useful to people. Let me know if you have questions.
Regards,
Dave
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #132