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| Switzerland |  Review on May 30, 2014: |
Avi_NM
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
I reached the Embassy at 10:30 for a 11:00 interview. There were two separate lines - longer line for non-immigrant visa and a shorter line for US citizens and immigrant visa applicants. I stood outside the door in line for about 20 minutes before going through the security. They have small plastic bins (too small for the X-Ray film) to put your documents, wallet, keys, coins, belts, watches, etc. I also had a paper bag with my X-Ray, some large size documents and an umbrella (it was a rainy day). They do not allow any bags with zippers and any kind of electronics inside the Embassy (some people were asked to leave the line because of this). I was asked for the Medical Report and then to open the sealed envelope before I could go through the security. I was also asked to leave my umbrella, paper bag and my car keys with the security and was given a token to collect the items on my way out. Security is similar to the airport security (a bit more strict but easy if you follow their instructions and stay calm).
After security you go downstairs (you have to walk out of the security building and go down to the main building) through another metal detectors. Security sitting behind the desk will ask about the purpose of your visit (in my case - Immigrant Visa). I was asked to bypass the long line of non-immigrant visa applicants and go to the front of the line to the two staff members who were checking everybody's documents. Before I could make my way up there, my name was announced and I was asked to 'Go to Window 5 and ring the bell'. There is no window 5, it is a door that leads you to a small room and also there is no bell outside the door or inside the room. I sat there for a few minutes until the officer showed up. She was very nice and friendly. She asked for my medical report (without the X-Ray), pre-stamped return envelope and also if I need to update the passport photos she had on file (I declined and asked her to use the photo she already had with the file). She checked the file to make sure they had everything they needed. She had a checklist that she went through to make sure she covered everything. She then took my fingerprints. She explained about the sealed envelope to be opened by the Immigration Officer (IO) at the POE and allowing enough transit time at POE for the processing of all paperwork. She asked me to wait outside in the general waiting area until my name is announced for another finger print verification and an interview by the Consul Officer (CO).
After about 10 minutes I was called directly by the CO for an interview. After a couple of quick questions about where I will stay, what kind of work I do, etc. I was told that my visa was approved and by post I will receive the passport with the visa stamp, a sealed envelope to be opened by IO at POE and instructions to pay the Immigrant Visa Fee in the next couple of days. I was also handed back the original documents (Birth, Marriage Certificates, PCC, etc) to take back with me.
After the interview you back track your way to security area where you collect your belongings and walk out.
The visa package arrived by post on second business day after the interview (my interview was on Tuesday and my visa package arrived on Friday (Thursday was a public holiday).
It was quick, easy and efficient.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #14545