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| Dublin, Ireland |  Review on June 9, 2014: |
Tina and Johan
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
When I first entered the embassy, I felt that the ratings for the embassy, mainly being efficient and friendly, were overrated.
When I was asked to present my appointment letter, I was also asked by the impersonal guard if this is all I have. It then turned out, as my interview was scheduled 4 days after sending packet 4, that the list was not updated at the security entry point, but after a quick phone call, all was sorted. In fact it was that fast that by the time I ended emptying my pockets and belongings into the tray for x-ray the call was done.
After getting to the consultation room I was greeted by at least 20 people waiting for all kinds of reasons. I was asked for what visa I was applying for by another guard and was promptly given a ticket. Initially my appointment was for 11:00, but at 10:45 after just entering the room I was prompted to move to an interview window. The first question that was asked by the counselor was if all the beneficiaries are present. I said "no it is just me." She replied that I might have to rearrange for a return date as my son, who will accompany me, will have to be present. I specifically stated that the embassy website states categorically on two different locations that a K1 visa applicant does not have to have a child younger than 14 present. She was, however, not moved by this. After a few questions, some personal, some "file" related, I was told to take a seat and wait for them to go through the application. Something of note, in spite of the "instructions" they sent with the application, saying that certified copies must be submitted, I was told that copies will not do and I had to surrender our original birth certificates. Two other issues were raised, such as tax return and court judgments, but mainly due to the counselor's oversight, not because the documentation was not present. After being told to wait while they review the application, I was called 30 minutes later, where a senior councilor at a different window dealt with me. He went through the DS160 forms, and then asked me a few simple and very easily-answerable questions. None of the previous issues were raised, but he did ask if my son is present, which I answered, "no." I told him what the web site says, and he just said it is okay. I then had to submit proof of relationship, and after presenting a 3-inch thick folder with the remark by the counselor of "good golley," I was asked just to submit some/part of the folder. The officer was friendly and proficient, and in between processing the application was even able to have some small talk about South Africa and how my fiance would love Cape Town.
Once he was done, he told me he is satisfied and will go ahead and approve the application. He asked me to take an oath by replying with "I do" once done. So he declared that I am legally free, able and willing to marry my American fiance within 90 days of entering the United States. I was then asked to submit finger prints as an additional signature.
Upon leaving, the counselor had a "formal" congratulations smile on him which I noticed from the other staff, such as the security personnel, as I exited the building. Over all it was a pleasant experience.
Specific questions asked were: When did we meet? Where was our first meeting? When did we get engaged? Where was my fiance (US citizen) born? How old is the child of your fiance, and how many dependents in the family and what will the family group size be. After replying, the counselor double checked to see if the income amount for the whole family was still met (it was). I was also asked what line of work will I be doing, once I enter the USA (My answer was, "once I am legally able to work I will apply for a license to work in the specific field that I am now currently working in"). This all seemed to be more than satisfactory. 
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #14586