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| South Africa |  Review on August 29, 2015: |
erinmt
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
My fiance had his K1 visa interview in Johannesburg on July 28.
He arrived at the consulate at 10:30 am, because he flew in from Cape Town the night before and had nothing better to do! Also had to catch his flight home that afternoon so he wanted it to go quickly.
He was obviously first in line. They had no problem with him waiting outside that whole time. Bring food with you if you get there that early...though they won't let you take it inside with you.
At 1 pm, they start letting people inside.
-Go through security like at an airport
-Leave your laptop/big stuff at home. It takes longer.
-They keep your phone when you go through security and you pick it up when you leave.
Then you follow the footsteps on the ground into the consulate. Go to the first counter and get a number. Because he was first, he went straight to the next counter and a South African lady asked for all his documents. He handed over:
-Unabridged birth certificate
-Passport
-US Passport photos
-Evidence of relationship- we had a huge photo album of pictures since we had been together in the US or SA the whole time waiting for our application to get processed, our flights back and forth, invoice of engagement ring, wedding invitation, etc.)
-Police clearance certificate (they keep that, all the rest they give back to you)
-Financial documents- they only wanted the I-134 and a tax return.
**We used my mom as a joint sponsor because although I currently meet the income requirement, I did not last year (as a student) and my 2014 tax return didn't reflect my current income. The tax return is VERY important so we were very glad to have my mom's documents. They took both of our tax returns, and both I-134 documents. No issues with having a joint sponsor.
Both my mom and I had given my fiance letters from our employers, paystubs, her bank account deposits, but they didn't want to see any of it. I am glad he brought it though, just for peace of mind.
After that, he was sent to the cashier to pay $265. They are very particular about what credit cards they accept...we thought because it was ABSA, it would be fine. But his cheque card didn't have his name printed on it, so they would not accept it. He ran across the street to the mall and withdrew rands and ran back to the counter.
Once he returned and paid, his number was being called to step up to the next window for the interview.
So he ran over there apologizing that it took so long. The American lady was very nice. She asked:
-How did you meet? & When did you meet? (and wanted to hear the whole story of what happened in the past 3 years. We each visited each other twice and lived together for months at a time. She was very impressed with all the travel we had done to see each other)
-What do you do for work?
-What does your fiance do for work?
-Where is she from?
-Where is she living now?
And that's it. Very easy. She was typing on her computer as he spoke. She asked where he lives currently, and he said Cape Town. She said he can contact DHL in a few days to arrange for the passport and visa to be mailed to him, because DHL was not there that afternoon.
3 days later (Friday) the consulate emailed him and said the visa was ready, and gave the DHL contact info. He arranged with DHL that day and the passport arrived at his house on Monday.
The whole interview process took a little over an hour. He was done around 2:15 pm. A good portion of that time was running to the ATM, so I suggest come prepared with cash or bring a few different cards 
The BIGGEST piece of advice:
If you are flying home after the interview or flying in that morning, TAKE THE GAUTRAIN!
It goes straight from the airport to Sandton City, which is right next to the consulate. It only took maybe 20 minutes and they come very often. It is cheaper than renting a car and much easier than fighting traffic through Joburg. He was at the airport in PLENTY of time for his 5 pm flight.
The consulate is very responsive to emails. When we thought they should have received our application from the USCIS (that part took forever), we emailed them and they were always prompt and nice. johannesburgiv@state.gov or consularjohannesburg@state.gov
Overall, very good experience. No issues besides the credit card not being accepted.
Please feel free to send me a message and I can try to help give advice!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #17698