|
|
| South Africa |  Review on September 30, 2015: |
Bernice1992
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I had my interview on the 29th September 2015.
I got to consulate 30 minutes before my scheduled time at 13h00. I hanged around in Sandton City Mall for a few hours because I had flown in from Cape Town that day. I used the time to study the mall. I had to take visa pictures there and find the time to ask which exit to take to the Embassy. I didn't know Johannesburg.
When I arrived, there was a long que. We sat there till they were ready to let us in. One by one. The weather was pretty gruesome. It gets really hot. Make sure your cell is off and you'll then hand it in at the front desk before walking through their machine. Follow the yellow footprints to the next entrance where the interviews take place. The staff sitting at the entrance will issue you a ticket with a number. Once the number is called, they announce the booth you go to. My nerves were kinda working. I've already had two B2 denials. Once they finally called my number, I reached a South African lady. She asked me for my Unabridged Birth Certificate, Police Clearance, 2 Visa photos, 1-134 (with W2 forms of the previous year and a recent bank statement), more proof of relationship, and my passport. Once she had assembled my file she gave me a slip to go settle my 265 dollar fee. I had a international debit card without my name. It wouldn't work because my name wasn't on it. Have your name on it or when you arrive in Johannesburg, withdraw money from a bank in the mall across the Embassy on the day before you go que so that you do not walk for hours with a big some of money. I had to run to the mall across the road to get money. I paid and the CO got my receipt and then called me. I didn't wait long. It was ten minutes after I got back from my trip to the mall.
The CO was very nice. I had to raise my right hand and take a oath. She asked me basic questions which related to my case so expect that. She asked how me met (she even finished it for me as I could tell she's had a long day), where he works, about my engagement rings I had on (she saw them during my interview), if he had siblings and there name, if I've met them, about any convictions, any previous marriages, where and when he proposed, how he proposed, when I left the US last year, what I did there. All very basic. And if you know your partner, the questions are not hard.
She said everything looked good and approved my visa. I was handed a pink slip. She said the pickup would be ready in three days from DHL, but I'd receive an email of confirmation. All pickups done at DHL and not the embassy! Don't waste your time going there. There were three cases that day that waited in the sun for nothing.
I hope this helps!
(updated on September 30, 2015)
| |
|
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #17909