|
|
| Malaysia |  Review on November 21, 2015: |
Tom&Deb
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I am a Bruneian and currently living in Brunei. As the US embassy in Brunei doesn't process K1 fiance visas, my case was referred to the US embassy in Malaysia.
They informed me via email that my interview will be on 29th October 2015. This despite already informing them via email that I was unavailable during that period. I had already scheduled and paid for a trip to Korea. After numerous emails back and forth I was given a new date & time - 12th November 2015 at 1230 pm. They did not inform me on that email that they have mailed a package instruction for the interview. I wrote a few chasers via email and didn't get a reply until much later. It was frustrating as I couldn't speak to anyone at the embassy about it and the only communication channel was via email.
Fast forward to the day of the interview. I got there early at 715 am. There was already a line forming outside guard house. I was under the impression that I need to be there by 8 am to submit documents and come back for the interview at 1230. However, once I passed my appointment letter to the staff at the information window, I was turned away and told to come back at 1230 instead.
I came back at 12 pm and was the only one in line. At 1230 I was called to the information window and was told by the same staff who turned me away in the morning that the consular officer has been trying to reach me all morning! As I was going to the embassy I didn't want to bring two phones and left my Brunei mobile phone at my cousin's house. I was then told that they rescheduled my interview (again) to the next day 13th November 2015 at 7 am! Imagine how disappointed I was! I was only informed of the change on the day of the interview.
On the next day, I came at 630 am. I was second in line and the guard house and information window was not opened yet. After 730 am we were told that they would start giving out the visitors pass at 8 am. Got my visitor's pass and a basket to put my keys, mobile phones etc and was told to queue in a second line on the right (which was a queue for the security check). Once that was done, we were told to head to a building across the compound. There, I was given a queue number and told to wait inside for my number to be called.
I must have waited about 30 minutes or so and my queue number was called. Went to a booth where I was attended by a friendly Indian lady. This was when I submitted my documents. It was however, not according to the order as stated in the interview package. I was not asked to submit any evidence of ongoing relationship although that was stated in the package. Its possible that they have enough evidences as my fiance submitted an RFE for that after our I-129 submission.
I was told to take a seat and wait for them to call me to the counter again. After 15 minutes the same Indian lady gave me a leaflet on domestic violence/abuse to read while waiting for the interview.
It was another 10-15 minutes wait before I was called for the actual interview. I was nervous from all the waiting. Fortunately, the officer was really nice and friendly and put me at ease. She first asked the name of my fiance. And then went on to ask about the circumstances of our meeting in detail. She then mentioned that she saw our engagement party pictures and asked when are we planning to have our wedding. She also asked if I read the leaflet on domestic abuse and had me explain to her what I understand by it. She then told me I am approved!! I asked how long before I can have my passport returned to me. She told me it would take within 2 weeks!! I then explained to her that I came from Brunei and I need to go back to work and cannot possibly wait in KL for 2 weeks for my passport.
She explained that it was their standard reply however realistically it could take approximately 3-5 working days but couldn't confirm exactly how long. I have not bought my flight ticket back home at that stage and I was on unpaid leave from work. Good thing I did not have to stay at a hotel as I could stay with a relative.
Friday was the day of the interview. Come wednesday, there was still no news of my passport. I have opted to have my passport collected at Aramex office. Initially I thought that they would call me once its ready. Since I have not heard back from them, I called their office and talked to their customer service. Was told they have not received my passport from the embassy. Also they said I should expect an sms once they've received it. I could also call back after 430 pm to check which I did. I was then informed that my passport and package was with them and to come in before they close at 6 pm. I was not notified via sms as promised and it was lucky that I made that decision to call them back instead of waiting. Maybe it was because the contact number I have in my application is my Brunei mobile number.
I was not entirely pleased with the vagueness of the process and the fact that I was rescheduled last minute. But at the end of the day what matters was that I was approved.
(updated on December 2, 2015)
(updated on December 2, 2015)
(updated on December 2, 2015)
| |
|
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #18411