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| Naples, Italy |  Review on September 28, 2016: |
Italy-USA
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I just had my interview today (09/28/16) so I wanted to share my experience. The process is simple, just a lot of waiting in line. They schedule your medical and your interview for you once you email/fax the Applicant's Statement received in Packet3.
The medical takes place the day before your interview at Istituto Varelli, which opens at 7. My appointment was at 8, but I read other reviews so I was there by 7.15 and I already had 3 people in front of me. Be there early to be done early! When you go in you get your number pressing the "consolato" button on the machine. When your number is called, you go to the window and the lady takes your passport and asks you to write down your address in Italy and your name. Then you wait to be called by a nurse who will draw some blood. After that you are taken to the other side of the clinic and you wait to be called in. Once you're called in, this very old guy asks for you vaccination records and for your email, 4 pictures, address in the US, phone number and address in Italy. Make sure you spell everything right and out loud since the guy is very old and might make mistakes. He then tells you how much you need to pay for the visit. On the email I received in Packet4 it said that the cost of the visit wasn't 170 euros anymore but 220 euros instead, plus any vaccines you need. I don't know why, but they still told me I had to pay 170 euros. You can pay with cash or credit card/bancomat. Then you wait for your turn to get the x-rays done. When you're done with that you are told to go back to the entrance and wait to be called for the physical. Once you're called you go downstairs and the doctor checks your weight, height, eyes, blood pressure, lungs,etc and you go over your medical history. He then gives you back your passport and tells you that they will give you the x-rays cd and other documents at the interview. I was done around 9.15
The next day you have the interview. My appointment was at 8, but I went there at 7.20 and I already had 5 people in front of me waiting outside. They let you in based on the time of the appointment, but I noticed that they let in right away (after everybody else who had earlier appointments) people who had appointments at 9.30. When you go in you have to turn off your phone and leave it at the security checkpoint. They let you bring bags and everything else. They give you a badge to wear and your number. You make your way to the second floor that has lots of "windows", so no privacy, everyone will hear your interview. You wait for your number to be called. MAKE PHOTOCOPIES OF EVERYTHING! They will ask for the original and photocopies. Once you're called you go to the window and the lady asks for your passport, 2 pictures, your birth certificate (she checked the original but only kept the photocopy), confirmation that you paid for the visa fee and courier service, police certificates (they kept the originals), I-134 (original), most recent tax return, and other documents that might apply to your case (divorce certificates, etc); they also take your fingerprints. They give you the x-rays from the day before and the vaccination record that you will need when you file for Adjustment of Status; you need to bring both with you at customs at the port of entry. Then you are told to wait for the Consul to call your number for the interview. When the Consul calls you to her window, she makes you swear you are telling the truth and she takes your fingerprints again. She has the petition you filed in front of her and she goes over it with you. She asked me basic questions like "how did you meet" "when was the last time you saw each other" "what do both of you do for a living" "have you planned a wedding yet". We frontloaded our petition so she didn't ask for any additional evidence. She was very nice and at the end she said "Your visa has been approved, you will receive it in 5 days. Good luck with everything". The interview itself was only 5 minutes. I was all done by 9.30. Now, our case was quite simple, we have known each other for 6 years, saw each other many many times, we had a ton of proof and we both met each other's family, no previous marriages or children; I think that's why the lady was so nice and the interview so quick. I really do think that they make up their minds before the interview, just looking at the petition.. Two guys in front of me got asked a ton more questions and the "tone" of the conversation was quite different.
Overall it was a good experience, don't be nervous! If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to contact me!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #20534