|
|
| South Africa |  Review on April 12, 2018: |
Wouter Erwee
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I arrived at Sandton City a bit early, my appointment ws only at 13:00 the afternoon. Took a chance and went to the security at the consulate at around 12:00 but was told to come back at 12:45. Went for a coffee in the mall and returned at 12:45. I was one of only 5 K1 visa applicants. Started chatting to the other Saffas, 2 girls and another guy. (Sorry I am really bad at remembering names, one girl was from Port Elizabeth moving to NYC, another from Evander moving to Texas I believe and the guy from Pretoria going to Fort Lauderdale. There was another gentleman there too, but did not get the chance to talk to him.
1 - Checked us in on a tablet at the security gate, phones off and then you enter the security building.
2 - Went into the 2nd building and was checked in again, they check your passport, give you instructions on the DHL delivery and give you a number. Then you sit and wait. There consulate was really quite. We were basically the only ones there.
3 - They call your number to a window where they collect all your documents. I met with a really nice man, making jokes and conversation as you go along.
4 - I was very well prepared with all the documents and copies, but I believe the best approach is to only give them what they ask for and not submit anything extra. He asked for the following:
DS-160 form
Payment Confirmation
Unabridged Birth Certificate
Police Clearance
I-134 form ( affidavit of support)
Tax Returns and other supporting documents
US size passport photos
Proof of relationship
The man combined all the documents into a folder and told me to sit down again.
5 - Get called up for the interview. Met a nice US lady who asked the following questions, very casual, not intimidating at all. (They must read the documents from your original submission because she knew that we met working onboard cruise ships...)
- So I see you guys met onboard a cruise ship?
- How long ago was that?
- Has she visited South Africa before?
- When was the last time she was here?
- Have you visited here in the US?
- Where are we going to live in the US?
Then she said "Great, I see no reason why I can't approve you visa application." and that was it, approved!!
6 - She then proceeded to cancel my C1D and B1B2 visas and told me that I could collect my passport within 7-10 days.
7 - She said that I would also receive an envelope with my visa to take with me to the US and give to the CBP officer at the port of entry. She instructed me very seriously " Do Not Open the Packet", haha. and that was it, out the door with an approved K1 visa.
Not sure if the other Saffas got approved as I was out the door first, but I believe all went well for them. whole process from start to finish was about 90 mins.
| |
|
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #23623