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London, United Kingdom | Review on January 29, 2008: | Patsy and John

Rating: | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Called Consulate (Monday 7th Jan) after trying to email and getting back "Email deleted without being read" a few times and only two emails/replies back (No iuseful info). I was told I may need to resubmit my check-list?? (Rubbish). I obtained an email code but didn't get time to use it because an email popped up saying I'd been sent a letter of appt for MONDAY 14th! Seven days to book, and have, a physical! I called on the 8th and went to have my physical on the Wed 9th. (I wished my interview could've been later in the week then I could've attended the medical the day before and stayed in London). I was shocked at the short notice and worried that my medical report would not be there in time for my interview and it wasn't. But they said it would be OK and would send my visa once the Consulate had recieved it.
So I learned that it's easy to book a physical (next day) and that I didn't have to rush to have it and run the risk that I may have been refused a visa after paying and attending. (Train fare from Manchester was £52 Retn. Medical cost £180:: Visa trip/interview cost: Visa $134, train £93 + £44 = £137! + taxi £7)
I arrive at the Consulate at 8.20am (15mins from Euston) and had to walk round the block because of buiding work. I was allowed in after queueing for 15mins in the rain. The interview was easy and even though both guys could see I had a mountain of info all they looked at was the I-134 and photos, asked me to sign the forms I'd mailed, asked me why Patsy wasn't coming to live in the UK and why I wanted to live in the USA. He asked about her job, our new home and that was it.
You have to queue outside, take off all metal objects and put them in a plastic bag. (Belt, coins, keys etc. Go through a booth [Outside]) where they keep your keys but give you back your coins, belt etc. Go upstairs and sit and wait for the number you're given at the first desk as you go into the Consulate.
There were 3 lots of numbers and mine was 5133. The others began with 3000 etc and 1000 etc which can be confusing at first glance but look for your own range. It took 5 mins for mine to be called over the speakers and on the screen to go to gate No. ** I was there for 10-15mins and given a pink form to fill in for the courier (£14) and sat down and waited to be called again (20mins). It took a further 20mins to chat and submit what they asked for and I was out by 10.20am. My only disappointment was that I'd booked my return train for 3.30pm and had to walk around and kill time for 5 hours with no-one to share my good news...LOL.
The most stressful part of all this is the not knowing, so I hope this puts a few worried mind at ease. ~ John
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