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|  Review on March 3, 2019: |
JS5220
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Firstly, I would like to say that although it was quite a nerve-wrecking experience, the overall interview and the collection of documents at the consulate was a breeze. Here are a few tips that I think you will find useful for the day of your interview;
* Do not try and park your car directly in front of the consulate- or even stop your car to be dropped off- security will ask you to leave and move your car. It is also on a seriously busy road so it won't be a good idea to pull over there anyway. I parked at Sandton City Mall parking lot, which is right across the street from the main entrance of the consulate. The parking was R20.00.
* When you get to the consulate early, you will not be allowed inside of the building. Security will ask you to remain outside on the sidewalk. An official will then come out and ask all the people waiting to form lines based on whether they are citizens or not. The official will then check your name on an iPad to make sure you are on the list to enter. Remove sunglasses and hats at this point.
* Upon entering the consulate you will be searched and your phone and wallet will be taken from you and stored in the security building- which is separate from the main building. If you need to pay for something at the consulate, I suggest taking the cash/card out and putting it with your documents.
* Once you have entered the main building, you will given a number. You will then wait and be called to a teller by your number. The lady that helped me was a very nice South African lady. She took all my documents and evidence. She also asked me a few questions that she made note of on a piece of paper. She asked me stuff like "When last did you see your fiance?" and "Where does your fiance live?".
* I opted to pay at the consulate for my interview and that was very easy to do. I just told the lady that took my documents that I needed to pay for my interview and she sent me to another teller around the corner that handles the payments. I paid cash in US $ but I did notice that there was a card machine (maybe call ahead and make sure if you plan to use a card). When I was done paying she handed my receipt to the lady that collected the documents and told me to wait to be called.
* I was called to a teller window at the very end of the line of windows and there was an American lady that then asked me some questions. She asked me:
"What is the petitioner's name?"
"What was his relation to me?"
"How long have we been in a relationship?"
"Where will I be living (in the states)?"
AND THAT WAS IT. NO SCARY INTERVIEWS. NO INTERVIEW ROOMS. IT TOOK ALL OF 3 MINUTES.
Important: Do not be fooled by people saying that they got their visas back quickly- it took 10 business days FROM WHEN THE CEAC WEBSITE CHANGED IT'S STATUS TO ISSUED- for mine to be returned to me.
Overall not that bad!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #25704