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| Costa Rica |  Review on August 6, 2019: |
oflyingbunnyo
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I got there almost 10 minutes after my appointment hour (thanks Uber -_-) but they took me in no problem, so not to worry if you get in there a little late, just explain and the embassy is very understanding.
My appointment was for 1:30 Pm and after having been put through security (mind you, anything metal that you have on you will have to take off, I even had to take my heels off!)
It was a non busy day whatsoever, there were no lines or anything of that sort, and the first guy is essentially is a person who scans your DS-160 and takes your medical)
I got my ticket and the moment I went in they were already calling my number (probably cause I was the last one)
The first lady was extremely nice (mind you, there's a distinction between the first people who tend to you and the consular officers themselves, as for the latter these are actual U.S. citizens)
She was very polite and asked me for financial evidence documents, I-134, civil documents (mind you, these must be originals, not copies) taxes & evidence of the relationship (She did not refuse a single page of my bulky proof of us still communicating after the original application, she took all the documents in)
Something that all future applicants should keep in mind is that the U.S. embassy in Costa Rica does NOT accept just being over the 100% guidelines, you must be over the 125%
I panicked just a little when she asked if we had a co-sponsor as she saw that the taxes were not over the 125% but thankfully I gained control of the situation quickly and explained that my fiance is making way over the 125% with his new job and that right on the affidavit of support she could check that alongside me offering his most recent paystubs, employment letter & benefits that his job offers, I also offered paystubs from his last job to contrast how much less he made in his last job and she took them gladly (she did say that all these documents were for the CO's satisfaction and to have a better feel of the situation, not for her)
Alongside all this she was explaining to me how I should not open an envelope that they'll give me at the courier, etc. (it almost feels as if they're approving you right there with no interview) and then she handed me the IMBRA pamphlet & my X-Ray result sheet.
Also as an important note, she took my passport right on this window and they didn't hand it back.
She then told me to wait and this was the most horrific part, I believe all papers were taken in around 1:50 Pm, they started calling people at 3:30 Pm and it finally was my turn around 4:10 Pm or so.
My heart was pounding from the nerves only to be greeted by the nicest little woman I've ever known! Her smile just instantly calmed me and I knew that all would be well haha,
Honestly that interview was more a formality than anything else as she didn't ask me anything in regards to our relationship (just 1 question-ish)
She asked:
-What's my full name
-What's my "petitioners" name
-Who is petitioning for me
-Where is he located
-What does he work at
-What do I work at
-What was my highest level of education
-Any children from either of us
- Any previous marriages
- Any crimes
- Where did we meet
- When was the last time I saw him
- Had I ever visited the U.S. (what was the longest stay, and what was the purpose of the longer stay one)
- Was this both our 1st times getting married (When I said yes she seemed happy haha)
She then had a quick look at our case, she was flipping through pages like crazy, probably too much evidence for her lol, didn't really bat an eye at the affidavit matter
And just like that she then told me that my visa was approved and that I could expect to receive it in 10 business days!
The interview took no longer than 10 minutes and I was out beaming with happiness.
Honestly it was such a breeze and even though it was easy I didn't expect for it to be that simple & straightforward really.
The embassy feels very welcoming (even the police officers were extra nice!) the first lady even complimented me on my hair saying it was beautiful and that she was "jelly" haha
10/10, absolutely the best experience I've had in the embassy so far (although I'm convinced they were just holding us up in there for that long because they had to close by 4:20 and they couldn't be done so quickly with us so they were on an extended coffee break of sorts hahaha)
Best of luck to absolutely everyone! Just know that the embassy staff is very very lovely and there's nothing to be afraid of.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #26822