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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on August 25, 2020: |
Morgan5698
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
So I arrived at the Embassy in Vauxhall at 9:45 for a 10:00 appointment. Impossible to miss, it's a giant cube with the US flag flying high all around it. Easily sign posted. It's still very very quiet there with Covid, so I was the only one who entered the building. It was difficult at first as there were lots of security in the first part of the building, but no obvious way to enter as the doors were locked. A person came out and asked if they could help, I showed them my appointment letter and they took it away, wrote on it, gave it back to me and asked me to hold up my passport on the bio page next to my face (bearing in mind I had a face mask on!). I stepped into the security building and put all my stuff through a scanner. There were lots of security staff in there, but they were all very happy and helpful. I then left this building and walked through the courtyard which takes you into the main embassy building. It really is an architecturally impressive place! The main reception is large, but again, empty. I spoke to a really nice receptionist and she said it's super quiet at present, they are only doing interviews on Mondays and Thursdays and she misses how busy it used to be. I was directed to the elevator on the right, 2nd floor, left and left again. When I exited the lift there was maybe a dozen people in the Non Immigrant Visa section. Mostly students I think. A guy jumped out at me and asked what my appointment was for, I explained immigrant so alas, I turned left, and left again!
Enter the Immigrant Visa section. Just go in, take a seat and stare away at the TV screen for 20 mins waiting for my ticket number to come up (I was given this number by the receptionist). There was maybe about 5 or 6 other people in the room with me at various intervals. There is a row of pods effectively, with the interviewer person sitting behind a glass screen with a back office behind them. However for you, the whole room can basically hear you as it's super quiet, so be prepared to share parts of your life story to anyone else in the room within earshot (which is effectively everyone). After about 20 mins I was called up and handed over my passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, I-864 and so on. It was all done in sequence and the guy was friendly, not overly chatty but friendly enough. He added my documents to a file, basically building the file up. I think the process took about 10-15 mins, most of which was me standing there watching the gentleman binding my documents together. I peered into the office behind him and it was pretty empty, maybe 6-8 people I could see working. He asked If I had done my medical, to which I replied yes and when I was planning on travelling over. He advised me I would need to enter by Feb 14th, to which I remarked I wont be likely to forget that date. I then gave my fingerprints on both hands. I was then sent to the cashier desk to pay my Visa fee. Then sat down.
I waited about 10 mins, and I was called up for the interview. I raised my left hand and gave the truth oath, registered my fingerprints again. The guy interviewing me was really nice, in a lot of ways it felt more like a conversation than an interview. He asked me to briefly describe how I met my wife, he asked if she was living here now, to which I replied yes, and asked why we were choosing to move to the US. He noted I have an intercompany work transfer to the US, and asked where the office was located. He clearly knew the area well as he was discussing commute times with me. He even made a joke about the LA traffic. I'd say the whole interview lasted no more than 10 mins. He was typing things as I was speaking, but it never felt like an interrogation or anything. Just simple questions anyone should be able to answer. He was a really nice guy and I actually enjoyed the conversation. He then said everything here appears to be in order, and that I'd receive my visa in 7-10 days, that was it and I was on my merry way. I thanked the guy for his time and I left the building, straight for the pub! Then discovered it was only 11 and the pub wasn't open, so that came later on.
Couple of things worth pointing out - There was no public charge form request. I had it filled out, but it wasn't asked for. I heard other people being interviewed asked what they were going to do for work once they got out to the US, but he never asked me, presumably he had already seen my work transfer letter. I also saw all manner of people dressed from full suit and tie, to casual, to dresses, and then there was what I was wearing. Jeans, trainers, plain T-Shirt. I honestly dont think it made any difference how people dress. I mean short of going in there naked, I think you'll be just fine going in whatever you feel comfortable in. When I met my wife at the train station later on, looking me up and down her words were "Did you actually go into your interview dressed like that?" I honestly thought I looked good, but alas fashion is not my forte. Still, I was comfortable! It's also worth noting they only use one passport photo not two. So I got the other one back. They also asked for photocopies (If I had them) which I did. I think this is more for people doing direct consular filing, there wont be many of those left.
All in all a good experience. Apart from the initial security hustle and bustle, everything seemed super organised and really neat. I never once felt nervous or anxious and generally enjoyed the whole experience. I'd certainly do it again, but thankfully I don't have to! So anyone in the future reading this, think of it as more of a formality than an interview. That was my experience and I hope it helps! Now I'll wait for my visa and get planning when to move! And hopefully recover from this awful hangover I've given myself today (Yes I celebrated on A Monday night....)
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #28482