|
|
| London, United Kingdom |  Review on October 21, 2020: |
eilten
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
I arrived 25mins early and joined the security line. There was a couple with a laptop that caused some issues (they're not allowed in the embassy) so I was glad I had remembered not to take one with me. When I told the security officer at the door that I was there for a visa interview he took my passport and appointment confirmation email print-out. He checked me off a list and had me lower my mask to verify I matched my passport photo. I also had to show him that my phone was active by opening any random App.
Once inside I went through the security screening. No problems there, very polite team. I had to drink some of my water to show it was safe to consume and then I was passed through to the main compound.
At the reception desk, they checked my appointment letter and passport again. Here I was given a sticker with my "number" on it and told to take the lift to the 2nd floor. Once upstairs I was directed to a waiting area around the corner and told to listen for my number (they also have screens directing people to the right desk).
After 20mins or so I was called to the window to review my paperwork. Very routine she just needed to make sure I had everything required. If you can, bring copies of the civil documents (police certs, birth certs, marriage certs) so they don't need to bother making their own. She took the copies and originals and placed them in a folder, ticking everything off a list as I went. Took some fingerprints with the digital scanner. Then she gave me a form to take to a different window to pay the $325 for the visa. Here, I used my UK Debit card, no issues. I was given a receipt and told to wait for my number again.
After 10mins or so I was called to a different window for my interview. It started with an oath to tell the truth. She asked about where/when I met my husband and where we live now. Why we were moving back to the US (I had a green card previously so they wanted to know why I gave it up and wanted another one now). She asked if my daughter had a consulate record of birth abroad and a US passport (yes). Very routine questions, if you actually lived your own life there should be no problem answering these so don't be too nervous.
Very friendly process and encouraging rapport throughout. My visa has not yet been issued as I need to provide an official translation of one of my documents but there were no issues with this and she gave me instructions on how to upload a scanned version once I have it.
| |
|
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #28703