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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on December 2, 2020: |
R1CH1991
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
I received interview notification on Friday 13th November 2020 at 7 am. At 09:30 am I was calling up visa medicals to book the next available appointment as the interview itself was scheduled for 1st December and I with work schedules I wanted to be organised. I would recommend preparing your medical documents and patient summary record from the GP in advance so when your interview slot is announced, you can get booked in as soon as possible.
On the night before the interview I checked into the Travel Lodge Vauxhall which is approximately ten minutes walk from the hotel. The hotel is also conveniently located 1 minute walk from the tube station. I was worried that it would only take one road traffic collision on the motorway and I'd be done for, so I paid £45 for the night which seemed fair. The room is basic and simple but beautiful for the peace of mind it gave!
On the interview day my appointment was set for 10:30. I arrived at around 10:10 and attended to the South Pavillion entrance as advised on an email you receive a few days before the appointment. I came with all the documents and a face mask. I decided to put a shirt and trousers on (no tie) because whilst I know you don't get judged for wearing jeans and a t-shirt, I would rather be over dressed then under dressed for an important meeting.
You go through an airport style security and have to remove belt, watches etc. After this you walk into the reception and I was given a sticker number that was placed on my DS-260 and instructed to take the lift to the visa floor and turn left into the immigration waiting area.
The immigration waiting area has a heightened atmosphere but this was made better as I bumped into a fellow VJ member as we sort of said we might bump into one another. The waiting room is clean and tidy and the screens 'ping' every few minutes.
I was called up to the first window after about ten minutes. I handed over my passport, documents and scanned my fingerprints. I was asked some questions in relation to whether I ever served in the army (I hadn't) and a few other house keeping bits. I was handed a leaflet about domestic abuse and then I sat down again.
The next time I went to the window I had to raise my hand and agree to tell the truth. I was asked two questions.
1. Where did you meet your spouse? and then I gave a brief concise account and from that the second question was
2. How old is the boy your wife works with.
We briefly chatted and the consular officer was very friendly. I could tell she was listening carefully and put me at ease by smiling encouragingly. After a minute or two she said she could go ahead and issue the visa. I thanked her and then left the window.
My expereince was very positive. I decided after waiting for so long I was just going to go and enjoy the day regardless of the outcome. I am so happy to be approved. The following day I got an email telling me my passport would be available to be picked up the next day (two days after interview).
Im happy the process is now concluded but I would also just wish to say thank you to USCIS, NVC and the State Dept for their diligence and kindness in processing our case and allowing us to reunite in the United States.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #28856