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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on December 15, 2020: |
MzA
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
A quick update.
Interview Date: 14th December 2020 @ 11:30am.
A 38 minutes London underground journey from my home to Vauxhall and out via exit 4 which led to a 7 minute walk to the Embassy South Pavillion.
I arrived 30 minutes before my appointment and was welcomed into an airport style check point after my interview letter was checked. I was directed to the main building where my interview letter and DS260 were checked again and sticker with queue number applied. Directed to the1st floor via elevator. Once out the elevator, it was 2 left turns to immigrants visa section.
3 other applicants in seating area, smart/casual dressed. So I didn't feel out of place.
I sat and observed monitors while feeling anxious. My number showed up against window to go to. As I approached window, the greeting of a smile and casual "Hi" from Consular Officer 1 quickly helped me to relax. The process was explained, I was asked for original copies of Birth, Marriage and Police Certificates. No photocopies required. Next up was 1 photo that was scanned and given back to me. Then Biometrics and informed that my medical had been received. A quick chat followed about the virus pandemic and we discovered that we live in the same London Town. So again I relaxed further. She gave me the letter of information about what to do should I encounter any abuse while in the USA. A lengthy read indeed! I was told, should I be granted a visa, I will need to arrive in the USA On or before May 27th. Also encouraged to use the QR code located around the seating area to review the service.
Before leaving the window I took the opportunity to enquire about the effects if any when London enters Tier 3 restrictions. She said, they will continue as they are now, as they are already working at a reduced capacity. She double checked documents and told me to wait for Interview Consular. That process took about 15 minutes.
Ten minutes later my number showed up to a different window. Again, a friendly, casual, polite "Hey dear!" He confirmed that they had all documents and evidence needed. I was sworn in. He asked 3 questions - When did we meet, where husband lives and when am I considering to be in the USA. A quick chat about what I did for work and then the words, "I approve your application for a visa," music to my ears! He checked that I had understood the letter about abuse, returned my original docs and said, "Your passport should be with you by the weekend. I thanked him and left.
The entire service and experience was relaxing and took around 40 minutes from entry to leaving.
There is no change to my status update on my account. However, today around 4pm I received an email with a tracking number from the Consular Service saying that my document was collected by my preferred courier and to allow 24 hrs before tracking.
Thank you Visa Journey for creating a space that kept me informed and offered a community that informed, supported and encouraged throughout this process.
I am excited to join my husband very soon.
Good luck to everyone with upcoming interviews and for those waiting for dates.
MzA
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #28901