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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on March 16, 2021: |
BeansOnToast
Rating:  | Review Topic: General Review
The day before the interview, 8 March, I traveled to London via train and stayed at the Travelodge Vauxhall. As many others have stated, it is far from anything special, but it provided a comfortable place to stay and immense peace of mind getting ready for the interview. I even paid extra for a late 2pm checkout just in case, but it was far from necessary.
The interview was scheduled for 9 March at 9:30am. Around 8:45, I began walking to the Embassy. It took right around 10 minutes. Immediately, people were already queued in the line and I decided to join them instead of waiting around any longer. I expected to be turned away for being so early, but the officer checked my DS-260 and passport, and wrote “IV 9:30†plus their initials on the DS-260, and directed me toward the South Pavilion doors. Here, I underwent airport-style security, and entered the notoriously heavy doors (that were not as heavy as anticipated).
I then approached the desk and the person behind requested the DS-260. She provided a slip of paper with my number and directed me toward the lifts, and to turn left and left again after exiting them. When I exited the lift, I noticed that my number was already on the screen, summoning me to counter number 20. Here, they asked for my Passport, Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, Police Certificate, and a Passport Photo — no copies and all documents were returned. Since I arrived early, this portion was complete at approximately 9:20, 10 minutes before I was even scheduled.
I returned to my seat and waited for my number to appear on the screen again. Within 10 minutes, which felt like a lifetime, I was directed to counter number 22 for the interview. There, I was greeted by a friendly officer with an intense stare lol. She swore me in and the interview began. The questions she asked were:
1.) How did you meet your spouse?
2.) Did you travel to meet her first?
3.) What do you/your spouse do for a living?
As many others have said, it like felt more of a conversation than an interrogation, but she was typing my answers the entire time. After these questions, she said that everything was in order and she was approving the visa! The entire process was completed by 9:50. Overall, everything was as quick and easy as everyone says!
I think it is worth mentioning that we had a slightly different financial situation than others, but that was not an issue! The I-864 was based solely on cash assets, and this was a concern going into the interview. This was never even mentioned at any point in the interview. The supporting documents previously uploaded to CEAC were 12 months of bank statements, proof of where the assets came from, and a signed letter from the Petitioner’s bank branch manager confirming the assets. Since they were previously uploaded, it was not mentioned at the interview.
We also had a previous K1 visa (same petitioner/beneficiary) that fell through due to COVID-19. This was also a nonissue that was not mentioned.
One week later, 16 March, I received the passport with the visa and plan to enter the US in Atlanta mid next week!
Overall, an incredibly easy and seamless process!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #29320