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| Auckland, New Zealand |  Review on May 4, 2021: |
Abby & Richard
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
The whole interview process was quick and easy. We had front-loaded out case with photos and other evidence which might have helped in the consulate officers having little to no questions to ask.
Here is an overview of the consulate experience:
My interview was scheduled for 8:45am. I arrived at the Citigroup building at 3:28am and took the elevator to the 3rd floor.
Once you exit the elevator you are greeted by a security officer who asked me what my purpose for visiting was. I replied by letting him know I was here for a K1 visa interview. He radioed the office and then told me to go through the security line. After going through the line I was told to put any electronic devices in my bad and he placed my bag and documents through an X-ray machine. He then instructed me to go through a metal detector. Afterwards I was given a card with a number and told to give him the card back once my interview was over. He placed my bag in a locker and opened the door for me.
Once inside the consulate there were 4 people in front of me. Since this is during COVID times there were stickers on the ground to show where to stand. The wait for the first window was about 10 minutes. Once I got to the window I was greeted by B who handles the K1 visa packets for Auckland. She was super friendly and helpful which helped make the interview feel less bureaucratic and stiff. She asked for my passport and self-addressed courier bag. I was then asked to place my left hand’s four fingers on a fingerprint reader, then my right, then both thumbs. Once that was all done I was told to go to the next window.
The wait took another 10 or so minutes and once I was at the front another consulate officer greeted me. I was told to raise my right hand and affirm that all the information in my packet and anything I say during the interview was accurate under penalty of perjury. The officer flubbed the line and we had a laugh about it being early and that we both need some coffee. I was then instructed to place my left hand’s four fingers on the fingerprint reader to scan. He then asked me what my fiancée’s name was, where she’s from, what she does for a living and if we both have university degrees. After all that he asked if I have any specific marriage plans, I told him no due to COVID. He remarked that a lot of people are doing the legal but first then having a ceremony later due to COVID. He then asked about specific travel plans and I told him I have none but that I know I have to be in the US within 6 months of my medical. He told me my final date for when I have to be in the US then said that I was approved. I was surprised that he didn’t ask for any of the documents that they said they required in the email they sent before my interview. They also didn’t ask for more evidence probably because we front-loaded our case. The interview itself was super casual and only took 3 minutes. Once that was all done I exited and handed the security officer the numbered card and retrieved my belongings.
Overall, it was a pleasant experience. Also the interview information said there wouldn’t be any lockers for personal items which maybe true for other consulates, but in Auckland there are so don’t stress about it.
Hopefully this helps people who go to the interview in the future.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #29579