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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on January 7, 2022: |
Ian88
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Had my K-1 Visa Interview today (January 6th 2022) at the US Embassy in London, UK.
Took the tube to Nine Elms Station - there are several places to get food, including Starbucks and Sainsbury's if you are arriving early and are worried about getting some food & drink inside you before you head to the Embassy. The Embassy is only several minutes walk from Nine Elms.
I arrived at the Embassy 20 minutes before my appointment time and was advised I could go ahead. I handed my Passport and the printed appointment confirmation through a window on the outside of the building which was checked and signed by an Embassy employee. I then went to the entrance and a guard came out and asked me to unlock my phone and open any app - once I had done so I was admitted into the building and went through security similar to the airport. From there, I headed over to the main building and was greeted at the main desk. They asked to see my signed appointment confirmation which I handed over - this was returned to me with a sticker on it bearing a number. I was instructed to take the elevator to the 1F and head left and left again.
There are a bunch of windows (like at the post office or the bank) and the K-1 visa's are dealt with in a small area at the far left end of the room as you exit the elevator - I think windows 19-25 but don't quote me - I was called to window 21 and 22 during my time there. I took a seat and after about 2-3 mins my number appeared on the screen telling me to head to window 21. The Embassy employee was friendly and took my Passport and appointment confirmation while asking a few routine questions; my fiancée's name, asked me for a phone number, and took my fingerprints electronically. They then asked for the following:
ARCO Police Certificate
Birth Certificate
A letter of Intent to Marry signed by my fiancée
1 Passport Photo (US Size)
I-134 Form and Supporting Documents
These were placed in a folder and the appointment confirmation was returned to me. I was asked to take a seat and wait to be called again. After about 5 mins I was called to window 22. A different employee greeted me - again, friendly - and asked me to raise my right hand. I was asked to swear/affirm that I was going to tell the truth. I was asked to give my fingerprints again. They asked me the following questions:
What are your wedding plans?
Where did you and your fiancée meet?
Where does your fiancée work?
When was the last time you saw your fiancée?
After that, they said they are going to approve my Visa and I will receive my Passport in 1-2 weeks. The original copies of my Police and Birth Certificates were returned to me.
The interview itself lasted less than 5 mins and was completely painless. It should be noted that my fiancée and I have never been married, have no children, have never changed our names, have no criminal convictions, and have never been denied a visa before - all reasons why I had nothing to worry about. My biggest concern was forgetting paperwork - they did not look at my DS-160 or any of the optional evidence (photos, receipt for engagement ring, etc.)
Afterwards I called my fiancée and then took a stroll to see Battersea Power Station (I'm a fan of Pink Floyd so had to take a look!) which is about 10 mins walk West of the Embassy.
Hopefully my experience helps calm any nerves you have - it was nothing. Thanks to the members of this forum who helped me with irrational questions that were keeping me awake at night!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #30573