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| France |  Review on July 8, 2008: |
Atmi
Rating:  | Review Topic: Direct Consular Filing
Interview was on a Thursday. We arrived in Paris Wednesday morning and immediately went to have my blood drawn for the serology tests (5 min wait) because Dr. Meyers recommends completing this by 11AM the day before your interview to ensure all documentation will be finished in time. The serology results are sent directly to Dr. Meyers. Next we walked a few blocks to have a chest X-ray taken (1/2 hour wait), and you are given the chest film to keep until your doctor appointment. That afternoon I had scheduled the medical appointment with Dr. Meyers who speaks English and French fluently. Overall, all the places are within walking distance and the procedures were easy to complete.
The next day we arrived at 12:45 and were told that we were too early and should return in 10 minutes. After waiting, we passed through security, took a number from the machine, and then waited to be called to a window. Unfortunately we were last in line so things took awhile, but the process went smoothly overall.
First, one is called up to a window in order to be informed how much the visa will cost, which is dependent on number of individuals. Then one pays the visa fee at Window 20 by credit card or cash. After a further wait, each individual is called up sequentially to a window where one is pre-screened by a consulate staff member to collect one's information and make sure one has all the required documents (they copy all originals and/or confirm all your copies match the originals). After that one waits again until called by the consul. The consul interviews you about your relationship (e.g. how you met?), future plans, (e.g. when will you move back? what occupation?), and any procedural issues (if any). All the staff was polite and helpful. We noticed the only people who had problems were those who forgot to provide all the required documentation with the biggest one being not bringing a 2kg Chronopost envelope.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #3103