|
|
| France |  Review on February 11, 2024: |
aavj
Rating:  | Review Topic: General Review
My Interview Experience:
Everything went pretty smoothly.
Outside (in a tent on a rainy day):
Got through a quick security check where they asked about my stuff, especially electronic devices because no laptops were allowed inside. They did a check with a handheld metal detector. At a desk, handed over my passport, and they checked my name against the list.
Inside the embassy:
Went through another security check with a walk-in metal detector. They put my belongings (phone, earbuds, etc.) in a plastic bag, gave me a badge to pick them up later.
At the top of the stairs, a young lady checked my passport and DS-260 confirmation page. Got a ticket number and was told to line up at counters 7-10.
I lined up for maybe 20min. The lady at the counter 7 asked (in French ) for:
• DS-260 confirmation page
• Copy of the email from usvisa-info.com confirming my appointment
• Police certificates from countries I lived in
• My birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• 1 photo
She took my fingerprints.
She also checked my contact details in France and the U.S. address where the green card would be mailed.
Then, she told me, 'Your case is complete.' She gave me back my ticket and told me to go to the waiting area downstairs, and keep an eye on the screens. My ticket number will be called for an interview with a Consular Officer at one of the counters 1-6.
I waited about 30 minutes and then it was my turn for an interview with a Consular Officer.
The Consular Officer was a friendly lady. After administering an oath and taking/checking the fingerprints of my left hand, she asked me a few questions. Just general stuff about where I've lived and details about our marriage (when, where, etc.), if we have other children – nothing special, all info already in DS-260.
She confirmed they got my medical report and said she had everything to approve the visa that day.
My appointment was at 8:30 am, and by 10:00 am, I was done and outside the embassy.
My CEAC Status went to "Administrative Processing" 4 hours after the interview, and it changed to "Issued" 5 days later, on January 22."
I was a bit surprised to find my case marked as "Administrative Processing" given that the CO said she would approve the visa. But, my research on the internet indicates that this status seems normal and can include the step where "the visa has been approved but is not yet printed."
Finally, I got my passport on February 1, 2024, at the pickup location in Paris.
| |
|
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #32946