|
|
| Naples, Italy |  Review on March 1, 2024: |
NH0817
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Naples, Italy. My CR1 timeline and detailed experience with medical exam and interview
i130 filed :17 september 2022
Petition approved: 8 August, 2023
NVC Case creation: 12 August 2023
Submitted nvc documents: 11 October 2023
Documentarily complete: 19 October 2023
Interview letter: 8 Januarry 2024
Interview: 28 February 2024
Passport received: 1 March 2024
**MEDICAL EXAM (automatically scheduled the day before the interview) they open at 7AM**
The people are very friendly and make you feel comfortable.
I arrived at 6:25 and was the first person there. People started arriving quickly afterwards.
At 7AM one of the staff called the "consulato" people in and he gave us tokens.
Everything went smoothly after. They didnt require a urine test. Only bloodwork and chest xray.
After these were done they took my photograph with their camera. They didnt take the ones i had already brought with me. Then they took my medical/vaccination history.
I was due for my tetanus shot and couldn't get a flu shot this year so they told they'll give these to me.
I made the payment and took the vaccine shots. (The shots were expensive so I suggest get them from elsewhere. The flu shot can be taken in Naples farmacia Riviera which is close to the consulate, the doctor there is available only till 1pm to administer the shot. The covid shot can also be booked online for many places in italy. You need to have taken your last shot within 1 year from the day. I heard from previous applicants that they didnt have the covid shot in Varelli so I took mine from a farmacia in Milan.)
Anyway, they then gave me the vaccination certificates. Then I was free to go. They give the records directly to the embassy.
All in all it took a little under two hours from when I entered. Would have been quicker but the vaccination doctor was a bit delayed that day. Or it would take less than an hour and a half.
**INTERVIEW DAY, they open at 8:30AM**
I arrived at 7:28 to be first in line. At 7:35 the second person showed up. The guards checked my passport and asked me to wait by the "umbrella" and they'll let us in around 8:20
However at 7:50 they let me in the gate. You have to go through airport-like security. I didn't take any electronics with me so there was no need to deposit anything with them. They gave me a token, a Visitor pass and directed me to the 2nd floor of the building in front. Reaching the second floor I sat and waited for my token to be called to the window (it's sort of like the sportellos in the post office). They called my number at 8:20 and took the originals of my birth certificate, marriage documents, and police certificates. They took my biometrics and asked me general questions like where my husband works, how did we meet, where was the wedding, etc
They also gave me an information sheet of what to do after I receive my visa. After this I was asked to wait again for the main interview with the consular officer.
At around 9 the consular officer called me for my interview and made me swear to tell the truth under oath. He took another fingerprint scan and then began the interview.
-He asked me who initiated the petition for me, -what my husband does,
-where he was born,
-how did we meet,
-when did we get married,
-if we have any kids,
-if this is the first marriage for both my husband and I,
-if I been to the US before,
-whether I have previously applied for a us visa,
-if I ever had any problems with any immigration office,
-if i had ever had any problems with police anywhere,
-if I'm working,
-where I did my Schooling and education,
-how long have I been in Italy,
... these are the ones I remember. I may have missed a question or two.. but he was super kind and made me feel comfortable so it felt more like a conversation than an interview.
In the end he said the visa is approved and should arrive in about a week, following which I can pay the USCIS fee online. He congratulated me and wished me a good day!
Overall I was done at 9:10AM and was very happy to finally join my husband!
I got my passport back on march 1st through dhl!
The package only had my passport, no sealed documents because the visa is digitised. (On the visa it states "iv docs in ccd")
*My advice is, as long as you're prepared and are truthful, theres no need to be worried. They didnt even ask me for any evidence, eventhough I had documented every trip my husband and I had, with great detail, various pictures, gift reciepts, random chats throughout the years and call logs. We were overprepared but that gave us peace of mind.
Smile, always! Even if you're nervous and anxious on the inside. A positive attitude makes for a good impression to the consular officer and other people assisting you, even the guards outside!*
*For everyone out there waiting, I know we've had to wait very long and the time has drastically increased for our interview letters. Hang in there. All the best!*
| |
|
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #32996