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| Sydney, Australia |  Review on November 19, 2008: |
SydneytoWaco
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I had a letter with the time of the appointment being 10:00am on Tuesday the 18th of November. I brought with me only what was asked for, namely my passport, the receipt showing I had paid their fee ($176AUD or so) and a 3kg express post envelope with my name and home mailing address written on to it.
I arrived at about 9:00am and made my way up to level 10 and showed my letter to security. He told me to come back at no earlier than 9:40am as I was too early. I went down to the building lobby and read a magazine and returned at or just after 9:40am. I had to turn off my mobile phone and put all my belongings through security scanners. My shoes set off the metal detector so they had to come off too. Then I left my bag and all electronic devices (mobile phone, iPod) with security on level 10 and only brought my paperwork with me (including photo albums, post cards, letters, cards etc).
I was swiped by security up to level 59 and went through security again though thankfully this time I didn't have to remove my shoes. I was then buzzed in through a very secure looking door. Then I walked over to a ticket dispensing machine and picked the button for immigrant visas (which includes K visas).
I waited about 30 minutes and was called up to a glass partition where the guy was very friendly and looked at my letter and asked for the three things he needed (my passport, a receipt to show I paid some fee and an express post envelope). He also asked me when I planned to travel to the U.S. and I said mid January. Then he told me to have a seat and wait to be called up.
I waited probably 30 more minutes and I was called up again just to have my fingerprints taken and then told to take a seat again. This time I waited a little longer, maybe 30-45 minutes. I was called up again and the guy only asked me a few questions like... "How long have you known your fiance?... Have you lived in Texas before?... You last visited the U.S. in March?"... and maybe something else that I now forget. But they were all really friendly and even exchanged some friendly small talk.
I brought along photo albums and DVDs with pictures of us together and cards, postcards and letters... I even printed off some emails and brought along too. But the guy didn't ask to see any of that and after the four or so questions he said congratulations and that my K1 application was accepted. He gave me some paper work and that was it.
The staff there know that the wait is tedious and that it can be a little unpleasant but they were very friendly and were clearly making an effort so you can't ask for much more.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #3594