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| London, United Kingdom |  Review on December 20, 2009: |
Lioncub4
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Well, I took the train down from Glasgow the day before, arrived into Euston just after 3pm and made my way to Marble Arch Inn (about 45 mins walk). The hotel is actually very good value for money (£45 for a double room - not bad for central London). Clean bedsheets and satellite TV - breakfast is a basket of frosties, yoghurt pot and a croissant.
Next morning my interview wasn't until 10am, so made my way there about 8:30 (about 10 min walk) and found Gould's Pharmacy on the way. Dropped off my mobile phone and bag (they check inside the bag for electrical items and charge separately - so, £6 total). Quick espresso at cafe next door and I was ready.
The queue outside the embassy was quite lengthy at this time (9am) so, allow a good 30 mins for this part. Security check your appointment letter and passport and then, after you pass through the metal detector (airport style) you make your way round the side of the building, up some stairs and into reception. After receiving your ticket number, make your way through to the waiting area. I was sat at about 9:45, so, plenty of time. The screens with all the numbers being called are very clear - lots of N numbers being called to the windows - very few I numbers (I was I-864). Very soon (30 mins?), I was called to window 1 - this is it I thought!! The woman was straight faced and professional. She was considerate to wait for any tannoy announcements to clear before speaking - I hate speaking through windows! After handing over my appointment letter, she told me to pay for the visa at window 12 (£80 - I used cash) then return to window 1. She had my file open and started to check off my documents (birth certificate, police check, divorce papers, affidavit of support, self-sponsor details). Took finger prints and passed me the courier form to fill out while I waited for the interview by CO. I noticed everyone else in the waiting room had a blue form - mine was pink (pink for immigrant visas?).
So, after about an hour I was called to window 16. The CO was a very friendly middle aged man. He took my finger prints to verify my ID and then swore me in. He then said that my paperwork appeared to be all in order but he had to ask me some questions - uh oh!!
1. When did we meet
2. When did we decide to get married
3. Where will we live in the USA
When he heard it was Arizona, he made the common joke about how different Glasgow to Arizona would be! Then he reaffirmed all paperwork was in order and I was good to go! I said something stupid like "Oh lovely!". He then gave me instructions to pay the courier and I should expect my passport with visa in 3-5 working days and not to open the "Do Not Open" package! He wished me luck in Arizona and it was onto the courier desk.
There are various prices - all next day delivery. After paying (credit card only - although, I think they will accept cash if it is exact), I was out of the building and finished. It was 12 noon exactly. Made my way to Goulds and retrieved my bag and mobile. Called Bren and told her the good news - she was in tears!
All-in-all, the whole thing was like a big anti-climax! You psych yourself up for some kind of interrogation, but the reality for me was more like a friendly chat. I get more grilling from my friends and family!!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #5438