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| Naples, Italy |  Review on April 6, 2010: |
scheu29
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
I was extremely nervous about our visit (for my Italian husband), but everything went just fine.
We arrived for the medical examination at 8:15, and there were already several couples ahead of us. We gave my husband's passport to the receptionist, then after about 20min they called his name and he got blood drawn. Then we went downstairs and waited about an hour to be called in to give them my husband's vaccine records and a photo. He was missing a second dose of MMR, so we paid a total of 206 euros. We paid in cash but you can go back upstairs if you have to pay with a card. Then we waited again another half hour, and they took a group to go get their chest x-rays done. That was quick. But then we waited another hour or so for the medical visit with the doctor. (There were a few families and they got to go first. Counting children there were probably around 40 people there.) The medical visit only took about 10min. They checked his stomach, eyes, height, weight, and gave him the vaccine.
After that we were told to go directly to the Consulate to do fingerprints. We took a taxi, which cost 10 euros from the medical center. It is quick if you don't have a lot of people in front of you. They asked for a passport photo then so be sure you have another one with you.
Our appointment the next day was at 9am. We arrived a little early, but were probably last out of everyone. They give you a card with a number on it and that is called by a woman at a desk, who makes sure you have your documents in order. They never asked for my American birth certificate... Then we waited about an hour, were called to the window to give them those documents, plus the affidavit of support (they didn't want any proof of our relationship, nor proof that my domicile was in the States, nor any of my passport photos...). Then they send you to another window to pay the $400 fee. Luckily I had an American credit card on me because they do not accept Bancomat/debit cards. Be sure you have a REAL credit card, or bring cash because I think several people had problems with this. Then we waited another 45min or so and were called to the window again to answer a few questions. It was mostly banter and the woman was very nice. She said you can pick up your visa at 5pm, and we were done! We actually went directly to Mailboxes Etc. to have the visa mailed home because we were traveling. (cost 26 euros or so) It arrived two days later, via DHL, with a packet you can't open, and the visa in the passport.
It all went smoothly and my main advice would be not to sweat it too much (like I did!)Thanks VJ!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #5886