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| Frankfurt, Germany |  Review on June 4, 2006: |
Thilo
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Although it was very time-consuming, the overall experience was very good. The new consulate facilities in Frankfurt certainly contribute that the whole process runs pretty smoothly.
Upon arrival you need to show your invitation letter/passport (window on the left to the entrance door, left line) and get a number (mine started with a W). Then proceed through the security check (don't bring luggage or electronic devices, no cell phones! - they won't let you in!). They actual consular processing includes three steps:
1) They will collect your passport and a photo at window 23. They also hand you a large blank "Einschreiben" envelope on which you have to write your address. You are also asked to apply the appropriate postage (3.50 €, stamp vending machine is on site).
2) After a while you will be called to another window and a clerk asks you for the required documents. The clerk will go the documentation with you and make sure everything is complete. You also will be given information on further steps of the immigration process after arrival in the US.
3) The actual interview (all in English): The consular officer asks you to raise your hand swear that all you say is true and correct. He will also take prints from your left and right index finger. While the consular officer skims through your file he will ask you questions about your fiancé(e)... how you met, about her/his education, where he/she works.. nothing to worry about at all. Very friendly, almost like a small talk at a bar. The consular officer also went through the evidence of relationship, that was already in his file and made some comments about our photos. If something is missing you will receive a green sheet from him stating the missing document.
My case was special because I needed to provide a waiver of the two-year home residence requirement (I am a former J-1 exchange scholar). The consulate had sent me a letter upfront saying the original I-612 waiver approval notice is required at the day of the interview. However, I wasn't able to get the approval notice on time since USCIS CSC was incredible slow in processing (six month just to produce the approval notice). But I knew my waiver was approved as I had called the National Call Center. At first the consular officer told me they cannot issue the K-1 visa... but I kept telling him it's approved and asked him if he maybe could look it up in the system. He said they don't have access to the USCIS system but I could go upstairs to the DHS office and ask if they could check it. So I went upstairs and, indeed, the DHS/USCIS officer was able to verify the approval and brought the consular officer a print-out of the case status (I didn't get to see the print-out). Finally, the consular officer said they will process my K-1 visa based on that information, however, I should send in the original I-612 waiver as soon as I receive it...
To cut a long story short: I was very lucky.. I still don't know when and if I will receive the waiver approval notice from USCIS..
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #619