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| Guangzhou, China |  Review on June 21, 2011: |
gsxra
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Our interview went well with the consulate. Most likely because we were prepared. Most of the documents my fiance brought were not needed but you never know. We had about 5 inches thick of paperwork, not including the photos. From personal items such as EOR letter, letters from all parents, family, friends, phone bills, internet communications, joint banking, langauge classes, etc. Then I had lots of financial documents, 3 years of tax returns, mortgage statements, etc. And with the pcitures we hand about 300 with us and family.
When it came to the questions they asked her the standard ones that I have read in the blogs on this site. We practiced for all these and she was ready to go. She did tell me the interview was short, about 5 minutes. And a couple VO's came over to say hi during the interview. I think being present, even though I was just downstairs, is important. They asked about this and I think this is a bonus.
My major complaints about the consulate include:
1) Unable for an American (petitioner) to discuss with VO or others in a phone conversation about questions. The only way you can contact them is via email and you can't send more than 1 email at a time. They are quick at responding, usually within 1-2 days. But sometimes you have simple questions.
2) They told my fiance that it would take longer to get her visa if we picked it up vs. mail. We had planned on flying back to Guangzhou 3 days after interview to get the visa. Instead they mailed it to Shanghai. Well... We had planned on travel to the US on a Monday expecting the visa to arrive between Thur and Sat prior. Well it didn't show up until Wednesday. I had to cancel the original flights and rebook. And the whole time I was unable to contact anyone about this at the consulate because no phone number. After looking at all the paperwork and issue date, we could have been in Guangzhou the week prior (Wed.) and it was ready then. So why would they tell her to mail it!!
3) Notice about the interview, less than 2 weeks notice is really tough for travel. I let my boss know about this months in advance and my company was ok with this. But when I found out when the interview was I had to make flight plans from the US within 2 days. The consulate could do better by making phone calls to the receiptant, this would give at least 2-4 days more notice. Again, no phone number.
4) Because of the short notice on the interview we had to pay an expidite charge at the medical clinic in Shanghai, further notice in advance would remove this.
5) Speed of doing applications. I knew the date when our documents were signed for at the consulate from the USCIS and it took at least 2 weeks for them to process. About 3-4 weeks before we recieve packet 3. Which can be filled out using all the online forms. The consulate told us this right at the end of this time period. If they would have told us right away we could have mailed these in and saved at least 3 weeks. Poor communication from the consulate.
Overall, the consulate I think could improve by a better tracking system and better communication to those looking to get a visa. But in defense of the consulates I have seen the lines in Guangzhou and living in Shanghai I have seen the lines there for other types of visas on a daily basis so I know how many cases they deal with. I am sure they have a lot to deal with but when it comes to your case you get anxious and wish you had better access to someone who can look at your case instead of just an email.
Thanks,
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #7801