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| Dublin, Ireland |  Review on July 13, 2011: |
jayvikings57
Rating:  | Review Topic: General Review
So I had my consulate interview there last week. In short it was an unpleasant experience. Here is my summary of the day.
Arrived at the consulate at 12.30 for the appointment time which was 1pm. Was told be the consular security to leave and get a coffee as no entry was allowed prior to 1pm. Got a coffee and came back and was 2nd in line after a nice K1 visa couple who I got talking to. I was there for my CR-1 visa I should have mentioned earlier.
So entered security and basically its your typical airport experience. Security were all Irish and they either got up on the wrong side of the bed or are normally rude and abrupt. I thought nothing of it and got into the embassy waiting room at 12.59 as the second person in and received a ticket from the greeter security guard. Sat down beside the other couple. All in all there were 9 sets of couples. My wife was not with me as she was working in the states and couldn't get the time off not that she needed to be there anyway.
I was second in however I was the last of the 9 called at ten to four, some three hours after I got in. In fairness I was calm because as long as I was getting my visa I did not care. But it didn't make sense.
I got called up and was greeted by an Irish lady who was checking my file. I can honestly say in my time on the planet she was the most horrible person I have yet to meet. She proceeded to tell me that we filed the wrong affidavit form (I864ez) when it should have been the I-864. However our immigration lawyer said other wise. No matter there was no trying to explain myself as I was told to take a seat and I would be called. It costs nothing to be nice, but hey life is too short to worry about people who enjoy being mean.
Eventually I got called by the interviewing Consular Officer. The only American I met on the day funny enough but also the only nice thing I have to say about the whole experience. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Took my finger prints, explained the extra from I have to send in and explained every part of my application was fine but I had to send in the I-864. Bid my farewell and I was glad to be getting out of Dublin.
So just waiting for fed ex to get me the form my wife has filled up and I will send the consulate the docs they need hopefully by early next week. The consular officer said that I should have the visa then within 2 weeks all going well.
Things to remember for the Interview day:
- Dont bring any electronics to the consulate: laptop phone etc, they will be taken and given back but save yourself the hassle
- Dress respectable, I did and it didnt help, but it might help someone
- Bring your medical. Dont bother bringing your x-ray. All 9 couples brought their x-ray. All 9 went home with their x-ray. They dont look at it. They only take the medical.
- Dont forget your massive envelope (18*14inches) and 10euro worth of stamps. Again you will be asked for that.
- Dont worry about the relationship questions, they are straight forward.
- Have cash. They dont accept anything but cash or a bank draft of the exact amount.
- Be prepared to wait. Its a long tiring day.
- Keep a cool head. Even if you are dealing with someone who seems out to get you, remember they are doing a job. Remain calm, breathe and just remember why you are there.
- haha oh yeah bring an elastic band or something. Since you cant bring a bag in my paper work was falling everywhere. A way of holding the paperwork together would be a help
Thats all I can think of.
Best of luck to everyone.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #7917