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| Frankfurt, Germany |  Review on September 25, 2006: |
JenT
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
JenT is writing on behalf of David:
David spent Sunday night at the Hotel Friedberger Warte, across the street from the rear of the Consulate. The hotel agreed to hold his bags for him while he was at the Consulate. His appointment was at 7:30am on Monday, 9/25/06, and he had already had his medical the week before the interview.
David arrived at the main door of the Consulate at approx. 7:20am and there were already approx 17 people in line ahead of him. It seemed clear that there were many visa types represented (but only 2 or 3 K1 visas in his estimation).
At 7:30pm, an official came to address the crowd in English and German and covered the 'rules' about entry into the Consulate (no weapons, no electronics, no cell phones or cameras). Non-immigrant visa applicants were instructed to have their passport, appointment letter, and payment receipt out for inspection as they entered the building. David was directed to the first window whereby an official screened his documents and assigned him a number.
Next, they were directed through security and the screening was typical of any airport. He was sent to a large hall and was misdirected to a window where the cashier was expecting cash payment. When David presented his receipt to prove that he had already paid, the official seemed very confused and told him to go to the next window. The official at the next window seemed to know what was going on and took his receipt. She also seemed to be expecting a new photo from him, which he presented (the photo that he submitted with his packet 3 did not have both ears showing, so when he'd phoned the Consulate to ask about it, they instructed him to bring a new photo, just in case). She took the photo and gave him an envelope to self-address and apply the stamps he’d brought (he had 3,50 Euro in stamps and needed to purchase more stamps to reach the new 4,25 Euro requirement).
He was instructed to sit and wait for his number to be called (there were lighted signs above each 'position' which indicated which case was being called to that spot, so you have to listen and pay attention to the announcements). When called to the next window, he was asked for the originals of the documents that he brought with him: police records, military record, divorce decree, birth certificate... and these were compared to any copies in his file. The original police records were kept, along with his passport, and the rest of the documents were returned. (One point to note: David did not have a certified copy of his birth certificate but he did have an original. The official took the original and made a copy of it, which was just as good. So be sure to bring a ‘certified’ copy if you do not have your original.) She was impressed that he had everything organized and at-hand. She explained the 'rules' about not opening the packet when it arrived, and that he had 6 months to use the visa and 90 days to marry once he arrived in the US. She asked whether he understood those requirements. When he said that he did, she asked him to take a seat to wait for the interview.
He noticed that his number was flashing above one of the windows but he didn’t think he’s heard it announced. There was no seat so he stood to talk to interviewer through the plex-glass partition. He characterized the official as being very friendly and thorough, sensitive and meticulous. He started off by handing David one of the documents to check for accuracy and David noticed immediately that he had spelled my middle name incorrectly! The officer handed him some ‘white out’ to make the correction and David joked about not telling me, or I would be upset ;-) He signed the affidavit to testify that he was not a terrorist or planning to cause harm to the US and they proceeded to have what seemed to be a casual conversation. David was asked to tell him my birth date, the names and ages of my kids, how we met, when we saw each other again after we met, whether he’d ever lived in the US, when he’d been to the US last, and how our relationship has survived the distance. He also asked about David’s relationship with my kids. David characterized it as if it were any other conversation that David had had with other people about us. The official took some time to look at the photos and asked a few questions about them. He also took some time to enter something into his computer at various times and made hand-written notes as well. Interestingly enough, the evidence that I provided in my I-129F petition was sufficient to prove our relationship. The official did not ask David for any additional evidence, even though he went prepared with a scrapbook full of plenty of additional evidence.
David had to read an “intention statement” aloud and the official said, “Well, that’s it. Enjoy living in the USA.” He should expect to receive his visa in 3-5 business days.
David wants everyone going through Frankfurt to understand that their experience will be unique as well, but this summary is offered as a means of adding some insight into the process. Some other things to note: Staying overnight made the logistics very convenient. The Consulate offers a coffee machine, a snack vending machine, photocopier, passport photo booth, and postage stamp machine. There appeared to be more ‘private’ areas where interviews could be conducted but there is no explanation as to who gets a ‘private’ face-to-face interview, and whose interview is conducted through plexi-glass while standing. Be well-prepared with all of your supporting documentation and pay careful attention to the instructions in terms of what to bring. Do not forget your appointment letter and your receipt for visa processing. There should be no surprises if you follow all of the instructions carefully. While the interview itself lasted only about 20 minutes, David was at the Consulate for 4 hours.
We wish everyone else going through this process a speedy journey!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #874