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| Switzerland |  Review on March 3, 2012: |
Wanda and Amel
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I was so surprised at how easy it went. Honestly, the worse part was the waiting but incredibly time seemed to pass quickly. I think I had more stress dealing with the evidence and preparation, and even going through Cuban customs, then I did at the U.S. Interest Section.
First, if you can go to the interview it is a good idea. I saw a couple there that was at their second interview because the US Citizen was not there at the first interview and they wanted to speak to him. This delayed the process about three (3) months.
We arrived at the park in front of the USINT at approximately 6:30 a.m. Precisely at 6:45 a.m. two Cuban USINT security personnel came out and started calling out names. First, they began calling out names for those applying for visas to visit the U.S. Then they went on to call those applying for visas to leave Cuba permanently. Amel was on that list, #149. They have us wait in a line leading up to the building. Bring your shades and something to block the sun because it gets HOT waiting in that line! The wait in that line is approximately an hour. You finally get within the premises of the USINT. As the U.S. Citizens they request your passport and wave you in. Then you both have to go through a security point. No cellphones. I had nasal spray and they took that, as well as a greeting card I had sent Amel that had music. Everything else passed. You are able to collect your belongings when you leave.
We were then taken to another point - sweat sauna - very hot and cramped -- where two Cuban workers checked your paper work and took some of your evidence. At this point, they only took our pictures. They also took a sheet of paper that as the US Citizens you will have to fill out identifying yourself as such. At this point you pay for the interview -- $350.00 cuc. You are then instructed to go into the USINT. Another security point. Then you get to go inside and sit down. By this point it was about 11:15 a.m. Now, you wait, wait, wait, and wait some more. We took snacks and water which is advisable. Although we weren't very hungry. Amel and I were very calm. We felt very sure of ourselves, our relationship and our evidence.
We were finally called by a CO at approximately 2:20 p.m. The CO asked me to wait in the waiting room so he could speak to Amel first. He asked him questions like how did you meet - through family members; where does she live in Miami - she doesn't, she lives in West Palm Beach; how many children does she have -- she doesn't have CHILDREN, she has three (3) adults; tell me about her divorce and past relationship; when she is in Cuba where does she sleep; what about your children - mothers won't let me take them but I will continue with my moral responsibility to support my children, what does she do for a living, what do you do for a living and what did you study - highest level of education; how did we communicate. That was all he was asked. He then asked Amel to leave the interview area and have me come in. He asked me how we meet, how did it come to be that we decided to have a relationship; where do I sleep when I am in Cuba; how many times have I been to Cuba since our relationship began (3), why not more (employment obligations), tell me about his children, where do I work. That is it!! He asked me to call Amel, I did. He had him raise his hand and swear that the testimony he gave was true, had him sign one of the forms in the packet and said your visa has been APPROVED!! We kissed. He gave Amel a slip to pick the visa up around March 22.
The only thing that disheartened me a LITTLE was that he didn't look at the rest of the evidence that I brought, such as telephone logs, texts, emails, cards, travel receipts -- nothing. Just the photographs and my affidavit. I had put so much work into the evidence and stressed about it so much and he didn't even look at it, lol.
Very easy. Our CO was very nice. Made us feel very comfortable. Nodding to the responses to the questions. There were two (2) other K1 visa applicants with us. We all got approved.
That was all!!! We were out the door by 2:35 p.m. If you have any questions, please post on my wall or PM. I will be glad to assist.
Good luck to those interviewing soon.
(updated on March 3, 2012)
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #9260